PreSonus have announced the launch of four new Quantum USB audio interfaces, the ES 2, ES 4, HD 2 and HD 8. Featuring redesigned MAX-HD mic preamps with an Auto Gain feature, new converters and front-facing instrument inputs developed alongside Fender, the new units promise to offer the best possible performance for independent creators and professional studios alike.
Quantum ES
The Quantum ES 2 and ES 4 are desktop interfaces aimed primarily at home studios users and those in need of a portable solution. As their names suggest, they offer 2-in/2-out and 4-in/4-out configurations, with mic and line-level inputs available via rear-panel XLR/TRS combo sockets, and line-level outputs provided on quarter-inch TRS sockets alongside 3.5mm MIDI I/O; on the front panel you’ll find quarter-inch TS and TRS sockets that offer an instrument input and a headphone output — the ES 2 has a single headphone output, while the ES 4 sports two. As well as the physical I/O, the ES interfaces are also equipped with a loopback function for routing system audio.
The Quantum ES 2 and ES 4 are desktop-style units aimed at home studio and mobile recording duties.A top-panel rotary controls allows hands-on adjustment of input and monitor/headphone levels — the ES 4 also allows users to switch between two pairs of monitors thanks to the additional pair of outputs — and a selection of buttons provide access to important features such as phantom power, Auto Gain operation and speaker muting. Along with the hardware controls, full remote control and metering of the devices’ I/O is provided by a Universal Control app that can be run on a computer or mobile device.
Both units feature PreSonus’ newly redesigned MAX-HD preamps, which promise an accurate, neutral frequency response with +75dB of gain on offer, and rely on 24-bit/192kHz converters (the company specify a dynamic range figure of 115dB).
Each ES interface comes bundled with a six-month subscription to Studio One+.
Quantum HD
The Quantum HD 8 offers a larger channel count, and up to three units can be combined to form a system with 24 mic pres.The Quantum HD 2 and HD 8 step things up a gear, offering 20-in/24-out and 26-in/36-out solutions respectively. The HD2 is a desktop unit equipped with a pair of XLR/TRS mic/line inputs and four TRS line outputs, while the rackmount HD 8 packs in eight XLR/TRS mic/line inputs and 10 TRS line outputs. Both offer an additional 16 inputs and outputs via ADAT (at sample rates up to 48kHz) — with a standalone mode allowing them to be used to expand existing setups, or combine up to three HD 8s for a total of 24 mic pres — as well as MIDI and S/PDIF I/O via a D-Sub breakout cable. The HD 8 also features Word Clock I/O on BNC connectors.
The MAX-HD preamps and Auto Gain features of the ES remain, but the HD offerings gain an additional front-panel instrument input as well as a pair of dedicated re-amp outputs, and also benefit from 32-bit/192kHz converters that boast a dynamic range measurement of 124dB.
Those purchasing a Quantum HD interface will also receive a 12-month subscription to Studio One+.
Pricing & Availability
The new Quantum interfaces are available now, with pricing as follows:
- ES 2: $229.99
- ES 4: $329.99
- HD 2: $499.99
- HD 8: $999.99
