PreSonus has long been a favourite among musicians and producers for their reliable gear and powerful Studio One DAW. The Studio 24c is a compact, bus-powered 2-in/2-out USB-C interface designed for solo musicians, podcasters, and small home studios. With XMAX-L preamps, 24-bit/192 kHz converters, and seamless Studio One integration, it promises professional sound in a travel-friendly package. But how does it hold up against rivals like Focusrite and Audient? Let’s find out.
2-in / 2-out USB-C audio interface
2 XMAX-L mic/line/instrument preamps with +48V phantom power
24-bit/192 kHz converters
MIDI I/O for controllers and keyboards
1 headphone output with independent level control
LED level meters for quick visual feedback
Bundled with Studio One Artist + extras (plug-ins, virtual instruments)
Rugged metal chassis, bus-powered via USB-C
The Studio 24c has a compact and sturdy design, with a full-metal housing that feels reliable for both studio and mobile use. The front panel is clean but a little cramped due to the small gain knobs, which can make fine adjustments tricky. The LED metering on the front is a nice touch, providing quick visual feedback without relying on software.
The interface offers two XLR/TRS combo inputs with phantom power, plus two balanced TRS outputs for monitors. Unlike many competitors, it also includes MIDI I/O – a big plus for musicians using external keyboards or controllers. The single headphone output is adequate for most users, though those with high-impedance headphones may wish for more power.
The XMAX-L mic preamps deliver clean, transparent recordings, with enough gain for most condenser and dynamic microphones. The 24-bit/192 kHz converters provide excellent detail and clarity, on par with competitors in its class. While it doesn’t have the high-end polish of premium interfaces, the Studio 24c more than holds its own in the budget-to-midrange bracket.
The Studio 24c performs well in low-latency situations, though not quite at the level of Audient or RME. Direct monitoring is available, making it easy to record without latency issues. The headphone output is fine for casual monitoring, though it struggles to drive demanding studio headphones at high volumes.
Weighing just under 1 kg and powered via USB-C, the Studio 24c is highly portable, making it a solid choice for mobile producers and musicians on the go. The rugged build inspires confidence, and its compact size fits neatly into most setups.
At around £120, the Studio 24c is competitively priced. The inclusion of Studio One Artist (plus a generous software bundle) makes it one of the best values in its category, especially for new producers who don’t already own a DAW.
Yes, it’s fully compatible with all major DAWs, including Ableton, Logic, Cubase, and Pro Tools.
Yes, its clean preamps, MIDI I/O, and easy setup make it a great choice for podcasting and streaming.
No, it’s bus-powered via USB-C, making it easy to use with laptops and mobile setups.
The PreSonus Studio 24c is a well-rounded, compact interface that offers excellent sound quality, MIDI I/O, and a strong software bundle. While it lacks the expansion options of higher-end models, it’s a great choice for beginners, solo musicians, and mobile producers looking for reliability and value in a 2×2 format.
Looking for a portable USB-C interface that comes bundled with pro software?
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