PreSonus Audiobox 1818VSL 18-Channel USB Interface
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An 18-channel audio interface with the power of a PreSonus StudioLive digital mixer.
The flagship in PreSonus' new generation of USB 2.0 audio/MIDI interfaces, the AudioBox 1818VSL takes hardware/software integration to the next level and delivers a combination of features, audio quality, and value that is unprecedented in this product category. Using your computer CPU and PreSonus Virtual StudioLive (VSL) software, AudioBox VSL-series interfaces provide reverb and and delay effects and the same Fat Channel compression, limiting, semi-parametric EQ, and high-pass filter, as the PreSonus StudioLive 16.0.2 digital mixer— all with inaudible latency. It's a great choice for project studios, performing bands, school music labs, and a wide variety of corporate installations and other contractor applications.
This is a pro product all the way, with high-end 24-bit, 96 kHz converters; Class A XMAX preamps; ADAT optical I/O; S/PDIF coaxial I/O; word-clock output; and MIDI I/O, housed in a heavy-duty, rack-mount metal chassis.
Furthermore, thanks to the power of VSL, the AudioBox 1818VSL includes a 26x8 software mixer. As a result, with just an AudioBox 1818VSL and your laptop or other computer, you can mix a studio session or live show featuring a full band—all while monitoring and recording with or without real-time processing! And you can do it simply and easily, with no hardware mixer, no outboard effects rack, and minimal wiring, thanks to the tight integration between PreSonus hardware and software.
What's so great about effects and processing on monitors?
Tracking without hearing effects and signal processing is like playing a video game with your eyes closed. Musicians rely on aural cues when performing, and their performance can vary depending on what they hear in their monitors. Adding just the right amount of compression, EQ, and reverb can make a huge difference in their ability to hear themselves clearly and to experience their performance as if it occurred in a natural space rather than in the artificial sonic environment of the studio. The result is a better performance and ultimately a better recording.
You have plenty of effects plug-ins for your DAW, but processing audio with a DAW takes more time than you might think. True, we're talking milliseconds, but it's long enough that if you put DAW effects in your studio monitors, you'll hear the original sound slightly before the processed signal, which is very disorienting. That much delay might be acceptable for live gigs, where the band is playing together in an ambient space that has natural delay. But you can't record that way in the studio.
Fortunately, PreSonus' engineering wizards have dramatically reduced processing delay in the AudioBox VSL series. The result: dynamics processing, EQ, reverb, and effects that feel real, with no audible delay.
And if you like what you hear, you can record with AudioBox VSL-series effects, too! These are the same high-quality StudioLive 16.0.2 Fat Channel dynamics processors and EQs that professional musicians, engineers, and producers record with every day.
Great processors are a PreSonus tradition
PreSonus didn't invent the first audio interface with effects. They simply did it better and for less money. Sure, some interface manufacturers that don't normally make signal processors have added a compressor, EQ and a few effects to their interfaces. But the AudioBox VSL series provides all that, plus a separate limiter, expander, and high-pass filter—and PreSonus has been making high-quality signal processors since 1995. The AudioBox VSL-series' Virtual StudioLive (VSL)-based effects and Fat Channel processing have been extensively field-tested and proven popular by tens of thousands of StudioLive-series mixer users, including many top professionals.
Of great importance, thanks to VSL's drag-and-drop convenience, adding processing and creating and loading presets is easy. Pro-level processing and superior ease of use mean you'll get better results and have more fun!
High-end sound in a versatile, roadworthy interface
Versatile and portable, the AudioBox 1818VSL offers 2 convenient front-panel mic/instrument combo inputs and 6 front-panel mic/instrument combo inputs, true 48V phantom power (switchable in 2 banks), and 8 line-level outputs. ADAT optical I/O provides 8 more channels of input and output (at 44.1 or 48kHz; 4 channels at 88.1 or 96kHz). S/PDIF coaxial digital I/O adds 2 more channels, bringing the total to 18 audio input channels and 18 output channels.
