Presonus Quantum HD Review: A Seamless Recording Tool

For the longest Time, I struggled when recording audio or the time it took for the recorded sound to be registered on the screen. I’m having trouble connecting the audio interface to my computer, micking up all the drums and syncing them with what I’m trying to record. First generation Presonus’ quantum audio interface solved my problem about 10 years ago. They gave us a near-zero delay using a Thunderbolt connection faster than AUSB, thanks to the non-bloatware connection we share with Presonus’ Studio One software.

Presonus’ latest quantum HD interfaces have further enhanced the ease of use factor. It offers USB-C connectivity, cleaner design, better screens and front panel equipment input designed in collaboration with Presonus’ parent company Fender. Even today, there is automatic gain leveling in the input. This means one person can set up their own big studio.

If you’re chasing an affordable audio interface that competes with heavy hitters in Universal Audio, Apogee, Focusrite, Audient, or SSL, the new Presonus Quantum HD model is amazing and great. If you’re a Studio One user, they’re easy.

Audio Boxer

Both the HD 2 and HD 8 models are designed to hide the desktops of serious home studio enthusiasts among other toys, and should not be seen much. Both are black boxes with blue accents and a colour screen, which look relatively unexplained when not in use. (This is great for expensive studio equipment that can scream “Store to steal!”) The larger models are rack-mountable and designed for desktop or mobile use, but as I did You can easily set up big things on your desk. There is no rack to mount.

Photo: Parker Hall

The unit’s structure is solid and metal, with large, large vents on the sides to keep you cool during long tracking sessions. You need a standard three-stringed power cable so you don’t need to deal with wall warts and like to quickly connect to modern USB-C devices.

I’ve been a longtime Presonus user That feder port controller (USB devices that can be used to control playback Most DAW software) and Monitoring station (External box that can be connected and replaced between multiple speakers by pressing a simple button). The gear works well and costs less than most competitors.

Protia equivalents from brands like Universal Audio and Apogee cost between just a few to many multiples depending on the category, and in fact, they don’t sound better in my experience. Quantum HD interfaces compete easily Universal Audio’s popular 8 input model From an audio and build quality perspective. Universal audio models are currently the gold standard in the category, costing more than twice as much per unit.

Studio One quickly recognizes Quantum HD 8, plays gently, and instead of using strange mediation software between the interface and the DAW, it turns on 48V phantom power for the condenser microphone in the software, etc. You can do it.

Photo: Parker Hall