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PreSonus Quantum 26-In/32-Out Thunderbolt 2 Low-latency Audio Interface
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Your Price: $1,399.99 CDN
or from $116 CDN/mo
Taking full advantage of the high-speed Thunderbolt 2 bus and ADAT Optical I/O, the PreSonus Quantum audio/MIDI interface delivers up to 26 inputs and 32 outputs, with extremely low latency. Boasting superb audio quality; 24-bit, 192 kHz recording and playback; recallable XMAX microphone preamps; and the ability to expand your system as your needs grow, it's a great choice for a wide variety of professional and semi-pro producers and electronic musicians.
Quantum sports high-speed Thunderbolt 2 connectivity and a no-frills, direct-to-daw architecture, with no DSP. The result is PreSonus' leanest, fastest, lowest-latency interface to date. Cutting-edge 24-bit, 192 kHz converters with 120 dB of dynamic range and a surprising amount of expandability and software control options round out the package.
Expandable when you need more I/Oup to 96 in and out.
The Quantum offers two combo mic/line/instrument inputs and six combo mic/line inputs, each with a digitally-controlled XMAX preamp and individual +48V phantom power. You also get two 1/4" TRS main outputs, eight 1/4" TRS aux outputs, and two independent headphone outs with dedicated volume controls. But thats just the start. With ADAT Optical I/O and S/PDIF stereo digital I/O, you can have up to 18 digital inputs and outputs. And if you need even more I/O channels, you can stack up to four Quantum interfaces via Thunderbolt to create a monster system with up to 96 in and out. BNC word clock I/O ensures your Quantum and other digital audio devices operate in tight sync. And of course you get MIDI I/O, too.
Superior sound.
Audiophile-grade digital converters, low-jitter clocking, and recallable preamps add up to a superior recording and listening experience. The Quantum operates at up to 192 kHz for ultra-high-definition mixing and recording. High-quality converters on every input and output provide 120 dB of dynamic range to capture complex musical harmonics smoothly and naturally with no audible distortion. And the recallable XMAX Class A analog microphone preamps deliver incredibly high headroom, deep lows, smooth highs, and a rich overall sound so you'll hear every breath, transient, and detail in your recordings.
A superior choice for any production environment.
With its pro features and abundant I/O, the Quantum fits into any recording and production environment. You get two main and eight auxiliary balanced line-level outputs, as well as Mute/Dim and Mono controls. The onboard talkback mic can be routed to any mix, and you can listen to any mix from either of two independent headphone amps. All 10 analog outputs are DC coupled so they can provide control voltage to external analog equipment. Add that to Quantum's expandability, flexible software suite, blazing speed, and superb sound quality, and you have a recording system that will be the heart of your dream studio for years to come.
KEY FEATURES
SPECIFICATIONS
Microphone Preamps:
- Type: XLR Female (via Combo), Balanced
- Maximum Input Level: +10 dBu (Balanced, min. gain)
- Gain Control Range: 60 dB
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz (+/-0.15 dB, unity gain, 48 kHz), 20 Hz to 40 kHz (+/-0.22 dB, unity gain, 96 kHz)
- Dynamic Range: > 110 dB (A-wtd, min. gain)
- Total Harmonic Distortion: < 0.005% (1 kHz, min. gain)
- EIN: < -131 dBu (max gain, 40 Ohms, 22 kHz BW, A-wtd)
- Input Impedance: 1.6 kOhms
- Phantom Power: +48V, > 8 mA per input
Instrument Inputs:
- Type: 1/4" TS Female (via Combo), Unbalanced
- Maximum Input Level: +15 dBu (Unbalanced, min. gain)
- Gain Control Range: 60 dB
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz (+/-0.2 dB, unity gain, 48 kHz), 20 Hz to 40 kHz (+/-0.6 dB, unity gain, 96 kHz)
