The PreSonus STUDIOCHANNEL is a versatile audio recording and processing device that brings professional-grade sound to your studio. In this review, we’ll delve into the features, performance, and overall value of this audio tool.
Overview
The PreSonus STUDIOCHANNEL is a channel strip that combines a Class A tube preamp, a solid-state equalizer, and a VCA compressor. It’s designed to cater to musicians, podcasters, and voice-over artists, offering a one-stop solution for enhancing audio quality.
Preamp Features
- Class A Tube Preamp: Delivers warm, vintage-like tones, ideal for adding character to vocals and instruments.
- Solid-State Equalizer: Offers a 3-band EQ with sweepable midrange, allowing precise tonal control.
- VCA Compressor: Provides transparent and effective dynamic processing to smooth out audio levels.
- Instrument Input: Allows direct recording of guitars and basses with exceptional clarity.
- XLR and ¼” TRS Inputs: Versatile connectivity for a wide range of audio sources.
- LED Metering: Clear visual feedback for input and output levels.
Preamp Pros
- Sound Quality: The Class A tube preamp delivers warm and natural sound, making vocals and instruments sound rich and full.
- Versatility: With a combination of preamp, EQ, and compressor, it’s an all-in-one tool for audio processing, saving you money and space.
- Build Quality: The STUDIOCHANNEL feels robust and well-constructed, built to withstand the rigors of studio use.
- Easy to Use: Simple controls and LED metering make it user-friendly, even for those new to audio equipment.
- The Instrument Input is a fantastic addition, providing exceptional clarity for guitar and bass recordings.
- Value for Money: Considering its features and performance, the STUDIOCHANNEL offers excellent value.
Preamp Cons
- Price: It might be on the higher end of the price spectrum for beginners or those on a tight budget.
- Size: The unit is a bit large, which could be an issue if you have limited space in your studio setup.
Performance
In terms of performance, the PreSonus STUDIOCHANNEL excels. The Class A tube preamp imparts a beautiful warmth to audio recordings, while the solid-state equalizer and VCA compressor provide precise control over the sound. The LED metering ensures you can monitor your levels easily. It’s an ideal tool for vocal recordings, and the instrument input is a valuable asset for musicians.
Conclusion
The PreSonus STUDIOCHANNEL is a really good device for improving sound, and it can do many different things. It’s not the cheapest choice, but if you care a lot about audio, it’s a good thing to spend your money on.
Dr. John. –
Setting up the v/o work station was an interesting prospect. I quickly learned that the digital recorders of any decent quality cost a lot so the computer work station with a mic, Studio Channel, and interface looked good. I started with the mic and interface but wanted some contouring and a warmer sound. There were several options but for the money, the Presonus looked like a good bet. At least a good starter processor/preamp. I didn’t want to spend the money for one of the more expensive units but wanted a good tube amp quality. This really covers the bases with the eq, the very handy compressor/limiter and options. Instructions are a bit lacking but you can find out more via on line videos on how to set up the unit. Much of it is going to be experimenting on your part to get the right sound. I drive the tube at about “half throttle”. How does it sound? Not bad. There is a fairly pronounced noise floor but, thankfully, it doesn’t make it to the computer so when I listen to the recording, I liked the outcome. Only the refined audio product and it was nice. Watch the gain as you’ll quickly over power the level. One thing I find odd; the V/U meter doesn’t register much for level but the limiter mode on the meter works very well. I had more fun with that function in fine tuning the voice as I wanted it. The tube effect is a bit subtle and won’t bring a huge difference as the more expensive units. What it does do is, shape the sound nicely whilst warming and softening the sound. I love the parametric eq and spent a lot of time getting to know it and setting it up then I added a touch of high frequency in the right range. I was very pleased with the results and find the Studio Channel works well for what I need now. Remember that we’re speaking of a highly objective thing where everyone’s preferences will be slightly or even vastly different. So, it’s not the best around but for all the features, it’s great for a starter audio shaping and I love that everything I need is built in. It’s a good piece of equipment and worth trying. You may be pleasantly surprised. If you want it in a very serious processing rack, It may or many not suit what you want and may want to think something more upscale. For what you pay and what you get, it’s really not bad. Recommended.Pros: Features, quality, options.Cons: Not many but needs more effect.Will it work for you? For the money, I really think you won’t go wrong.
Robert –
I own 2 of these as I wanted to add a bit of tube flavor to my digital recordings that sounded dull and un-natural through direct in on my soundcard. I am just on hobby level. But with this the sound quality is pro.I record at 24 bit 96k.First off. The stock tubes are great but replaced them both with Electro Harmonix 12AX7’s. Less crisp more warm mids.This is very easy. Unscrew side screws. Hold the tube socket firmly in left hand (so as not to damage soldering). Carefully wiggle and pull out tube. Replace in same position. Voila.I use it for a variety of mics and instruments. I put my TC helicon vocal processors (voicelive, create, harmony, etc.) before it and add some tube gain, sounds amazing.I record into a Steinberg UR44 (great interface).I always put tube drive on full and use gain sparingly.For Condensers I sometimes use the pad to remove some hiss and boost levels via gain.It works amazing for average acoustics with Piezzo pickups. Just go from guitar to a DI and into this (XLR in). Great, sound think Cat stevens.I have also used it for an electric guitar via instrument inputs and it sounds amazing. I used output from reverb into 2 of these and to mixer. The sound is super clean (although I must admit I used a Big sky). I even used some drive pedals before it and if you set levels right it sounds really, really great.A great secret is that this unit shines as a bass pre-amp! I take signal from my bass amp DI out into this. You can also use a small DI. This unit shapes the bass beautifully and it sounds super warm. You get that nice tube sound. Bass is not flabby.You have to familiarize yourself with the controls (comp & EQ) and incorporate it into your set-up.Yip the switch on the back sucks. Minus 1 star for that.
