PreSonus (Software)

About PreSonus Software

PreSonus Audio Electronics, founded in 1995 by Jim Odom and Brian Smith in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, built its reputation on hardware before launching Studio One in 2009. The DAW was designed by Wolfgang Kundrus, a former lead developer of Steinberg's Cubase and Nuendo, and it brought a drag-and-drop, single-window workflow that cut through the clutter of multi-window sessions. In January 2026, following Fender's 2021 acquisition of PreSonus, the flagship DAW was rebranded as Fender Studio Pro 8. The PreSonus name remains on hardware like Eris monitors and StudioLive mixers, while the software catalog now carries both PreSonus and Fender branding. Beyond the DAW, PreSonus develops Fat Channel XT plug-ins that model vintage EQs and compressors, the Notion notation software acquired in 2013, and bundled collections like Retro Mix Legends and Modern Classics.

Fender Studio Pro 8 (formerly Studio One Pro)

Fender Studio Pro 8 is the current name for what was Studio One Pro until January 2026. It offers unlimited tracks, a single-window interface, and a drag-and-drop workflow that keeps you focused on the music instead of hunting through menus. The DAW handles recording, editing, mixing, and mastering in one environment, and it includes notation tools for scoring. If you're moving from another DAW, crossgrade licenses are available. The software runs on Mac and Windows, and it integrates tightly with PreSonus hardware like StudioLive mixers and Quantum interfaces.

Fat Channel XT Plug-ins

Fat Channel XT plug-ins are dual-purpose processors that work in both Fender Studio Pro and the Fat Channel section of StudioLive Series III mixers. The catalog includes models of classic hardware: the Vintage 3-Band EQ, Solar 69 EQ, Alpine EQ-550, Brit Comp, FC-670 Compressor, and Everest C100A Compressor. These aren't generic emulations. They're designed to load identically into the DAW and the hardware mixer, so you can track through the same EQ curve you'll use in the mix. The Retro Mix Legends and Modern Classics bundles package these processors together for session work that needs vintage tone without the maintenance.

Notion and Notation Tools

Notion is PreSonus's notation and composition software, acquired from Notion Music in 2013. It handles scoring, orchestration, and playback with sampled instruments. You can write parts, generate lead sheets, and export MIDI or audio. Progression, also part of the acquisition, focuses on guitar tablature and chord charts. Both tools integrate with Fender Studio Pro, so you can move notation data into your DAW session without exporting and importing files. Composers, arrangers, and educators use Notion for everything from film scoring to classroom instruction.

Shop PreSonus Software at Blackout Audio

The Fat Channel XT plug-ins bring modeled vintage EQ and compression to your DAW and your StudioLive mixer without juggling separate workflows. Free shipping on orders over $199 across Canada. Browse the full catalog online and contact the Blackout Audio team with questions about licensing, crossgrades, or which bundle fits your session needs.