The PreSonus Studio Channel is a specific type of audio interface called a “channel strip”. For those who are unfamiliar, this unit doesn’t work directly with your computer, but instead takes audio inputs such as microphones, line level devices, and musical instruments and allows you to adjust those sources before they are recorded by your sound interface.
This compact 1U rack-mount device combines a tube preamp, VCA compressor, and three-band EQ into a single, powerful audio interface.
The PreSonus Studio Channel is a decent proposition for multiple uses cases, from smaller home recording studios, post production and even less demanding broadcast environments. It has a great price point and a fairly comprehensive feature set that makes it useful for musicians, podcasters, streamers, and content creators seeking quality sound.
Preamp: The Sonic Foundation
The heart of the Studio Channel is its Class A 12AX7 vacuum-tube microphone and instrument preamplifier. This component is crucial for capturing pristine audio with exceptional character and warmth.
- +10 dB to +54 dB gain range
- Tube Drive control for adding harmonic richness
- 48V phantom power for condenser microphones
- 80 Hz high-pass filter to reduce low-end rumble
- -20 dB pad for handling high-output sources
- Polarity reverse switch for phase correction
Compression Capabilities
The VCA-based compressor offers musicians and audio professionals unprecedented control over dynamic range, making it ideal for taming unpredictable audio signals.
- Fully variable VCA compression
- Attack, Release, Ratio, and Threshold controls
- Auto Attack/Release switch
- Soft/Hard Knee compression options
- Makeup gain for maintaining consistent output levels
- Backlit VU meter for visual gain reduction monitoring
EQ Controls
The three-band parametric equalizer provides precise sound shaping capabilities, allowing users to fine-tune their audio with surgical precision.
- Mid-band: Fully parametric with variable Q
- High and Low bands: Semi-parametric with Shelving/Peak options
- Pre/Post compressor routing
- Independent stage bypassing
- Custom-designed amplification circuits
Technical Specifications
- Preamp Type: Class A 12AX7 Tube
- Gain Range: +10 dB to +54 dB
- Power: 16 Volt external power adaptor from standard 110V / 220V AC mains supply
- Rack Space: 1U (19-inch rack-mountable)
- Weight: Approximately 5 lbs
- Dimensions: Standard 1U rack width
Channel Strip Inputs and Outputs
- 1 unbalanced ¼-inch instrument input (front panel)
- 1 balanced ¼-inch line input
- 1 balanced XLR mic input
- 1 balanced ¼-inch line output
- 1 balanced XLR line output
Physical Characteristics
- 1U 19-inch rack-mountable design
- Rugged steel chassis
- Sealed, detented rotary controls
- External power supply
Specific Use Cases
Professional Music Recording
- Ideal for tracking vocals, guitars, and instruments
- Tube warmth for adding character to digital recordings
- Precise compression for consistent performance takes
Podcasting and Streaming
- Excellent microphone preamp for clear vocal recordings
- Compression to maintain consistent audio levels
- EQ to enhance vocal clarity and presence
Content Creation
- Versatile audio processing for YouTube and online content
- Simple, intuitive controls for those familiar with EQ and Compression
- Good quality sound enhancement
Less Suitable For
- Ultra-budget home recording setups or beginner content creators
- Completely digital sound production environments requiring perfect recallability.
- High-gain metal/extreme music recording, without additional gain staging
Overall Strengths
- Sturdy build quality
- Versatile compression and EQ
- Musical-sounding tube circuitry
- Decent input/output options for single mono sources
Potential Limitations
- Whilst it helps keep the cost down, the external power supply might be inconvenient for some.
- There’s a learning curve for audio processing when you’ve never done it before!
- The unit has a great price, but it’s still an investment for young content creators
Summary
The PreSonus Studio Channel is a professional-grade audio interface that offers musicians, podcasters, and content creators a comprehensive solution for high-quality sound production. Its combination of tube warmth, precise compression, and flexible EQ makes it a great entry level channel strip.
The PreSonus Studio Channel is a capable channel strip for musicians, voiceover actors, streamers, content creators and podcasters, who want to improve their sound at a great price.