The microphone preamplifier is a key component in the audio quality of a recording, and all mic preamps are not created equal. The AudioBox 1818VSL includes custom-designed, high-voltage, discrete, XMAX Class A microphone preamplifiers that are suitable for use with all types of microphones.

The job of a microphone preamplifier in an audio interface is to boost a microphone-level signal to line level before conversion to the digital domain. A good preamp boosts the level to almost 400 times that of the original signal, making the preamp one of the most important stages in an interface. Inexpensive or poorly designed preamps can lead to thin, noisy, or even harsh and brittle results. But with XMAX preamps, the sonic quality is limited only by what microphone you plug into it.

XMAX preamplifiers are built with three key elements:

• Class A. Class A circuits have no crossover distortion and deliver purer, clearer, and more musical results than the Class AB designs that are found in many preamps.
• High Voltage. The XMAX preamplifier runs on power rails of 30V. Most off-the-shelf, op-amp-based designs run on power rails of 10V to 18V. Higher-voltage power rails deliver more headroom, deeper lows, smoother highs, and a richer overall sound.
• Discrete components—not op-amps. We only use genuine transistors, resistors, and capacitors. Op-amps add noise, coloration, and harshness to a signal. Our discrete design delivers ultra-low noise and transparency.

The net result of the XMAX preamp design is high headroom, low noise, wide dynamic range, extended frequency response, and—most important—musicality and transparency.

The AudioBox 1818VSL is a professional product, so we gave it the advanced features pros need. A BNC word-clock output enables the 1818VSL to sync precisely with other digital audio devices. With eight analog aux outputs and two main outs, you can feed and switch between several sets of monitor speakers and outboard gear.

MIDI I/O lets you can connect the AudioBox 1818VSL to virtually any standard MIDI instrument or control surface. ADAT and S/PDIF I/O make it expandable when you need it. A screaming-loud headphone output ensures you can hear your music loud and clear, even in noisy environments.

Pros know that PreSonus gear is reliable and built to last, and the AudioBox 1818VSL is no exception. We used premium parts throughout, along with a heavy-duty steel chassis with real metal knobs. And we managed to fit its full complement of controls, preamps, and I/O into a single rackspace, so whether your studio is at home or on tour, the AudioBox 1818VSL is there where you need it.

All PreSonus interfaces come with PreSonus’ powerful, yet easy-to-use Studio One® 3 Artist recording and production software for Mac® and Windows®. Studio One 3 enables you to compose, record, and produce your masterpiece without getting distracted by the tools, thanks to a straightforward design, a powerful file browser with extensive use of drag-and-drop, in-depth editing, and an Arranger Track and Scratch Pads that let you experiment without losing previous work. It’s inherently Internet-savvy; comes with a wealth of effects plug-ins, virtual instruments, and loops; and can be expanded with Add-ons.

Moreover, Studio One integrates tightly with PreSonus interfaces, configuring automatically—no need to map inputs and outputs. You can even wirelessly transfer recordings from Capture for iPad to Studio One, so you can record anytime, anywhere and edit and mix later. And Studio One 3’s sound quality is, quite simply, unparalleled. These are just a few of the reasons that Studio One 3 is the new standard for DAWs. See what’s new in version 3.