PreSonus StudioLive AR16c 18-Channel USB-C Hybrid Digital/Analog Performance Mixer, Unpowered

(10 customer reviews)

$699.99

Brand PreSonus
Number of Channels 18
Item Dimensions LxWxH 15 x 20 x 3.7 inches
Item Weight 14.1 Pounds
Connectivity Technology Bluetooth

  • 18×4 24-bit/96 kHz, USB 2. 0 (over USB-C connection) audio recording interface; record every channel plus the main mix
  • 2×2 SD recorder (record main mix); supports SD and SDHC formats up to 32 GB
  • 18-channel analog mixer with 12 balanced microphone inputs with XMAX mic preamps plus two instrument inputs, 16 balanced line level inputs, 2 insert points, Stereo Super Channel (Ch. 17/18) with Bluetooth 5. 0 wireless, RCA inputs, 1/8-inch stereo input, and switchable SD/USB stereo playback, Stereo effects processor with 16 presets, dedicated send and return, and bypass footswitch jack
  • Complete recording solution: Includes Capture live-recording software and Studio One Artist DAW for Mac and Windows
  • Global +48V phantom power
SKU: B081BBPWHC Categories: ,

Description

Product Description

Don’t let the classic analog mixer design fool you—the StudioLive AR16c was built to record. Featuring a pristine analog front end with 12 high-gain XMAX mic preamps and an 18×4, 24-bit, 96 kHz, USB-C-compatible USB 2. 0 audio interface, the StudioLive AR16c’s hybrid design makes it simple to mix and record. Add in a musical 3-band analog EQ, mic/line boost for low-level sources including vintage synths, all-new digital effects with rich reverbs and lush delays, Bluetooth connectivity, and a stereo SD recorder. . . and you have a mixing and recording powerhouse that fulfills the needs of both modern musicians and content creators.

From the Manufacturer

High-definition 18×4, 24-bit/96 kHz, USB 2.0 digital audio interface with an intuitive analog mixer design; USB-C connectivity; 12 high-gain XMAX mic preamps; integrated stereo SD digital recorder; stereo Super Channel offers connections for four devices at once including via Bluetooth 5.0 wireless, plus RCA and ⅛-inch stereo line inputs as well as computer/SD playback; all-in-one recording solution with both Studio One Artist and Capture multitrack recording software included.


From the manufacturer

AR16c Hero

AR16c Banner 1

Audio recording made easy.

Don’t let the classic analog mixer design fool you—the StudioLive AR16c was built to record. With a pristine analog front-end, 12 high-gain XMAX mic preamps, and an 18×4 24-bit, 96 kHz, USB-C compatible USB 2.0 audio interface, its hybrid design makes it simple to record studio productions and mix live shows from a single intuitive console. Add in a musical 3-band analog EQ, mic/line boost for low-level vintage synths and broadcast microphones, all-new digital effects with rich reverbs and lush delays, Bluetooth connectivity, and a stereo SD recorder… and you have a mixing and recording powerhouse that fulfills the needs of both modern musicians and content creators.

Features

AR16c Square 1

AR8c Square 2

AR16c Square 3

AR16c Square 4

A full-featured audio interface.

The StudioLive AR16c audio interface operates at up to 96 kHz for high-definition mixing and recording. Record each of the 16 inputs, plus the main mix for even more flexible recording options. Play back up to four streams for monitoring previously recorded tracks—plus a click. Twelve lauded XMAX mic preamps provide all the gain you need to capture even the most subtle details without adding any extra noise. The analog mixer front-end makes connecting your gear to your computer intuitive, and creating monitor mixes is quick and easy. With a USB-C compatible connection, your StudioLive AR16c is ready to use as an audio interface for nearly any computer.

A complete recording solution for studio and stage.

The StudioLive AR16c audio interface and analog mixer is tightly integrated with state-of-the-art recording software to help you realize your creative vision. Record multitrack live performances with one click thanks to PreSonus’ Capture live-recording software. Create complete studio productions with our award-winning Studio One Artist DAW. With two professional recording applications included with your StudioLive AR16c, you’re ready to record right out of the box.

Effects without latency

Monitoring with reverb and delay helps to create better recordings. Any vocalist or guitarist will tell you that a little reverb makes them feel more comfortable while performing. The StudioLive AR16c mixer’s onboard effects processor lets you add high-quality reverb, delay, or chorus to any channel for a professional monitor mix. Like what you hear in your headphones? Record the Main Mix and capture the effects mix, too—with or without the dry channels—to blend with your multitrack recording. Experiment in post-production to your heart’s content.

All the connections you need with a familiar look.

Packed with all the connections and controls needed to mix and record in the studio and on the stage, the StudioLive AR16c is the ultimate recording solution. The eight mono channels and four stereo channels include a musical three-band EQ, plus one of PreSonus’ famed XMAX high-gain mic preamps. Two dedicated monitor mixes with balanced outputs provide your musicians the custom mix they need. The USB-C compatible connector ensures your StudioLive AR16c audio interface will be the center of your studio for years to come. And with high-resolution 96 kHz recording, a full complement of connections, and an instantly familiar workflow, the StudioLive AR16c is the perfect recording and mixing solution for the modern musician and content creator.

AR8c Square 5

AR8c Square 6

AR8c Square 7

The channel that does it all… even Bluetooth connectivity!

The unique Super Channel can handle four stereo sources at once and makes it easy to integrate consumer devices into your studio workflow. Connect a turntable to the RCA inputs, use the ⅛-inch stereo input to plug-in your smartphone, or forget the cable and connect it via Bluetooth wireless technology. You can also toggle between a stereo playback stream from your computer and playback from the onboard SD recorder, making rehearsal a snap.

