Presonus Quantum HD 8 Review 2024
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- čas přidán 6. 09. 2024
- Do Converters matter?
Mastering /Reference vs Prosumer/Mid tier vs Introductory tier
Here we compare the Presonus Quantum HD 8 vs the Motu M4 and Antelope audio Pure 2
Can You hear the difference over CZcams?
Is there a difference?
Please leave a comment and or questions
This is to help people make a decision on whether its worth the expense between the different tiers
All testing was done on a Mac Studio M1Max 32GB RAM.
THIS IS A NON SPONSORED AND UNBIASED VIDEO
ALL UNITS PURCHASED WITH MY OWN $$$$$
FURTHER DETAILS not included in the Video
Pure 2 is made in Sofia, Bulgaria (the EU)
Motu M4 (The Good Old USA)
Quantum HD 8 (China)
HEADPHONE OUTS
Pure 2 has the most impressive dynamic range, instrument separation ; I dare say accurate and pleasing sound.
QHD 8 had dynamic range on par with Pure 2 but seemed to lack the same separation and had less bass . It had nice transient and high end however.
Motu 4 was the bassiest and punchiest but you could clearly tell the dynamic range was the worst.
Thats all i had time for and no further testing will ensue regarding this matter but feel free to ask questions and leave your thoughts . I tried to gain match everything to the best of my abilty
They all sound good but I find the QHD8 to have more width, more spread and a more polished sound.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts 💭
Hmm my Presonus qauntum HD 2 is getting
Input 1.71ms / 82 samples
Output 3.88ms / 186 sample
All with the same block size of 16 samples and sample rate of 48khz
Yeah your output is lower than mine but I mostly care more for the input.
Thats not bad at all and thank for introducing the motu interface. Hope to get the rack version and extend the HD with it via ADAT
how are thr mic preamps? is it worth buying a neve style preamp to go with it, or are thr built in ones good already
If you can afford Neve then buy Neve . The Pres on the QHD8 are transparent; Neve Pres have a euphoric sound that we are used to hearing on the radio due to transformers involved !
Considering buying one to use as an interface for the Akai Force for expanded inputs. Since you used a Force for the audio, any chance you can report on connecting the Quantum 8 as an interface for the Force to get more ins/outs? From looking at the specs, it's class compliant, can run in the required 44.1 kHz sample rate, so I don't see why it wouldn't work. But I don't see any other videos or posts online about these two pieces of gear being used together yet.
It is class compliant but you will have to get a USB C to USB A Cable as it only comes with a USB C to C . Also consider Tascam Model 12,16 or 24 specifically works with no hicks with the Force
Tascam Model 16 for example gives you higher channel count for less $$$
@@ZiwaHD Good look. Gonna do a bit more research. The form factor of the interface is a tad more appealing for my purposes. I wonder if there's any difference in latency? Maybe you or someone else can chime in with any other reasons someone might lean one way or another.
My idea is to use the interface for inputs, and use the mixer within the Force to control levels for a live band and a few internal instruments on the Force. Space is a concern so that seems like it would be a nice and tidy setup. But open to ideas.
@@ImLordBaltimore I understand the form factor concerns but channel count to cost ratio is definitely better on the TASCAM side
The MOTU had more bottom end and was not transparent. The Antelope was the most transparent converter, but the Quantum was almost as good. I listened to the video using an RME Baby Face Pro FS.
@@deansaghafi8926 your take on Motu and Antelope was spot on . Quantum is not even at the almost stage though ! I reckon it has something to do with CZcams streaming!
@@ZiwaHDWhat do you mean by this? The Quantum was as good at the Antelope or worse?
@@gregdeluca3469 nah quantum is no where near Antelope Pure 2 😂🤣 quantum is okay and can get basic recording down but not mastering whatsoever!