peederj –
This is beginner priced and spec’d unit that does hiss a bit much but when dialed perfectly can provide a rich *modern* tube tone, with a VCA compressor and simple EQ in line. This is not a vintage tube tone, it’s very rich and polished and not so warm and mid forward like vintage units. It sounds kinda like it looks.BUT the hard part is dialing in the tone properly. Every little detente on every knob matters. It took all my decades of pro engineering skill to coax a nice sound out of this. In that way, it reminds me of the high end Millenia Origin channel strip that was so touchy everywhere. Of course it’s ridiculous to mention those in the same breath but whatever. Not sure if Fred designed this unit too (he did the ADL for them).Anyway there is a good tone at the end of this rainbow, but the output isn’t very loud (perhaps they are worried about beginners clipping their ADCs) and there is a few dB more noise. Not an uneven noise thankfully.I just needed an extra analog channel and picked this up from Amazon Warehouse less than half price because it needed repair which took me five seconds. You can try different tubes in there too if you want.
Vale D. –
Great quality, great sound, a professional preamp you will absolutley love!I am very thrilled to have received this product, after the bitter disappointment of the DBX. There is no comparison. The price you pay corresponds to the quality. Presonus is an American brand, recently acquired by Fender. So it’s no joke. In the package there is a manual, a guide for musicians about the production of records and marketing (I really appreciate !) and the power cord with a small transformer, which has a handy switcher like the one of the bedroom lamps.As I said the build quality of the material used is high, the color is a nice matte blue, it has a fan for the reaction above, which is very useful to avoid overheating. Rack or desk placement. It’s not bulky: I have a very narrow desk and it fits beautifully.Furthemore, the knobs are elegant but very solid, and turn easily. We find: instrument input on the front, TRS output and microphone input on the back. The switch off button is on the back too, but it is not a problem for me, as there is the switcher on the power cable which is very handy.The effects are, as advertised, compressor, saturation, equalizer, phase inversion and there is a knob for output gain and preamp gain. Since there is also a guide with standard parameters for EQ and compression in the manual, it is easy to play even for a novice.Tried with a Yamaha AG06 audio interface/mixer, quite old and cheap. The difference in terms of sound, and gain, is huge. Never heard my voice like this before, maybe just once in the record studio (but they charge.. )Finally, I have not encountered any kind of problem or imperfection. More importantly, the unit is completely, but I mean completely silent! For those looking for a faithful and clean sound, but which can also be manipulated towards a warmer and more full-bodied sound, and have professional studio quality at an affordable price. Highly recommended.
Doug –
Amazing for the priceMy recordings and live sound are so much better, it’s hard to believe.I use it for live/recorded voice and recorded mic’d acoustic guitar.The instructions include example settings to get great results right away.
Daniel Davinci –
The best sound from my SM7B Mic to date!I previously had a Behringer Ultrapro preamp run through a Alesis Compressor / Gate and Behringer Mini EQ. There was a hiss which I thought was normal and it turns out it wasn’t the Behringer causing it. Aiming to rid of all that gear, I bought a ‘channel strip’ (Pre, Compressor, EQ in one unit) which is the ‘Presonus Studio Channel’.My audio interface is a Steinberg UR242.Not only did The Studio Channel rid of the hiss, it took the sound of my already good sounding SM7B to another level. The EQ section comprising of a total of eight knobs for low, mid and high frequencies, allowed me to increase the bass in my voice and add an element of brightness – might like the typical ‘radio voice sound’ which was the goal!The compressor does it’s job for me for my voiceover work and as mentioned the pre is quiet. Notable hiss doesnt come into play until you turn the gain right up.I also bought a Cloudlifter and later a Soyuz Launcher which helped me increase my mic signal whilst allowing me to turn down the gain even further.My sound quality has increased a lot as a result buying the Studio Channel alone. What’s more, I just sold me old gear to pay for it.If you’re looking for a simple, effective solution for an all in one pre, compressor and EQ, this seemingly represents one of the best choices you can make!
Simo –
ConsigliatoPre valvolare di buona qualità, silenzioso, e con diverse possibilità di taratura.Eq abbastanza incisivo e compressore discreto.Vince per il prezzo rispetto alla concorrenza.
luca mangoni –
ottimo prodotto da home studio.il primo che mi è arrivato, era difettoso. amazon lo ha sostituito nel giro di una settimana. servizio perfetto!!!lo studiochannel, è un ottimo prodotto. suono pulito, preciso e performante. per un home studio, o studio semiprofessionale, è un gran bel apparecchio. versatile e di qualità.certo, per uno studio super professionale, credo non sia adatto.quattro stelle tra prezzo e prestazioni.