Presonus Studio 26c

59

USB-C 2x4 Audio Interface

  • 24 Bit / 192 kHz
  • 2 Combo inputs Mic/Line/Inst on the front: XLR/jack
  • +48 V phantom power
  • 2 XMAX L mic preamps
  • 2 Balanced TRS main outputs with level control on the front
  • DC-coupled line outputs allow CV/Gate signals to be sent out of the DAW
  • 2 TRS jack line outputs
  • Stereo headphone output with A/B switching
  • LED level indicators - 2 inputs, 2 main outputs
  • MIDI In and Out
  • Latency-free monitoring
  • Bus-powered
  • Compatible with Windows 10, Mac OSX 10.11 or higher
  • Includes USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to USB-A cable as well as Presonus Studio One Artist software + Studio Magic plug-in suite (Ableton - Live Lite, Arturia - Analog Lab Lite 3 and much more)
Available since February 2019
Item number 457485
Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
Recording / Playback Channels 2x4
Number of Mic Inputs 2
Number of Line Inputs 2
Instrument Inputs 2
Number of Line Outs 4
Headphone Outs 1
Phantom power Yes
Number of S/PDIF Connectors 0
Number of ADAT Connectors 0
Numer of AES/EBU Connectors 0
Number of MADI Connectors 0
Ethernet 0
Other Connectors No
MIDI interface Yes
Word Clock No
Max. sample rate (kHz) 192 kHz
Max. resolution in bit 24 bit
USB Bus-Powered Yes
Incl. power supply No
USB Version 2.0
Connection Format USB port Type C
Included in delivery incl. USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to USB-A Cable
Zero latency monitoring 1
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$129
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Portable USB-C audio interface

The Presonus Studio 26c is a 2-in/4-out audio interface with a USB-C connection that can be operated with Windows 7 and above and macOS from version 10.11 onwards. Two input and four output signals can be processed simultenaously, and the two XLR/jack combo sockets on the front of the interface can be used to connect not only microphones and keyboards but also stringed instruments with high-impedance outputs such as electric guitars and electric basses (the interface automatically adjusts the input impedance). Another very practical feature is the integrated MIDI interface, to which external controllers, keyboards, and drum pads can be connected. To allow the user to get started straight away, the scope of delivery additionally includes two USB cables and the Studio One Artist software.

Front view of the Presonus Studio 26c USB-C 2x4 Audio Interface

Plug-and-play at its finest

The Presonus Studio 26c is USB-powered, which allows the compact interface to be operated on the go, and its quartet of four-segment LED meters allow visual monitoring of the input and output levels on the unit itself. The "MON" button lets the user activate direct monitoring, which routes a 50/50 mix of playback and input signal to the outputs. Two different mixes can be created for monitoring via headphones and monitor speakers, respectively, and the user can select the signal source for the headphone output via the "A/B" button. The headphone output will definitely be loud enough, since it goes up to eleven, in addition to which switchable phantom power for condenser microphones is also provided and can be activated for both channels using the dedicated button on the front of the unit.

Back view of the Presonus Studio 26c USB-C 2x4 Audio Interface

A two-channel studio

The term "studio" in the Presonus Studio 26c's name does a lot more than simply describe its appearance: Anyone who can get by with two high-quality input channels and four playback channels can build a small but impressive recording or home studio with this USB audio interface. In many cases, two channels are sufficient for everyday studio use, and the Presonus Studio 26c packs these two channels into a compact format and delivers an impressively high-quality sound thanks to its 24-bit converter resolution and 192kHz sample rate. Worthy of note is also the fact that this interface features the same low-noise XMAX-L microphone preamps as Presonus uses in its high-end digital consoles, and as mentioned above the Studio 26c can be powered via the USB socket and is therefore also suitable for mobile use.

Inputs on the Presonus Studio 26c USB-C 2x4 Audio Interface

About Presonus

Presonus is a US company founded in 1995 by Jim Odom and Brian Smith in Baton Rouge, Lousiana. The firm designs hardware and software at both professional and more affordable levels for musicians and producers. Presonus first made a splash in the mid-1990s with the DCP8, an eight-channel analogue compressor/limiter/gate with fader and mute automation that could be digitally controlled by MIDI. In the early 2000s followed a series of microphone amplifiers and the first audio interfaces for the then-emerging home studio scene. Today, the company's product range includes audio interfaces, microphone preamps, digital mixing consoles, and studio monitors as well as the established DAW software Studio One.

