PreSonus Studio 24c Review: Still Worth Buying?

The PreSonus Studio 24c is a current 2-in / 2-out USB-C audio interface for home studios, offering two combo preamps, MIDI, and an accessible software bundle. It remains a capable entry-level choice, while PreSonus's newer Quantum HD, Quantum ES, and Revelator lines cover the brand's more feature-forward interface range. This review covers who it's for, who should skip it, how it performs, and what to verify before buying.

This is a category- and design-based review, not a claim of hands-on testing. Verify current specs, availability, and bundle before buying, especially given the changes noted below.

A Note on Availability and the Software Bundle

Before the rest of the review, two practical points:

• The Studio 24c remains in PreSonus's current catalog. It is an entry-level two-input interface, not the company's flagship direction; compare it with the newer Quantum HD, Quantum ES, and Revelator options when you need more advanced I/O or workflow features.
• The software bundle has changed. The 24c was long promoted with a perpetual Studio One Artist license. Current listings include a six-month Fender Studio Pro trial instead. If the software bundle is part of your buying decision, verify exactly what's included today before purchasing.

These points don't make the hardware worse, but they materially affect the value proposition, so factor them in.

Who the PreSonus Studio 24c Is For

The Studio 24c suits home recordists who want a straightforward 2-input USB-C interface for vocals plus a simultaneous instrument, podcasting with two sources, or general home-studio duties. Two combo inputs with preamps, an instrument input, MIDI I/O, and USB-C connectivity cover the common home-studio needs, and it fits the "sensible 2-in default" described in our best audio interface for a home studio guide.

Who Should Skip It

If you record more than two sources at once, you'll want a four-input interface instead. If the former perpetual Studio One Artist license was your main reason to buy, the current trial bundle may push you toward an alternative. If preamp quality and monitor control are your priority, consider stepping up (see alternatives below).

Sound and Performance

The Studio 24c is a 2-in / 2-out USB-C interface with two combo (XLR/TRS) inputs and PreSonus's XMAX-class preamps, high-resolution conversion, and low-latency USB-C connectivity. In its class, it's known for clean, honest sound and simple operation rather than boutique character, which is exactly what most home recordists need. It provides phantom power for condenser mics, a Hi-Z instrument input for guitar or bass, direct monitoring for latency-free tracking, and MIDI I/O for hardware controllers or synths.

As with any interface at this level, the sound quality is more than adequate for home recording, and the practical factors, stable drivers, direct monitoring, and I/O that matches your needs, matter more than chasing preamp prestige.

Setup and Use-Case Notes

• Connections: USB-C to your computer, two combo inputs for mics/instruments, MIDI I/O for hardware, and outputs to your monitors. Confirm the included cable matches your computer's port.
• Monitoring: use direct monitoring while tracking to avoid latency, then monitor through your DAW for mixing.
• Phantom power: available for condenser mics.
• DAW: verify the current bundled software and whether it suits your workflow, or plan to use a DAW you already own.

Key Specs to Verify Before Buying

Confirm these from PreSonus or a trusted retailer before purchase, since bundles and retailer stock can change:

• Current software bundle and which license or trial it includes.
• Exactly what software is included today (and whether it's a trial or a full license).
• Number of inputs with preamps, conversion resolution, and stated latency.
• Connection type (USB-C), bus power, and included cable.
• MIDI I/O, phantom power, and Hi-Z instrument input.
• Current price.

Alternatives

• Current 2-in options: compare current-generation interfaces in our best audio interface for a home studio guide, including PreSonus's newer Quantum and Revelator families if their feature set better fits your workflow.
• Step up for preamps and monitor control: the Audient iD range (for example the bus-powered iD24) is a common recommendation when quality and monitoring features matter more than saving money.
• More inputs: if you track several sources at once, look at a four-input interface instead.

Final Verdict

The PreSonus Studio 24c is still a capable, straightforward 2-in USB-C interface for home recording, with the preamps, MIDI, and connectivity most home studios need. The important caveat is the updated software bundle: it is now a Fender Studio Pro trial rather than the perpetual Studio One Artist license earlier buyers received. If its straightforward workflow suits you, it remains a valid entry-level option; compare newer interfaces in our best audio interface for a home studio guide when you need more I/O or newer features. Verify price and included software before buying.