- Dynamic Range: > 106 dB (A-wtd, min. gain)
- Total Harmonic Distortion: < 0.005+/-% (1kHz, min. gain)
- Input Impedance:> 1 M Ohms
Line Inputs:
- Type: 1/4" TRS Female (via Combo), Balanced
- Maximum Input Level: + 18 dBu (Balanced, min. gain)
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz (+/-0.05 dB, unity gain, 48 kHz), 20 Hz to 40 kHz (+/-0.10 dB, unity gain, 96 kHz)
- Dynamic Range: > 118 dB (A-wtd, min. gain)
- Total Harmonic Distortion: < 0.005% (1 kHz, min. gain)
- Input Impedance: 10 kOhms
Main and Line Outputs:
- Type: 1/4" TRS Female, impedance balanced
- Maximum Output Level: +18 dBu (Balanced)
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz (+/-0.05 dB, unity gain, 48 kHz), 20 Hz to 40 kHz (+/-0.15 dB, unity gain, 96 kHz)
- Dynamic Range: > 118 dB (A-wtd)
- Total Harmonic Distortion: < 0.0035% (1 kHz, +4 dBu)
- Output Impedance: 51 Ohms
Headphone Outputs:
- Type: 1/4" TRS Female, Stereo, Unbalanced, x2
- Maximum Output Level: 175 mW/channel (56 Ohms load)
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz (+/-0.5 dB, 48 kHz)
- Dynamic Range: > 110 dB (A-wtd)
- Total Harmonic Distortion: < 0.03% (1 kHz)
- Headphone Impedance (working range): 16 Ohms to 300 Ohms
Crosstalk:
- Input to Input: < -110 dB
- Output to Output: < -115 dB
- Input to Output: < -120 dB
Signal Level LEDs:
- Clip:-0.5 dBFS
- Signal 1: -2 dBFS
- Signal 2: -4 dBFS
- Signal 3: -6 dBFS
- Signal 4: -10 dBFS
- Signal 5: -20 dBFS
- Signal 6: -30 dBFS
- Signal 7: -50 dBFS
Digital Audio:
- Connection Type: Thunderbolt 2
- ADC Dynamic Range: 120 dB (A-wtd)
- DAC Dynamic Range: 120 dB (A-wtd)
- Bit Depth: 24 bits
Internally Supported Sample Rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz
Clock:
- Jitter: < 70 ps RMS (20 Hz 20 kHz)
- Jitter Attenuation: > 60 dB (1 ns in => 1 ps out)
COMPUTER SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Below are the minimum computer-system requirements for UC Surface, QMix-UC, and Studio One.
Mac
• Mac OS X 10.11.6 or later
• Intel Core i5 processor or faster
• 4 GB RAM (8 GB or more recommended)
Windows
• Windows 10 64-bit
• Intel Core i5 processor or faster
• 4 GB RAM (8 GB or more recommended)
Mac and Windows Systems
• Thunderbolt 1 or 2 port (Computers motherboard must support Thunderbolt; Thunderbolt 3 systems supported with qualified Thunderbolt 2 adapter.)
• Internet connection (required for registration and download of included software)
• 30 GB hard disk space (7200 RPM storage drive or faster highly recommended)
• Monitor with 1366x768 resolution
iOS (UC Surface)
• iOS 9.3 or later
• iPad Pro, iPad Air 2, iPad Air, iPad mini 4, iPad mini with Retina display, iPad (4th generation), iPad mini, iPad (3rd generation), iPad 2
Android (QMix-UC)
• Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or later
• Android smartphone or tablet
Quantum sports high-speed Thunderbolt 2 connectivity and a no-frills, direct-to-daw architecture, with no DSP. The result is PreSonus' leanest, fastest, lowest-latency interface to date. Cutting-edge 24-bit, 192 kHz converters with 120 dB of dynamic range and a surprising amount of expandability and software control options round out the package.
Expandable when you need more I/Oup to 96 in and out.
The Quantum offers two combo mic/line/instrument inputs and six combo mic/line inputs, each with a digitally-controlled XMAX preamp and individual +48V phantom power. You also get two 1/4" TRS main outputs, eight 1/4" TRS aux outputs, and two independent headphone outs with dedicated volume controls. But thats just the start. With ADAT Optical I/O and S/PDIF stereo digital I/O, you can have up to 18 digital inputs and outputs. And if you need even more I/O channels, you can stack up to four Quantum interfaces via Thunderbolt to create a monster system with up to 96 in and out. BNC word clock I/O ensures your Quantum and other digital audio devices operate in tight sync. And of course you get MIDI I/O, too.
Superior sound.
