First Look: Donner PC-02 Audio Workstation
Last Updated on June 30, 2023 10:59 am by Jeffrey Powers
Podcasters, Musicians, Live Streamers – The Donner PC-02 Audio Workstation is a powerful tool for all content creators. At Geekazine, it’s replacing the audio interface I use in the studio. It’s really an all-in-one.
Donner PC-02 Audio Workstation
- 4 Channel Mixer
- 9 button Sampler Grid
- Mac/PC compatible
- Built in effects
About the Donner PC-02 Audio Workstation
A 4-channel mixer with 10 built-in effects, and USB-C connectivity. The main inputs accept XLR or 1/4″ TRS plugs, for microphones or instruments.
The unit can connect computers and mobile devices via 1/8″ stereo input, and Bluetooth.
Key Chapters
- 00:48 Unboxing the Audio Workstation
- 01:42 First Look of the PC-02 (the tour)
- 03:10 Connections in the Back of the PC-02
- 06:01 Connecting the Microphone
- 06:53 First Look of Donner Connect Software
- 08:23 Adding Effects to a Channel
- 10:35 Checking out the 9×3 Sampler Grid
- 13:37 Pros and Cons – Donner PC-02
Outputs, Including Multiple Headphone Jacks
This is a plus for many podcasters. 4 separate headphone jacks with volume control for each person. It could also act as another output to a recorder or computer.
Other output options include the TRS balanced main outs, optical jack, 1/8″ line out, and USB-C to the computer.
10 Effects Available
Conditioning effects, such as Reverb, EQ, and Compression, to fun effects like Robot, Megaphone, and Autotune. Each effect can be applied to the individual channels – perfect for live performances.
9×3 Customizable Sampler Pads
Add in a soundboard for a podcast, or backing tracks for your music. You can even create easy on/off buttons for the voice changing effects through this 9 pad, 3 bank system.
Record, Stream, or Live Perform Through the PC-02
This device can be used as a stand-alone audio mixer. Connect up to powered amplifier for live concerts, or take it out to the park and record your original songs or shows. The unit does require a 12V power source.
Setting up Profiles
One of the fun things about this mixer is you can setup 3 profiles, then when you switch between them, the faders will move to the last known spot.
Pros and Cons of the Donner PC-02
- The interface is fairly straightforward, and they give you a guide card to navigate through the buttons.
- Effects can be tricky to set up, especially since all controls are not on a single page. EQ needs more than 4 frequency points (I would like to see a 10 channel personally)
- Setting up Sampler pads were a bit clunky. I couldn’t remove the effect pads in bank 2. When I imported sounds via the app, I had to do it 2-3 times to get them to stick.
- As a Pro – side note on the buttons, I did like the fact I could truncate a sound, and it still remembered the whole audio file
- As a con – audio files cannot contain spaces or other characters than “-” and “_” when importing.
- Record option (especially for sampler pad) needs a 3-2-1 countdown before record. I can truncate ONLY if I send to the desktop.
- Headphones are independent to main volume controls and I don’t see a way to mix for the headphone. Only option is volume up/down.
- There are more than enough input channels, BUT fader E only controls the sound of the sampler pad. It would be nice if that could get reassigned by the user – especially since I’ll most likely have these effects pre-mixed.
Price and Availability
The PC-02 is normally $599, but at the time of this video, their website offers $100 off and free shipping. Go to Donnerdeals.com to get that.
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