Questions & Answers

What is the different in quality between the XMAX-L and XMAX Class A ?

0 votes
7,379 views
asked Mar 3, 2019 in Recording Interface Series Feature Requests by paultaylor23 (120 points)
Hi, I've decided to buy one of you USB-C audio interfaces. I'm unsure whether to go for the Studio 26C or Studio 68C. I have a home studio and I also DJ, so both tick the boxes, but one thing I'm unsure about is the difference in quality between the Mic preamps XMAX-L and XMAX Class A. I like the the 26C for its USB bus-powered portability but am also thinking about the additional inputs on the 68C and the potential sound quality improvement.

It would be good to get some feedback so that I can choose the correct product for my needs.

Thanks

Paul

2 Answers

0 votes
answered Mar 9, 2019 by amuniversum (2,030 points)
Hi.

Difference between these preamps mostly in power usage. I have Studio 6|8 with 12V 1A adaptor. And if you don't know USB bus - 5V ~250mA.

Quality of these preamps are the same I think. But Studio 6|8 have much better headphone preamp. So, if you have high-ohm headphones your choice is Studio 6|8.
0 votes
answered Sep 3, 2021 by daviddempsey1 (140 points)

Disappointing that PreSonus Techos didn't weigh in on this simple and useful question.

The Technical data sheets only say that the MAX-L has "solid state preamps" (i.e. instead of Valves I suppose), while the MAX has a 30V rails (so able to handle higher voltages in and out, and is made of discrete components, instead of Op Amp ICs.

Comparing the datasheets for the 24C (with MAX-L) and the 1824C (MAX) that I'm looking at, the main thing I see is the MAX-L has lower Total Harmonic Distortion and Noise but also lower dynamic range.

Comparison 24C (MAX-L) and 1824C (MAX)
24C 1824C
General
ADC Converter Dynamic Range 108 dB 114 dB
DAC Converter Dynamic Range 108 dB 114 dB
Microphone Inputs
Maximum Level +10 dBu +16 dBu
Gain Range 50 dB 80 dB
Dynamic Range 106 dB (A-wtd, min gain) 110 dB (A-wtd, min gain)
THD + N 0.004% (1kHz, -1dBFS, min gain) 0.005% (1kHz, 0dBu, unity gain)
 (Equivalent I/P Noise) EIN -126 dBu (A-weighted, 150 ohm, max gain) -128 dBu (A-weighted, 20 kHz BW, 150 ohm, max gain)
Line Inputs
Maximum Level  +21 dBu
Gain Range 40 dB
Frequency Response 20 Hz - 20 kHz (unity gain)
Dynamic Range 112 dB (A-wtd, min gain)
THD + N 0.0055 (1kHz, +18 dbu, min gain)
Input Impedance 10 kohm
Instrument Inputs
Maximum Level +19 dBu (min gain) +15 dBu (unbalanced, min gain)
Gain range 50 dB 80 dB
Dynamic Range 105 dB(A-wtd, unity gain) 112 dB(A-wtd, unity gain)
THD + N 0.002% (1kHz, min gain) 0.02% (1kHz, min gain)
Input Impedance 750 kohm 1 Mohm


 

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