Audiophile-grade digital converters, low-jitter clocking, and recallable preamps add up to a superior recording and listening experience. The Quantum operates at up to 192 kHz for ultra-high-definition mixing and recording. High-quality converters on every input and output provide 120 dB of dynamic range to capture complex musical harmonics smoothly and naturally with no audible distortion. And the recallable XMAX Class A analog microphone preamps deliver incredibly high headroom, deep lows, smooth highs, and a rich overall sound so you'll hear every breath, transient, and detail in your recordings.
A superior choice for any production environment.
With its pro features and abundant I/O, the Quantum fits into any recording and production environment. You get two main and eight auxiliary balanced line-level outputs, as well as Mute/Dim and Mono controls. The onboard talkback mic can be routed to any mix, and you can listen to any mix from either of two independent headphone amps. All 10 analog outputs are DC coupled so they can provide control voltage to external analog equipment. Add that to Quantum's expandability, flexible software suite, blazing speed, and superb sound quality, and you have a recording system that will be the heart of your dream studio for years to come.
KEY FEATURES
- 26x32 Thunderbolt 2 ultra-low latency Audio Interface
- Record direct to DAW (no DSP)
- 24-Bit/192 kHz,120 dB of Dynamic Range
- Stack up to four Quantum interfaces via Thunderbolt for a monster system
- Assignable output level control
- 10 8-segment LED meters (8 input, 2 output)
- Simultaneous I/O up to 26 inputs/32 outputs (at 44.1 or 48 kHz)
- 2 front-panel combo microphone/instrument/line inputs
- 6 rear-panel combo microphone/line-level inputs
- 8 XMAX remote-controllable, Class A mic preamps with individually switched 48V phantom power
- 2 balanced 1/4" TRS line-level main outputs
- 8 balanced 1/4" TRS line-level outputs
- 2 high-volume headphone outputs with dedicated volume controls
- MIDI I/O on 5-pin DIN connectors
- Studio One Artist (Mac/Windows) included
- Wireless control over preamp levels from free UC Surface touch-control software (Mac/Windows/iPad) and from free Studio One Remote for iPad
- Road-rugged construction with all-metal chassis and metal knobs
- 1U rack-mountable
- 12 VDC external power supply (included)
SPECIFICATIONS
Microphone Preamps:
- Type: XLR Female (via Combo), Balanced
- Maximum Input Level: +10 dBu (Balanced, min. gain)
- Gain Control Range: 60 dB
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz (+/-0.15 dB, unity gain, 48 kHz), 20 Hz to 40 kHz (+/-0.22 dB, unity gain, 96 kHz)
- Dynamic Range: > 110 dB (A-wtd, min. gain)
- Total Harmonic Distortion: < 0.005% (1 kHz, min. gain)
- EIN: < -131 dBu (max gain, 40 Ohms, 22 kHz BW, A-wtd)
- Input Impedance: 1.6 kOhms
- Phantom Power: +48V, > 8 mA per input
Instrument Inputs:
- Type: 1/4" TS Female (via Combo), Unbalanced
- Maximum Input Level: +15 dBu (Unbalanced, min. gain)
- Gain Control Range: 60 dB
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz (+/-0.2 dB, unity gain, 48 kHz), 20 Hz to 40 kHz (+/-0.6 dB, unity gain, 96 kHz)
- Dynamic Range: > 106 dB (A-wtd, min. gain)
- Total Harmonic Distortion: < 0.005+/-% (1kHz, min. gain)
- Input Impedance:> 1 M Ohms
Line Inputs:
- Type: 1/4" TRS Female (via Combo), Balanced
- Maximum Input Level: + 18 dBu (Balanced, min. gain)
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz (+/-0.05 dB, unity gain, 48 kHz), 20 Hz to 40 kHz (+/-0.10 dB, unity gain, 96 kHz)
- Dynamic Range: > 118 dB (A-wtd, min. gain)
- Total Harmonic Distortion: < 0.005% (1 kHz, min. gain)
- Input Impedance: 10 kOhms
Main and Line Outputs:
- Type: 1/4" TRS Female, impedance balanced
- Maximum Output Level: +18 dBu (Balanced)