The sound is pure PreSonus, with the same high-headroom, Class A solid-state XMAX preamps found in StudioLive mixers and high-quality, 24-bit, 96 kHz converters with 114 dB dynamic range for clear, clean audio. And it boasts PreSonus' legendary 150mW headphone output, which is loud enough to explode the oysters in a Po'-Boy sandwich. (Be careful with your level control!)
The superior sound of PreSonus preamplifiers has long been a major reason that so many audio professionals prefer PreSonus interfaces. The XMAX is the finest solid-state preamplifier we make, offering three key advantages:
* 1. 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.
* 2. Discrete components — not op-amps. PreSonus only uses genuine transistors, resistors, and capacitors for ultra-low noise and transparency. Op-amps add noise, coloration, and harshness to a signal.
* 3. Class A circuitry. 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.
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, with smooth highs; solid, deep lows; and everything in between.
Pause and ponder this for a moment: a great-sounding 18x18 interface with a computer-based mixer and full complement of dynamics processing and EQ, with reverb and delay effects on dedicated buses, plus MIDI and word clock, all in a single rackspace! And there's more.
The flexibility and power of software
VSL enables you to easily manage the processing and mixing from your Mac or Windows PC and provides editor/librarian functions, making it simple to create and use a library of presets. To get you started, PreSonus included the same library of more than 50 Fat Channel presets that comes with StudioLive mixers. These presets were created by professional musicians and engineers and let you instantly set up dynamics processing and EQ for vocals, guitar, and much more.
Seamlessly integrated with the included Studio One Artist DAW and VSL, the AudioBox 1818VSL interface works with virtually all Mac and Windows audio-recording software. And unlike most things nowadays, it's very easy on your budget.
So check out the AudioBox 1818VSL: the next-generation USB 2.0 interface that gives you extensive I/O, including eight analog inputs and outputs; ADAT optical and S/PDIF digital input and outputs; real-time, low-latency processing and effects; word-clock output; rock-solid construction; software mixing; and high-end audio—all for a price you have to see to believe!
Features
- Next-generation 24-bit/96 kHz, 18x18, USB 2.0 recording interface and computer-controlled mixer
- 8 Class A XMAX mic / instrument preamps
- 2 instrument inputs
- 6 balanced line inputs
- Balanced main L/R outputs
- 8 balanced line outputs
- Near-zero-latency monitoring with full effects and processing thanks to…
- VSL (Virtual Studio Live): 26 x 18 ultra-low latency DSP mixer with StudioLive 16.0.2 Fat Channel dynamics processing and EQ for each analog input and its DAW return plus two stereo effects buses with reverb and delay
- Over 50 Fat Channel DSP presets for enhancing instrument and vocal recordings
- Headphone amplifier
- Clip lights for each channel
- USB Sync LED
- Dual LED Level ladders (meters)
- MIDI I/O
- ADAT I/O
- Word Clock I/O
- S/PDIF I/O
- Globally switchable phantom power
- Rugged metal chassis
- Rack-mountable in one rack space (1U)
- External 12 VDC power supply included
- Includes Studio One Artist software with unlimited track count and over 4GB of third-party resources
The AudioBox 1818VSL interface lets you record and mix a whole band with effects. Order today!
