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Based on price data from 5 merchants for "PreSonus Central Station Plus Monitoring Controller". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Meet the PreSonus Central Station Plus Monitoring Controller, a must-have gear for your recording studio. This versatile device is designed to manage all your monitoring needs with ease and precision. It's a favorite among professionals, offering the perfect blend of multiple stereo inputs, outputs, and recording-communication functionalities.
The Central Station Plus enables you to switch seamlessly between three sets of stereo, analog input sources, each with individual level controls. It also includes two stereo S/PDIF digital sources, connecting via one coax and one Toslink optical port. Best of all, its signal path is entirely passive, ensuring the utmost audio quality without any interference from op-amps or ICs.
Adding further value, the Central Station Plus comes with a Control Station Remote (CSR-1), allowing you to control the main volume, input select, output select, talkback, mute, dim, and mono functions right from your desktop.
Key Features:
- Completely passive signal path for maximum audio quality
- Five stereo inputs (2 digital and 3 analog) for flexible connectivity
- High-definition 24-bit / 192kHz DAC for superior dynamic range
- Three pairs of monitor outputs with single volume control for easy management
- Talkback function directly on the device for instant communication
- Highly accurate 30-segment LED for precision monitoring
- Two headphone amplifiers with separate volume control for individual listening experiences
- MAIN and CUE outputs handle different input sources for better control
- Includes CSR-1 remote control for convenient operation
Product specs
| Input Channels | 6 |
| Output Channels | 10 |
| Analog Inputs | 4 x TRS, 2 x RCA |
| Analog Outputs | 10 x TRS, 1 x 1/4" (Headphones) |
| Digital Inputs | 1 x S/PDIF, 1 x TOSLINK |
| Talkback | Yes |
| Form Factor | Rackmount |
| Height | 1.75" |
| Width | 19" |
| Depth | 5.5" |
| Weight | 2.5 lbs. |
FAQs
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What are the main connectivity options for the PreSonus Central Station Plus?
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The PreSonus Central Station Plus offers multiple connectivity options, including 4 TRS and 2 RCA analog inputs, as well as 1 S/PDIF and 1 TOSLINK digital input. It also features 10 TRS analog outputs and a 1/4" headphone output.
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Does the PreSonus Central Station Plus include a talkback feature?
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Yes, the PreSonus Central Station Plus includes a talkback feature, allowing communication between the control room and the studio floor, which is essential for efficient studio sessions.
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Is the PreSonus Central Station Plus compatible with rackmount setups?
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Yes, the PreSonus Central Station Plus is designed as a rackmount unit, with dimensions of 1.75" in height, 19" in width, and 5.5" in depth, making it suitable for integration into standard studio racks.
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How does the remote control enhance the functionality of the PreSonus Central Station Plus?
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The included desktop remote control allows for convenient access to the unit's core functions, such as input selection and volume control, from your mixing position, enhancing workflow efficiency in the studio.
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Can the PreSonus Central Station Plus manage multiple monitor setups?
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Yes, the PreSonus Central Station Plus is specifically designed to manage multiple monitor setups, allowing you to switch between different speaker pairs and ensuring accurate monitoring across various audio sources.
Videos
Full Compass
PreSonus Central Station Studio Control Center Overview | Full Compass
Reviews
PROS
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Seamless A/B switching between inputs and outputs with a single button press
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Built-in calibration for accurate meter matching with DAW or other devices
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Solid build with metal housing and reliable, tactile controls
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Multiple simultaneous outputs and flexible speaker selection options
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Dual headphone outputs with independent source selection
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Multi-input capability including SPDIF, TOS, and AUX for versatile connectivity
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Handy remote controller with a small desktop footprint
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Useful talkback function with built-in mic and automatic dimming
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Rare durability and longevity, with many units lasting over a decade
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Transparent sound with no noticeable coloration, according to most users
CONS
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Blue LED lights can be too bright and distracting for some users
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Headphone output volume may not be sufficient for all users
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Susceptible to static shock, which may affect performance
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Talkback circuit reportedly has poor sound quality for some users
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Unsealed pots and switches may require regular maintenance
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about PreSonus Central Station Plus Monitoring Controller.
Comparisons
Features and functionality
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The Dangerous Monitor ST includes a physical stepped attenuator, offering transparency over VCA and DCA, which can affect the audio signal differently.
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The Presonus Central Station with remote is valued for its rack-mounted design, hiding all IO, but users report issues with the mono button intermittently failing.
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The Heritage Audio Baby RAM includes a satisfying stepped volume knob, praised for its tactile feedback.
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Audient Nero supports up to three monitor sets and includes a cue mix for multiple sources, unlike many competitors.
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User experience
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Upgrading from a Central Station to a Dangerous ST significantly improved listening accuracy, with users emphasizing newfound peace of mind in sound quality.
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After years of reliable use, a Presonus Central Station owner noted that the unit's talkback feature broke, highlighting potential durability concerns over time.
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The Mackie Big Knob's dim knob can get stuck, randomly cutting audio to one speaker.
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Some users report the Mackie Big Knob adds noise and hum, particularly between 40-60% volume and when the Dim button is pressed.
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Use cases and applications
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The Dangerous Source's digital-to-analog conversion outperformed even the high-quality converters in an RME Fireface 802, showcasing its advantage in professional setups.
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Value and pricing
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Dangerous monitor controllers are considered high-quality niche products, explaining their higher prices due to limited production and professional demand.
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Setup and maintenance
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One owner experienced a loud short when using headphone extenders with the Presonus Central Station, requiring a power cycle to resolve.
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4.5 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 17 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
Daft Punk utilized the PreSonus Central Station Plus Monitoring Controller, as evidenced by an image showing the device in their setup. This piece of equipment was either used to control their in-ear monitors (IEMs) or to receive audio from the Moog Voyager.
We spotted the PreSonus Central Station in a rack mount in Dash Berlin's studio.
At 1:03, one can see the PreSonus CSR-1 on Ferry's desk, lit and therefore connected. The CSR-1 is designed to control the Central Station specifically, so it stands to reason that Ferry has the Central Station as well.
Tim Hecker references the PreSonus Central Station Plus Monitoring Controller in a tweet, suggesting its use in his studio setup.
On this video you can see the central station on the top of the right side of the table
per this Twitter screenshot, a Central Station can be seen on the right, and its rack unit can be seen mounted on the left.
i spot Presonus central station Monitoring controller on cash cash instagram video, you can see clearly in the bottom of the video, there's a "central station" and "presonus" text logo on the hardware.
Album Usage
The PreSonus Central Station Plus Monitoring Controller has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use PreSonus Central Station Plus Monitoring Controller, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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