PreSonus Quantum 4848 – Thunderbolt 2 Audio Interface Overview

The PreSonus Quantum 4848 is a low-latency audio interface which, via analog and ADAT connections, gives you up to 48 inputs and up to 48 outputs. The unit’s converters allow for low-latency recording, as well as dynamic ranges greater than 120 dB on both the ADC (analog to digital) and DAC (digital to analog) side. Furthermore, the Quantum captures audio at 24-bit resolutions, achieving sample rates up to 192 kHz.

For analog I/O, the Quantum 4848 provides 32 line-level input and outputs via DB25 connectors. The optical ADAT section offers two banks of I/O with 16×16 at 44.1/48 kHz and 8×8 at 88.2/96 kHz. BNC wordclock I/O allow you to sync your interface with any digital equipment. With Studio One Professional’s Pipeline XT, you can insert your analog hardware processors into your session with automatic latency compensation.

Thunderbolt 2 ports offer connections to your host computer, and with two of them on hand, you can chain multiple units (up to four) for a total of 192×192. Additionally, any combination of Quantum interfaces is compatible to create custom systems with microphone preamps, headphone monitoring, and more. The PreSonus Quantum 4848 ships Studio One Professional and the Studio Magic plug-in suite featuring professional-quality effects from Arturia, SPL, Lexicon, Brainworks, Maag, and more.

Key Features at a Glance

• General Features
  • 48×48 ultra-low-latency 24-bit 192 kHz Thunderbolt 2 audio interface
  • 32 line-level inputs and outputs via rear-panel DB25 connectors
  • Dual ADAT inputs and outputs for 16 channels of digital I/O at base sample rates
  • Stack up to four Quantum 4848 interfaces via Thunderbolt for 192×192 simultaneous inputs and outputs
  • Stack any combination of four Quantum, Quantum 2, and Quantum 4848 interfaces via Thunderbolt to create a custom system
• Integrated Software
  • Tight integration with the included Studio One Professional DAW software (Mac/Windows) for multitrack music production and mastering
  • Native Studio One Pipeline XT plug-in provides easy integration of analog processors in a digital recording environment
  • Wireless control of Studio One Professional using free Studio One Remote for iPad/Android tablet
  • Studio Magic Plug-in Suite included
  • Compatible with most recording software for Mac and Windows
• Connectivity
  • Simultaneous I/O up to 48 inputs / 48 outputs
  • 32 line-level inputs and outputs via rear-panel DB25 connectors
  • ADAT Optical/Dual SMUX inputs/outputs: 16×16 channels at 44.1 or 48 kHz; 8×8 channels at 88.2 or 96 kHz
  • Channel Profile modes allow you to customize I/O configurations for third-party recording software that limits simultaneous recording streams
  • Dual Thunderbolt ports for stacking multiple units and connecting Thunderbolt peripherals
• Digital
  • Thunderbolt 2 high-speed bus
  • 24-bit resolution and up to 192 kHz sampling rate
  • 120 dB A/D/A converters
  • BNC wordclock input and output with low-jitter clocking
• Physical
  • Rugged construction with all-metal chassis
  • 1 RU rack-mountable
  • 12 VDC, 5A external power supply (included)