A creative tool for on the go

The Presonus Studio 26c gives users who don't need more than two high-quality input channels a portable creative tool for all kinds of applications. The interface is compact enough that singer-songwriters can easily take it to gigs or capture ideas on the go. Musicians can record vocals and guitar or keyboard at the same time thanks to the Presonus Studio 26c's two-channel design and thus refine their ideas in the Studio One Artist software with virtual instruments and effects. What is more, the Presonus Studio 26c's ability to create two separate stereo mixes also makes it an interesting proposition for DJs, who can use the main outputs to run a PA system and cue their tracks via the line output. This option of creating two separate mixes also allows the user to record musicians or speakers in a separate recording room, for example, making this interface ideal as the central element of a compact home studio setup.

59 Customer ratings

4.8 / 5

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36 Reviews

v
Excellent sound, but some things to take note of.
vodkadebugger 14.10.2021
Coming from using a guitar effects processor (Digitech RP-155) as my audio interface (still sounded better than PC onboard), the immediate thing I noticed with the sound was the subbass detail it added, at least compared to what I had previously. So, I guess, it has a good DAC built in.

My biggest issue with it is the channel imbalance for the main volume knob at the lowest volumes (just under 8 o clock position), so a good 3-4mm of travel on the knob is essentially useless. Perhaps control in this starting region is too much to expect from a potentiometer in a device in this price segment, so I will only knock off 1 star for this.

Feature wise, I wish universal control wasn't so...useless. I can't do anything with the line outs there (like, for example, always send the main mix to line out in addition to main out). I can do basics like, what, changing sample rate, block size, clock source? My DAW settings overwrite these anyway? 1 star off for this, can't fault it anywhere else.
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TT
Great interface for Home Studio!
Tomas T. 04.06.2019
I currently use this audio interface for my Home Studio setup.
Presonus Studio 26c is a small audio interface with a very clear sound, especially for this price. It is very easy to set up (plug and play on Mac).
The build quality is good. It feels very sturdy, and well built. One of the downsides I found so far is that they placed all the outputs in the back of the interface, which make plugging in the headphone a drag. Also sometimes the interface needs to be disconnected and reconnected, as it is not recognized by the software.
The best part about this product though, is the USB-C connection. This gets rid of any dongles, and that is veeeery handy. At the moment being one of the only, if not the only audio interface in that price with a USB-C connection, it gives presonus a nice lead.

Overall a great and affordable product.
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G
Very good
Gabel 04.10.2019
I use it for audio playback, voip and sometimes for mixing in a treated room. I got to love Presonus gear from my first audiobox bought more than 8 years ago which at some point I had in parallel with a RME Fireface 800 and didn't hear any differences on playback, mic pres were indeed better on RME.
Never had driver problems which for me is one of the most important aspect in a audio interface.

Cons:
*Very good sound on all outputs, headphones included. Only tried with maximum 55 ohm headphones which it can easily overdrive.
* Really good preamps
*Usb powered and plug and play on windows , it is recommended u get software pack from Presonus.
*Switches , pots feel good and sturdy.
*Solid contruction, managed to drop it from 1 meter before plugging it in the first time and was totally fine :) .

Cons: None in 1 month of heavy use, no weird sounds, clicks or unresponsive drivers.
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PV
Pagan Vibes 03.02.2021
I was hesitating buying this audio interface because I had doubts if it is capable of driving 250 Ohm headphones to a decent level but a few professionals persuaded me that it is, so I've bought it and didn't regret.
It is a nice, small, well built iron box which you can definitely grab with you if you're going to travel. Bear in mind that it is always be marked with you finger prints on the top surface. Anyways, the sound quality of preamps is a lot more better than in younger model and indeed is really good for this price range. There are two cables inside: USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to USB-A, but they are very short (about a metre in length). Another inconvenience is that a headphone port is on the back side panel. Still, you'll have a nice interface to which you can connect 2 pairs of monitors and some devices via midi cable. I'm totally fine with this device but it is up to you and your preferences.
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