Audiobox 1818VSL 18-Channel USB Interface Specifications:
- Minimum computer-system requirements:
- Windows
- Windows Vista, Windows 7 (32- and 64-bit)
- Intel Pentium 4 1.6GHz processor or AMD Athlon 64 3000+ (Turion) (2.8GHz or faster recommended)
- 1GB RAM (2GB or more recommended)
- Macintosh
- Mac OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard) or later (32- and 64-bit)
- Intel Core 1 Solo 1.5GHz processor (Intel Core Duo or Intel Xeon processor recommended)
- 1GB RAM (2GB or more recommended)
- Windows and Macintosh Systems
- USB 2.0 Port
- Internet connection recommended
- DVD-ROM drive (required to install Studio One Artist)
- Microphone Inputs
- Connector Type: Combo, XLR, female, balanced
- Mic Preamp EIN: -133dB, 20kHz BW, max gain, Rs=40 ohm, A-wtd
- Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz, ±0.25dB, unity gain
- THD+N: 0.002%, +4dBu, 1kHz, unity gain, 22kHz BW, A-wtd
- S/N Ratio: 97 dB, +4dBu, 1kHz, unity gain, 22kHz BW, A-wtd
- Gain Control Range: -15dB to +65dB
- Input Max Headroom: +16dBu, < 0.5% THD
- Input Impedance: 1.7k ohm
- Phantom Power: +48VDC, 10mA total
- Line Inputs
- Connector Type: Combo, 1/4" TS, female, unbalanced
- Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz, ±0.25dB, unity gain
- THD+N: 0.002%, +4dBu, 1kHz, unity gain, 22kHz BW, A-wtd
- S/N Ratio: 98dB, +4dBu, 1kHz, unity gain, 22kHz BW, A-wtd
- Gain Control Range -20dB to +20dB
- Input Max Headroom +21dBu, < 0.5% THD
- Input Impedance 10k ohm
- Instrument Inputs
- Connector Type: Combo, 1/4" TS, female, unbalanced
- Frequency Response 20Hz - 20kHz, ±0.25dB, unity gain
- THD+N: 0.003%, +4dBu, 1kHz, unity gain, 22kHz BW, A-wtd
- S/N Ratio: 89dB, 0dBu, 1kHz, unity gain, 20kHz BW, unwtd
- Gain Control Range: -30dB to +50dB
- Input Max Headroom: +21 dBu, < 0.5% THD
- Input Impedance: 1M ohm
- Analog Outputs
- Connector Type: 1/4" TRS, female, impedance balanced
- Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz, ±0.25dB
- THD+N: 0.003%, 1kHz, 22kHz BW, A-wtd
- S/N Ratio: 109dB, 1kHz, 22kHz BW, A-wtd
- Output Level: +10dBu, <0.5% THD
- Output Impedance: 51 ohm
- Headphone Outputs
- Connector Type 1/4" TRS, female, stereo
- Maximum Power 120mW/ch @ 60 ohm load
- Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz, ±0.5dB, max gain
- THD+N: 0.01%, 1kHz, max gain, 20kHz BW, A-wtd
- S/N Ratio: 96dB, 1kHz, max gain, 20kHz BW, A-wtd
- Power
- External Power Adapter +18VDC, 2.6A, center-positive
- Connector Type 5.5 mm OD, 2.1 mm ID, 9.5 mm length
- Digital
- ADC Dynamic Range: 114dB, 48kHz, A-wtd
- DAC Dynamic Range: 114dB, 48kHz, A-wtd
- Host Interface: USB 2.0 high-speed
- Bit Depth: 24-bit
- Sample Rates: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz
- Latency: 2.8 ms - 6 ms, analog in to out
- ADAT: Optical I/O Toslink connectors, ADAT/SMUX formats
- S/PDIF: I/O RCA female connectors
- Word Clock: Output BNC connector, 4.5 Vpp @ 75 ohm load
- MIDI I/O: 5-pin DIN connectors
- Physical
- 1U rack-mountable
- Road-rugged construction with all-metal chassis and metal knobs
- Weight 4.6 lb. (2.1 kg)
- 18VDC external power supply (included)
Review Snapshot®
by PowerReviews(based on 15 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
69%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Durable (12)
- Good audio (12)
- Versatile (10)
- Easy to use (9)
- Compact (8)
Cons
Best Uses
- Home studio (9)
- Amateur recording (8)
- Professional recording (6)
- Outdoor events / games (4)
- Performances (4)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Professional musician (6), Novice (4), Experienced (3)
Most Liked Positive Review
Excellent Multi-Purpose Interface!
This is an amazing interface! I'm using it for several applications:
1) Audio interface. I'm using the Audiobox 1818 as an audio interface into a laptop with Studio One Pro 2...Read complete review
This is an amazing interface! I'm using it for several applications:
1) Audio interface. I'm using the Audiobox 1818 as an audio interface into a laptop with Studio One Pro 2.5. Setup is easy and it integrates perfectly into S1. Having at least 8 channels of input makes it perfect to record a drum kit or even a full band. (You can have more than 8 input channels using ADAT).
