Avid Pro Tools Carbon Pre

During the AES 2022 show, the Avid brand unveiled its Carbon Pre preamplifier , two years after the release of the Carbon. The latter is renowned for its warm and clear sound . But what about this new studio beast that offers 24 simultaneous inputs and outputs?

What does the Carbon Pre offer in terms of audio quality ? What are its features? its manufacturing quality up to par? What accessories come with the preamp? Discover the answers to these questions in the lines that follow. Here is the complete review of the Avid Pro Tools Carbon Pre preamplifier.

Focus on the Avid Technology brand

Before getting into the technical details of testing the audio interface , let's first focus on this brand.

Avid Technology is a trusted brand that has proven itself in the world of audiovisual production for over 35 years. Moreover, its products have already been awarded several times at the Grammy Awards and the Emmy Awards.

It is an American company which was founded in 1987. This brand specializes in the design of audiovisual production tools . It first distinguished itself in 1989 with the virtual editing software called Avid Media Composer.

Today, Avid offers a wide range of products to audiophiles. Here are some examples:

• Multimedia management and workflow tools
• Musical notation software
• Control surfaces
• Audio software
• Video editing software
• Audio equipment

In the category of best studio software , the best-known product of the Avid brand is undoubtedly the famous Pro Tools (the main competitor of Cubase).

In fact, it is a preamplifier that can be controlled remotely via the Pro Tools software which is on our test bench today. Without further ado, let's find out what the Avid Pro Tools Carbon Pre offers us.

Avid Pro Tools Carbon Pre Amplifier Overview

The Avid Pro Tools Carbon Pre is a versatile studio equipment . Indeed, it can be used in different ways:

• To provide additional inputs/outputs via the Carbon Expanded (up to 2 Carbon Pre units)
• As an AVB (Audio Video Bridging) audio interface with Pro Tools or a third-party AVB Core Audio compatible
• As a standalone 8-channel mic preamp like the Focusrite Scarlett OctoPre Dynamic
• As a standalone ADAT AD/DA converter

Its sampling rate can go up to 192 kHz 32-bit analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion .

Elements on the front panel of the Avid Pro Tools Carbon Pre

On the front panel of the Avid Pro Tools Carbon Pre, we find the following indicators and controls:

• 2 instrument inputs (unbalanced, 6.35mm jack connector) to accommodate various instruments such as keyboard, bass, guitar, etc.
• 1 built-in talkback mic : signal from this can be routed to an output via an auxiliary input track
• 1 indicator light indicating the status of the AVB connection: this turns white when the device is connected via a device recognized by the host computer
• 1 indicator light indicating the status of the external clock: this turns green when you select Word Clock or ADAT as the clock source
• 1 power button that lights up white when the device is turned on
• 1 LED level indicator indicating the input source (mic, line or instrument): this lights green when you select the mic level, yellow for line level and orange for instrument level
• 1 dial to adjust input channel gain
• 1 button to activate or deactivate talkback
• 1 button to adjust impedance parameters
• 1 button to bridge even and odd channel input pairs for stereo linking
• 1 button to reverse polarity
• 1 button to turn phantom power on or off
• 1 dial to adjust the output level
• Input/output meters to display peak measurement at 9 levels
• 1 button to switch between mic, line and instrument inputs
• 1 output encoder for adjusting the output signal level of a studio monitor or headphones
• 1 light strip displaying the output level applied by the output encoder
• 1 button to select a monitor output
• 1 button to select a headphone output
• 1 button to reduce the monitor signal level (default is -15 dB )
• 4 headphone outputs

The elements on the rear panel of the Avid Pro Tools Carbon Pre

The rear panel of the Avid Carbon Pre has the following elements:

• 1 IEC power connector
• 2 ADAT outputs
• 2 ADAT inputs
• 1 input and 1 output Word Lock (BNC)
• 1 Footswitch (this also allows you to activate or deactivate talkback)
• 2 RJ45 Ethernet ports
• 2 left and right monitor outputs (balanced 6.35 mm TRS)
• 8 line inputs
• 8 line outputs
• 8 mic/line inputs (combined 1/4" XLR/TRS inputs)

Uses of Pro Tools computer music software

Impossible to test the Avid Pro Tools Carbon Pre without talking about the Pro Tools DAW ( Digital Audio Wokstation ). In fact, the purchase of this preamplifier gives access to a subscription to this software . Added to this is assistance.

With this software, you don't have to access the audio interface to make adjustments. Controlling the device settings can be done via this tool . You can even adjust the impedance and gain remotely.

This MAO ( computer-assisted music ) software is ideal for music production . Thanks to the consistency of its workflow, it allows you to record and mix a complete album. The software also comes with many interesting plugins.

Used as an AVB audio interface , the Avid Pro Tools Carbon Pre is compatible with Pro Tools Studio and Pro Tools Ultimate 2022.10 or newer.

On the other hand, there is no need to use Pro Tools software when operating it as an 8-channel microphone preamp The same is true when you use it as a standalone AD/DA converter .

Note : If your computer only has Thunderbolt ports, you will need a Thunderbolt to Ethernet adapter. The latter must be AVB compatible and Avid certified.

Focus on the sound quality of the Avid Pro Tools Carbon Pre

Just like the Carbon, the Carbon Pre offers exceptional sound . The latter stands out in particular for its sound that is both warm and clear. Added to this is impressive precision.