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz (+/-0.05 dB, unity gain, 48 kHz), 20 Hz to 40 kHz (+/-0.15 dB, unity gain, 96 kHz)
- Dynamic Range: > 118 dB (A-wtd)
- Total Harmonic Distortion: < 0.0035% (1 kHz, +4 dBu)
- Output Impedance: 51 Ohms
Headphone Outputs:
- Type: 1/4" TRS Female, Stereo, Unbalanced, x2
- Maximum Output Level: 175 mW/channel (56 Ohms load)
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz (+/-0.5 dB, 48 kHz)
- Dynamic Range: > 110 dB (A-wtd)
- Total Harmonic Distortion: < 0.03% (1 kHz)
- Headphone Impedance (working range): 16 Ohms to 300 Ohms
Crosstalk:
- Input to Input: < -110 dB
- Output to Output: < -115 dB
- Input to Output: < -120 dB
Signal Level LEDs:
- Clip:-0.5 dBFS
- Signal 1: -2 dBFS
- Signal 2: -4 dBFS
- Signal 3: -6 dBFS
- Signal 4: -10 dBFS
- Signal 5: -20 dBFS
- Signal 6: -30 dBFS
- Signal 7: -50 dBFS
Digital Audio:
- Connection Type: Thunderbolt 2
- ADC Dynamic Range: 120 dB (A-wtd)
- DAC Dynamic Range: 120 dB (A-wtd)
- Bit Depth: 24 bits
Internally Supported Sample Rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz
Clock:
- Jitter: < 70 ps RMS (20 Hz 20 kHz)
- Jitter Attenuation: > 60 dB (1 ns in => 1 ps out)
COMPUTER SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Below are the minimum computer-system requirements for UC Surface, QMix-UC, and Studio One.
Mac
• Mac OS X 10.11.6 or later
• Intel Core i5 processor or faster
• 4 GB RAM (8 GB or more recommended)
Windows
• Windows 10 64-bit
• Intel Core i5 processor or faster
• 4 GB RAM (8 GB or more recommended)
Mac and Windows Systems
• Thunderbolt 1 or 2 port (Computers motherboard must support Thunderbolt; Thunderbolt 3 systems supported with qualified Thunderbolt 2 adapter.)
• Internet connection (required for registration and download of included software)
• 30 GB hard disk space (7200 RPM storage drive or faster highly recommended)
• Monitor with 1366x768 resolution
iOS (UC Surface)
• iOS 9.3 or later
• iPad Pro, iPad Air 2, iPad Air, iPad mini 4, iPad mini with Retina display, iPad (4th generation), iPad mini, iPad (3rd generation), iPad 2
Android (QMix-UC)
• Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or later
• Android smartphone or tablet
Media
Youtube video product demo
Q & A
There are currently no questions for this product.
Reviews
18.191.73.166
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Outstanding interface with some driver issues 1 of 1 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Edmonton Mayfield, Alberta
I had this interface for a while and then - silly me! - traded it up for the Antelope Audio Discrete 8. The Discrete 8 is decidedly one of the greatest interfaces available on the market and I hated it with a passion because of its extremely annoying proprietary set-up. I just do not have time for all these pop-up windows, checking whether I am on the server, or not etc. So I returned the Discrete 8 and took back the Quantum. I cannot praise this model enough. 1) It has very decent preamps and A/D converters; 2) it has A LOT of I/O options; 3) it DOES NOT have its own software mixer (you must arrange the desired routing within your DAW), which is a big plus because these mixers impact latency in a negative way, as they create an extra layer for the signal to get in/out; 4) you may apply phantom power to each channel separately and that is, at least to me, a major selling point; 5) unlike in the Discrete 8, the front panel screen is actually useful (it is big enough); 6) it has two headphone outputs; 7) it is very well built; 8) the front panel is very well designed: all buttons and knobs are easily accessible and feel very solid; 9) it looks good, which always nice; 10) and last but not least, it is extremely easy to use with any interface (of course it is fully integrated with Studio One).
