PreSonus Quantum 2626 Audio Interface

Here's what PreSonus have to say about Quantum 2626 Audio Interface

With a barely measurable round-trip latency of less than 1 ms*, it's no wonder Sound on Sound magazine dubbed Quantum-series Thunderbolt™ audio interfaces the “fastest audio interfaces on the planet.” Superb high-definition digital conversion and ultra-transparent analog XMAX mic preamps mean that your audio will always sound its best—whether you’re recording with or without your favorite plug-ins engaged in real-time.

Key Features

• 26x26 Thunderbolt 3 ultra-low-latency audio interface
• <1 ms roundtrip latency*; record direct to DAW with your favorite plug-ins engaged
• 24-bit/192 kHz operation with high-quality 115 dB A/D/A converters
• Studio One® Artist and Studio Magic software bundle included
• Ableton® Live Lite included
• Simultaneous I/O up to 26 inputs / 26 outputs (at 44.1 or 48 kHz)
• 8 pristine XMAX preamps
• 2 instrument Inputs
• 8 balanced line inputs
• Dual headphone outputs with independent level control
• Balanced stereo main outputs with independent level control
• 8 DC-coupled, balanced line outputs
• 2 preamp direct outputs with returns to insert outboard gear
• Main output level control
• Balanced stereo main output (TRS)
• Eight balanced line outputs (TRS; outputs 1 and 2 share a DAC with the main output)
• Two preamp outputs (channels 1 and 2)
• Two line returns (channels 1 and 2)
• ADAT Optical/Dual SMUX inputs/outputs: 16x16 channels at 44.1 or 48 kHz; 8x8 channels at 88.2 or 96 kHz
• Stereo S/PDIF coaxial input and output

Timeless audio

Every design decision during Quantum 2626 audio interface’s engineering was made with one goal in mind: blazing-fast speed without sonic compromise. The Quantum-series proprietary Thunderbolt driver was written from the ground up to deliver ultra-low-latency performance while maximizing efficiency. Cutting-edge 24-bit, 192 kHz converters with 115 dB of dynamic range and superior low-jitter clocking—coupled with our ultra-transparent, pure analog XMAX preamps—result in superb audio quality with the lowest round-trip latency of any audio interface available

Superior Sound

Audiophile-grade digital converters, low-jitter clocking, and transparent preamps add up to a superior recording and listening experience. The Quantum 2626 audio interface operates at up to 192 kHz for ultra-high-definition mixing and recording. High-quality converters on every input and output provide 115 dB of dynamic range to capture complex musical harmonics smoothly and naturally, with no audible distortion. Our lauded XMAX Class A analog microphone preamps deliver incredibly high headroom, deep lows, smooth highs, and a rich overall sound so you’ll hear every breath, transient, and detail in your recordings.

Expansive audio

Impressive speed, combined with stunning sound quality, means that the Quantum Thunderbolt audio interface is an ideal recording solution for any size of studio. Need more mic preamps? Connect the PreSonus DigiMax DP88 to your Quantum interface’s ADAT/dual S/MUX ports. Once synced, the DigiMax DP88 preamps can be remotely controlled via Studio One or UC Surface. Want to insert your favorite gear? The Quantum 2626 features two direct preamp outputs with dedicated returns, so you can insert your favorite analog compressor and your favorite plug-ins with ease.

Award-winning recording software included

While compatible with any macOS or Windows recording application, the Quantum 2626 ships as a complete recording studio, with Studio One® Artist music production software included. Easy to learn, Studio One enables you to compose, record, and produce without getting distracted by the tools. Need a new loop or sample for your latest production? Studio One lets you shop, audition, and purchase new content right from your production environment—including powerful extensions for Studio One like the Presence XT Expansion packs and the PreSonus Channel Strip Collection. You also get Ableton® Live Lite.

The Quantum leap

Industry-leading speed and pristine audio quality combined with jaw-dropping expandability are the hallmarks of the Quantum interface design. Record and monitor from your favorite DAW with any plug-in engaged. Insert your favorite outboard analog gear with ease. Regardless of your studio’s size, Quantum audio interfaces will streamline your recording process so you’ll make better music, faster.

