PreSonus Central Station Studio Control Center

by PreSonus

Product Features

• Five stereo inputs: 2 digital, 3 analog
• Three stereo monitor outputs
• 24-bit DAC
• Purely-passive audio signal path
• Optional remote (CSR-1)

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 23.5 x 12 x 5 inches ; 7.8 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 14 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B00066NAQ4
• Item model number: CENTRAL STATION
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #38,012 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments)

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

The 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 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 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 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.

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.

CSR-1 CENTRAL STATION REMOTE CONTROL (optional)
The Central Station Remote Control (CSR-1) can be connected to the rear of the Central Station via db15 connector to control VOLUME, TALKBACK, MUTE, input source switching and speaker output switching functions. Keep the Central Station in your rack with your gear and use the CSR-1 for ultimate control and flexibility.

Specifications

Audio Inputs

• TRS1&2
  • Type: ¼" TRS Passive-Balanced
  • Input Impedance: 2K-5K Ohm (Speaker load and Trim level dependent)
  • S/N Ratio: Greater than 140dB
  • THD+N: Less than .0005% (1KHz @ 0dBu)
  • Frequency Response: Greater than 1MHz
• AUX
  • Type: RCA Active-Unbalanced
  • Input Impedance: 8Kohm
  • S/N Ratio: Greater than 115dB (1KHz @ 0dBu, Unity gain)
  • THD+N: Less than .002% (1KHz @ 0dBu, Unity gain)
  • Frequency Response: 10Hz-50KHz, -.5dB
  • Gain Range: -90dB to +20dB
• S/PDIF
  • Types: RCA 75Ohm-coax and Toslink optical
  • Dynamic Range: 117dB
  • THD+N: 0.0025% (1KHz @ -1dBfs)
  • Maximum output: +18dBu (Active-Balanced)
  • Sample Rates: 44.1K, 48K, 88.2K, 96K, 176.4K, 192K

Note: All Input specifications (except Input Impedance) measured at Speaker A output, Trim and Main Level set to maximum.

Audio Outputs

• Speakers
  • Type: ¼" TRS Passive-Balanced
  • Type-Mono Activated: ¼" TRS Active-Impedance Balanced
  • Trim :Range -90dB to 0dB
  • Main Level Range: -90dB to 0dB
  • Dim Attenuation: -30dB
• Main
  • Type: ¼" TRS Active-Balanced
  • Output Impedance: 51Ohm
  • THD+N: Less than 0.0025%
  • Frequency Response: 10Hz-50KHz, -.5dB
• Cue
  • Type: ¼" TRS Active-Impedance Balanced
  • Output Impedance: 51Ohm
  • THD+N: Less than .003% (1KHz @ 0dBu)
  • Frequency Response: 10Hz-50KHz, -.5dB
  • Gain Range: -90dB to 0dB
  • Dim Attenuation: -30dB (Talkback activated)
• Headphones
  • Type: ¼" TRS Active Stereo
  • Maximum Output: 150mW/channel @ 60 Ohm load
  • THD+N: 0.015% (150mW/channel @ 60 Ohm load)
  • Frequency Response: 10Hz-50KHz, +1dB

Talkback

• Dynamic Microphone Input
  • Type: XLR Female Balanced
  • Input Impedance: 2400 Ohm
• Internal Microphone
  • Type: Electret Condenser
  • Sensitivity: -42dB
• Mic Preamp
  • Gain Range: 15-55dB
• Input Meters
  • Type: Dual 30 segment LED w/ Peak Hold
  • Range: -48dB to +18dB (-66dBfs to 0dBfs)
  • Accuracy: Better than .25dB
  • Frequency Range: 10Hz-22KHz
  • Calibrate Range: +/- 18dB
• Power Supply
  • Type: External A.C. Transformer/Internal Linear
  • Power Consumption: 40VA

Physical

• Main Chassis
  • Package Type: 1U - steel chassis
  • Dimensions: 19(W) X 1.75(H) X 5.50(D) inches
  • Weight: 5.0lbs
• External Power Supply
  • Package Type: Molded Plastic
  • Dimensions: 2.5(W) X 2.3(H) X 4.0(D) inches
  • Weight: 2.5lbs

Product Description

The 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 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 ADAT lightpipe 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 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.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Central Station made a huge difference for me, August 27, 2007

By 

Chromatic8 (New Hampshire, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: PreSonus Central Station Studio Control Center (Electronics)

Prior to buying this box, I had my DAW's analog output directly connected to my studio monitors and used an old stereo receiver as a headphone amp. I would not have expected the Central Station to make such a huge difference to my way of working but it's been incredibly convenient to be able to control the system volume with a real knob, switch between studio monitors and a cheap boombox and to have the built-in headphone amp with plenty of volume. I can't explain why but being able to run my sound card (Digital Audio Labs CardDeluxe) at full output has made my mixes come out better in the form of crisper sound and better separation of instruments. Next step is to hook up the DAW's digital output to the CS so that I can have a custom headphone mix and leave it up during the tracking process without disrupting whatever mix decisions I've made. This box did exactly what I needed and helped me streamline my workflow without degrading my audio quality.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Maybe I got a lemon, but . . ., May 11, 2011

By 

Mark Drucker (New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: PreSonus Central Station Studio Control Center (Electronics)

I've got a very clean signal path, excellent converters, excellent monitors (Genelec), I do all my matrixing and routing through an Audient ASP510, and all I wanted the Central Station for was talkback and the cue send to talent. I liked the fact that I could move the remote control around the room, so the client could use it and the rest of the time the engineer could use it.

I have three complaints: (1) for no reason it completely fails to pass signal and must be unplugged and started up again, (2) it overheats, and (3) oh my god it has the worst-sounding talkback mic I have ever heard. It desperately needs a hi-pass filter on the talkback circuit because it sounds like some evil demon of low frequency RUMBLE has taken over the sound whenever the TB mic is keyed. It DOES have an XLR input for a mic of my choice, but guess what? It has no phantom power, so condenser mics need not apply for the job. Total bust/total crap. The talent complain every time and I don't blame them.

One more gripe for good measure -- how about some XLR inputs? Does everything have to be phono plugs?

Super cheap unit. I refuse to pass my mix buss through it, and people who praise the sound have no idea what good sound is. Take it from someone who owns Bryston SST amps and has been in the business of sound since 1983. Looking to sell mine on ebay right now.