The Presonus Quantum HD2 is an audio interface capable of transmitting via up to 20 inputs and 24 outputs – to manage this extraordinary workload, its rear panel comes fitted out with dual mic/line inputs, one S/PDIF, two optical I/Os, and four line outs. On the front, there are two additional line inputs for connecting guitars and basses, as well as two line outs, which are handy for sending signals to external studio equipment. All this is rounded off with two headphone outputs, and of course the front panel is also where all the important recording parameters are controlled. The Quantum HD2's Auto Gain function means there is no need for any levelling before recording a take. The PreSonus MAX-HD technology ensures transparent and precise sound over a wide frequency range with up to +75dB of gain, and the whole setup allows musicians to make intuitive yet high-quality recordings.
The rear panel of the PreSonus Quantum HD2 is equipped with two mic/line inputs and outputs, which include XLR/jack combo sockets for maximum flexibility. This doesn't just enable the connection of microphones: Line levels can also be received via the mic jacks, for example from keyboards or digital pianos. To the left are the four studio monitor connections, for two pairs that can be used for flexible monitoring. MIDI data can be transmitted via the S/PDIF connection, and the integrated preamps can process signals in a quality of up to 192kHz and 24 bit, with a dynamic range of 117dB(A). There are two inputs on the front panel suitable for connecting two electric guitars, which represent a high-impedance signal source for an audio interface: The ports were developed as part of a collaboration with guitar manufacturer Fender, so the sound quality is outstanding.
The PreSonus Quantum HD2 was designed for musicians and content creators who want to make high-quality recordings from up to four analogue signal sources at the same time. Success is virtually guaranteed because the device can be used so intuitively – the Auto Gain function in particular helps make spontaneous recordings a reality. These options can also be expanded by including digital inputs and outputs via the rear panel. If phantom power is activated, condenser microphones can be used for more precise recordings, while low latency during recordings is a given thanks to the drivers specially developed by PreSonus – this is particularly useful for live applications. The loopback function makes it easy to record monitor mixes via virtual channels, and for the most demanding recordings, special settings can be made via the Universal Control app to perfectly customise every aspect.
Presonus is a US company founded in 1995 by Jim Odom and Brian Smith in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The firm designs hardware and software at both professional and more affordable levels for musicians and producers. Presonus first made a splash in the mid-1990s with the DCP8, an eight-channel analogue compressor/limiter/gate with fader and mute automation that could be digitally controlled by MIDI. In the early 2000s followed a series of microphone amplifiers and the first audio interfaces for the then-emerging home studio scene. Today, the company's product range includes audio interfaces, microphone preamps, digital mixing consoles, and studio monitors as well as the established DAW software Studio One.
The Universal Control app from Presonus can be installed on all computers and mobile devices, offering flexibility when recording while maintaining perfect levels in a wide variety of scenarios. Among other things, the app can be used to control the gain of the preamps and the phantom power for the connected condenser microphones. The bespoke modern preamps use digitally controlled analogue technology and ensure low-noise recording. A twelve-month licence for the PreSonus Studio One+ DAW is included in the purchase price, as well as access to the One Professional Edition and other add-ons, so users can start producing content straight away. For monitoring in that ideal sweet spot, two studio monitor pairs (sold separately) can be set up at an angle of 30° to each other.