Apple Silicon compatibility—standard

The PreSonus Quantum-series interfaces are natively compatible with Apple Silicon-based Mac computers*. You'll be able to produce everything from podcasts to folk rock to trap—wherever sound takes you.

*Universal Control 3.6 or later is required for Native Apple Silicon compatibility.

Make your own magic

At PreSonus, we want to make sure that our audio products come with everything you need to craft your own mesmerizing spells in the studio. That's why we include Studio One Artist with every audio interface and controller product we make, from the 2-channel AudioBox USB 96 to the 64-channel StudioLive 64S, ATOM to FaderPort 16, but we didn't stop there. Why? Because here in Louisiana, we have a word: lagniappe. It means "a little something extra," and it's in that spirit that we also include the Studio Magic Suite of software with our audio interface products and–new for 2021–our award-winning controllers as well.

The 2021 Studio Magic includes tutorials from Melodics, sound libraries from Ghost Hack, 7 virtual instruments, and 9 effects plug-ins in VST, AU, and AAX formats to use in Studio One Artist or your DAW of choice with a retail value of over £900.

Technical Specifications

Microphone Preamp

• Type: XLR Female (via Combo), Balanced
• Maximum Input Level: +10 dBu (Balanced, min. gain)
• Gain Control Range: 60 dB
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz (±0.15 dB, unity gain, 48 kHz)
• Dynamic Range: > 110 dB (A-wtd, min. gain)
• Total Harmonic Distortion: < 0.005% (1 kHz, min. gain)
• EIN: < -131 dBu (max gain, 40Ω, 22 kHz BW, A-wtd)
• Input Impedance: 1.6 kΩ
• Phantom Power: +48V, > 8 mA per input

Instrument Inputs

• Type: ¼” TS Female (via Combo), Unbalanced
• Maximum Input Level: +15 dBu (Unbalanced, min. gain)
• Gain Control Range: 60 dB
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz (±0.2 dB, unity gain, 48 kHz)
• Dynamic Range: > 106 dB (A-wtd, min. gain)
• Total Harmonic Distortion: < 0.005% (1kHz, min. gain)
• Input Impedance: > 1 MΩ

Line Inputs

• Type: ¼” TRS Female (via Combo), Balanced
• Maximum Input Level: + 18 dBu (Balanced, min. gain)
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz (±0.05 dB, unity gain, 48 kHz)
• Dynamic Range: > 118 dB (A-wtd, min. gain)
• Total Harmonic Distortion: < 0.005% (1 kHz, min. gain)
• Input Impedance: 10 kΩ

Main and Line Outputs

• Type: ¼” TRS Female, impedance balanced, DC Coupled (Line Outputs only)
• Maximum Output Level: +18 dBu (Balanced)
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz (±0.05 dB, unity gain, 48 kHz)
• Dynamic Range: > 118 dB (A-wtd)
• Total Harmonic Distortion: < 0.0035% (1 kHz, +4 dBu)
• Output Impedance: 51Ω

Headphone Outputs

• Type: ¼” TRS Female, Stereo, Unbalanced, x2
• Maximum Output Level: 175 mW/channel (56Ω load)
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz (±0.5 dB, 48 kHz)
• Dynamic Range: > 110 dB (A-wtd)
• Total Harmonic Distortion: < 0.03% (1 kHz)
• Headphone Impedance (working range): 16Ω to 300Ω

Crosstalk

• Input to Input: < -110 dB
• Output to Output: < -115 dB
• Input to Output: < -120 dB

Signal Level LEDs

• Clip: -0.5 dBFS
• Signal: -50 dBFS

Digital Audio

• Connection Type: Thunderbolt 3 (Thunderbolt 1 and 2 compatible)
• ADC Dynamic Range: 115 dB (A-wtd)
• DAC Dynamic Range 115 dB (A-wtd)
• Bit Depth: 24 bits
• Supported Sample Rates (kHz): 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192

Clock

• Jitter: < 70 ps RMS (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
• Jitter Attenuation: > 60 dB (1 ns in => 1 ps out)

Power

• 12 VDC, 5A, external power supply

Physical Dimensions

• Height: 1.75" (44.45 mm)
• Depth: 7" (177.8 mm)
• Width: 19" (482.6 mm)
• Weight: 6 lbs (2.72 kg)