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Presonus Studio 68c - $180 (Sherman Oaks)
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An excellent choice for small bands, producers, and small and mid-sized studios, the Studio 68c 6-in, 6-out, USB-C audio interface records at up to 192 kHz. You get two mic/line/instrument and two mic/line inputs, all with PreSonus® XMAX mic preamps, plus DC-coupled line outputs and MIDI I/O. A complete, all-in-one recording studio, the Studio 68c comes with PreSonus' award-winning Studio One® Artist music production software for macOS® and Windows® and is backward compatible with USB 2.0 and 3.0 connections.
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 4x4 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