Over the years, PreSonus has released different variations of its FaderPort Production Controllers. You have the FaderPort 8 (that’s the one I have), the FaderPort 16, and the baby brother FaderPort, which is a one fader production controller. The FaderPort Production Controller is just that, a production midi controller for its Studio One DAW. However, I kept thinking that I could see this form factor in a scaled-down version of its StudioLive Series III Mixers, and now this is a reality with the PreSonus ioStation 24c Audio Interface and Production Controller.
I’ve also wanted a true desktop audio interface from PreSonus. Yes, I do have the Studio 24c Audio Interface. But I’ve been looking for something with the controls on top of the device, not the front. When PreSonus released the ioStation 24c Audio Interface and Production Controller at NAMM 2020, I was pleasantly surprised and excited to get my hands on one. I’ve had this device for almost two weeks, so here are my thoughts about the PreSonus ioStation 24c Audio Interface and Production Controller.
The ioStation 24c is a rugged, dense device. It looks and feels great, build quality is awesome as well. You have two XMAX Class A analog mic preamps, high-definition 24bit/192kHz Analog to Digital converters providing 115db of dynamic range in this small but very capable device. If you need to record vocals or plug-in an instrument, the ioStation 24c can do it all. The ioStation 24c uses the same mic preamp’s that’s in the PreSonus Studio 1824c Audio Interface, in a much smaller form factor.
Now the Production Controller part of this device makes it desirable in the desktop audio interface space. This doesn’t just work seamlessly with PreSonus Studio One, it also works with other major DAW’s like ProTools, Logic Pro X, Ableton, and other DAW’s, with support for Mackie Control and HCI protocols. The ability to control every aspect of Studio One, navigation, transport control, production and automation parameter, and a 100mm touch-sensitive motorized fader and the Session Navigator just gives you total control over your entire session. Need to zoom into a track, drop markers, scroll through your session…WOW! Think about that for a second…who’s doing that right now in this form factor in this space? Oh, did I mention it’s portable.
Specs include, two combo jack inputs, two balanced 1/4 outputs, one 1/4 headphone output, Phantom Power, USB-c to USA-a cable is included and it weighs 2.2lbs. The Studio One Artist DAW and the 2020 Studio Magic suite of virtual instruments and plugins are also included, as always. This truly is a studio in one box, two devices rolled up in one.
PreSonus continues to impress and crush the competition with its innovative designs and great audio products across the broad. This company is truly a one-stop shop for all your recording studio needs, from bedroom producers to large studios. The PreSonus ioStation 24c Audio Interface and Production Controller retails for $299 and this device will not disappoint. I only wish the master volume knob was a little larger, but that’s just my opinion.
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