All user reviews for the PreSonus Central Station

I am a happy owner of the cental station and its remote control for 2 months and I am quite pleased.
This controller is amazing monitoring its quality (manufacturing / audio / number of inputs and outputs / Routing ...).

You love to watch it (all beautiful Blue LED to indicate different modes of routing) and you forget it at the audio (no perceived change in sound with or without).

It has 3 IN 1 IN analog and digital offering the choice between an optical input and SPDIF in CAR. All inputs and outputs are Balanced Jack 6.35.

3 analog outputs are available and have a trim setting on the front can be calibrated three outputs (TRIM L and R separate for each output).

To control volume, there on the rack of a potentiometer graduated friendly touch of -80 dB to 0 dB as well as good practices to switch 3 for the first 2 or dimer to transfer the output signal and the third Opperer a summation of mono output.

It has everything you need where you need it and can forget (What Happiness)

It's not over, you have also an ingenious system of monitoring headphones allowing you to make a computer without dealing with the problem of routing and latency.

Indeed, two headphone outputs are present on the front with their levels and sélction respective input (Main and Cue).
The sélction is done by pressing the volume knob on the headphone output concerned. This selection is esignalée front with blue LED.

Let's go to our two new sections for monitoring: CUE / MAIN.

For CUE you have the same choice as the Main Entrance (3 IN 1 IN Digital + Analog respectively named TRS1 / TRS2 / TRS2 / DIGITAL SPDIF or TOS / AUX)
The appellation TRS is probably related to the use of TRS connectors.
In short, this section contains a CUE output volume.

For the MAIN you also as seen above control switch inputs from and in addition an AUX input assayable.
Finally the unit also has a built-in talkback mic and a great VU output calibrated.
Obviously no noise of a switch or volume control.

Superb label.
The headphone outputs are potatoes.
Excelente quality connections.
No color or sound deterioration.
No effect on the stereo.
So far so good.

For remote control:
Handy to keep on hand, it includes all the control section MAIN (volume / select input / output selection / MUTE / DIM / MONO).

It also incorporates a micro-order which replaces the rack when the remote is activated.

It is also very well done and the same design of the device with blue light LED and Switch.

Here is a nice tool that will not betray you and will make your life easier.

The price should not be a hindrance at this point in the audio (you'll just pass by and think about the amount you invested in your monitors).

Buy the eyes closed.

I use it for a little over a year.

sound of transparency and neutrality extraordinary (on Adam S3A ...)

Before I had a big knob of which I was happy until west music makes me discover the presonus, and then wow ...

rapprt fabulous value for money (I also tried in on my stereo system and Mark Levinson Martin Logan and it was close as my preamp processor lexicon MC8B (9000 euros).

And for the price, the integrated converter is simply outstanding, I connected my Fireface 800 in analog (balanced of course) and digital (optical) and frankly, at first I preferred the RME, and even listen j '... it is reluctant to say

I would do a thousand times that choice, unless David Manley me a custom controller and with my initials engraved on it ...

This is the third control device monitoring that I buy to fill the gap function at this level of my sound card RME Fireface 800.

I started with a Mackie Big Knob and I am separated thereafter. I gained so Nanopatch a temporary solution and I am finally with the Presonus Central Station today.

Unpacking it is first surprised by the shallowness of the rack, it does not exceed the fifteen centimeters. We understand better when you see the power supply: a proprietary connection format it is large and heavy. I would have preferred it to be integrated into rack left to make it deeper. But maybe having remote power helps eliminate interference in the unit.

When I plug the output of my RME Fireface 800 in analog and digital output (TOSLink) sound card built into my motherboard via the digital input of the Central Station. This is one of great interest for this device: it includes a DAC converter! And through this connection I let do the conversion work at Central Station rather than low-end chipset built into the PC.

Listening to the sound is perfectly routed without any alteration of the signal! Presonus seems to have taken care to compose a completely passive circuit in the interests of full transparency. To my ears it's very successful but hey I moderate my decision at this level because my homestudio has nothing to Abbey Road and my monitors are simple KRK V4. The D / A conversion is it excellent and I am delighted to take advantage of my audio chipset in this way for everyday use of windows (the RME is reserved for the computer music).

The facade is divided into six parts:
- A section with talkback microphone in front (it is possible to connect a dynamic microphone via the XLR input on the back of the rack) that I will not notice because I have no use in my home studio
- A section with two headphone outputs equipped with their independent volume control. The headphones have good momentum and pressing on their knob volume you can switch between the MAIN and CUE, practice! Note that these pots are slotted to adjust the volume by one level (the differential between each step is very short, it's still accurate and we do not find to look for an intermediary)
- Cue section allows you to select a different input to the MAIN switch between the two headphone outputs on the set just before.
- Section MAIN is a source switch (two analog inputs in jack, a digital or SPDIF TOSLink and finally an auxiliary RCA input level which is adjustable)
- Proudly displayed in the center a meter composed of 30 segments LED. He is responsive and accurate with the addition of a display of peaks (which can be reset via a button next to it). We regret only that the LED is very similar tend to illuminate the LED slightly following but it's still perfectly readable.
- Finally comes the part with the Speakers selection between three pairs of listening and basic functions of MUTE, DIM and MONO. Note also the presence of TRIM to adjust the level of each pair of listening. Finally at the far right of the rack you have the master volume knob that race (not serrated) is a perfect blend of softness and firmness.

