PreSonus Quantum ES4 4-In/4-Out Desktop USB-C Audio Interface Reviews

Verified

I replaced a "duo" interface with the Quantum ES4 with a focus on additional inputs and nothing more. But WOW! Did I get more. Not just the extra inputs, but the functionality is next level. A simple physical interface that is really easy to navigate but controls so many options. Phantom power isolated to all four inputs, Auto Gain, dual independant headphone out with awesome pre-amps, dual monitor outputs 2x2 (LR). Just AWESOME. Very happy and would recommend to any home studio or mobile engineer rig. Only downside is the requirement for dual USB C power on the two systems (desktop and laptop) that I use.

Verified

I was after a simple home studio interface and this one fit the bill. Has enough inputs for most simple needs. Purchased during Boxing day sales. Guitar straight into the unit sounds good. Add your favourite Amp sim and IR, and you're done. I was even able to get a 'poor man' bass guitar track down with an OC5 in poly mode and -1 octave dimed into a Ampeg SVT Bass SIM and it sounded passible for my first little muck around. Driver installation (universal audio control) was straight forward on Windows 11 and DAW detected straight away. I'm powering it using a separate USB-C PD3 wall plug as I don't have USB-C on the desktop computer being used. USB-C to USB-A cable will work fine as long as the unit is powered sufficiently. A massive benefit over having a dedicated/proprietary power supply and/or only accepting USB-C PD. I can't speak for value of the bundled DAW - I'm sure it has its proponents and probably comes with a bunch of cool tools to keep you amused and tweaking for the 6 months the trial lasts for. But I just can't agree to the subscription only model and NO perpetual license after the trial period. As such I went straight for the much cheaper perpetual 'alternative' from CI that is easily discovered through a quick search; and took the sage advice of Mr Fricker from SD to stick to simple one-knob plug-ins so I could focus on tracking cool riffs instead of tweaking!