Picked up a Presonus Central Station today.

[pdlstl]

Haven't got it hooked up yet but have a question.

I wanted to get the Remote but it wasn't in stock. Does anyone know the external dimensions of the Remote? I couldn't find it on the Presonus site.

Thanks!

[krimson]

I'm not sure of the dimensions of the controller.

Let me know how you like the central station. What were you using before?

Keep me posted.

[pdlstl]

I've just been using my Mackie 1202VLZ Pro and a terrible DOD headphone amp.

I called Presonus and the remote is about 5 1/2" by 5 1/2". Doesn't ship until June 24th. though...

Started tearing my setup apart last night as the install of the Central Station will dictate other gear having to be moved.

Will let you know how she works...

[krimson]

When you were using your sMackie in the monitoring path(I'm assuming that your were using and amp and monitors) were you going through the retuns on the sMackie? Or the channels input? I'm curious to know 'cause right now I'm going through the return 4 on my 1642VLZ Pro.

You could also take a set of outs and go through the central station and another set of stereo outs and go through the Mackie just to A/B between the both of them. That is if your card hs that many outs.

Also are you planning to use the spidif ins on the central station?

Please keep me informed on how it goes

Thanx

[Blue Bear Sound]

Note that there are a couple of design flaws in the early production runs of the Presonus Central Station.........

In at least some units starting with serial numbers 0304-xxxxxxxx and earlier (meaning on/before March, 2004), engaging the mono switch results in a level boost (they didn't implement a "Panning Law" attenuation)... also, in some units, there is a "chatter" sound occurring on the right channel when the level control is between the 8-2 o'clock positions......

I'm told from Presonus Tech support that as of the May run, the mono level issue is fixed, and for the June run, the right-channel chattering is fixed. For anyone with the "chatter" issue, the unit can be sent back to Presonus for a firmware upgrade to fix the problem (of course, you need to call them first for an RA number...)

[krimson]

Thanx Blue Bear, these are good things to know.

[earworm]

right, so why would we choose for a Central Station,
and not just for a normal 5-output Headphone amp ?

i've read some stuff on that Central Station, but naw,
so this unit lets you controll your Monitors and your Headphones
at the same time ?

so how many HP outputs and Monitor outputs does it have ?
and what about the soundquality ? its kinda more expensive than all the regular stuff out there.... so its gotto be something nice, no ?

..i'm open for all kinds of critiques

[Blue Bear Sound]

It's not designed so much as a headphone amp - more a monitor control point.... the TB and 2 headphone jacks are simply add-on conveniences

Except for the production issues I mentioned earlier, the advantage of using it is that it's exceptionally clean-sounding... no unnecessary circuits to get in the way of the sound.

[krimson]

Hey Blue Bear, have you popped open the hood on it yet? Just to take a look at the signal path?

[nkjanssen]

Originally Posted by Blue Bear Sound

I'm told from Presonus Tech support that as of the May run, the mono level issue is fixed, and for the June run, the right-channel chattering is fixed. For anyone with the "chatter" issue, the unit can be sent back to Presonus for a firmware upgrade to fix the problem (of course, you need to call them first for an RA number...)

Firmware?

I thought this thing was just a passive switching device. What does the firmware do? And how could a mere passive switching device create "chatter"? That issue has me a little concerned that the architecture of this thing might not be quite what Presonus is saying it is.

[Blue Bear Sound]

Originally Posted by nkjanssen

Firmware?

I thought this thing was just a passive switching device. What does the firmware do? And how could a mere passive switching device create "chatter"? That issue has me a little concerned that the architecture of this thing might not be quite what Presonus is saying it is.

I don't know... I'm only passing along what I was told by tech support! I do know that it does sound very good -- which, in this case, means transparent....

[SonicAlbert]

Originally Posted by nkjanssen

Firmware?

I thought this thing was just a passive switching device. What does the firmware do? And how could a mere passive switching device create "chatter"? That issue has me a little concerned that the architecture of this thing might not be quite what Presonus is saying it is.

It does have digital inputs and a DA converter in there, so there has to be firmware of some kind.

