PreSonus has launched the Quantum 4848 24-bit/192kHz, Thunderbolt audio interface. The 1U-high rackmount unit features high-quality A/D/A converters with 120dB dynamic range on every input and output and 32 channels of DB25 line-level I/O for interfacing vintage and boutique analogue gear with a DAW.
An additional 16 channels of Adat Optical I/O are available to add Lightpipe-equipped digital gear, or extend analogue I/O to 48x48 by connecting two PreSonus DigiMax DP88 A/D/A converters with recallable Xmax class-A preamps and line-level inputs. BNC word clock I/O and low-jitter clocking ensure the Quantum 4848 and other digital audio devices operate in tight sync. The unit’s front-panel level meters can be switched between input and output monitoring.
For applications requiring more than 48 channels, up to four Quantum 4848 interfaces can be stacked via Thunderbolt to create a 192x192 system. Alternatively, the Quantum 4848 can be stacked with any Quantum-series interface to add recallable Xmax mic preamps, SPDIF I/O and Midi I/O. The Quantum 4848’s second Thunderbolt port also can be used to add peripherals such as hard drives.
As with other Quantum-series interfaces, the Quantum 4848 uses proprietary Thunderbolt drivers for Mac OS and Windows to deliver ultra-low-latency performance while maximising efficiency. Even at higher buffer sizes, Quantum-series interfaces deliver consistent low-latency performance. DAW monitoring allows you to manage your session and your musicians’ monitor mixes from a single window.
The Quantum 4848 is compatible with any recording software that supports Core Audio (Mac OS) or ASIO (Windows) and includes PreSonus’ Studio One Professional to provide you with a complete recording solution, from tracking to mastering. Studio One Professional’s Pipeline plug-in facilitates insertion of hardware processors into a Studio One session with automatic latency compensation.
Some DAWs limit I/O access when used with third-party audio interfaces. The Quantum 4848 resolves this by providing three Channel Profile modes that allow the input and output channel configuration to be adapted when the application limits operation to 32 inputs and outputs.
The unit ships with Studio One Professional recording, mixing, and mastering software for Mac OS and Windows, and the Studio Magic Plug-in Suite, a collection of seven plug-ins from leading developers. The Quantum 4848 is available immediately for an anticipated street price of US$1,499.95.
More: www.presonus.com