The mic preamps are very good and running instruments such as a bass guitar in direct sound great. In some recent demo recordings, I used the bass sound as it was recorded with no EQ.
2) Silent Rehearsal Device. I was considering a JamHub for rehearsals to reduce the volume level. When I was researching the Audiobox 1818 I was convinced that I could create enough individual mixes to make it work. Although it took a bit of effort, I am able to get an individual mix for each of the 5 band memebers. To do this I'm using the 3 standard mix outs and an added SPDIF out (by using an inexpensive converter) and the main out for the 5th mix. While we don't always use headphones, we have placed some small powered monitors (Voice Solo) in the space so that each member can get their own mix. Some of us use in-ear monitors or headphones. As a result, the rehearsal volume is a lot lower even though our drummer has an acoustic kit. We run the guitars and bass into the unit via a direct line out.
3) On Stage PA/Monitor Mixer. In smaller venues we are now using the 1818 as both the FOH mixer and individual monitor mixer. To do this we keep a laptop on stage to control both the FOH and the monitor mixes. We've also mapped a mixer to our M-Audio Axiom 49 keyboard so that the FOH levels can be adjusted from the sliders on the keyboard.
We run either a mic on each guitar amp or take a direct line out.
Using this setup we bypass the house floor wedges and use a combination of hot spot monitors and in-ear monitors.
To do the mix we're using Studio One rather than the included VSL software. The main reason for this is the number of sub mixes that we have and it allows us to multitrack record the show if we want to.
This setup is rather complex but once you get it setup you can save your mixer settings so that it is quicker the next time. You'll want to patch your mics and instruments into the same channels each time.
In larger venues we still plan to bring the 1818 to use in place of the house monitor system. This might mean an extra mic on each amp to feed the 1818 along with a splitter for each mic to feed the FOH as well. It will allow us to get a consistent stage mix no matter the venue.
Summary: One key component of using the 1818 is to use the Zero Latency option on each channel. Otherwise the latency is enough to through you off.
This has turned out to be a remarkable device. It is a sturdy unit that can handle trips out of the house when needed. The only negative is the some of the flexibility comes with some complexity. I wouldn't recommend using it live without practicing the setup a time or two before.
Given the price and the flexibility, I highly recommend the 1818!
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Awesome GARBAGE...
…okay, where do I start?
I guess the first thing to say is, at this point, I wish I never made this purchase. Next, I guess I'd ...Read complete review
…okay, where do I start?
I guess the first thing to say is, at this point, I wish I never made this purchase. Next, I guess I'd have to say that I didn't use the native Presonus Studio One 2 DAW…
I am a Sonar X2 Producer DAW user and Studio One 2 was never an option for my studio. And to be honest and fair to Presonus, I never installed Studio One 2 to use with the Audiobox 1818VSL—which could have resulted in a better user experience—I can't say.
Also, to be honest, my interest was not in the Audiobox 1818VSL hardware as much as it was in the VSL mixer software…the software is why I made the purchase in the first place. I was using a Tascam US-1800 in which I was very satisfied, but some of the features of the VSL mixer software (not to go into detail) were too awesome and seemed to make my Tascam US-1800 pale in comparison.
First, and I must say, I was very impressed—the Audiobox 1818VSL definitely makes an audible output difference. Just listening to my mixes through this unit, made it clear that the Audiobox 1818VSL incorporated superior hardware over my Tascam US-1800; much more clarity in frequency response—just blew me away. And at this point, I was feeling really good about this unit.
And the unit itself is very sturdily built and aesthetically pleasing…but let's face it…all of the good points of the hardware were disappointing once I started using the audio drivers…in a word, latency.
No studio can survive with latency issues and the Audiobox 1818VSL audio drivers just don't cut it. The hardware is awesome, the VSL mixer software is awesome, but the audio drivers are, in a word…GARBAGE!
And to be honest again, I visited all kinds of forums and the knowledge base at Presonus and could not find information or guidance to help me resolve my latency issues. One thing that really disturbed me was that the installation defaults, once changed, created audio HAVOK. As soon as I changed the buffer size from 1024 to any other setting, I couldn't even listen to my mixes anymore without constant popping. Nothing I did after that would get rid of it—not even putting the buffer size back to 1024.
