How many inputs does the Central Station Plus have?

The device features a total of five stereo inputs. These consist of two digital inputs and three analogue inputs to accommodate various studio sources.

How many sets of monitors can I connect?

You can connect and switch between three stereo monitor outputs. This allows for easy comparison between different speaker systems.

What is the benefit of a passive signal path?

A passive signal path avoids active circuitry that can introduce noise or coloration. This ensures the highest level of audio transparency for monitoring.

Is a remote control included with this model?

Yes, the Central Station Plus includes the CSR-1 remote control. This allows you to control the rack unit from your desk.

Can I use digital sources with the Central Station Plus?

Yes, the unit includes two digital inputs. These allow you to bring in high-quality digital audio directly for monitoring.

Does this unit require a rack space?

Yes, the main hardware of the Central Station Plus is designed to be mounted in a standard studio rack. The CSR-1 remote then sits on your desktop.

Is this device suitable for A/B testing speakers?

Absolutely. It is specifically designed to allow rapid switching between three different pairs of monitors to check mix translation.

What is the typical price for this unit?

The PreSonus Central Station Plus typically retails for approximately £522. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer.

How does this compare to active monitor controllers?

Unlike active controllers that may add their own sound signature, the Central Station Plus uses a passive path for purity. This makes it preferred by those seeking total transparency.

Can it be used with high-end monitors like the Neumann KH 310A?

Yes, its high-quality signal path makes it an excellent match for premium monitors such as the Neumann KH 310A or Genelec 8050B. It ensures these monitors receive a clean signal.

What controls are available on the CSR-1 remote?

The CSR-1 remote allows you to manage input selection, output switching, and volume levels. It puts the core functionality of the rack unit at your fingertips.

Does the Central Station Plus affect the stereo image?

By utilizing a high-quality passive path, it is designed to maintain the integrity of the stereo image. It avoids the phase issues sometimes found in lower-quality active circuits.

Gear article

PreSonus Central Station Plus

The PreSonus Central Station Plus is a high-fidelity studio monitoring interface and controller designed to act as the central hub for multiple audio sources. It features a passive signal path to ensure audio transparency and includes the CSR-1 remote control for desktop management of input and output switching.

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Overview

The PreSonus Central Station Plus serves as a comprehensive monitoring solution for professional and project studios. Its primary function is to manage multiple audio inputs and route them to various speaker sets, providing a singular point of control for the monitoring environment. By centralising these connections, the device allows engineers to switch between different reference sources and monitors without repatching cables.

Design and Connectivity

The unit is equipped with five stereo inputs, comprising two digital inputs and three analogue inputs. This variety allows for the simultaneous connection of diverse sources such as DAW outputs, CD players, or dedicated mixing consoles. On the output side, the Central Station Plus offers three stereo outputs, enabling the user to toggle between different sets of studio monitors for A/B testing and translation checks.

Genelec 8050B Bi-Amped Studio Monitor Dark Grey (Single)

Passive Signal Path

A key design philosophy of the Central Station Plus is the use of a passive signal path. By avoiding active electronics in the primary audio circuit, the device aims to deliver the 'purest possible' signal. This minimises coloration, distortion, and noise, ensuring that the audio reaching the monitors is an accurate representation of the source material. This transparency is critical for making informed mixing and mastering decisions.

Remote Integration

The 'Plus' designation refers to the inclusion of the CSR-1 remote control. This unit allows the user to manage all functions of the main rack-mounted hardware from the mix position. Having the remote on the desktop eliminates the need for the engineer to leave their sweet spot to adjust volume, switch inputs, or toggle between different monitor sets.

Target Use Case

The Central Station Plus is suited for studios utilizing high-end monitors such as the Genelec 8050B, Neumann KH 310A, or Focal Shape 65. Because these active monitors rely on the quality of the upstream controller, the Central Station's transparent path ensures their performance is not compromised. It is particularly effective in environments where rapid switching between nearfield and main monitors is required.

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Frequently asked questions

How many inputs does the Central Station Plus have?: The device features a total of five stereo inputs. These consist of two digital inputs and three analogue inputs to accommodate various studio sources.
How many sets of monitors can I connect?: You can connect and switch between three stereo monitor outputs. This allows for easy comparison between different speaker systems.
What is the benefit of a passive signal path?: A passive signal path avoids active circuitry that can introduce noise or coloration. This ensures the highest level of audio transparency for monitoring.
Is a remote control included with this model?: Yes, the Central Station Plus includes the CSR-1 remote control. This allows you to control the rack unit from your desk.
Can I use digital sources with the Central Station Plus?: Yes, the unit includes two digital inputs. These allow you to bring in high-quality digital audio directly for monitoring.
Does this unit require a rack space?: Yes, the main hardware of the Central Station Plus is designed to be mounted in a standard studio rack. The CSR-1 remote then sits on your desktop.
Is this device suitable for A/B testing speakers?: Absolutely. It is specifically designed to allow rapid switching between three different pairs of monitors to check mix translation.
What is the typical price for this unit?: The PreSonus Central Station Plus typically retails for approximately £522. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer.
How does this compare to active monitor controllers?: Unlike active controllers that may add their own sound signature, the Central Station Plus uses a passive path for purity. This makes it preferred by those seeking total transparency.
Can it be used with high-end monitors like the Neumann KH 310A?: Yes, its high-quality signal path makes it an excellent match for premium monitors such as the Neumann KH 310A or Genelec 8050B. It ensures these monitors receive a clean signal.
What controls are available on the CSR-1 remote?: The CSR-1 remote allows you to manage input selection, output switching, and volume levels. It puts the core functionality of the rack unit at your fingertips.
Does the Central Station Plus affect the stereo image?: By utilizing a high-quality passive path, it is designed to maintain the integrity of the stereo image. It avoids the phase issues sometimes found in lower-quality active circuits.