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Description

The PreSonus Quantum 4848 is a powerhouse audio interface designed for professional studios that crave extensive I/O connectivity and crisp digital conversion. This 1U rackmount unit boasts an impressive 48-in/48-out capability, providing an ideal bridge between your vintage analog gear and modern digital workflows. Leveraging the speed of Thunderbolt 2, it offers ultra-low latency, ensuring your recordings are seamless and true to their source.

At the heart of the Quantum 4848 is its audiophile-grade conversion, delivering 24-bit/192kHz resolution with a striking 120dB dynamic range. This means you capture every nuance of your performance without compromise. Whether you're integrating it into a console or patchbay setup, the 32 channels of DB25 line-level I/O ensure robust connectivity, while dual ADAT optical ports allow you to expand your system further. Need more? Cascade up to four Quantum 4848 interfaces for a monumental 192-channel setup, perfect for tracking entire orchestras or large bands.

Beyond hardware, the Quantum 4848 is bundled with Studio One Artist and the Studio Magic Plug-in Suite, offering a comprehensive array of tools and plug-ins to elevate your productions. The included software not only enhances your creative potential but also allows you to integrate analog gear into your digital sessions with ease.

For those who demand top-tier performance and flexibility, the PreSonus Quantum 4848 stands as a testament to cutting-edge audio technology.

Key Features:

  • 48-in/48-out audio interface in a 1U rackmount chassis
  • Thunderbolt 2 connectivity for ultra-low latency
  • 32 channels of DB25 line-level I/O
  • Dual ADAT I/O for additional expansion
  • Cascade up to four units for 192 channels
  • 24-bit/192kHz digital converters with 120dB dynamic range
  • Includes Studio One Artist DAW and Studio Magic Plug-in Suite

Product specs

Brand PreSonus
Model Quantum 4848 Thunderbolt 2 Audio Interface
Finish Black
Year 2018 - 2025
Made In China
Categories Audio Interfaces
Bit Depth 24-bit
Bus-Powered No
Compatibility Windows, macOS
Computer Connectivity Thunderbolt
Digital Input Format ADAT/Optical
Digital Output Format ADAT/Optical
Electronics Analog, Digital, Solid State
Format 19-inch Rackmount
Number of Analog Inputs 32
Number of Analog Outputs 32
Number of Channels 96
Number of Digital Inputs 16
Number of Digital Outputs 16
Number of Headphone Outputs 0
Number of MIDI Inputs 0
Number of MIDI Outputs 0
Number of Mic Preamps 0
Sample Rate 192 khz

FAQs

What are the main connectivity options for the PreSonus Quantum 4848?

The PreSonus Quantum 4848 connects via Thunderbolt, offering 32 channels of DB25 line-level I/O, dual ADAT Optical I/O, and BNC word clock I/O, making it ideal for integration with consoles and patch bays.

Is the PreSonus Quantum 4848 compatible with both Windows and macOS?

Yes, the PreSonus Quantum 4848 is compatible with both Windows and macOS, providing flexibility for different studio setups.

Does the PreSonus Quantum 4848 support expansion for larger setups?

Yes, the Quantum 4848 can be expanded up to 192x192 channels by stacking up to four units via Thunderbolt, allowing for extensive studio configurations.

What sample rate and bit depth does the PreSonus Quantum 4848 support?

The PreSonus Quantum 4848 supports up to 192 kHz sample rate and 24-bit resolution, ensuring high-fidelity audio recording and playback.

Does the PreSonus Quantum 4848 come with any software?

Yes, the Quantum 4848 includes Studio One Professional and the Studio Magic Plug-in Suite, providing a comprehensive set of tools for music production.

PreSonus Audio Electronics

PreSonus Audio Electronics

PreSonus—Quantum 4848 Audio Interface Overview with Eric Welch

Video thumbnail for PreSonus—Quantum 4848 Audio Interface Overview with Eric Welch by PreSonus Audio Electronics

PreSonus—Quantum 4848 Audio Interface Overview with Eric Welch

PreSonus Audio Electronics

PreSonus Audio Electronics

Video thumbnail for Everything You Need To Know About The PreSonus Quantum 4848 by Production Expert

Everything You Need To Know About The PreSonus Quantum 4848

Production Expert

Production Expert

Video thumbnail for PreSonus—The Quantum 4848 Audio Interface by PreSonus Audio Electronics

PreSonus—The Quantum 4848 Audio Interface

PreSonus Audio Electronics

PreSonus Audio Electronics

Video thumbnail for Presonus Quantum 4848 overview by Czar

Presonus Quantum 4848 overview

Czar

Czar

Video thumbnail for Studio One DAW and Quantum 4848 Audio Interface Setup with Lisa Kacos of SAE Nashville by PreSonus Audio Electronics

Studio One DAW and Quantum 4848 Audio Interface Setup with Lisa Kacos of SAE Nashville

PreSonus Audio Electronics

PreSonus Audio Electronics

Video thumbnail for PreSonus Quantum 4848 Thunderbolt Interface by Production Expert

PreSonus Quantum 4848 Thunderbolt Interface

Production Expert

Production Expert

Video thumbnail for PreSonus—The Quantum 4848 with Goat from House of 1000Hz by PreSonus Audio Electronics

