PreSonus StudioLive 24RFrom real comments

Verdict distilled from 31 mentions across 14 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment54%
PROS 54%
CONS 46%

Rank based on 31 mentions across 14 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want AVB ethernet networking instead of an analog snake
  • You need a flexible multitrack USB audio interface for your DAW
  • You're willing to learn the UC Surface software over time

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You want plug-and-play simplicity with no learning curve
  • You need a true S/PDIF digital input or balanced XLR-only touring outputs
  • You need flawless out-of-the-box preamp coloring

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice
1Premium
Rock-solid driver stabilityTotalMix FX routing powerClean, transparent sound and conversionApple Silicon dropout reportsCostly or unhelpful repairsTotalMix learning curve
Rock-solid driver stability
TotalMix FX routing power
Clean, transparent sound and conversion
Apple Silicon dropout reports
Costly or unhelpful repairs
TotalMix learning curve
2Premium
Rock-solid, long-supported driversClean, detailed sound qualityUltra-low latencySteep TotalMix learning curveHigh priceNo built-in DSP dynamics
Rock-solid, long-supported drivers
Clean, detailed sound quality
Ultra-low latency
Steep TotalMix learning curve
High price
No built-in DSP dynamics
3Premium
Exceptional driver stability and longevityExcellent sound quality and conversionTotalMix FX depth and flexibilityMissing onboard dynamics/EQTotalMix learning curveLimited instrument input headroom
Exceptional driver stability and longevity
Excellent sound quality and conversion
TotalMix FX depth and flexibility
Missing onboard dynamics/EQ
TotalMix learning curve
Limited instrument input headroom
4Mid
Powerful onboard DSP
Powerful onboard DSP
5Mid
Channel expansion flexibilityReliable RME driversBus-powered portabilityNot USB class compliantColorless digital soundDriver/static glitches reported
Channel expansion flexibility
Reliable RME drivers
Bus-powered portability
Not USB class compliant
Colorless digital sound
Driver/static glitches reported
6Mid
Bundled software and pluginsFlexible input optionsImpedance control (Z-Tone)High price relative to competitorsDriver issuesDynamic and gain range limitations
Bundled software and plugins
Flexible input options
Impedance control (Z-Tone)
High price relative to competitors
Driver issues
Dynamic and gain range limitations
7Premium
Converter and preamp clarityLong-term reliability and driver supportTotalMix FX routing powerRuns hotHigh price for the feature setTotalMix learning curve
Converter and preamp clarity
Long-term reliability and driver support
TotalMix FX routing power
Runs hot
High price for the feature set
TotalMix learning curve
8
Ultra-Low Thunderbolt LatencyExpandable, High-Quality I/OStrong Clocking and Dynamic RangeNaming Confusion With Newer 'Quantum' Models
Ultra-Low Thunderbolt Latency
Expandable, High-Quality I/O
Strong Clocking and Dynamic Range
Naming Confusion With Newer 'Quantum' Models
9Premium
Expandable I/OLong-Term User SatisfactionConverter QualityHardware Reliability IssuesHigh PriceMac-Centric Limitation
Expandable I/O
Long-Term User Satisfaction
Converter Quality
Hardware Reliability Issues
High Price
Mac-Centric Limitation
10Premium
Massive channel expansion via ADATRevives and pairs well with older gearExcellent, reliable driversUSB 2.0 bandwidth concernsLimited I/O per single unitNot USB class compliant
Massive channel expansion via ADAT
Revives and pairs well with older gear
Excellent, reliable drivers
USB 2.0 bandwidth concerns
Limited I/O per single unit
Not USB class compliant
You are here
31
PreSonus StudioLive 24R
Flexible Multitrack DAW RecordingAVB Ethernet NetworkingExpandable Channel CountSteep Software Learning CurveLimited Fat Channel and Aux FXRecording Latency and Driver Issues
PreSonus StudioLive 24R
Flexible Multitrack DAW Recording
AVB Ethernet Networking
Expandable Channel Count
Steep Software Learning Curve
Limited Fat Channel and Aux FX
Recording Latency and Driver Issues

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

AVB networking makes wiring and control simpler for many users. Commenters like using the AVB port over ethernet instead of running a 24-channel analog snake, calling latency almost non-existent, close to Thunderbolt speed. One user runs a Mac on interface mode over Cat 6 with a setup guide from PreSonus, while others ask about connecting AVB switches and mixing on a Windows 10 laptop as the controller. This networking approach is repeatedly framed as a key convenience of the rackmount design.

It doubles as a flexible multitrack DAW interface. Multiple users run the 24R and its siblings as USB or AVB interfaces for recording, tracking drums, bands, or entire live sets into Logic Pro, Ableton, or Studio One. One commenter records three hours of live sets while also mixing sound, and another asks about 24/96kHz USB recording. This dual-purpose live-mixer-plus-interface role comes up repeatedly across different users' workflows.

UC Surface's software-first design has a learning curve. Several users say figuring out the software took a while, with one calling the manual setup hard to get around and another saying nobody has shown a step-by-step guide for standalone use on Windows 10. One reviewer even jokes about needing more icon options like a 'Flying V' choice. Despite the friction, one long-term owner says the review video finally helped clarify confusing details after struggling on their own.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?