As of now, I am totally recommending NOT TO BUY the Audiobox 1818VSL. I'm going to try and set it up again to give Presonus the benefit of the doubt…but I'm not hopeful. Actually, at this point, I'd be willing to sell my unit at half price and take the loss…
Reviews
Reviewed by 15 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-10
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Pros
- Clean Sound
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Nicely Build
- Nicly Build
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Recording Studio
- Professional
Comments about PreSonus Audiobox 1818VSL 18-Channel USB Interface:
Great product ,nice preamps.For the price you cant go wrong . Comes with studio one which is also a delight to use .
Pros
- Amazing Port Mapping
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Home Studio
- Mobile DJ
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about PreSonus Audiobox 1818VSL 18-Channel USB Interface:
I got this and very quickly realized how awesome this box is. I later picked up an ipad specifically for the remote control program on it, and it has simplified alot of the minor adjustments needed in pretty much any scenario, you don't have to go back to the computer, you can do it anywhere in the building with wifi and an ipad. The ipad mixing interface is even more user friendly than the console on PC.
My rig -
Audiobox 1818VSL
Digimax D8
Individual headphone amps
iPad 3
I am able to get a beautiful live monitoring mix via VSL Mixer and iPad. I am also able to add effects and such in my DAW, and mix those into the monitoring mixes with NO LATENCY ANYWHERE. 4 Independent headphone mixes without a primary headphone amp is just awesome, saved me several hundred $$ on that alone. Sure 2 of the headphone mixes share buses (7/8 and Main Headphone, 1/2 and Main Mix), but with the right tweaking and port mapping it becomes a full studio very quickly. "More me in my headphones!" is very easy to accomplish with this setup.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Durable
- Expandable
- Versatile
Cons
- Software
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
Comments about PreSonus Audiobox 1818VSL 18-Channel USB Interface:
I read many reviews before buying and every other one complained about pops and crackles and then the others were all stars. I had none of those problems. Everything worked smooth. I did figure out though if you plug it into a usb 3.0 instead of 2.0 the pops and crackles began. To fix this I downloaded the beta driver version for windows and it fixed all those issues. studio one seems a bit buggy but you can record through any daw. I used reaper for my test. not problems. recorded 8 tracks at once flawlessly. I recording another 8 tracks to go with the first 8 just as a test and no latency issues. I even recorded some midi drums and 8 tracks of real drums together as test and it worked. had to adjust buffer size for the midi latency but it worked.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about PreSonus Audiobox 1818VSL 18-Channel USB Interface:
It seems like every other review complained about problems with pops and cracks. I just got my audiobox today. had everything up and running in no time. I tested it out by recording 8 tracks of drums at the same time. no pops and cracks as described. I also played along with a song to see if the timing was right and everything seems to be right on. I don't know why some reports of so many issues. You do have to turn on the audiobox vsl software but you can still record in any DAW as I have not even tried out the included DAW yet. I used Reaper. I haven't got into using the vsl effects yet but I feel certain everything will go smooth. I even added in two rockband drum sets and recorded midi drums along with my 8 tracks of real drums with no latency issues. I did have to adjust the buffer for the midi drums to work without latency but once I did that no problems there. Only con I can think of is you are required to have the vsl software running or it will not work otherwise. most interfaces are run by the daw instead. doesn't seem like a big issue however. I'm using a win 7 64 bit laptop core i5 with 6 gigs of ram. not even top of the line pc and still recording fine. only tested 24 bit 48k recording.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Home Studio
- Mobile DJ
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about PreSonus Audiobox 1818VSL 18-Channel USB Interface:
This interface can make some high quality home studio recordings. It has had some driver issues but they have been fixed at least on Mac with a beta driver 1.2.2. Unfortunately this has given the interface a bad rep, but when working it is awesome. The ability to have a low-latency virtual live mixer, fat channel effects to easily create a headphone mix for practice with eq/compression/reverb, a recording interface, and Studio One Artist v2 DAW. I can't speak for windows users at this point but the issues some were having appear to be fixed on mac and I know the windows drivers are on the way. I'd give it 5 stars for what you get in the under 500 prosumer interface range, but the driver issues set them back a bit. I like PreSonus so I hope they will be more careful in the future with compatibility statements (that said it is very difficult in today's pc/mac world to make anything 100% compatible).
