PreSonus Central Station Studio Monitor ControllerThe PreSonus Central Station is the ultimate studio-monitoring interface for the modern digital studio. The Central Station features three sets of stereo analog inputs to switch between input sources such as: DAW, mixer, CD/DAT/Tape player, or keyboards/samplers. Two stereo analog inputs feature TRS balanced connectors and the third stereo input features RCA inputs with trim control for level matching of input signals. In addition, the Central Station will accommodate two digital inputs via S/PDIF or TOSLINK (optical) providing D/A conversion up to 24Bit/192kHz. This allows you to monitor DAW and CD/DAT outputs through the same professional quality converter for the most accurate A/B comparison and highest quality monitoring environment. The digital to analog converter offers the highest possible audio quality with over 117dB dynamic range and ultra high quality analog circuitry. The PreSonus Central Station features three sets of monitor outputs, each with their own set of passive trim controls. The monitoring section also provides MUTE, DIM and MONO switches. In addition, the Central Station includes a set of CUE outputs that can feed headphone amplifiers and a separate stereo MAIN line level output.
PreSonus Central Station Features
- Passive Audio Path - no op amps or IC's in main audio path
- Five stereo inputs (2 digital and 3 analog)
- 24-Bit/192kHz DAC (>117dB dynamic range) via SPDIF and TOSLINK
- Three sets of monitor outputs; each with passive volume control
- Talkback microphone with volume to feed headphone and cue output
- Accurate dual 30-segment LED for metering
- Two front panel headphone jacks with separate volume control
- MAIN and CUE stereo output have independent input source
- Optional console remote control with input, output, talkback, and volume
PURELY PASSIVE SIGNAL PATH
The Central Station features a PURELY PASSIVE SIGNAL PATH for ultimate sonic performance. The main audio path of the Central Station uses no amplifier stages including op amps or active IC's (integrated circuits) that add noise, color, distortion, and give that "pinched" sound. Distortion produced by op amps and IC's also gives added ear fatigue.
Signal routing in the Central Station is acheived utilzing 34 sealed mechanical relays (instead of active IC's) maintaining a minimal signal path design wherein extraneous electronics are hard-wire bypassed. Using relays ensures the most transparent signal path maximizing dynamic range, frequency range, and headroom, while minimizing noise and coloration. The Central Station uses the highest quality passive components including military grade 1% tolerance metal film resistors, multi-element potentiometers and ultra-durable connectors to deliver the highest sonic performance.
METERING
The Central Station features dual fast-acting 30-segment peak/hold LED's for accurate metering. The front panel of the Central Station includes both dBu and dBfs scale as well as peak/hold clear switch and meter alignment switch for addtional metering options.
TALKBACK
The Central Station has an onboard TALKBACK microphone which is routed through the CUE outputs for communication between artist and engineer. The Central Station also includes a Microphone XLR input on the rear panel for use with an external microphone. When TALKBACK is used the CUE mix is automatically "dimmed" for added ease of communication.
"When it came down for us to upgrade our studio and do away with our digital console, we were challenged with finding a solution for finding a device to act as the master channel. We were originally worried about feeding everything directly from Pro Tools HD into something that might color our sound. The Central Station from PreSonus took all our worries away the first time we plugged it in. There is absolutely no coloration of sound added by the Central Station. The routing is extremely flexible and the price is amazing. Great job PreSonus."
- Bruce Summers, Kidney Thieves
"When I was putting together the new Mastering room at Supaslump Masters, the project was delayed for 6 months while I looked high and low for the perfect monitoring system for the job. It had to be the shortest, cleanest path possible with super high quality converters and include accurate, calibrated metering. I chose the Central Station and have never looked back since. Oh yeah, and the price/quality ratio: Unheard of. Thanks Guys!"
- Greg F. Supaslump Masters, Sacramento, CA
"I have just received my "Central Station"... today. The unit sounds amazingly great. I've been in this business almost 15 years, and have used many famous large format consoles, but I have never been satisfied with the monitor section of any. Honestly, the Central Station sounds better than all I have heard. Specially, monitoring at low volume is unbelievable. It will make my job 10 times easier and save my ears too. I will recommend the Central Station to everyone I know."
- Hiroyuki S., NY
"Finally got my Central Station - What a box! Having switching and volume control where I used to have it in the 'good ol' days' is a big help. I wish you would've came up with it 10 years ago."
- John S., IL