PreSonus Studio 1824c Review

You can’t deny the fact that PreSonus has a multitude of audio interfaces for just about every application. From the top of the line Quantum Thunderbolt series, the USB-C line, and the affordable AudioBox interfaces. We wanted something affordable, rack-mountable, and with the right amount of I/O’s. Our choice, the PreSonus Studio 1824c Audio Interface.

The PreSonus Studio 1824c is extremely able in the recording studio. First and foremost, the Studio 1824c has the mighty XMAX mic-preamps. I’m all in with the XMAX’s…they are smooth, quiet, and expandable. My previous audio interface was great, but it didn’t always print audio, vocals without just a little coloration. Don’t sleep, coloration (or dirt) is sometimes a good thing depending on the genre of music you’re producing. However, I prefer a more natural sound, and the XMAX does not disappoint.

The Studio 1824c I/O has up to 18 inputs and 20 outputs. 8 channels of ADAT Optical (4 channels at 96 kHz, True +48V phantom power for condenser microphones, and 18×8 onboard DSP monitor mixer. Those are the features that excite me. See all the specs below.

I’m also amazed at how much headroom the Studio 1824c sports. I’ve had a lot of sessions with this interface and its seamless connectivity with Studio One (I/O setup is automatic) is perfect.

The build quality is great. You gotta love the level & master meter display and large master volume knob on the front panel. A large master volume knob should be law, regardless of the size of the audio interface. The body is metal, but the front panel feels like some sort of high-end plastic material…still pretty solid. The weakest link are the 2 stereo headphone outputs, which should be louder. Another thing to keep in mind, when phantom power is turned on, it’s not separate, it’s on across all 8 inputs. Generally, this isn’t a problem with today’s microphones, but just be careful if you’re using older mics. Would be nice to have the ability to turn on 48v of separate channels. Combo jack connections on all 8 inputs, gotta love that, and midi in & out. I’ve also connected the Studio 1824c to my iPad Pro using GarageBand and PreSonus Capture…it worked seamlessly.

Overall, you will not be disappointed with the PreSonus Studio 1824c. Built quality is great, the sound is awesome and the interface is extremely flexible. Of course, with all PreSonus devices, included is the spectacular Studio One Artist and Studio Magic Plugin Bundle, which also includes Ableton Live Lite. This is a complete recording studio solution. And check this out, with such a premium and featured pack audio interface, the PreSonus Studio 1824c cost $499.95.

Input/Output

Up to 18 inputs/20 outputs simultaneously (8×8 at 192 kHz)
2 mic/instrument/line inputs with XMAX Class A mic preamps
6 mic/line inputs with XMAX Class A mic preamps
8 channels of ADAT Optical I/O (4 channels at 96 kHz)
2 balanced ¼” TRS main outputs
- DC coupled for sending control voltages
8 balanced ¼” TRS line outputs for monitor mixing
- DC coupled for sending control voltages
2 stereo headphone outputs with individual level controls
MIDI In/Out
Stereo S/PDIF digital I/O
1 USB-C™ compatible 2.0 port
- USB-C™ to USB-C™ and USB-C™ to USB-A cables included for compatibility with most computers
BNC word clock output