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Compatibility
- Durable
- Ease Of Setup
- Easy To Use
- Midi Interface Built In
- Versatile
Cons
- Cheap Usb Cable
- Presonus Software
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Home Studio
- Live recording
- Performances
- Professional Recording
- Small Studio
Comments about PreSonus Audiobox 1818VSL 18-Channel USB Interface:
This interface is one of the best I have encountered. Up and running in about 25 minutes, 15 of which was installing software. Very high quality sound throughput, virtually no latency in monitoring mix. Only downsides I can find are that Presonus software still has alot of kinks that need to be ironed out, and that this thing came with a super cheap unshielded USB cable. Kept getting odd noises and clicks, eventually narrowed it down to the supplied USB cable. Replaced with high quality shielded USB cable and problems are gone completely. Very impressed and would highly recommend Presonus hardware to anyone thinking about building a studio, whether it be small home amateur 2 track studio or a large professional multitrack studio, Presonus hardware is the way to go.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Durable
- Versatile
Cons
- Noisy
- Poor Sound Quality
- Pops Clicks
- Unreliable
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
Comments about PreSonus Audiobox 1818VSL 18-Channel USB Interface:
An interface with nice specs, but poor functionality.
I just recently purchased the 1818 with the hopes of using it for recording my band into my PC. Unfortunately, this unit seriously let me down.
After connecting the unit and installing the drivers, I tried recording in Adobe Audition. I was greeted by endless pops & clicks. I played with the buffer settings, changed the sample rate, and tried different software (including the included Studio One software), to no avail. I spent many hours optimizing my computer to ensure that extraneous programs were running, unnecessary hardware disabled, updated drivers, different USB ports, etc. The PC specs are 2.6ghz processor with 8gb ram. After no success on my primary machine, I tried running the device on several different computers. Still, pops and clicks in every recording. I was able to get the unit working somewhat on a MacBook Pro (2ghz, with 4gb RAM); at 44khz, 2048 bit buffer, I was getting only occasional pops and clicks (not as bad as the PC, but still present).
I spent many hours trying to get this interface working, but I figure after 3 computers if I am still getting the same results, I should probably just try a different unit. I am of the opinion that an audio interface should just work out of the box on any reasonably equipped machine. Know what you are getting into before purchasing this audio interface. Take a look at the Presonus forums and you will see a number of people complaining of the same problems. I think the audio drivers are to blame.
This unit looks great on the surface, but is seriously flawed, in my opinion. I am sure a lot of people have had success with this unit, but I am not one of them.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
- Can Be Complex
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
- Individual Monitor Mixer
- Live Sound Mixer
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about PreSonus Audiobox 1818VSL 18-Channel USB Interface:
This is an amazing interface! I'm using it for several applications:
1) Audio interface. I'm using the Audiobox 1818 as an audio interface into a laptop with Studio One Pro 2.5. Setup is easy and it integrates perfectly into S1. Having at least 8 channels of input makes it perfect to record a drum kit or even a full band. (You can have more than 8 input channels using ADAT).
The mic preamps are very good and running instruments such as a bass guitar in direct sound great. In some recent demo recordings, I used the bass sound as it was recorded with no EQ.
2) Silent Rehearsal Device. I was considering a JamHub for rehearsals to reduce the volume level. When I was researching the Audiobox 1818 I was convinced that I could create enough individual mixes to make it work. Although it took a bit of effort, I am able to get an individual mix for each of the 5 band memebers. To do this I'm using the 3 standard mix outs and an added SPDIF out (by using an inexpensive converter) and the main out for the 5th mix. While we don't always use headphones, we have placed some small powered monitors (Voice Solo) in the space so that each member can get their own mix. Some of us use in-ear monitors or headphones. As a result, the rehearsal volume is a lot lower even though our drummer has an acoustic kit. We run the guitars and bass into the unit via a direct line out.
