PreSonus extend their StudioLive range with the brand new and fully featured StudioLive AR USB hybrid mixers. Designed with musicians in mind, these new mixers are equipped with a USB 2.0 audio interface that can capture all input channels, plus the main mix, to a Mac or Windows PC, with 24-bit, 96 kHz quality.
In the range are the 18-channel StudioLive AR16 USB, 14-channel StudioLive AR12 USB, and 8-channel StudioLive AR8 USB.
Neat features of the AR range are an onboard stereo SD recorder/player, letting you record the main mix without a computer and play back up to 32GB of MP3 or WAV files; Bluetooth 4.1 for wireless streaming; Class-A preamps; two instrument inputs; three-band semi-parametric EQ; internal stereo effects processing and a dedicated effects return.
In addition to the main outputs, you get monitor mix outputs with dedicated buses—suitable for feeding stage wedges, a headphone amp, or an in-ear system. Since the StudioLive AR USB is also a studio mixer, you get control-room outputs with level control to feed studio monitors.
Naturally, all of the mixers also ship with PreSonus’ Capture live-recording software and Studio One 3 Artist DAW.
All models are expected to be available in the third quarter of 2016, with expected street prices of $599.95 (AR16), $499.95 (AR12), and $299.95 (AR8).