PreSonusMonitor Station

Great for home studio. Easy to set up.

9/30/2020 Update: This original review is from 2010. It’s been powered up and running my TV audio as well for about five years straight without a single issue. Love it.Although of sturdy metal construction, mine had a soft foot, which was fixed with a little physical persuasion and a some extra rubber on the one slightly elevated corner. The rubber alone would probably have done it. Low on extra rubber feet and patience, both worked out just fine. So it also passed a stress test with flying colors. Hopefully there won't be a drop test.Anyway, I'm really surprised how useful this item became after purchasing it. Recording directly to a computer was leading to a problem with interfacing multiple inputs and outputs. I was considering an internal PCI solution with an external harness, but even then, the tether was looking really short and I didn't want to have to crawl behind the computer for every time I switched ins or outs.Monitors are great for mixing, but usually pretty sparse on bass. Not having a trained ear, or used to monitors, it's extremely convenient to be able to get a bass reference at the push of a button. "This is how it sounds stark clear and honest ". At the push of a button "this is how it sounds with sub-woofer and how I'm used to hearing music". I still need that crutch for leveling bass guitar and kick drums. Granted I'm a novice, but if there is any influence of the purity of the source sound, I certainly can't hear it.There are two (left/right), 1/4" "ST1"/"ST2" and one RCA (left/right) inputs (The aux input has it's own "input" level adjustment. I'm using one for my sound interface mains MOTU UltraLite-MK3 Hybrid FireWire/USB2 Audio Interface , one for the return and the aux RCAs, on an old mixing deck.Both the the "Main and "Cue"outputs, have individual options of using any combination of the three "ST1", "ST2", or "AUX (RCA) " inputs. The "Cue" mix has it's own main level knob and the large center knob, controls the level for the whole unit. In addition there are three dedicated "A", "B", "C", outputs. Each has it's own level adjustment, so there's no problem keeping consistent volumes with different speaker sets, monitors etc 8" Monitor Speaker . There are four, 1/4" stereo headphone jacks, each with a button selecting either "Main or "Cue" as the source, with individual level knobs for each. The internal microphone works great across the cue mix, which also has it's own individual level adjustment and an XLR adapter is provided on the back, for an external "Talk" microphone.I'm extremely satisfied with this unit and regardless of any upgrades I may have in the future, as long as I'm dealing with any analog source whatsoever, I can see it being invaluable for years to come.

Device came with no power supply. Potentiometers are scratchy. Original viscous-damped master volume obviously replaced with poor quality, free-turning pot. Overall, unit in very poor working condition, although cosmetically it is ok.

By far one of my favorite pieces of gear in my studio. This works perfectly to communicate with vocalists in the vocal booth. The multiple speaker options, the meter read out, the aux input. It's all come in handy for me and I couldn't picture working in a studio without it. I absolutely love this device.

For the price, you cannot beat it for home studio purposes. Quality has been very good for me, no problems so far with crosstalk or single channel output. I will dive into the features that this device does very well and a couple critiques because nothing is perfect.Talkback:The built in talkback feature is fantastic and used VERY frequently. The ability to tap the talk button and the dim remaining on is very convenient, and if you press and hold it will turn off when released, best for short interruptions. Sturdy button, for how frequently it is used the text is still like new and there is never difficulty triggering the feature.Monitor Selection:Easy to understand, easy to hook up. The knobs are very sturdy, however you cannot adjust the tension of the nut without taking the unit apart (if they get loose, which they have not) Lots of space above the knobs for a label maker to label which speakers are what. Not really important but useful to know.Input:Using high quality cables I feel is a must when connecting to and from another piece of external hardware. I make my own cables so quality isn't a problem. Coming out of my Apollo interface there is virtually no different in audio quality with or without the device in the chain. This is great and my biggest worry putting something in the output chain between my interface and speakers.Quality:The big blue knob in the middle gets yanked a lot by clients and has developed a but of wiggle. Again, if you remove the knob there is no way to tighten it, which is kind of disappointing. No scratchiness or distortion when changing the master volume.Ease of use:Thing is easy easy to set up. Calibrating it can be tricky but if you following the instructions it is straightforward. The input gain sensitivity is a nice touch and never considered being an option.All in all, 4 stars is a solid rating. Cost/benefit is really high on this thing and serves it function reliably.