PreSonus—The Quantum 4848 with Goat from House of 1000Hz

PreSonus Audio Electronics

PreSonus Audio Electronics

Video thumbnail for PreSonus Quantum 4848 v.s. Burl Audio B2 Bomber | Part 1 by Mixing Music Analog

PreSonus Quantum 4848 v.s. Burl Audio B2 Bomber | Part 1

Mixing Music Analog

Mixing Music Analog

Video thumbnail for Neumann MT48 vs PreSonus Quantum 4848 | Converter Shootout PT 1 by Mixing Music Analog

Neumann MT48 vs PreSonus Quantum 4848 | Converter Shootout PT 1

Mixing Music Analog

Mixing Music Analog

Reviews

PROS

  • Offers 32 line level I/O and 16 ADAT for extensive connectivity

  • Clean converters that integrate well with existing gear like Apollo X16

  • Highly flexible for hybrid studio setups with patchbays and standalone preamps

  • Affordable alternative for expanding I/O without breaking the bank

  • Solid build quality that holds up against other interfaces in its class

  • Ideal for analog mixing desks with plenty of available I/O

  • Seamless integration for running tracks through a console and back to DAW

CONS

  • Discontinued, making future support and updates uncertain

  • Lacks modern connectivity options like USB-C

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Presonus Quantum 4848.

Features and functionality

  • The Presonus Quantum 4848 offers incredibly low round trip latency, making it nearly imperceptible during recording and monitoring.

    Source
  • Quantum 4848 occasionally fails to boot with Windows computers; a full restart typically resolves this issue, likely due to Thunderbolt compatibility.

    Source
  • The Quantum 4848 provides 24 analog line and 16 optical inputs and outputs, offering significant flexibility for complex routing setups.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Presonus interfaces come with a free Studio One version, which can be used in the background for latency-free monitoring while tracking in Ableton.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners have successfully used the Quantum 4848 for long recording sessions with up to 8 mics, reporting consistent reliability over multiple years.

    Source
  • An owner finds the Quantum 4848 to be a significant upgrade in sound quality and responsiveness compared to the Antelope Audio Zen Go.

    Source
  • Some users report achieving sub-2ms latency with Quantum interfaces, maintaining stability even when using VSTs and VSTi.

    Source
  • Owners with diverse preamp collections appreciate the Quantum 4848's capability to integrate multiple preamp types, though a uniform preamp setup is desired for consistent live drum tracking.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Users can bypass Ableton's monitoring latency by turning off monitoring in Ableton and using an external mixer, ensuring recorded tracks align correctly in the session.

    Source
  • Users benefit from pairing the Quantum 4848 with a variety of 500 series preamps, such as AML Neve and Langevin clones, enhancing tonal versatility.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The MOTU 1248 offers extensive software control via a web interface, allowing for easy management of presets and routing, though it lacks Linux compatibility.

    Source
  • Quantum 4848 is seen as a "forever interface" unless compared to more expensive RME models, which are preferred if budget allows.

    Source
  • The Quantum 4848 is described as sonically excellent and virtually transparent, making it a compelling alternative to Apogee Element 88 for drum recordings.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Owners consider the $1500 MSRP of the Quantum 4848 a bargain, though additional costs for DB25 snakes should be anticipated.

    Source

Critic Reviews

A Fresh Look At The PreSonus Quantum 4848 - Everything Recording

everythingrecording.com

The PreSonus Quantum 4848 is a powerhouse audio interface that excels in providing extensive I/O capabilities, boasting 32 analog inputs and 32 outputs, perfect for serious project studios. Its performance is stellar, delivering incredibly low latency and pristine audio quality that rivals much pricier competitors. However, it sacrifices some user-friendly features, like detailed level metering and the convenience of front panel controls, which can make monitoring a bit tricky. Additionally, the reliance on DB25 connections may deter some users who find them cumbersome. Despite these drawbacks, the Quantum 4848 is an excellent investment for those prioritizing flexibility and sound fidelity over flashy extras.

positive

High on Technology: REVIEW PRESONUS QUANTUM 4848 WITH THUNDERBOLT 2, AMAZING INTERFACE WITH UNIQUE FEATURES

highontechnology.tech

The Presonus Quantum 4848 is a game changer in the world of audio interfaces. With its impressive Thunderbolt 2 connectivity, it delivers real-time monitoring with latency as low as 2ms, which is a dream for recording musicians. The plethora of inputs and outputs—32 analog and 32 digital—makes it versatile for complex setups. While it lacks built-in preamps and front-panel controls, the transparency and sound quality surpass even much pricier competitors like the Apogee Symphony II. Installation quirks with certain DAWs may arise, but overall, the Quantum 4848 offers unmatched performance for the price, establishing itself as a must-have for serious audio professionals.

positive

Presonus Quantum 4848 Thunderbolt Interface - Tested | Production Expert

production-expert.com

The Presonus Quantum 4848 positions itself as a powerhouse in the realm of audio interfaces, boasting an impressive 48-in/48-out capability, ultra-low latency, and stellar sound quality. It’s a steal for those seeking professional-level performance without the hefty price tag. However, the reliance on D-Sub connections for inputs and outputs can be a downside, requiring additional investment in cables. Additionally, the lack of a built-in power supply may dampen its appeal for some users, as portability could be compromised. Overall, while it has a few quirks, the Quantum 4848 is a formidable contender for studios looking for high-quality, flexible audio solutions.

positive

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