The PreSonus Studio 24c is a popular and highly-regarded 2-input, 2-output USB-C audio interface, designed for musicians, podcasters, producers, and streamers working in home studios or on the go. It’s known for its solid build quality, reliable performance, and excellent software bundle.
Key Features and Highlights:
- 2-in/2-out Configuration:
- Inputs: Two front-panel combo XLR-1/4″ inputs. These are highly versatile and can accept:
- Microphones: With switchable +48V phantom power (global for both inputs) for condenser microphones.
- Line-level sources: Such as keyboards, drum machines, or preamps.
- Hi-Z (instrument) sources: For direct connection of electric guitars and basses, eliminating the need for a separate DI box.
- Outputs: Two 1/4″ balanced TRS main outputs on the rear for connecting to studio monitors, and a 1/4″ stereo headphone output on the front with its own independent volume control.
- XMAX-L Mic Preamps: The Studio 24c features PreSonus’s acclaimed XMAX-L solid-state microphone preamps. These are designed to be clean, transparent, and provide ample headroom, ensuring high-quality recordings with low noise. They are optimized for bus-powered operation.
- 24-bit/192kHz Resolution: It supports high-resolution audio recording and playback at up to 24-bit/192kHz, which is professional-grade and ensures excellent sonic detail and clarity.
- USB-C Connectivity and Bus Power: The interface connects via USB-C (USB 2.0 protocol) and is entirely bus-powered, meaning it draws power directly from your computer’s USB port. This makes it incredibly convenient for mobile recording setups as no external power adapter is needed. It includes both USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to USB-A cables for broad compatibility.
- Direct Monitoring with Mixer Knob: A dedicated “Mixer” knob on the front panel allows for low-latency direct monitoring. This enables you to blend your live input signal (what you’re recording) with the playback from your computer, letting you hear yourself and the backing track with no noticeable delay.
- MIDI I/O: A significant advantage for its price point, the Studio 24c includes traditional 5-pin DIN MIDI In and Out ports on the rear. This allows you to connect MIDI keyboards, controllers, or external hardware synthesizers directly to your computer.
- Input and Output Metering: Features clear 4-segment ladder-style LED meters for both inputs and main outputs, allowing you to easily monitor your levels and prevent clipping.
- Robust Build Quality: The Studio 24c boasts a “road-rugged” all-metal chassis with metal knobs and stylish blue side panels, ensuring durability for studio use and travel.
- Impressive Software Bundle: PreSonus interfaces are well-known for their generous software bundles. The Studio 24c typically includes:
- PreSonus Studio One Artist: A powerful and intuitive DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) with unlimited tracks, instruments, and effects. It’s tightly integrated with PreSonus hardware.
- Studio Magic Software Suite: An extensive collection of valuable third-party plugins and virtual instruments from renowned manufacturers like Arturia, Brainworx, Lexicon, Maag Audio, SPL, and more. This adds significant value and provides a wide range of creative tools for mixing, mastering, and sound design.
- Compatibility: Works seamlessly with macOS and Windows operating systems. It’s also class-compliant, meaning it often works plug-and-play with many modern iPads and iPhones (though an external power source for the interface might be needed depending on the iOS device and a camera connection kit for Lightning devices).
- Loopback Functionality (Software-based): While not a dedicated hardware switch like some newer interfaces, the Studio 24c can achieve loopback functionality through the Universal Control software, which is useful for streamers and podcasters to mix computer audio with microphone input.
Who is the PreSonus Studio 24c for?
- Home Studio Enthusiasts: Perfect for setting up a compact yet professional recording environment for vocals, guitar, bass, or keyboards.
- Solo Musicians/Singer-Songwriters: Allows for simultaneous recording of two sources (e.g., vocal mic and an acoustic guitar, or two vocal mics for a duet).
- Podcasters/Streamers: The clean preamps, direct monitoring, and loopback capabilities (via software) make it a great choice for high-quality audio for content creation.
- Mobile Recordists: Its bus power and robust build make it highly portable for recording on laptops or compatible mobile devices.
- Beginners and Intermediate Users: The intuitive layout and bundled software make it easy to get started with recording and production.
- Users needing MIDI connectivity: A key differentiator from some other 2-in/2-out interfaces in its price range.
Considerations:
- Global Phantom Power: Phantom power is applied to both inputs simultaneously. If you’re using a condenser mic in one input and a passive ribbon mic (which can be damaged by phantom power) in the other, you’d need to be cautious or avoid using a ribbon mic.
- Headphone Output on Rear: Some users prefer the headphone jack on the front for easier access, but it’s on the rear of the Studio 24c.
- Gain for Low-Output Dynamic Mics: While the XMAX-L preamps are good, very low-output dynamic microphones (like some Shure SM7Bs without a Cloudlifter or similar) might still require a lot of gain, potentially introducing some noise at extreme levels. This is common for interfaces in this price range.
- No Dedicated DSP: It doesn’t have onboard DSP for running real-time effects without taxing your computer’s CPU, unlike some higher-end interfaces. All included plugins run natively on your computer.
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