The StudioLive AR16c audio interface and analog mixer from PreSonus is the ultimate recording solution that fulfills the needs of both modern musicians and content creators. With high-resolution 96 kHz recording, a full complement of connections, and an instantly familiar workflow, this mixer’s hybrid design makes it simple to record studio productions and mix live shows from a single intuitive console. Tightly integrated with state-of-the-art recording software to help you realize your creative vision, including Capture™ multitrack live-recording software and the award-winning Studio One® Artist DAW, the StudioLive AR16c is the perfect recording and mixing solution for the modern musician and content creator.
PreSonus StudioLive AR16c Features
- Compatible with iOS and iPadOS devices including iPad Pro, iPad, iPad Air, iPad Mini, iPod Touch, and iPhones
- USB class-compliant
- 18x4 24-bit/96 kHz, USB 2.0 (over USB-C™ connection) audio recording interface
- Record every channel plus the main mix
- 2x2 SD recorder to capture the main mix
- Supports SD™ and SDHD™ formats up to 32 GB
- 18-channel analog mixer
- 12 balanced microphone inputs with XMAX mic preamps
- 2 insert points
- 2 instrument/line inputs
- 16 balanced line level inputs
- 8 mono
- 4 stereo pairs
- Stereo Super Channel (Ch. 17/18) with Bluetooth 5.0 input, RCA inputs, 1/8-inch stereo input, and switchable SD/USB stereo playback
- 8 mono and 4 stereo channels, each with level knob, pan, mute, PFL solo, high pass filter, and 3-band semi-parametric EQ
- 2 monitor buses with dedicated channel sends, AFL solo, and balanced TRS output
- L/R Control Room outputs with level control
- High pass filter on every channel
- 3-band quasi-parametric EQ with sweepable mid-band on each mono channel
- 3-band semi-parametric EQ on each stereo channel
- Stereo effects processor with 16 presets, dedicated send and return, and bypass footswitch jack
- Mic/line boost on stereo channels for low-level input sources and consumer devices
- StudioLive AR16c 16-Channel Analog Mixer1
- Microphone Preamp
- Type: XLR Female, Class A XMAX
- Maximum Input level (unity gain): +9 dBu ±1.0 dB
- Gain Control Range: 43 dB (+12 to +55 dB)
- Frequency Response to Analog Outputs: 20 Hz to 20 kHz, +0.5/-1.5 dB
- Frequency Response to USB (Direct): 20 Hz to 20 kHz, +0.5/- 1.5 dB
- S/N Ratio to Outputs (+4 dBu): 94 dB
- THD+N (min. gain, A-wtd): < 0.01%
- Input Impedance: 1 kΩ
- EIN (+55 dB gain, 150Ω input, 20 Hz-22 kHz, A-wtd): Mono Channels: < 128 dBu
- Common Mode Rejection Ratio (1 kHz, +55 dB gain): 65 dB
- Phantom Power : +48V, ±3V, Global
- Note: All Channel Inputs sum through Mic preamp
- Instrument Inputs
- Type: ¼” TS Female, Unbalanced, Hi-Z
- Maximum Input Level (min. gain, 1 kHz@0.5% THD+N): +9 dBu ±1.0 dB
- Gain Control Range: 43 dB, ±1 dB (+12 to +55 dB)
- Frequency Response to Analog Outputs: 20 Hz to 20 kHz, +0.5/-1.5 dB
- Frequency Response to USB (Direct): 20 Hz to 20 kHz, +0.5/-1.5 dB
- Dynamic Range (min. gain, A-wtd): > 105 dB
- Dynamic Range (mid. Gain, unwtd): > 108 dB
- THD+N (1 kHz, -1 dBFS, A-wtd): < 0.01%
- THD+N (1 kHz, -1 dBFS, unwtd): < 0.01%
- Input Impedance: > 1 MΩ
- Note: All Channel Inputs sum through Mic preamp
- Line Inputs
- Type: ¼” TRS Female, Balanced
- Maximum Input Level (min. gain, 1 kHz@0.5% THD+N): +26 dBu ±1.0 dB
- Gain Control Range
- Mono Channels: 40 dB, ±1 dB (-5 to +35 dB)
- Stereo Channels: 0 dB or +10 dB (+10 dB Boost)
- Frequency Response to Analog Outputs: 20 Hz to 20 kHz, +0.5/-1.5 dB
- Frequency Response to USB (Direct): 20 Hz to 20 kHz, +0.5/-1.5 dB