As of this writing (1 September 2021), many Mac users reported major problems with drivers: the system will not recognise the unit. Therefore, I prepared a tip in regards to how to fix this: 1) Uninstall Universal Control (not just the app but residual files as well); to do that it is best to use the excellent free app AppCleaner https://appcleaner.en.softonic.com/mac; 2) Reinstall Universal Control going back to the very first Big Sur update 3.4.0, downloadable from https://www.presonus.com/products/Quantum/downloads; 3) After installation go to Security & Privacy under System Preferences; 4) You will see the greyed-out button informing you the PreSonus software was installed; unlock the Security & Privacy panel and click the Allow button; 5) Restart the computer; 6) You will see that Quantum is now recognised by the operating system; 7) Launch Universal Control and, if so prompted, update the hardware (here read carefully what you should do after the update - basically you have to power off the interface and disconnect both power and TB cables; then, after 10 seconds, you reconnect the cables and power on the interface - in that order); 8) Enjoy!
All in all the Quantum is a fantastic choice for both professional and bigger home studios, especially if you need several mics at the time like I do when multitrack-recording, say, a string quartet, or a saxophone octet. It is all worth it.
Posted by Piotr on Sep 1, 2021
Protect your investment with the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty
A warranty can be a very important factor when making a buying decision. Because repairs can be very expensive in terms of parts and labour costs, manufacturers usually only provide one year limited warranties that generally only cover items that malfunction due to a manufacturer’s defect. With an important purchase such as a musical
instrument or piece of studio gear, however, many people want to have the peace of mind in knowing that their investment will be protected should the product no longer be performing at 100%.
Because of this, Long & McQuade provides our customers with a FREE one-year Performance Warranty on most of our products. The Long & McQuade Performance Warranty supplements the manufacturer’s warranty to ensure that our customers receive complete “no hassle” warranty coverage within their first year.
How does the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty differ from most manufacturers' warranties?
- Performance Guarantee: Normal wear and tear is covered, so your product will be performing as well as the day you purchased it for the entire duration of the coverage. Band and Orchestral Performance Warranty does not include replacing pads or cleaning for woodwind instruments, unless deemed necessary by our repair staff. Ultrasonic cleaning for brass instruments will be provided if deemed necessary by our repair staff, but is not routinely offered under the Performance Warranty.
- Product Replacement: If your product cannot be fixed or costs too much to fix, we will replace it with the equivalent model for no additional charge. If this is not possible, a full refund will be provided.
- No Lemon Policy: Your product will be replaced should the same problem occur multiple times.
- Convenient: Easy drop off and pick up of the product at any Long & McQuade location.
- Guitar Setup: Guitars purchased at Long & McQuade come with 1 free setup, to be redeemed within 1 year for new guitars and 90 days for used guitars.
- Loaners Available: A loaner product may be given while the product is being repaired.
- Power Surge Protection: Your product is covered even if damaged from a power surge.
- Accessory Coverage: Any peripheral devices or accessories that come with your product (i.e. foot pedal, case) are also covered.
- Commercial Use Coverage: Music and recording professionals who purchase gear for “heavy-use” commercial purposes will still be covered.
Long & McQuade reserves the right to restrict the purchase of additional years of Performance Warranty. Used products come with a 3-month Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Some products (i.e. computers, software, cymbals and other items) are covered only by the manufacturer‘s warranty. Consumables (i.e. strings, reeds, drum sticks, batteries, tubes, cross faders) are excluded as they are designed to be replaced. Cosmetic Damage, Accidental Damage, or problems caused by Humidity or Temperature Issues are not covered. Speakers damaged by overpowering are generally not covered. Our coverage does not provide compensation for loss of use. As of June 2018 the Performance Warranty is no longer transferable. The warranty is only valid in Canada.
Purchasing additional years of coverage
Some manufacturers provide warranties for longer than 1 year; however, these are usually limited warranties that do not provide the same coverage as the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Customers interested in more complete and convenient (but not necessarily longer) coverage are still able to purchase additional years of the Performance Warranty.
If you are interested in receiving this coverage for longer than one year, you have the option of purchasing additional years of the Performance Warranty. The pricing is as follows:
- NEW products: Starting at 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. Starting at 4% for each additional year.
- USED products: Starting at 4% of the current new selling price to increase the warranty from 3 months to 1 year. Starting at 4% for each additional year.
- GUITARS: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year. $45 maximum. An additional free setup is not included with additional purchased years of Performance Warranty.
- BAND and ORCHESTRAL instruments: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year.
Great Additions
Reserve in Store
| Product | SKU | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| Quantum 26-In/32-Out Thunderbolt 2 Low-latency Audio Interface | 503815 |
