NAMM 2017: Presonus Reveals New Studiolive AR Mixer Series

What could be better than a mixer that can handle USB audio interfacing and onboard recording too?  

Presonus has lifted the lid on its new family of USB mixers designed for live sound and studio production work. With three sizes available you can choose between 8, 14 or 18 channels to suit your needs. These hybrid mixers come with a range of tools including analog connections and digital processors : Presonus Class A preamps, three band EQ, a 24-bit, 96kHz USB2 digital audio interface and an integrated SD digital recorder meaning you can use it for recording without a computer. 

But there's more! With onboard Bluetooth you can even stream music wirelessly. The Super Channel (stereo Channel 13/14) allows you to connect four stereo analog and digital sources at once, enabling you to use the mixer with your high-tech devices. Plug a media player into the Super Channel’s unbalanced RCA and 1/8-inch stereo inputs, play stereo audio from the onboard SD™ recorder or from your USB-connected Mac® or Windows® PC. Use onboard Bluetooth 4.1 to pair your phone to your StudioLive AR mixer and instantly have wireless access to your music library for break music, backing tracks, or ear-training. Have a song you want the rest of the band to learn? Pair your phone and start rehearsing!

Presonus AR8

Presonus AR8

The three models have slightly different specs due to their sizes but here are the features of the mid-size AR12USB. 

AR12USB Features

Channels and Busses

  • 14-channel mixer
  • 4 mono and 4 stereo channels, each with:
    • 60 mm level fader
    • Pan
    • Mute
    • PFL solo
  • 1 stereo Super Channel (Ch. 13/14)
  • 2 monitor buses with PFL solo
  • 1 stereo effects bus
  • 1 stereo effects return with:
    • 60 mm master fader
    • Dedicated monitor sends
    • Effects bypass footswitch jack

Inputs and Outputs

  • 2 instrument inputs
  • 12 balanced line inputs
  • 2 unbalanced inserts
  • 8 balanced mic inputs with:
    • Class A microphone preamp
    • Global 48V phantom power
  • Stereo Super Channel with:
    • Stereo RCA inputs
    • 1/8-inch stereo input
    • Switchable SD™/USB stereo playback
    • Bluetooth 4.1 input
  • L/R XLR main outputs
  • 2 balanced TRS monitor outputs
  • 1 balanced TRS effects output
  • L/R Control Room outputs with level control
  • Headphone output with level control

Signal Processing

  • Highpass filter on every channel
  • Mono channels: 3-band semi-parametric EQ with sweepable mid-band
  • Stereo channels: 3-band semi-parametric EQ
  • Stereo effects processor with 16 presets

Recording Options

  • 14x4 24-bit/96 kHz, USB 2.0 audio recording interface
    • Record every channel plus the main mix
  • 2x2 SD recorder
    • Record main mix
    • Supports SD™ and SDHC™ formats up to 32 GB

Integrated Software

  • Capture™ recording software
  • Studio One ® 3 Artist recording and production software (DAW)
Presonus AR16

Presonus AR16

The mixers are shipping now and are priced as follows:

AR8: $399

AR12: $499

AR16: $599

Find out more at the website here. 

 

Hollin Jones was classically trained as a piano player but found the lure of blues and jazz too much to resist. Graduating from bands to composition then production, he relishes the chance to play anything with keys. A sometime lecturer in videographics, music production and photography post production, Hollin has been a freelance w... Read More

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