3) On Stage PA/Monitor Mixer. In smaller venues we are now using the 1818 as both the FOH mixer and individual monitor mixer. To do this we keep a laptop on stage to control both the FOH and the monitor mixes. We've also mapped a mixer to our M-Audio Axiom 49 keyboard so that the FOH levels can be adjusted from the sliders on the keyboard.
We run either a mic on each guitar amp or take a direct line out.
Using this setup we bypass the house floor wedges and use a combination of hot spot monitors and in-ear monitors.
To do the mix we're using Studio One rather than the included VSL software. The main reason for this is the number of sub mixes that we have and it allows us to multitrack record the show if we want to.
This setup is rather complex but once you get it setup you can save your mixer settings so that it is quicker the next time. You'll want to patch your mics and instruments into the same channels each time.
In larger venues we still plan to bring the 1818 to use in place of the house monitor system. This might mean an extra mic on each amp to feed the 1818 along with a splitter for each mic to feed the FOH as well. It will allow us to get a consistent stage mix no matter the venue.
Summary: One key component of using the 1818 is to use the Zero Latency option on each channel. Otherwise the latency is enough to through you off.
This has turned out to be a remarkable device. It is a sturdy unit that can handle trips out of the house when needed. The only negative is the some of the flexibility comes with some complexity. I wouldn't recommend using it live without practicing the setup a time or two before.
Given the price and the flexibility, I highly recommend the 1818!
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Durable
- Easy To Use
Cons
- Audio Drivers Are Garbage
Best Uses
Comments about PreSonus Audiobox 1818VSL 18-Channel USB Interface:
…okay, where do I start?
I guess the first thing to say is, at this point, I wish I never made this purchase. Next, I guess I'd have to say that I didn't use the native Presonus Studio One 2 DAW…
I am a Sonar X2 Producer DAW user and Studio One 2 was never an option for my studio. And to be honest and fair to Presonus, I never installed Studio One 2 to use with the Audiobox 1818VSL—which could have resulted in a better user experience—I can't say.
Also, to be honest, my interest was not in the Audiobox 1818VSL hardware as much as it was in the VSL mixer software…the software is why I made the purchase in the first place. I was using a Tascam US-1800 in which I was very satisfied, but some of the features of the VSL mixer software (not to go into detail) were too awesome and seemed to make my Tascam US-1800 pale in comparison.
First, and I must say, I was very impressed—the Audiobox 1818VSL definitely makes an audible output difference. Just listening to my mixes through this unit, made it clear that the Audiobox 1818VSL incorporated superior hardware over my Tascam US-1800; much more clarity in frequency response—just blew me away. And at this point, I was feeling really good about this unit.
And the unit itself is very sturdily built and aesthetically pleasing…but let's face it…all of the good points of the hardware were disappointing once I started using the audio drivers…in a word, latency.
No studio can survive with latency issues and the Audiobox 1818VSL audio drivers just don't cut it. The hardware is awesome, the VSL mixer software is awesome, but the audio drivers are, in a word…GARBAGE!
And to be honest again, I visited all kinds of forums and the knowledge base at Presonus and could not find information or guidance to help me resolve my latency issues. One thing that really disturbed me was that the installation defaults, once changed, created audio HAVOK. As soon as I changed the buffer size from 1024 to any other setting, I couldn't even listen to my mixes anymore without constant popping. Nothing I did after that would get rid of it—not even putting the buffer size back to 1024.
As of now, I am totally recommending NOT TO BUY the Audiobox 1818VSL. I'm going to try and set it up again to give Presonus the benefit of the doubt…but I'm not hopeful. Actually, at this point, I'd be willing to sell my unit at half price and take the loss…
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Studio
- Professional Recording
Comments about PreSonus Audiobox 1818VSL 18-Channel USB Interface:
I purchased the PreSonus AudioBox 1818vsl to interface with my new iMac mainly because it has MIDI in and out and 8 XLR or 1/4 inch inputs making it possible to leave my two existing midi devices always plugged in with 4 inputs left over for other use. This product exceeded my expectations in so many ways. It came with a demo of "Studio One", a multi-track recording program of which I also received a free upgrade after installing.
