PreSonus Quantum HD 2 Review

Long-Term Evaluation

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The PreSonus HD 2 computer audio interface came in for a long term test and we employed four evaluators to test it out in their respective project studios – their comments in quotes below. The new HD2 is part of a complete revamping of PreSonus’ audio interface range and is complemented by the ES 2, ES 4 and HD 8. Both the HD 2 and the HD 8 feature 32-bit / 192 kHz processing and 124 dB of dynamic range. The HD 2 contains two Max-HD preamps with up to 75dB of gain. There are two 1/4″ instrument inputs on the front, which were co-developed by PreSonus’ parent company, Fender, and two 1/4″ re-amp outputs. A headphone jack rounds out the front panel connectivity.

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It’s obvious that PreSonus spent considerable effort on the design and the aesthetics of the unit. The unit has “a substantial weight and quality,” according to all of our reviewers and easily eclipses other offerings at a similar price point with “a handsome look that will force Focusrite to reevaluate their Scarlett line.”

PreSonus spent considerable effort on the design and the aesthetics

PreSonus completely revamped the HD’s user interface, going with a One Knob To Rule The World endless, clickable encoder and complemented by two dedicated 48v phantom power and Auto gain buttons. Main and Mute buttons flank the One Knob on the right. None of our reviewers were thrilled by the single knob interface, which resulted in “lots of scrolling” and “wasn’t as intuitive as one would hope.”

The screen is also “on the small size” and you have to be “quite close to the unit to read the text.” Of course with the half rack width size, PreSonus had to make some concessions, but if your eyesight is compromised in any way, it’s definitely a consideration, even with the display’s “excellent quality.”

The PreSonus packs all the latest technology advances into the HD 2, including 32-bit architecture, two sets of outputs for monitoring on different sets of speakers, 16 input channels of ADAT Optical, stereo S/ PDIF input and output, MIDI I/O, loopback audio, USB-C high-speed connectivity and Universal Control. The unspecified digital audio converters claim 124dB of Digital Audio Dynamic Range and “sound solid” and “perform admirably” for a computer audio interface “at this price point.” The MIDI I/O and S/PDIF come courtesy of “an unfortunate break out cable.”

The Quantum HD2’s Auto Gain function married to the 32 bit architecture eliminates the need to set levels before recording a take.

The Quantum HD2’s Auto Gain function married to the 32 bit architecture eliminates the need to set levels before recording a take. Our guitarist tester found this to be a wonderful feature since he can capture inspiration at a moments notice without the need to “come out of the zone and fumble around with the controls.” Simply hit the Auto button on the front panel hit record and you’re off and running. All of our evaluators also reported very low latency with the HD 2 when recording, which was especially noticeable on vocal takes.

A tremendous upgrade from the previous generation…

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PreSonus Quantum HD 2 Features:

• 20-in/24-out interface with USB-C connectivity and two input recording
• 32-bit / 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 192 kHz sampling rates
• +48 VDC Phantom Power
• Direct Monitoring
• Co-designed by Fender to include front-mounted instrument inputs with dedicated re-amp outputs
• Auto Gain function matches gain levels for your mic or instrument signal to optimize input for peak-free recording
• Max-HD preamps with up to +75dB of gain
• Loopback support to monitor and stream mixes
• Universal Control App provides comprehensive control over interface
• ADAT optical connections
• DB-9 breakout cable with 2 × 5-pin MIDI connectors and 2 × RCA S/PDIF connectors
• LED front panel metering
• Bundled software includes a 12-month subscription to the Studio One+ suite and a perpetual Studio One Professional Edition license
• Width: 8.5″ / Depth: 7.5″ / Height: 1.9″ / Weight: 2.9 lb

All of our evaluators also noticed that the preamps “punched above their weight” but was betrayed by the HD 2’s self-noise. Each one of our four evaluators on four different computer systems noticed that the HD 2 generated a “few decibels of fluctuating self-noise.” It was “barely perceptible,” but enough to trigger “one or two bars” on the meter. All four reexamined their grounds by testing their electrical connections, as well as switching out their audio and USB cables and nothing seemed to combat the issue.

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Conclusion

PreSonus fitted out the HD 2 computer audio interface with almost every modern feature imaginable at a very, very attractive price. The self-noise, operating system and micro display took away some of the HD 2’s shine, but considering its tremendous feature set, it’s certainly worth a look for certain applications. Recommended.

PreSonus Quantum HD 2 Rating: 84%

PreSonus’ Quantum HD 2 costs $499.

The Future: Hopefully the self-noise can be corrected with a Firmware update, but that’s an issue that needs to be addressed considering all the excellent functionality and features built into the HD 2. Onboard DIN MIDI connections would be a benefit to electronic musicians and keyboardists. Even 3.5mm MIDI connections would be welcomed as opposed to the breakout cable. We certainly understand the elegance of a One Knob interface approach, but with the extremely small display size, it’s not a great solution.