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 |
|
|
|