@@ZiwaHDI hear ya. I have an Antelope Orion HD. It sounds great but I’ve had nothing but problems with their software/drivers. They’re trash tbh. I’m just looking for something reliable that’s also not a step back.. sounds like this is a step back unfortunately. Thanks
@@gregdeluca3469 🤣😂funny you say that I tested the Orion Studio and latest Motu 828 this weekend. Antelope pure 2 still beats it in so many ways but you can tell they have the same DNA 🧬. l might make a new video about what we experienced in the process of driver and software installation…..!
I was just curious... what made you get the HD8 over the HD2??
Do you record live drums or something??
Channel count indeed ; ensembles, bands etc
@ZiwaHD
Oh okay cool. I have the HD2 but I'm thinking about returning it and buying the HD8 for only two reasons but still crucial to me.
#1 because of the extra headphone jack
#2 to save desk space
I don't know if all the other features are going to benefit me, like all the extra ins and outs what do you think?
I mean, I don't record live bands and such.
I just produce beats and record songs by myself for the most part. What else could I benefit from the HD8 if I was to get it???
Your opinion.... 🤷🏽
Thanks in advance 🙏🏽😉
@@tri-unetrl3966 HD2 will suffice for your needs it seems ; HD8 will indeed give you the option to have a dedicated headphone out in the event you need to record someone e.g different headphone mix for the talent vs you or record a guitar player and singer simultaneously while having all your drum machines and other synths/instruments plugged in and ready to go at all times …MORE IS MORE in terms of flexibility
Loved the video
Thanks for watching; let me know if you have any questions
Would you need an external preamp with this???
Or is the preamps in it good enough by itself??
@@tri-unetrl3966 If your studio is not making income don’t buy an external preamp…the preamps on this are really clean 🧼 and are enough to handle any mic or signal you feed it! If you are looking for a color, then a tube preamp, or a channel strip should be on your wishlist for when you can afford it !
@ZiwaHD
K cool thanks!
Do you have a FB or IG?
@@tri-unetrl3966 same name on both ZiwaHD
have you tried the Quantum using the clock from the Pure 2 ?
It makes a negligible difference in sound honestly!
1:11 Hello, please correct me if I am wrong however, the description says it DOES have DSP. Thanks for the upload.
To me 😂 It does not have dsp on board in the sense that I consider however you can use universal control to introduce the FAT CHANNEL into your recording chain if you wish ; the only DSP Onboard to me is the auto gain but hey if they say it in the description then it’s there 😂
Also they say DSP monitor mixer plus loopback audio ….there is no where that I can find that indicates the processing is off loaded onto the unit but that’s one of the issues with this release that I’m not too keen on … one person says Y and another says Z including when you contact customer support… they seem oblivious regarding the details on the device which is not helpful… but if you’re interested in it buy it !
Pro Tools HDX, Antelope Audio devices as well as UAD to me are the true implementers of DSP in the sense that I consider! In the presonus line however I say the studiolive mixers have offloading … get my drift ?
@@ZiwaHD Actually, I am interested in it but would like to get some reviews from people such as yourself before pulling the trigger. With regard to DSP I’m not sure I need it. I am getting mixed reviews on DSP as well.
How's the headphone amp on it?? Does it need an external headphone amp??
Your opinion...
@@tri-unetrl3966 it has good dynamic range and goes loud enough for discomfort … you won’t need an external amp
@ZiwaHD K thanks bro
The Pure 2 wins for sure , way more detail and space between sounds.
This 👆☝️💯😌
Antelope has the worst drivers for Windows and doesn't support WDM surround. I was a former Antelope users for many years. My LCD display also failed and pixeled not long after the warranty expired. I'll never buy another Antelope interface ever again.
I concur as this is not my first unit from the company I had an antelope eclipse before . It's the detailed sound and separation that i have been unable to find anywhere else except for JCF Audio,Burl and Prism . The only one i cannot speak of is Apogee ...I would love to test that brand ! If you are looking for the next level ; please do not leave the earth without experiencing JCF DA8 ; it is to me the Pinnacle of the cream of the crop ! I and my other mastering engineer friends are always on the hunt and shoot out very price restrictive interfaces for fun and i must say that is one to try
@@andynonimuss6298 That sounds unfortunate if you had those issues as the sound quality had a noticeable difference in this video , I have never used a Antelope on a PC , I use a lynx & a Crane Song thank god I have never had a drama like that.
