Quantum 2626: 26x26 Thunderbolt™ 3 Audio Interface
The Speed of Sound
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 best—whether you’re recording with or without your favorite plug-ins engaged in real-time.
Timeless audio
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*).
Superior Sound
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.
Expansive audio
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.
Award-winning recording software included
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.
The Quantum leap.
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.
Includes Studio Magic Plug-in Suite.
This suite of plug-ins adds a wealth of fresh virtual instruments and effects to Studio One. Cherry-picked from the first names in virtual instruments and effects, each plug-in brings a different flavor of practical magic to your songs. These plug-ins aren't gimmicky one-trick ponies — these are real-deal workhorses that you'll rely on for countless mixes.
Features
General Features
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26x26 Thunderbolt 3 ultra-low-latency audio interface
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<1 ms roundtrip latency*; record direct to DAW with your favorite plug-ins engaged
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24-Bit/192kHz Operation with high-quality 115 dB A/D/A converters
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Studio One Artist and Studio Magic plug-in bundle included
Flexible Connectivity
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Simultaneous I/O up to 26 inputs / 26 outputs (at 44.1 or 48 kHz)
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8 pristine XMAX preamps
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2 Instrument Inputs
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8 balanced line inputs
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Dual headphone outputs with independent level control
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Balanced stereo main outputs with independent level control
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8 DC Coupled balanced line outputs
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2 preamp direct outputs with returns to insert outboard gear
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Main Output Level Control
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Balanced Stereo Main Output (TRS)
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Eight Balanced Line Outputs (TRS (outs 1 & 2 share a DAC with the main output))
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Two Preamp Outputs (channels 1 & 2)
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Two Line Returns (channels 1 & 2)
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ADAT Optical/Dual SMUX inputs/outputs: 16x16 channels at 44.1 or 48 kHz; 8x8 channels at 88.2 or 96 kHz
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Stereo S/PDIF coaxial input and output
Digitalia
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Thunderbolt 3 high-speed bus
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24-bit resolution and up to 192 kHz sampling rate
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BNC word clock input and output with low-jitter clocking
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MIDI I/O
Physical
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Road-rugged construction with all-metal chassis and metal knobs
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1U rack-mountable
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12 VDC external power supply (included)
Technical Specifications
Microphone Preamp
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Type XLR Female (via Combo), Balanced
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Maximum Input Level +10 dBu (Balanced, min. gain)
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Gain Control Range 60 dB
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Frequency Response 20 Hz to 20 kHz (±0.15 dB, unity gain, 48 kHz)
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Dynamic Range > 110 dB (A-wtd, min. gain)
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Total Harmonic Distortion < 0.005% (1 kHz, min. gain)
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EIN < -131 dBu (max gain, 40Ω, 22 kHz BW, A-wtd)
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Input Impedance 1.6 kΩ
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Phantom Power +48V, > 8 mA per input
Instrument Inputs
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Type ¼” TS Female (via Combo), Unbalanced
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Maximum Input Level +15 dBu (Unbalanced, min. gain)
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Gain Control Range 60 dB
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Frequency Response 20 Hz to 20 kHz (±0.2 dB, unity gain, 48 kHz)
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Dynamic Range > 106 dB (A-wtd, min. gain)
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Total Harmonic Distortion < 0.005% (1kHz, min. gain)
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Input Impedance > 1 MΩ
Line Inputs
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Type ¼” TRS Female (via Combo), Balanced
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Maximum Input Level + 18 dBu (Balanced, min. gain)
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Frequency Response 20 Hz to 20 kHz (±0.05 dB, unity gain, 48 kHz)
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Dynamic Range > 118 dB (A-wtd, min. gain)
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Total Harmonic Distortion < 0.005% (1 kHz, min. gain)
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Input Impedance 10 kΩ
Main and Line Outputs
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Type ¼” TRS Female, impedance balanced, DC Coupled (Line Outputs only)
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Maximum Output Level +18 dBu (Balanced)
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Frequency Response 20 Hz to 20 kHz (±0.05 dB, unity gain, 48 kHz)
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Dynamic Range > 118 dB (A-wtd)
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Total Harmonic Distortion < 0.0035% (1 kHz, +4 dBu)
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Output Impedance 51Ω
Headphone Outputs
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Type ¼” TRS Female, Stereo, Unbalanced, x2
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Maximum Output Level 175 mW/channel (56Ω load)
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Frequency Response 20 Hz to 20 kHz (±0.5 dB, 48 kHz)
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Dynamic Range > 110 dB (A-wtd)
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Total Harmonic Distortion < 0.03% (1 kHz)
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Headphone Impedance (working range) 16Ω to 300Ω
Crosstalk
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Input to Input < -110 dB
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Output to Output < -115 dB
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Input to Output < -120 dB
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Signal Level LEDs
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Clip -0.5 dBFS
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Signal -50 dBFS
Digital Audio
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Connection Type Thunderbolt 3 (Thunderbolt 1 and 2 compatible)
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ADC Dynamic Range 115 dB (A-wtd)
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DAC Dynamic Range 115 dB (A-wtd)
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Bit Depth 24 bits
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Internally Supported Sample Rates 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz
Clock
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Jitter < 70 ps RMS (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
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Jitter Attenuation > 60 dB (1 ns in => 1 ps out)
Power
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12 VDC, 5A, external power supply
Physical
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Dimensions
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Height 1.75" (44.45 mm)
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Depth 7" (177.8 mm)
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Width 19" (482.6 mm)
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Weight 6 lbs (2.72 kg)