AUDIO INTERFACES THUNDERBOLT PRESONUS QUANTUM 2626

The Quantum 2626 audio interface operates at up to 192 kHz for ultra-high-definition mixing and recording. High-quality converters on every input and output provide 115 dB of dynamic range to capture complex musical harmonics smoothly and naturally with no audible distortion.

This year’s Quantum 2626 is a streamlined version of the earlier flagship model, offering similar headline features but at a reduced cost. Gone is the detailed LED metering, the digitally controlled preamps, and the monitor-controller functions of the first Quantum. What remains is the focus on the lowest possible latencies, plus a wide range of ins and outs, including the lauded XMAX mic preamps.

The Quantum 2626 follows on from PreSonus‘ much-lauded Quantum 2632 audio interface, released a few years back. Ahead of its rich features and respectable audio quality, discussion surrounding the original Quantum mainly focused on its progressive way of working, whereby instead of being able to choose between monitoring input signals at source and/or monitoring through software, the hardware monitoring was removed.

The ultra-low latencies possible with a Thunderbolt connection eliminated the need for additional mixer applications outside the user’s DAW, simplifying the recording process by some margin and offering greater value for money since fewer converter arrays were required. Such a move precluded any form of standalone operation and monitoring of inputs, however, which proved a deal-breaker for some.

Key features of The Quantum 2626 Audio Interface

• Thunderbolt 3 for macOS and Windows
• 8 analogue ins and outs, first 2 inputs mic/instrument level; inputs 3-8 mic/line
• 2 banks of ADAT in/outs
• MIDI, S/PDIF and word clock in/outs
• 2 headphone outs – both duplicate control room main outs
• Bundled with Studio One Artist and Studio Magic plug-in suite

Quantum leap with The Quantum 2626 Audio Interface

Getting started with The Quantum 2626 Audio Interface is really simple. After registering your Quantum 2626 Audio Interface product online, all the available software (the drivers, Studio One and the bundled plug-ins) is presented on a single page. We’ve always been impressed with what’s offered by the lowest Prime tier of Studio One, so the Element version included with the Quantum is a bonus, providing even more in the way of software instruments and samples, plus important mixing tools such as Aux Channels. The bundled Studio Magic plug-ins mustn’t be overlooked either.

Highlights include a basic Lexicon MPX-i reverb, a Klanghelm tube emulator and a smooth UVI Steinway-sampled grand piano. For added punch, there’s also SPL’s Attacker Plus, essentially one half of the popular Transient Designer. While the PreSonus software is all straightforward to install, nabbing freebies from the Studio Magic bundle requires a lot more perseverance; at the end of the process, we have a multitude of new user accounts and have been educated in the differing ways software manufacturers authorise plug-ins.

With Logic Pro set up to record input from a mic, and triggering the UVI piano plug-in, it’s easy to get underway. With a comforting reverb added on an aux send, we’re able to monitor and record with negligible latency at buffer sizes of 32 and 64 samples, the DAW reporting just 1.1ms output latency and 2.0 round-trip latency at the lower buffer setting (with a 44.1kHz sample rate). Higher sample rates of course yield even lower latencies. We experience small interruptions in the UVI Grand audio stream when monitoring at the lowest buffer sizes, and are forced to switch to 128 samples to cure the problem.

At this level, we start to feel slight latency on the mic. But it’s a level many users would still find acceptable. Others would need to search for creative ways of monitoring without the latency – for example, temporarily using leaner software instruments at the tracking stage and/or freezing already recorded tracks.

Working with Studio One, it was all plain sailing, the DAW’s clever native low-latency monitoring system helping to variably apply small buffer settings to live inputs and larger ones to tracks playing back to avoid latency or drop-outs. For those who want to record audio and are not bothered by latency, it makes sense for Studio One to be your go-to DAW, at least at the tracking stage, even if the mix takes place elsewhere. The preamps and converter quality is truly superb, with the DACs producing an open sound on playback with plenty of high-frequency air that doesn’t come through on entry-entry converters. The headphone amps are tremendously loud too.

This is a fantastic unit and, when using software monitoring exclusively, it remains as easy to use as its predecessor. But the stripping of features from the preamps and studio/headphone monitoring found on the affordable Quantum might constitute a cut not too far for potential buyers.

It’s Time to Make Your Own Magic

Do I really need The Quantum 2626 Audio Interface?

For those searching for a simple way to track eight (or more) microphones, while enjoying low-latency operation of software instruments, the Quantum 2626 should be near the top of your list of audio interface cards to consider, particularly when paired with Studio One. With simple expansion by way of the ADAT inputs and 8-way external preamps, it’s possible to record 24 simultaneous analogue inputs; perfect for jobs such as tracking a band’s rhythm section.

The lack of dedicated headphone DACs and the bare-bones preamp and monitoring may put some off but at this price, the unit is hard to beat. The bundled software is superb too. There’s bound to be something useful to everyone. The Quantum 2626 truly offers almost everything you need in a 1U space.

 

Sound Card – Presonus Quantum Audio-Interface

The Quantum leap.

Industry-leading speed and pristine audio quality combined with jaw-dropping expandability are the hallmarks of the Quantum interface design. Record and monitor from your favorite DAW with any plug-in engaged. Take advantage of onboard mix features like Mute, Dim, Mono, and integrated Talkback. Regardless of your studio’s size, Quantum audio interfaces streamline your recording process—you’ll make better music, faster.

 

The Newly Released PreSonus Quantum 2626 Thunderbolt™ 3 Audio Interface

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