PreSonus Studio 1824C Audio Interface

Offering ultrahigh-resolution conversion, eight Class-A preamps, a host of outputs, and a powerful software package for bands and engineers in project studios, the PreSonus Studio 1824c rackmount 18×20 USB audio/MIDI interface blends studio-quality, sonic performance, bountiful and expandable I/O, and refreshing ease of use, all in a sturdy chassis that occupies just a single rack space.

With selectable 48V phantom power and eight XMAX Class-A mic preamps fed via XLR-1/4″ combo inputs, the Studio 1824c can accommodate any source from condenser microphones and active DI boxes to electric instruments and line-level mixer outputs with clarity and natural tonality. All inputs and outputs feature quality converters that let the interface operate at up to 24-bit / 48 kHz resolution without sacrificing channel count, or at a 192 kHz sample rate with 8×8 I/O functionality.

When you use speakers, multiple headphones, or both, the Studio 1824c provides equally ideal operability with its two independent 1/4″ headphone outputs, two main line/monitor outs, eight additional line outputs, and separate volume controls for both headphone outs and the main output.

A quick press of the mute button cuts the main outputs, so you can communicate with clients in the room without shouting over the music. The interface also features a mono button for checking the stereo-to-mono translation of your mix.

The 10 line outputs are DC-coupled, so you can send MIDI sync and sequencer data from your DAW as CV (control voltage) to external analog synthesizers and drum modules. Unlike many budget interfaces, the Studio 1824c sports 4-segment LED meters for all eight analog inputs and the main outs. The 5-pin MIDI I/O jacks on the rear panel allow simple hookup of a MIDI controller, synthesizer, or groovebox, making the Studio 1824c advantageous for beatmakers, keyboardists, and electronic music producers. With a BNC wordclock output and digital I/O connections for stereo S/PDIF and 8-channel ADAT, the Studio 1824c is a potent companion for other digital equipment such as external preamps with A/D converters and digital mixers.

The Studio 1824c is powered by the included 12 VDC power supply and is supplied with USB Type-C and USB Type-A cables for easy connectivity to your compatible macOS- or Windows-equipped computer. The interface is bundled with the robust and versatile Studio One Artist DAW software and the Studio Magic plug-in suite, delivering a host of effects, virtual instruments, and third-party loops, software, and instrument sounds to kickstart your creativity.

XMAX Class-A Microphone Preamps

The Studio 1824c’s four XMAX Class-A mic preamps use discrete components and are known for their high headroom, musicality, and transparency with ultralow noise. With switchable 48V phantom power, XLR-1/4″ combo inputs, and a line/instrument switch (for inputs 1-2), the interface is more than capable of accommodating dynamic or condenser microphones, electric instruments such as guitar, bass, and keyboard, or line-level signals from mixing consoles or outboard mic preamps.

High-Resolution Converters

Boasting support for digital resolutions up to 24-bit / 192 kHz, the Studio 1824c is equipped to perform AD/DA conversion with clarity and precision. It can also serve as a quality DAC for playback of ultrahigh-resolution files from your computer.

Multiple Headphone and Monitor Outputs

Thanks to the interface’s two 1/4″ main line/monitor outputs and two independent stereo headphone outputs, you can easily hook up a pair of speakers and two sets of headphones, and independently adjust their volume levels via separate knobs on the front panel.

Dedicated buttons are presented for muting the main monitor feed and summing it to mono; both are valuable functions for running efficient sessions. Easy-to-use DSP monitor mixing lets you create four discrete, near-zero-latency mixes, enough for large ensembles.

DC-Coupled Outputs

All 10 analog outputs (two main and eight additional line outs) on the Studio 1824c are DC-coupled, allowing them to send MIDI sync and sequencer data from your DAW as CV (control voltage) to external analog synthesizers and drum modules. This makes the Studio 1824c well suited for marrying analog sequencers, synths, and Eurorack gear with your DAW.

Input and Output Metering

The front panel of the Studio 1824c is adorned with 4-segment LED meters for all eight analog inputs and the main outputs, letting you keep an eye on your input and mix levels when you’re recording by yourself.

MIDI I/O

Integration of MIDI equipment is no problem for the Studio 1824c. It offers traditional 5-pin MIDI I/O for straightforward connectivity with common gear such as a MIDI keyboard controller, synthesizer, or drum machine.

ADAT Optical I/O

With eight channels of ADAT optical input (four channels at 96 kHz), you can expand the Studio 1824c with an 8-channel mic preamp with ADAT conversion, such as the DigiMax DP88 (available separately).

The ADAT output comes into play when you need to run separate channels from your DAW to a digital headphone distribution system or a multichannel D/A converter.

S/PDIF Digital I/O

The RCA coaxial jacks are a welcome bonus for interconnecting digital audio equipment outfitted with S/PDIF digital I/O. DJ mixers, outboard mic preamps, and external converters can often be found with S/PDIF input and output ports.

Studio One Artist Software

• Single-window work environment
• Powerful drag-and-drop functionality
• Unlimited audio tracks, MIDI tracks, virtual instruments, buses, and FX channels
• Content browser with convenient sort options and preview player
• Intuitive MIDI-mapping system
• Real-time audio time-stretching and resampling
• Multitrack comping and MIDI editing
• Transient detection and editing, plus groove extraction
• Automatic delay compensation
• Advanced automation
• Integrates tightly with Celemony Melodyne
• Instantly configures to PreSonus interfaces
• Compatible with ASIO, Windows Audio, and Core Audio compliant interfaces
• 26 native effects (32-bit effects) and virtual instrument plug-ins
• Over 10GB of third-party software, loops, and instruments
• Mac and Windows compatible

Studio Magic Plug-In Suite

The Studio Magic Plug-in Suite for Mac and Windows includes Ableton Live Lite, tutorials from Melodics, six virtual instruments, and nine popular plug-ins in VST, AU, and AAX formats.

• Arturia Analog Lab Lite
• Brainworx bx_opto
• Brainworx bx_rockrack
• Cherry Audio Voltage Nucleus
• iZotope Neutron Elements
• Klanghelm SDRR2tube
• KV331 Audio Synthmaster Player
• Lexicon MPX-i Reverb
• Mäag Audio EQ2
• Native Instruments REPLIKA
• Output Movement
• SPL Attacker Plus
• Studio Linked Trophies
• UJAM Virtual Drummer 2 PHAT
• UVI Model D