Pricing and availability

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The PreSonus Quantum 26x32 Thunderbolt 2 Audio Interface is a powerhouse in the world of studio recording gear, tailored for professionals who crave speed and precision. This robust 1U rackmount interface is hailed for its blazing-fast Thunderbolt 2 connectivity, significantly reducing latency and making it an essential tool for any recording studio. With its sleek design, the Quantum is not just about good looks; it's about delivering pristine audio quality with its 24-bit/192kHz digital converters, offering an impressive 120dB of dynamic range.

What sets the Quantum apart is its versatility. Featuring eight software-recallable Class A XMAX preamps, you can capture every nuance of your performance with exceptional clarity. Whether you're recording vocals, instruments, or an entire band, the dual ADAT I/O and the capability to cascade up to four units provide expansive possibilities for your setup. Plus, its integrated talkback mic and monitor controls make communication and session management a breeze.

The Quantum doesn’t stop at hardware excellence. It comes bundled with Studio One Artist DAW software and the Studio Magic Plug-in Suite, giving you a comprehensive suite of tools to polish your tracks to perfection. Whether you're a seasoned engineer or an ambitious beginner, the PreSonus Quantum delivers the professional-grade audio performance you need to create your best work yet.

Key Features:

  • 26-in/32-out Thunderbolt 2 audio interface
  • 8 software-recallable Class A XMAX preamps
  • 24-bit/192kHz converters with 120dB dynamic range
  • Expandable via dual ADAT I/O and cascading up to 4 units
  • Integrated talkback mic and monitor controls
  • Includes Studio One Artist DAW and Studio Magic Plug-in Suite
Production Expert

Production Expert

Review - PreSonus Quantum Thunderbolt 2 Audio Interface

Video thumbnail for Review - PreSonus Quantum Thunderbolt 2 Audio Interface by Production Expert

Review - PreSonus Quantum Thunderbolt 2 Audio Interface

Production Expert

Production Expert

Video thumbnail for PreSonus Quantum Thunderbolt Audio Interface by PreSonus Audio Electronics

PreSonus Quantum Thunderbolt Audio Interface

PreSonus Audio Electronics

PreSonus Audio Electronics

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about PreSonus Quantum 26x32 Thunderbolt 2 Audio Interface.

Software and compatibility

  • RME interfaces are highly recommended for their stable drivers and long-term support, even for older models like Fireface 800 and UC.

    Source
  • Universal Audio interfaces face compatibility issues with AMD Ryzen CPUs, and their support for older drivers is lacking.

    Source
  • The PreSonus Quantum struggles with Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapters, not registering on some systems despite functioning USB-C ports.

    Source
  • Thunderbolt functionality may only work from a cold boot in some Hackintosh setups and often requires BIOS configuration adjustments.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Arturia AudioRig 16 is an all-in-one hub with USB-C, MIDI, USB hub, and ADAT functionality, ideal for centralizing music production gear.

    Source
  • Despite USB-C functionality, Thunderbolt 2 devices may not work with certain Thunderbolt 3 cards even when using adapters.

    Source
  • The Quantum 2626 offers 8 XMAX preamps and 26 line inputs, allowing expansion via optical connections like OctoPre for up to 16 mics or instruments simultaneously.

    Source
  • StudioLive 16R provides super low-latency AVB connection, natively supported in macOS, making it suitable for both studio and live sound mixing.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Audient Evo16 offers ADAT I/O, allowing connection to older interfaces as expanders, which is perfect for studio setups needing extra inputs.

    Source
  • The StudioLive series is being effectively used both in studio settings and live environments, noted for its versatility and ease of integration with Logic Remote.

    Source

User experience

  • The RME Babyface Pro is praised for its low latency and reliability, but its TotalMix FX software can be complex for beginners.

    Source
  • Owners highlight the Quantum 2626's Thunderbolt 3 interface as the only option with 8 mic preamps that's not priced exorbitantly, presenting a strong value proposition.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Ensure Thunderbolt 3 expansion cards are connected to the motherboard header; simple PCI-E installation isn't enough for Thunderbolt functionality.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some users find PreSonus XMAX preamps less "sterile" compared to Focusrite Clarett preamps, although opinions vary based on individual sound preferences.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The PreSonus Quantum 2626 is noted for providing a high-quality AD/DA conversion comparable to more expensive interfaces, making it a cost-effective option for expanding I/O capabilities.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
tim_harrison

Good quality interface

It may not be as good as those high end UAD, Apogee and RME interfaces but nevertheless it's a good quality interface which works well without issues and has lots of connectivity options.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how KATFYR uses PreSonus Quantum 26x32 Thunderbolt 2 Audio Interface

KATFYR

Music Producer

...
Verified via Imgur

In the Sonic Academy Studio One 4 course for beginners, KATFYR's Studio One start page features the PreSonus Quantum 26x32 Thunderbolt 2 Audio Interface, as shown in the Imgur album.

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 Quantum 26x32 Thunderbolt 2 Audio Interface, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

M-Audio BX8 Studio Monitors
M-Audio BX8 Studio Monitors Active & Passive Monitors
1
Apple 21.5" Retina 4K iMac
Apple 21.5" Retina 4K iMac Computers & Peripherals
1
Elektron Octatrack DPS-1
Elektron Octatrack DPS-1 Keyboards, Synthesizers & MIDI
1
Elektron Digitone
Elektron Digitone Tabletop Synthesizers
1
Ableton Live
Ableton Live DAW Software
1

Community setups

Show yours
eiae

eiae

Gear IQ 68

More PreSonus Audio Interfaces

Accessories & Related Items

Similar

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    vine77
    vine77

    Gear IQ 42