[pdlstl]

From the Presonus website:

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.

[nkjanssen]

Originally Posted by SonicAlbert

It does have digital inputs and a DA converter in there, so there has to be firmware of some kind.

OK, but how could that possibly create "chatter" on the right channel when the level control is in a certain position? I'm not saying it doesn't happen. I'm assuming it does, particularly since Presonus acknowledges it as an issue. My question is how that could happen if it is purely just a passive level control? I'm no electronics whiz, but that just doesn't seem right. Maybe I'm missing something.

[earworm]

so its military equipment ?
héhé, must be damn good...
i'm gonna buy a new headphone amp, but i'm not getting this Central station... only got 2 studio monitors...and aint gonna hook my hifi speakers to it... so this month its time to hunt for HP amps...
any suggestions ?
i worked with some samsung amps, stereo input, 5 outs,and you could link several samsung amps together, which is nice.... + they have a mono button which is nice

cheers

[mastahnke]

How are you liking it? I was thinking about getting one of those...then I could get more monitors

[pdlstl]

Well, after using it for a few days I must say I love it.

Not only does it allow you to control your cue and three set of speakers, the talkback function is very helpful to me. The talkback (with built-in mic) features auto-dim when you press the TB button. This feature is usually found only on higher-end consoles.

I'm continuing to use my Mackie 1202 VLZPro but at some point may do away with it as the Central Station would allow this.

I'm just waiting for the remote control to ship on the 24th. of this month. Then I'll be all set!

[pdlstl]

Originally Posted by earworm

so its military equipment ?
héhé, must be damn good...
i'm gonna buy a new headphone amp, but i'm not getting this Central station... only got 2 studio monitors...and aint gonna hook my hifi speakers to it... so this month its time to hunt for HP amps...
any suggestions ?
i worked with some samsung amps, stereo input, 5 outs,and you could link several samsung amps together, which is nice.... + they have a mono button which is nice

cheers

e-worm,

The only thing I would say, if you choose to get the Central Station now, you will definitely grow into it. Not out of it...

As far hp amps, look at the little Presonus HP4. Not a rackmount but a nice little hp amp.

[xstatic]

Believe it or not, i actually like my Behringer headphone amp for generic tracking and headphone branching. It has individual L and R ear mutes which is nice and a mono butoon, per mix aux inputs, a way to dasiy chain, and a total of 12 heapdphone outs. All for under $100. And normally I hate Behringer

[krimson]

Originally Posted by pdlstl

Well, after using it for a few days I must say I love it.

Not only does it allow you to control your cue and three set of speakers, the talkback function is very helpful to me. The talkback (with built-in mic) features auto-dim when you press the TB button. This feature is usually found only on higher-end consoles.

I'm continuing to use my Mackie 1202 VLZPro but at some point may do away with it as the Central Station would allow this.

I'm just waiting for the remote control to ship on the 24th. of this month. Then I'll be all set!

So what sounds better? the Mackie for monitoring or the Presonus?

[pdlstl]

Originally Posted by xstatic

Believe it or not, i actually like my Behringer headphone amp for generic tracking and headphone branching. It has individual L and R ear mutes which is nice and a mono butoon, per mix aux inputs, a way to dasiy chain, and a total of 12 heapdphone outs. All for under $100. And normally I hate Behringer

I will definitley agree with you on this one piece of Behringer gear.

[pdlstl]

Originally Posted by krimson

So what sounds better? the Mackie for monitoring or the Presonus?

May be just me, but I think the CS sounds better...for some reason it seems louder as well.

Go figger...

My 2¢...

[nkjanssen]

Originally Posted by pdlstl

May be just me, but I think the CS sounds better...

I would sure hope so. Isn't that the whole point?

[Teacher]

Originally Posted by pdlstl

May be just me, but I think the CS sounds better...for some reason it seems louder as well.

Go figger...

My 2¢...

louder always sounds better try level matching then your findings maybe somewhat valid...

[pdlstl]

Originally Posted by Teacher

louder always sounds better try level matching then your findings maybe somewhat valid...

Okay.

And your point is...?