2017 NAMM Show: PreSonus has introduced two new audio interfaces, the Studio 26 and Studio 68 USB 2.0 audio/MIDI interfaces.
Both interfaces record at up to 24-bit, 192 kHz resolution and feature audiophile-grade digital converters, ultra-low-jitter clocking, and MIDI I/O. The Studio-series interfaces also come with the company’s Studio One Artist DAW software for Mac and Windows.
The Studio 26 2×4 bus-powered audio/MIDI interface, above, features two front-panel combo mic and switchable line/instrument inputs, with +48V phantom power for condenser mics.
In addition to the L/R main outputs, you get two balanced line outputs for monitor mixing, while LED meters indicate input and output levels. A Cue Mix A/B function lets you toggle between two mixes while monitoring through headphones.
The Studio 68 6-in, 6-out audio/MIDI interface sports 2 front-panel combo mic/line/instrument inputs and 2 rear-panel mic/line inputs. In addition to the L/R main outputs, you get two balanced line outputs for monitor mixing or speaker switching plus S/PDIF I/O. A Cue Mix A/B function lets you toggle between two mixes while monitoring through headphones.
Here’s the official video intro:
Pricing and Availability
Both PreSonus Studio-series audio/MIDI interfaces are available immediately at PreSonus dealers:
- Studio 26 $199
- Studio 68 $299
Oh, those look nice. I’ve been quite pleased with my Presonus 1818VSL.
Nothing against Presonus, who I like. But why just make the same thing over and over and add so little?! How many identical interfaces does the world really need?
I was thinking the exact same thing. And also, why do these tiny interfaces always feature more outs than ins. As if Im taking 8 speakers with me when I pickup my laptop to record my band. I want more ins and just a headphone out. Well ok a stereo out is pretty nice to have too. but why not make a 8in2out interface? Or even 12in2out. Would be nice for on the road drum recording.
Just a point or two. There are 2 sets of outputs on the 26, 2+2+SPDIF on the 68. The analog outs are selectable via an AB switch on the front panel (cue, etc). Studio One Artist is included and it is definitely a great value add. Not that it applies to these interfaces as much, but A/D converters cost more than D/A converters.
I purchased one of those little firewire interfaces when they came out a few years ago after reading/hearing so much praise from “pros.” That thing was a POS. Had to crank the gain all the way to get decent input levels then got tons of noise. I’m sure they’ve gotten better, but personally, I saved up for a nice RME unit and will never look back.
I had the FireBox years ago, I never had an issue with having to crank the input gain. Quite the opposite, it didn’t take much for a hot signal. I had two contentions with the product though: 1) with the 2007/2008 model of the MBP it wouldn’t draw juice on startup without it being on the external power supply. Once the MBP powered up then the unit could rely on bus power (that situation wasn’t the FireBox fault but a MBP flaw). 2) the wall wart power supply had a crappy construction where the cable joined the wall wart part: the original and it’s factory replacement both broke at that very same spot and they were years apart from one another so I doubt it could have been the same production run.
Regardless, the RME is superior without a doubt.
how about multi audio and multi midi?
min 4 in ,4 out, 2 midi sets for 32 channels