- S/N Ratio to Analog Outputs (+4 dBu): 85 dB
- THD+N (1 kHz, -1 dBFS, A-wtd): < 0.01%
- Input Impedance (Balanced): 10 kΩ
- Note: All Channel Inputs sum through Mic preamp
- Main, Control Room, Monitor, and FX Outputs
- Type (Main Outputs): XLR Male, Impedance Balanced
- Type (Control Room, Monitor, FX Outputs): ¼” TRS Female, Balanced
- Rated Output Level (Main Outputs): +24 dBu, ±1.0 dB
- Rated Outputs Level (Control Room, Monitor, FX Outputs): +18 dBu
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz, +0.5/-1.5 dB
- Dynamic Range (A-wtd): > 108 dB
- THD+N (Bandwidth 20 Hz - 20 kHz, -1 dBFS, unwtd): < 0.01%
- Output Impedance: 100 Ω
- Headphone Output
- Type: ¼” TRS Female, Stereo, Unbalanced
- Maximum Output Level: 150 mW/channel @ 60 Ω
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz, +0.5/-1.5 dB
- Dynamic Range (A-wtd): > 103 dB
- THD+N (Bandwidth 20 Hz - 20 kHz, -1 dBFS, unwtd): < 0.01%
- System Crosstalk
- Input to Output (Ref = +4dBu, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, unwtd): -90 dBu
- Adjacent Channels (Ref = +4 dBu, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, unwtd): -85 dBu
- Signal Level LED
- Signal: -30 dBFS (pre-EQ)
- Clip: -3.0 dB before clip (pre- or post-EQ)
- Channel EQ
- Low Cut: 100 Hz, -18 dB/Octave
- High Shelving: ±15 dB @ 10 kHz
- Mid Peaking (Mono Channels): ±15 dB @ 140 Hz to 3.5 kHz (variable)
- Mid Peaking (Stereo Channels): ±15 dB @ 2.5 kHz
- Mid-Band Q: Boost: 1.0, Cut: 2.5
- Low Shelving: ±15 dB @ 100 Hz
- Digital Audio
- Host Interface: USB 2.0
- ADC Dynamic Range (Component): 114 dB
- ADC Dynamic Range (Measured: A-wtd, 48 kHz): 105 dB
- DAC Dynamic Range (Component): 114 dB
- DAC Dynamic Range (Measured: A-wtd, 48 kHz): 105 dB
- Signal-to-Noise (a-weighted): -96 dB
- Bit Depth: 24-bit
- Internally Supported Sample Rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96 kHz
- Jitter: < 80 ps RMS (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
- Jitter Attenuation: > 60 dB (1 ns in => 1 ps out)
- SD Recorder
- Supported Media Format: FAT16 formatted SD™ card, FAT32 formatted SDHC™ card
- Media Storage Capacity: SD card: 2 GB; SDHC card: 32 GB
- Recording File Format: Stereo WAV
- Playback File Formats: Stereo WAV, MP3 (96-320 kbs, 32/44.1/48 kHz)
- Sampling Rate (WAV): 44.1 kHz
- Bit Depth
- Recording: 24-bit
- Playback: 16- or 24-bit
- Power/Environmental
- Connector: IEC
- Input Voltage Range: 90 to 240 VAC
- Recommended Ambient Operating Temperature: 0˚ to 40˚ Celsius / 32˚ to 104˚ Fahrenheit
- Physical
- Height: 3.5” (89 mm)
- Width (Chassis only): 18.9” (480 mm)
- Depth: 15.6” (397 mm)
- Weight: 14.1 lbs (6.4 kg)
About Analog Mixers at Sound Productions
An analog mixer (alternately spelled analogue mixer) is generally what comes to mind when you visualize a classic audio mixer. Compatible with analog electronic devices, analog mixers typically have a standard appearance and straightforward functionality of one control per function, which allows users with basic mixing knowledge to operate any analog mixer with relative familiarity.
When compared to their digital mixer counterparts, analog mixers offer fewer onboard features and lack the automation and wireless connectivity options that may be needed for more complex applications. However, their simplicity means that analog mixers are generally less expensive, making them an affordable option for applications that require more minimalistic mixing functionality.
Analog mixers are ideal for both live sound (FOH) and recording studios—anywhere that uses analog devices as their sound sources.