@@Jared-marston I'm not the only one with a bad experience and driver issues from Antelope. Plenty of online comments and reviews out there to back it up.
How’s the monitor gain ? Is it stronger than the MOTU ? I have the motu m6 and i have to raise my gain for that monitors output
Presonus is louder and has a better dynamic range than motu m series on all outputs including the headphones 🎧
QHD8 also has less THD it really is cleaner 🧼 than motu M series on the outputs
A bit concerning to hear the low buffer artificial crackle that the presonus made specially for a new "professional" product. Hopefully not all units are like that
I concur ; one can only hope !
Yoo, I have the same Logic Keyboard for Studio One... but is that a case that yours is in??? If not what is it??? 🤷🏽
Mine came with a rubber dust protector that also doubles as spill proof and dampens any noise from keystrokes during recording sessions
You can get one direct from the company for $24.90 logickeyboard.com/shop/logicskin%e2%84%a2-silicone-cover-3604p.html
K koo.... 😎 that's wassup I appreciate you bruh. Is there a positive difference in the feel of the keys with it on??
Because to be honest I really don't like feel of the keys like that but I LOVE ALL THE KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS!! 😁
@@tri-unetrl3966 yes because it’s made of silicone the Keystrokes are softer
This front panel line in its just for instrument they are not balanced trs
Correct ✅
@@ZiwaHD So why do you use them?
@@hugolosker why not use them ?
Exactly. You used the wrong inputs. Front inputs are instrument level only e.g. guitars. You needed to use the line level inputs on the rear of the HD8.
Useless audio test 😢
@@scatman1186 How so ? Akai Force was used as a tape machine to have the signals playback . Akai Force outputs are instrument and line level . Hope this helps !
Is there any point of getting a qauntum hd 8 when the qauntum 2626 has a better latency set to 16 samples
input -> 0.5ms / 24 samples
output -> 0.67ms / 32 samples.
Only advantage I see is the HD 8 can be used as a stand alone while the 2626 have to be the main device connected to the system.
But after looking at it again I think it should be fine, correct me if am wrong
The HD 8 has better preamps and latency is a non-issue when using the dsp mixer . Also the HD8 looks and feels more professional. That being said "If it aint broke don't fix it" keep using what you have and only move on when you are truly ready to make the (Quantum HD ) leap 😄
Not everyone has thunderbolt, for example.
And that's actually the reason bc the latency is better on the 2626.
@@ZiwaHD The latency IS an issue, wehen you´re playing VI´s. Especially in bigger projects where a lot of instruments are already inserted this is important.
I wonder how the MOTU has such good numbers, I have a 828es and my 2626 beats it easily..
@@MarinSubasicthey have a custom driver for Mac which allows it to go that low I tested the new 2024 release of the motu 828 and it’s exactly the same as the M4
Auto gain is not working for me for some reason. Every time I turn it on its mutes the input (the mic) so I can't hear myself therefore auto gain doesn't pick it up. 🤦🏽
Any suggestions???
Something in the way your unit is configured is not right … have you updated to the latest firmware? If not do that first and report back with your findings
Did your auto gain issue get resolved by a firmware update?
@ZiwaHD
Thanks for asking, it was already up to date. Like i said, when I press the auto gain button it mutes the input (mic) I have to turn the encoder while in auto gain mode to be able to hear it again.
Does yours do this??
@@tri-unetrl3966 auto gain always starts at 0 ; don’t touch the knob till your mini performance to check levels is complete
@ZiwaHD
Auto gain works, but like I said, it mutes the input (the mic) while doing the mini performance. When auto gain is complete, it eruptly turns back on once it auto sets its gain.
The problem here is that you should be able to hear (monitor) yourself while you are doing the mini performance test.
In other words... how in the hell are we supposed to "mic check" a mic if we can't even hear ourselves speak into it???
This makes no sense to me!! 🤷🏽🤦🏽
Do you know what I'm saying now??