In conclusion I am completely satisfied with my purchase. The Central Station has done its job of monitoring controller with the utmost respect for the signal. Add to that features like the pleasant DA converter, CUE Section / MAIN, etc..

The optional remote CSR-1 controls the remote interface by deporting the main settings (input selector, selector monitors, talkback and master volume) on a small mobile unit and connected via a long cable.
After this connect the two devices to synchronize except main control volume that is only functional on the remote. CSR-1 is built with the same concerns finishing the rack, can not fault it. We could just blame him to be optional and in addition to a high price!

SUMMARY:

+ Transparency of its
And durable finish
+ D / A converters quality
+ Range of connection (however, that damage is not XLR)
+ Sections headset complete with source selector

- Owner and bulky external power supply
- No power button (the rack is in use as it is powered)
- No possibility to mix two inputs on a single monitor output (although this option is possible on its little brother the Presonus Monitor Station)
- LED VU meter poorly insulated (that's to quibble vriament)
- CSR-1 Remote Control Optional

From the outset, unpacking, we notice the high quality construction and materials, both for the rackmount unit for the remote. This is relatively heavy, very stable ... The pro stuff!

I will not dwell on the technical specs (excellent), all being well addressed on the site of Presonus. One important thing: the totally passive signal path, which is preferable for its neutrality! Another thing: a double-digital input (SPDIF + Optical) with a DAC that goes up to 192kHz.

Connections are complete, you turn it all (no switch ON / OFF, it becomes a habit a little heavy at that price, anyway!) And presto! Means the mechanical relays get together on their default position, the front displays an armada of loupiotte pretty blue and we're ready!

Usage / Usability:
The ergonomics are well thought! The knobs give a very serious contact, the detent is very thin, the resistance is good ... The switch selection are frank ... The remote control is in-dis-pen-sand! Otherwise, arm outstretched toward the rack at any operation, while the remote allows you to stay at the center, in the listening position!

A small criticism: if the blue LEDs are the most beautiful effect, I wish some of them differ in color. The MUTE, such as red or orange, to know instantly that I can start the sauce 4am 'no surprises ... Ditto for Mono, Sun .. etc.

Listening to:
You do not hear it, actually! No difference with the analog output of my Motu Ultralite! Superb!
SPDIF in is even better: I suspect the converter DAC to be a bit better even than those of MOTU, which is already more than correct!

The two headphone amplifiers: from the Presonus HP-4, which is already a very popular headphone amp, it is clearly better! The headroom is huge, and higher bandwidth! My DT-770 PRO is supposed to tackle 5Hz (probably 20-25Hz real) and I hear there really sub bass, this with great clarity! Highs are more present. Amazing! This is now my headphones listening reference!
Conclusion:
A superbly built machine, a no-compromise audio quality and ergonomics "pro"! It's the safe bet, the kind of thing you never regret the purchase! Keep in mind that all that means in your studio will come along!
I first use of a Monitor Station, taking advantage of the coupon Universe Son (269euros) I kept a few days: good product, but ultimately it's a bit annoying to have all these cables and other headphones extensions that lead to the big box put there on the master keyboard. Above all, no digital input + signal passing through active elements, so its neutrality in doubt! So back ... Next time we will avoid head shots!

When I dropped 650 euros for the Central Station + remote control, for sure I changed budget, but I know now that it is the right choice! No regrets, on the contrary!

- How long have you use it?

I use it for a few months, but I can already tell wouuuaaaahhh, is it really there?? It does not hurt, it's what we ask

- What is so special that you like most and least?

What I like most, it is non-existent compared to the mackie BigKnob I had one week, I felt that there was a hollow in the lower spectrum.
What I like least is that there is no on / off switch, it really is not practical, I directment shuts down the strip via the on / off button

- With experience, you do again this choice? ...

yes no problem

I put my 8 / 10, just due to lack of on / off switch, nothing to say about the rest
Some months later, and still do nothing to blame him for more !!!!!!

I use this unit for 2 days. Bought used via an ad found on the Forum ...

I Fully agree with the previous ones advice: her copy, well-stocked trs connectors (XLR, but why not? Apart from the fact that the XLR would be more than Chres bases Jacks) ... Not agree with the cons by quality of knobs: they seem a bit "fragile", we will use ...

The features are well thought out and use, we feel the need for tlcommande (I have not yet acquired).

