Audio interfaces

Notes: PreSonus Quantum 2626 is the fastest and best-sounding interface on the planet, thanks to the jaw-dropping speed of Thunderbolt 3, 8 front-mounted premium PreSonus XMAX analog mic preamps, and pristine ADA converters.

The PreSonus Quantum Thunderbolt Audio Interface is a 26x32 thunderbolt 2 ultra-low-latency audio interface. The Quantum Thunderbolt Audio Interface includes two combo mic/line/instrument inputs and six combo mic/line inputs, with each mic input featuring a digital-controlled XMAX preamp. The versatile design allows you to daisy-chain multiple units to expand your I/O up to 96 in and out connections. The PreSonus Quantum features a wide range of analog and digital connectivity making it one of the most comprehensive high-end interfaces on the market. The interface also operates up to 192kHz for ultra-high-definition mixing and recording.

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 the ultra-transparent analog XMAX mic preamp design mean that your audio will always sound its bestiwhether you're recording with or without your favorite plug-ins engaged in real-time.

Every design decision during Quantum 2626 audio interface's engineering was made with one goal in mind: blazing-fast speed without any 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 (< 1 ms).

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. And 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.

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.

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.

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- you'll make better music, faster.

Notes: High-end interface specialists RME deliver another winner. Amazing sound quality in a compact package, with TotalMix control, ADAT expansion and built-in MIDI interface.

*** Complimentary warranty on this product for 5 years if purchased from Juno- UK warranty only***

Supplier's notes:
Four years ago the Babyface Pro again demonstrated RME's absolute commitment to superior craftsmanship, not only in audio circuits and driver development, but also in mechanics. Created with the highest precision from a block of aluminium, this high-end portable interface incorporated newly designed analogue and digital circuits. Its innovative energy saving technologies provided supreme fidelity with no compromises in level, noise or distortion.
The two headphone outputs, offering TRS and mini-jack sockets in parallel, have completely separate driver stages to perfectly match low and high impedance headphones, guaranteeing pristine sonic results no matter what type of headphone is used.
For the main I/O RME have designed an XLR socket, which integrates seamlessly into the housing and saves space.
Two digitally controlled preamps provide individually switchable 48V phantom power. These circuits feature a gain range of 76 dB, adjustable in steps of 1 dB, including a relay-driven PAD, resulting in exceptional EIN (Equivalent Input Noise) performance as well as line overload protection, and enough gain for even the lowest level microphones.
Babyface Pro's incredibly efficient design almost never requires an external power supply - it's perfectly stable on USB 3 bus power, and also most USB 2 ports, with no degradation in any technical specification. This makes it perfect for mobile recording, even with a pair of your favourite condenser microphones.
The comprehensive feature set continues with an optical TOSLINK I/O; use as either an ADAT port with SMUX support or SPDIF for sessions up to 192 kHz. In combination with an external ADAT converter, the Babyface Pro fully supports 12 analogue inputs as well as 12 outputs, making it ideal for both live and studio multi-track applications. You can plug any instrument, line or high impedance, into Babyface Pro's jack inputs 3 & 4. Record your guitar on the go, with no additional hardware required. MIDI I/O via an included breakout cable completes the package.
In digital audio, the clock frequency is an essential factor, as it creates the correlation between the audio bits and the time reference. Unfortunately, the clock frequency is not always as stable as desired. The Babyface Pro FS offers the full SteadyClock FS circuit as in the ADI-2 Pro FS for lowest jitter and highest jitter immunity. Excellent performance in all clock modes and High Quality Analog Conversion to hear your mix as it is. Digital format conversion in RME products are done without any loss or degradation, and SteadyClock FS ensures your sonic image will never experience degradation. This helps to optimize recordings and mixes because the soundstage has more depth and clarity.
Like all the latest RME interfaces, the Babyface Pro FS also includes the powerful digital real-time mixer TotalMix FX. It allows fully independent routing and mixing of input and playback channels to all physical outputs. Independent stereo submixes plus a comprehensive Control Room section offer unrivalled monitoring capabilities and unsurpassed routing flexibility.
Babyface Pro FS ships with RME's TotalMix FX, available for Windows and Mac OS X. An iOS version is available as well. This amazingly versatile software allows you to use Babyface Pro in any situation. For example, mixing your guitar and vocals to headphones has never been easier. The FPGA-based DSP mixer adds a flexible, 3-band parametric equalizer to all inputs and outputs. Reverb and delay FX are also available.
The FPGA-based DSP mixer adds a flexible, 3-band parametric equalizer to all inputs and outputs. Reverb and delay FX are also available. Latest generation low latency AD/DA converters, combined with RME's unique SteadyClock FS technology, result in exceptional specifications that will satisfy the most demanding of professionals. Combining a huge feature set with sonic excellence and intuitive control, whether for the studio or on the move, the RME Babyface Pro is the most comprehensive and versatile compact audio interface ever built.
Straight to the core without interference: the reference design of the Babyface Pro leaves nothing to be desired. RME devices are designed to conserve music as it is. Audio signals are passed in their entirety, nothing added, nothing taken. For the new Babyface, the audio circuits have been improved to meet even highest gain levels with best dynamic range. The clever user interface is informative and clearly laid out. It makes access to every feature and configuration mode of the Babyface Pro intuitive and easy to use.

