Presonus Studio 1810c Review – Value, Quality and Flexibility

In this Presonus Studio 1810c review, we will see how the PreSonus Studio line (see also our PreSonus Studio 26c review) exemplifies how a company can offer robust, high-quality products at an appealing price point.

The audio interface market’s mid to low-end segment has significantly evolved since my initial foray into recording, many moons ago. In the past, consumers were faced with a choice: either splurge on high-end brands like RME and Apogee, or settle for more affordable but often subpar and unreliable alternatives. Fortunately, things have changed.

Presonus Studio 1810c – A Wealth of I/O

This USB-C audio interface boasts 4 XMAX mic preamps, with two inputs accommodating mic/instrument/line inputs and two accepting mic/line inputs. All of these come equipped with +48V phantom power for microphone operation.Beyond these, the unit houses 4 additional TRS line inputs at the rear.

The interface also includes digital S/PDIF and ADAT inputs, bringing the total input count to 18.The primary outputs consist of a balanced TRS stereo pair, with front panel controls for level, mute, and mono. Additionally, 4 DC-coupled balanced line outputs can be utilized to transmit audio or control voltage to external destinations (modular synth enthusiasts, take note).

The built-in 24-bit/192kHz converters ensure pristine audio quality, while the preamps offer ample headroom (80 dB gain, with a signal-to-noise ratio of 110 dB, eliminating the need for a booster) and ultra-clear recording.To top it off, the unit provides MIDI input and output connectivity via the trusty DIN connectors.

Universal Control: The Software Brain Of Presonus Studio 1810c

PreSonus Studio-series interfaces are class-compliant Core Audio devices on macOS (my testing platform), requiring no driver installation (this also applies to iOS and iPadOS devices – it’s as simple as plug and play!).

However, to fully leverage the Studio 1810c, you’ll need to install the Universal Control software, which serves as both a driver management utility and software control interface.

Universal Control for Studio-series interfaces includes UC Surface, a comprehensive monitor control software that equips you with everything needed to create monitor mixes with your Studio-series interfaces. These monitoring functions are fully integrated into the Studio One mixer, and UC Surface enables users of other popular DAW applications to access these functions.

UC Surface provides control of both channel and Mix output levels, as well as solo and mute.I’d suggest perusing the product manual for a deeper understanding of UC Surface, particularly if you’re new to this realm. Personally, having honed my skills with RME’s Totalmix, I find any control software manageable, and UC Surface is no exception.

Modular-Friendly

Eurorack and modular synth enthusiasts will value the DC-coupled outputs of the Studio 1810c. As we mentioned in our Studio 26c review, DC-Coupled outputs enable you to integrate a modular synth system (or any CV-based analog synth) with your audio interface.

Control voltage signals, the ‘lifeblood’ that powers analog synthesizers, necessitate an analog signal path to and from your DAW. Regrettably, not all audio interfaces can process CV signals. Most can only manage AC (alternating current) signals, while we need interfaces capable of handling DC (direct current) signals for this purpose. This is where PreSonus interfaces like the Studio 1810c, with its four DC-coupled outputs, prove invaluable.

Add a software/plugin (like the Expert Sleepers Silent Way or Ableton CV Tools) that generates signals to be used as control voltages, and you’re in for a treat. Digital meets analog, best of both worlds!

Needless to say, if you’re a PreSonus Studio One user, you can easily integrate your CV-based instrument too. See this official FAQ for further info.

Quality Sound Without Breaking The Bank

Circling back to our initial discussion, you no longer need to break the bank for quality recordings. While a Neve preamp might add some extra flair, the Studio 1810c equips you with everything necessary for producing excellent music.

This audio interface operates at up to 192 kHz/24bit for high-definition recording and mixing. High-quality converters on every input and output, coupled with PreSonus’ professional-grade XMAX mic preamps, deliver incredibly high headroom, deep lows, smooth highs, and a rich overall sound.

During our Presonus Studio 1810c review, I’ve put the unit to the test on various sources such as voice, percussion, piano, ukulele, and more. It consistently delivered a clean, balanced sound that I would certainly use in a recording session.

Bundled Goodies

PreSonus is particularly generous when it comes to the software bundled with their interfaces. Not only do you get Studio One Artist (a DAW which is a lot more full-featured than any of  the “lite” software on the market), but also the excellent Studio Magic suite.

The 2021 Studio Magic includes Ableton Live Lite, tutorials from Melodics, sound libraries from Ghost Hack, 7 virtual instruments, and 9 effects plug-ins in VST, AU, and AAX formats to use in Studio One 5 Artist or your DAW of choice with a retail value of over $1000 (US).

Presonus Studio 1810c Review- Final Thoughts

Priced around 400 USD/EUR, the PreSonus 1810c offers substantial value – excellent build and sound quality, abundant I/O and input gain (ribbon mics, you’re welcome here), plus an extensive software bundle.

Any drawbacks? Nothing major, but the rear headphone out, the single phantom power button affecting 4 inputs simultaneously, the absence of gain controls or metering for the rear inputs are worth considering if you’re a discerning buyer.

I would have also appreciated the ability to use the device as a standalone mixer (i.e., without a computer), but this feature is typically found only on pricier audio interfaces, so it’s not a dealbreaker.I was already quite taken with the compact Studio 26c interface, but given the additional I/O and preamp gain of the 1810c, I would certainly recommend giving this one a look. I’m glad I did!

You can learn more about Studio 1810c on the official PreSonus page.

May 2024 Update: PreSonus just refreshed their Quantum interface line, with the new Quantum ES and Quantum HD models.