BUT: on my MODEL, I have the right from which is stronger than the left, and many (on the bar graph of the Central Station is 2 3 LED when even more). I tried other sources, other Cables, do anything, always the same concern ...

It's funny because I thought first take the Mackie Big Knob, but it is precisely on these machines frquent one of the two speakers output is stronger than the second

I just leave a message to newcomers (it is not apparent but JukeBox dsormais Arbiter France, we'll see if they are as nice and ractifs than JukeBox), and I am informed Following vnements ...

I leave the note 7, at the moment ...

A trs fast!!

*** Update *** from 11/03/2009
APRS-depth research with the help of France Arbiter, the new importer, it is ultimately only one of my c'tait Cables which ignores the offending (and even several of them, the small pranksters).
APRS and a small purchase of cable high-end works much better a
I began my note 10, the machine is perfect, just a little out of my arm for all that is handling ...
So I ordered the tlcommande!

Edit the ***** ****** 04/05/09
And with the tlcommande is just royal, the only last little default: no rglage level tlcommande headphones on, but otherwise it's just perfect

Paul
https://www.deroutes.fr

I use this controller for 3 years, and I confess that I now find it difficult to do without. It's a really well thought out camera, super easy to use and quickly forgotten.

It allows both ease of routing and an obvious non-negligible gain in sound quality, getting out of his sound card to 0dB reduces the calculations, but without falling into the mathematical handjob, my ears have noticed a gain definition of sound, most evident in the lower spectrum, which appeared to me more clearly defined from the first listen. Let no one say that it is psychological, I triturated this rack in any formal sense and I'm on it, we gain in potato and definition. If this observation may differ depending on the quality of the speakers, he is unstoppable at cons preamps headphone, holding a good, well above those that can be found on maps Motu example.

Another very important asset, nothing is colored. The internal electronics are very well managed, with quality components and especially isolation between circuits that can not be faulted. It's actually listening monitors and nothing else ... I think including a Big Knob, which had seriously disrupted when I had tried on BM6A (pregnant that I know on the fingertips), the medium seemed to suffer a je ne sais quoi of draft, very weird ... But this is not the same price.

Final advantage: the internal converter, high charges, it is impossible to differentiate between it and the "hand out" an EMR is a very good job with the ability to plug 2 interfaces, & toslink spdif, which adds to the versatility of the device.

In short, Presonus, mark that I must confess I never made a big impression, did not fucking its customers with this very good rack, which appears now to 500 euros, excellent value price. I branch 2 or 3 pairs of plays, leaving my sound card, my CD player broadcast, two synths, my portable recorder, my PC output "multimedia", and there is still room! To mix it's happiness, one can compare his work with one or two sources of reference, while juggling her monitors, a real added value not to be surprised on other plays. There is very little equivalent model in terms of connectivity, but there are better in terms of sound quality, but it will pay 3-5 times more expensive, and it is justified only if the presence of pregnant very upscale. In my opinion, the best in its class.

Most

Ultra connectors provided, and quite solid.
headphone section ultra-complete.
converters troubleshoot and correct very well.
the rack
real value added for the broadcast quality and finish mixing.
electronics, which stains only well thought nothing.
Remote Powering, farewell parasites!

The -

The XLR sockets are always more reassuring, but the price and size would have taken a hit.
a section-meter peak Led nice but very anecdotal in terms of accuracy, better go RTW.
Pots of strong, but that can become clogged with years to provide internal cleansing swab ...
Knob the main level would have earned to be larger, it is far from SPL at this point of view.

PreSonus's Central Station is a device designed to be the base for your recording studio. It is like the Mackie Big Knob, where you route your monitors and everything through it. It doesn't make or process any sound of it's own, it's really just a very helpful utility tool. As far as connections go, it has three sets of stereo 1/4" outputs for your monitors, making it easy to switch between A, B, and C monitors, as they are labeled on the Central Station. It also has two sets of stereo 1/4" line outputs and two sets of 1/4" inputs in addition to RCA aux inputs. For talkback, it has an XLR input for the talkback mic and a 1/4" connection for a pedal. There is also a connection for the external remote controller for Central Station, which is the called the Central Station Remote, or the CSR-1 for short. Lastly, it has digital inputs for SPDIF and Toslink. The front of the device is split up into different sections for talkback, headphones, cue, mains, passive speaker control, and metering. The talkback has a simple button to engage the TB mic, and the headphone section has two 1/4" headphone jacks and leveling knobs for each. The main and cue sections have routing buttons and leveling knobs, while the speaker control section is where you can choose between the different speaker outputs. The metering is bright and easy to follow as well. That's pretty much all that you need to know about the Presonus Central Station, which isn't too much but is certainly enough for something like this. I've seen this in action in both professional and home studios, making it a rare breed of gear that can crossover easily. If you're looking for something to anchor your studio down and to give you easy access to routing and monitoring, absolutely check out the Central Station.