Notes: Top quality professional performance in a reasonably priced package, SSL's 18 is a 26-in/26-out USB interface with eight analogue mic/line channels and the brand's iconic 4K enhancement. A top quality all-rounder for studios of any size.

Supplier's Notes:
Introducing SSL 18 - a new era in rackmount production technology from Solid State Logic. Developed from our unmatched expertise in analogue and digital design, SSL 18 offers exceptional audio performance with a studio session-ready feature set, delivered with the signature SSL sound and premium quality that professionals trust. Whether you are recording, producing or mixing, SSL 18 enhances production workflows while elevating the performance of your creative space, it's the ultimate centrepiece for your studio. Welcome to a new era in rack mount interface performance.

Next-generation 32-bit/192 kHz converters provide the platform for SSL 18's analogue design to shine, with unrivalled dynamic range performance of 120 dB across all microphone, line-level and instrument inputs - capture your sources like never before. Experience 125 dB dynamic range on the monitor and line outputs to hear your music with uncompromised fidelity. Need to work on headphones? No problem, with the unbeatable 120 dB dynamic range on offer from the dual-headphone outputs.

SSL 18 features eight high-performance SSL-designed mic pre's, with switchable Mic/Line configuration. Leveraging our renowned engineering expertise, they deliver ultra-low noise recordings and a huge dynamic range, making sure you capture every detail of the performance with stunning accuracy. Their advanced 2-stage circuitry ensures ultra-low distortion while maintaining the natural character of the source - or flip them into Legacy 4K Mode to add real analogue saturation and the iconic 4000 series sound to vocals, drums, and more. What's more, in Line mode the mic preamp stage is completely bypassed - perfect for connecting external outboard gear. Located on the front of the unit, inputs 1 & 2 also offer instrument/Hi-Z inputs to capture DI'd guitars and vintage synths/drum machines.

SSL 18 comes equipped with ten balanced line-level outputs located on the rear of the unit. To ensure optimal signal integrity and maximise headroom, line outputs 1&2 and 3&4 can be configured between +9 and +24 dBu, providing seamless compatibility with a wide range of studio monitors and vintage equipment operating at lower levels. Outputs 3 to 10 operate at +24 dBu, perfect for integrating professional outboard equipment. For producers, all outputs are DC-coupled and capable of sending control voltage to synthesizers and modular rigs.

Custom headphone mixes with two independent headphone outputs, configurable for different types with 'Standard', 'High Sensitivity', and 'High Impedance' settings. SSL 18's headphone outputs can also be repurposed as line-level outputs for added flexibility.

SSL 18 features a full monitor controller section with built-in talkback input. Line outputs 1&2 and 3&4 offer alternative speaker switching with Alt and Cut accessible via the monitor controls located on the front panel. Alternatively, customise the monitor controls via SSL 360 and tailor them to your workflow. SSL 18 also features a dedicated talkback input channel that can operate in MIC or LINE mode. LINE mode is great for re-processing audio through the classic Listen Mic Compressor - crush drums, parallel vocals, and more.

The SSL 4000 series consoles (often referred to as '4K') are renowned for imparting a unique 'mojo' to sounds and instruments that pass through them. This mojo comes from multiple stages of harmonic distortion from compressor VCAs, VCA faders, and other crucial components such as the transistor mix amps. Using modern components, SSL has developed a circuit that distils the two essential characteristics of the 4K sound into a single design. Legacy 4K Analogue Enhancement injects a controlled amount of finely-tuned, sweet-sounding harmonic distortion and a 'forward' yet musical high-frequency EQ boost into the signal path, giving your sound the 4K mojo and presence that artists and engineers have loved for decades.

A host of digital audio connections means that SSL 18 is ready to expand your I/O count whenever you are, with an additional 16 channels via ADAT and a further two via S/PDIF. SSL 18's dedicated Word clock output provides rock-solid clocking for integrating external digital devices into your system.

The SSL 18 mixer offers comprehensive management of all inputs and outputs, as well as detailed, scalable input metering in SSL 360-. In the SSL 18 mixer you can create and manage the control room monitor mix, as well as configure up to four independent mixes for performers. In addition, a flexible Mirror Routing system allows you to route any input or aux master directly to an output - perfect for feeding personal monitoring systems, external metering and outboard FX. Create different templates for tracking, mixing and more, then save them as a profile in the SSL 18 mixer.

Designed by the same engineering teams behind the esteemed range of analogue and digital mixing consoles, SSL's rich heritage can be found throughout the design and feature set. SSL 18 is the only product in its category that is designed to properly integrate with professional outboard gear, thanks to the +24 dBu capable inputs and outputs.