PreSonus Studio 68c

Offering ultra-high-resolution conversion, four Class-A preamps, and a powerful software package for vocalists, musicians, producers, and podcasters in home studios and mobile setups, the PreSonus Studio 68c desktop 6×6 USB audio/MIDI interface blends studio-quality sonic performance, versatile I/O, and refreshing ease of use.

With selectable 48V phantom power and four XMAX Class-A mic preamps fed via XLR-1/4″ combo inputs, the Studio 68c 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 resolutions up to 24-bit / 96 kHz resolution without sacrificing channel count or at 176.4 kHz or 192 kHz sample rates with 4×4 I/O functionality.

Whether you monitor through speakers, headphones, or both, the Studio 68c provides equally ideal operability with its 1/4″ headphone output, two main line/monitor outs, two additional line outputs, and independent main/headphone volume controls. The four 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.

The headphone mix can be sourced from outputs 1-2 or 3-4 via the A/B switch, a simple solution for getting a special cue mix to the artist. A quick press of the Mon button enables direct monitoring, mixing the latency-free analog input signal with the return from your computer. Unlike many budget interfaces, the Studio 68c sports 4-segment LED meters for all four analog inputs and the main outs.

The supplied breakout cable provides 5-pin MIDI I/O jacks to allow simple hookup of a MIDI controller, synthesizer, or groovebox, making the Studio 68c advantageous for beatmakers, keyboardists, and electronic music producers. Also on the breakout cable are RCA coaxial jacks, which are a welcome bonus for interconnecting digital audio equipment outfitted with S/PDIF digital I/O.

The Studio 68c 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 68c’s four XMAX Class-A mic preamps use discrete components and are known for their high headroom, musicality, and transparency along 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 68c is equipped to perform AD/DA conversion with clarity and precision. It can also serve as a quality DAC for playback of ultra-high-resolution files from your computer.

Headphone and Monitor Outputs

Thanks to the interface’s two 1/4″ main line/monitor outputs and stereo headphone output, you can easily hook up a pair of speakers and studio headphones and independently adjust their volume levels via separate knobs on the front panel. The A/B button toggles between each mix (out 1-2 and 3-4), while you listen in on headphones.

DC-Coupled Outputs

All four line outputs on the Studio 68c 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 68c well suited for marrying analog sequencers, synths, and Eurorack gear with your DAW.

Input and Output Metering

The front panel of the Studio 68c is adorned with 4-segment LED meters for all four analog inputs and the main outputs, letting you keep an eye on your input and mix levels when you’re recording by yourself.

Direct Monitoring

The Studio 68c features a straightforward direct monitor function. Just press the Mon button on the front panel to enable direct monitoring, which mixes the latency-free analog input signal with the return from your computer.

MIDI I/O

Integration of MIDI equipment is no problem for the Studio 68c. It offers traditional 5-pin MIDI I/O via the included breakout cable for straightforward connectivity with common gear such as a MIDI keyboard controller, synthesizer, or drum machine.

S/PDIF Digital I/O

The supplied breakout cable also provides RCA coaxial jacks, which 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