Stereo recording without a computer.

Imagine you’re rehearsing with your band and want to record your session to analyze later. Or perhaps you’re in the middle of a songwriting session and want to capture your ideas as quickly as they come to you. Either way, the StudioLive AR16c’s stereo SD recorder has you covered. Insert any SD/SDHC card and you’re ready to record your main mix to listen to later, so you’ll never forget a great song idea or an amazing guitar solo. Doing mobile interviews for your podcast? Leave the computer at home and record straight to SD.

Includes Studio Magic Plug-in Suite.

This suite of plug-ins adds a wealth of fresh virtual instruments and effects to Studio One. Cherry-picked from the first names in virtual instruments and effects, each plug-in brings a different flavor of practical magic to your songs. These plug-ins aren’t gimmicky one-trick ponies — these are real-deal workhorses that you’ll rely on for countless mixes.

Additional information

Weight 14.1 kg
Dimensions 15 × 20 × 3.7 cm
Item Weight

14.1 pounds

Product Dimensions

15 x 20 x 3.7 inches

Country of Origin

‎China

ASIN

B081BBPWHC

Item model number

StudioLive AR16c

Date First Available

November 12, 2019

Speaker Size

18

Size

StudioLive AR16c (18-Channel)

Power Source

Corded Electric

Manufacturer

PreSonus

10 reviews for PreSonus StudioLive AR16c 18-Channel USB-C Hybrid Digital/Analog Performance Mixer, Unpowered

  1. T E P

    Nice form factor and features – some things that could be betterThis unit was significantly more expensive than the other mixers that I was considering but also has some great features (like SD recording and bluetooth) that those units did not have. The multi-track software that you can get free for this looks pretty good but haven’t used extensively. The microphone preamps don’t seem to have a lot of gain and for my 3 microphones (2 Shure Dynamics, 1 AKG Condenser) the trim needs to be turned up all the way or nearly all the way – not sure if this is a problem though. An improvement that could be made to the SD card is some sort of display that lets you know something about the recording (how long, how much left, how many files, current file etc). For my use, an unbalanced output would be useful, but otherwise the inputs and outputs are nice.

  2. Anders

    Fantastic Mixer From A Generous CompanyI love this product from Presonus. How many times do you feel great about the company you buy a product from? Not all that often. PreSonus just does it all the right way. Besides it being a great mixer for music, Podcasting, anything you want to throw at it, they give you so much free software it is absolutely incredible. They are generous it’s incredibly well priced, and I absolutely love that it is also pretty easy to use. Good tech support when needed too. Great company and a great product.

  3. Amazon Customer

    Nesecito el numero para rregistrar el productoLo siento el producto esta buena pero no me mandaron el numero para la rregistracion

  4. Jake Smith

    great features in an unreliable productThe media could not be loaded.

     I’ve owned two Presonus Studio live mixers. Both died very quickly. The first was the AR22 model. It lasted 15 months. The second was the upgraded AR16c model. It lasted about 18 months. Presonus has very unreliable components in their hardware. Their tech support isn’t helpful at all and they won’t look at their stuff unless you pay them a $250 bench fee. I am flabbergassed that I got two short lived mixers in a row. I did like the features and sound but it’s a short lived pleasure. I have launched another inquiry to Presonus about fixing the problems with the second mixer. I know that they won’t care. I would guess that they have a long line of ex customers that never got their mixers replaced or fixed. How can they continue this way? Look elsewhere if you want a reliable mixer and good customer service. Presonus does NOT stand behind their products.

  5. XcodeWarrior1970

    Professional Audio Recording on a Budget!I had been making music in garage punk bands since the early 90s, but was never able to figure out how or get the tools to record multitrack audio for mastering. That was until I bought a StudioLive AR16c 18-channel mixer.With this sweet digital/analog hybrid mixer, I can record and edit in Studio One and master music. Indeed, with the StudioLive AR16c, I literally have no more excuses to not make music.

  6. Philip C. Goetz

    This device is ideal for multi track home studio.It’s easy to use. Stable on PC (which is rare). Highly versatile. I am using it to record and mix at 96 k. I tried all the other usb hybrid mixers and this is the most ideal for my use.

  7. Steve Cosio

    Excellent mixerI use this mixer to record and edit my own and clients’ podcasts. It works flawlessly. This is my second PreSonus mixer as I upgraded from the AR12 to the AR12c.

  8. Dmh

    Stay away. Unless you only need for a year… or lessPresonus sells this mixer with a known power supply issue; makes FX and connecting via usb impossible. My power supply failed after one year during warranty. Just failed again 1 year later. But now with no warranty. Presonus will not give me or sell me the replacement part. I have to pay them to fix. $250 +++. Read the comments here – I’m not the only one. Presonus is a terrible company. Don’t buy this mixer unless you want to pay about $250 yearly… or more after you buy.Stay away!!!

  9. JW

    LIKEGREAT SOUND. EASY TO USE!

  10. Marc Jones

    Extremely poor customer serviceThis unit looks like it would be ideal for recording and live sound. Unfortunately it never did work as it was supposed to. It recorded about one quarter of the time. The software (Ampire) has lots of digital patches for guitar effects. Unfortunately they only worked after about an hour on the phone with Sweetwater Music’s tech support.I tried repeatedly to contact Presonus’ customer support but always got a message about extremely high call volumes and COVID 19. Then I was invited to contact them via e-mail. I only received automated responses. Never a human being who might actually been able to help.I finally sent the unit to Asurion . After waiting nearly a month I received a voice mail telling me my equipment was still under factory warranty and was being sent to Presonus. God only knows how long they’ll futz with it.Sorry for a negative review but I am not at all happy with Presonus or Amazon for their handling of this situation.

Add a review

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.