This model from the Avid brand has similarities with the Apollo x8p from Universal Audio, particularly in terms of the positioning of the push-button encoders. However, in terms of sound reproduction, the performance of these two devices is not the same.

Indeed, the analog-digital converters of the Avid Pro Tools Carbon Pre are less sensitive than those of the Apollo x8p. This means that the model proposed by Avid is more efficient in reducing background noise . In addition, the latter is little subject to clipping.

The mic/line and instrument inputs benefit from the integrated Z variable. As such, this device makes it easy to adjust impedance , which helps optimize the sound, regardless of the input signal.

Overall, the Avid Pro Tools Carbon Pre delivers great analog and digital performance . Preamplifiers and converters provide quality sound.

The technical characteristics of the Avid ProTools Carbon Pre

General characteristics of the preamplifier:

• Simultaneous inputs/outputs: 24 x 24
• Resolution: up to 32 bits, 192 kHz
• Number of mic preamplifiers: 8
• Power type: 48V phantom power
• DSP acceleration: 8 HDX DSP processors 2.8 GHz aggregate processing )
• Format: 1U rack (19 inches)
• Dimensions: 45 x 482 x 343 mm
• Weight: 5kg
• Connectivity: 2 AVB Ethernet ports

Analog inputs:

• 8 balanced XLR/TRS mic/line inputs with variable Z (impedance) on inputs 5-8, controllable remotely from Pro Tools
• 2 unbalanced instrument inputs (TS 6.35 mm variable Z)
• 8 balanced line inputs (DB25)

Analog outputs:

• 8 unbalanced line outputs (DB25)

Digital inputs:

• 16 ADAT channels: 44.1-48 kHz
• 8 channels: 88.2-96 kHz
• 4 channels: 176.4-192 kHz

Digital outputs:

• 16 ADAT channels: 44.1-48 kHz
• 8 channels: 88.2-96 kHz
• 4 channels: 176.4-192 kHz

Word Clock Inputs/Outputs

Mic Preamp Features:

• Dynamic range: 126 dB (A-weighted)
• THD + N: – 105 dB (0.00056%)
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz ; ±0.1dB
• EIN: – 129 dB (A-weighting)

Characteristics of line inputs:

• Dynamic range: 125 dB (A-weighted)
• THD + N: – 106 dB (0.0005%)
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz ; ±0.1dB

Line input characteristics (True Bypass):

• Dynamic range: 126 dB (A-weighted)
• THD + N: – 113 dB (0.00022%)
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz ; ±0.1dB

Instrument input characteristics:

• Dynamic range: 125 dB (A-weighted)
• THD + N: – 103 dB (0.0007%)
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz ; ±0.1dB

Line output characteristics:

• Dynamic range: 120 dB (A-weighted)
• THD + N: – 110 dB (0.0003%)
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz ; ±0.1dB

Monitor output characteristics:

• Dynamic range: 120 dB (A-weighted)
• THD + N: – 110 dB (0.0003%)
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz ; ±0.1dB

Characteristics of the headphone outputs:

• Power: 100 mW at 300 ohms ; 200 mW at 32 ohms
• Dynamic range: 116 dB (A-weighted)
• THD + N (32 ohms): – 87 dB (0.0045%)
• THD + N (300 ohms): – 100 dB (0.001%)
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz ; ±0.1dB

Required operating system:

Mac Intel:

• macOS Catalina (10.15.7)
• macOS Big Sur (11.3 – 11.6)
• macOS Monterey (12.6.3)
• macOS Ventura (13.2.1)

Mac M1:

• macOS 11.3 – 11.6
• macOS 12.3
• macOS Monterey
• macOS Ventura 13.2.1

Accessories included:

• 1 power cable
• 1 CAT 6 Ethernet cable
• 4 Rack mounting screws
• 4 adhesive rubber foot pads
• 1 registration card with redemption code and QR code

Our opinion on the Avid Pro Tools Carbon Pre preamp

Beyond its beautiful design, the Avid Pro Tools Carbon Pre is above all a practical device with multiple features. Its sound reproduction is simply exceptional. Overall, its performance is well above that of entry-level audio interfaces.

The Avid Pro Tools Carbon Pre is the ideal extension for the Carbon. The Carbon Pre offers all the inputs available on the Carbon. In addition, the connection between these two devices is not rocket science. With its 8 TRS/XRL combo jacks and 2 instrument jacks, this model can accommodate any instrument or microphone in a professional studio.

This is one of the best audio interfaces in this price range. Thanks to the power of its HDX mixing engine, this model provides a latency of less than 1 millisecond.

Thanks to its numerous LED indicators, this recording equipment is easy to use. Furthermore, it is possible to customize the brightness of the front panel. In particular, you can choose between 4 different brightness modes.

Another positive point: the Avid Pro Tools Carbon Pre comes with several accessories. This includes access to Pro Tools software.

The only downside is that AVB is not natively supported by Windows. This Ethernet extension is therefore only aimed at Mac users.

Most :

• Near-zero latency with built-in Pro Tools DSP
• Excellent audio quality
• Ease of use
• Versatility
• Pro Tools license + 12 months subscription
• Good value for money

The lessers :

• Not compatible with Windows

Our verdict on the Avid Pro Tools Carbon Pre: Overall, our opinion is rather positive on this high-end studio equipment. It will certainly delight professional music producers and musicians. It may also be suitable for amateurs who wish to optimize the quality of their recordings from their home studio.

Avid Pro Tools Carbon Pre Demo

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