Description
PreSonus’ 32-channel Series III StudioLive 32R is both a versatile AVB stage box for StudioLive Series III consoles and the most powerful rack mixer in its class. It can operate as a simple stage box or as a combined stage box/monitor mixer, including remote control of the preamps and phantom power from the Series III console. As with Series III consoles, it’s fully recallable and features a plug-in-style signal-processing workflow with vintage-style EQ and compression options on every channel; 16 FlexMixes that can be Aux, Subgroup, or Matrix mixes; 4 fixed subgroups; 6-band fully parametric EQ on all mix outputs; and built-in AVB networking. In addition to 40×40 USB and 55×55 AVB recording interfaces, the StudioLive 32R features an onboard stereo SD recorder.
From the manufacturer
Stunning Rackmount Mixing and Processing Power.
StudioLive 32R: 34-input, 32-channel Series III stage box and rack mixer
The perfect partner for a StudioLive Series III console.
The StudioLive 32R Series III rack mixer is a perfect partner for your StudioLive Series III console/recorder, serving as either a simple stage box or a combination stage box and monitor mixer. Since Series III rack mixers and consoles can network using AVB, you can connect your StudioLive 32R to a Series III front-of-house console with one lightweight CAT5e or CAT6 Ethernet cable, eliminating the need for a heavy, expensive copper snake—and the signal degradation that goes with long analog cable runs. You can even remote control the StudioLive 32R’s preamps and phantom power from your networked Series III console. In stage box + monitor mixer mode, the StudioLive 32R not only serves as an excellent networked stage box, it is a full blown monitor mixer with far more processing and mixing power than any mixer in its class—all packed into just two rackspaces (2U).
Overview
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
The most powerful rack mixer in its class.When we say the StudioLive 32R is by far the most powerful rackmount digital mixer in its class, that’s no idle claim. The result of ten years of R&D, third-gen StudioLive Series III rack mixers are fully recallable, including remote-controlled XMAX preamps. Yet despite their extensive features, StudioLive Series III rack mixers actually improve upon PreSonus’ legendary ease of use while letting you customize their workflow and operations in software to fit the way you work. The coveted StudioLive sound is better than ever, including third-generation Fat Channel processing, re-engineered from the ground up, and vintage-style EQs and compressors. Add built-in AVB networking, multitrack recording via USB and AVB, stereo SD Card recording, and a complete suite of software; You have a mixing and recording powerhouse that’s equally formidable as a stagebox/monitor mixer, as a rackmount front-of-house mixer controlled from a touchscreen computer or tablet, and as the heart of your studio. |
Customize scenes and presets in new and powerful ways—including your way.With StudioLive Series III, we’ve upped the ante and given you more flexibility when working with scenes and presets. Mixer scenes now include Scene Safe. Similarly, we’ve expanded the concept of Fat Channel presets so that presets have, for practical purposes, become like scenes for individual channels, not only saving input and Fat Channel settings but also aux send and bus assignments. Of course you can also use preset filters to choose what you want to recall. |
Create buses and groups to suit your workflow with FlexMixes.Don’t you hate it when you’re setting up for a show and find you have an unused subgroup—but you’re short one monitor mix? That’s not a problem anymore, thanks to 16 FlexMixes that can be individually designated as aux, subgroup, or matrix mixes. These 16 FlexMixes are in addition to the 4 fixed subgroups giving you a total of 20 mix buses, not counting the main mix and solo buses. We also provided 24 Filter DCAs so you can more easily and flexibly control groups of channels. These are only a few of the many ways you can customize your StudioLive Series III rack mixer exactly to your needs and workflow. |
A third-generation Fat Channel.
StudioLive Series III rack mixers boast the same third-generation Fat Channel processing found in StudioLive Series III consoles. Delivering digital precision with the heart and soul of analog, the Series III Fat Channel implements a plug-in-style workflow that features vintage-style EQ and compression options on every channel, from classic tube limiters to passive EQs. In addition to channel processing, all StudioLive Series III mixers offer 6-band, fully parametric EQ on all mix outputs. Enjoy extensive, studio-style processing when recording, mixing monitors, or even running the front-of-house system.
More features
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
Network-ready, with a choice of recording methods.Networking isn’t the future of professional audio systems; it’s here now. StudioLive 32R Series III rack mixers come equipped with an AVB Ethernet connection that enables you to network multiple StudioLive Series III mixers and compatible computers and stream up to 55 channels of audio to and from a Mac or Windows PC. You also get 40×40 recording via USB 2.0, giving you a choice of computer recording methods. Each channel can independently access its analog input or its dedicated digital return from your computer. Alternatively, quickly and easily record the main mix—or any other stereo mix—to the built-in SD Card recorder. Upload a show for fans, give the band a reference recording, and more, no computer required. You can even simultaneously multitrack record to your laptop via USB or AVB and record in stereo to SD. |
Simple but versatile audio connections.We kept the StudioLive Series III rack mixers’ front and rear panels clean and simple, yet they have all the connections you need. All 32 channel inputs on the StudioLive 32R use locking combo jacks to accept microphone- or line-level signals. You also get a pair of unbalanced RCA jacks as additional inputs for Channels 31 and 32 for easy connectivity to smartphones, media players, and other consumer audio sources. In addition to main L/R outputs and headphone jack, you get 16 FlexMix outputs that can each be independently configured as subgroups, monitor outputs, or matrix outputs. The result is a versatile set of connections that provide the access you need in a compact, 2U package. |
Superior sound.Connect a StudioLive Series III rack mixer, and you’ll instantly hear details and an open high end you’d expect to find only in an expensive studio console. We built our reputation designing great-sounding analog circuits, including our famous XMAX solid-state, Class A preamps, and we put all of that experience into designing StudioLive Series III consoles and rack mixers. We didn’t cut corners on components, and we just say ‘No!’ to noisy, crosstalk-y ribbon cables. As a result, StudioLive Series III mixers deliver the high-end audio quality you need to preserve your hard-earned reputation for producing great-sounding mixes and recordings. |
JAL –
Added WiFi and Bluetooth to create a reliable tablet controlled mixer for outdoor events.We have moved some of our events outdoors and did not wish to drag a full analog sound reinforcement system outside every week. Since we have an existing indoor Presonus fixed installation, this rack mounted unit was a good match for us. We are combing this mixer with a JBL Eon One as a center “Speaker as Monitor” connected to AUX 1.Although there are racked mounted mixers available with built in WiFi, users complain of poor WiFi connectivity or poor mixer dependability. We racked mounted this unit along with a Dual Band WIFI router and a power strip into an SKB 4u Flyer rolling case. We connected a small bluetooth receiver to the RCA inputs in the back of the unit (Channels 23 and 24). We can stream background music from an iPhone over bluetooth before and after events. WiFi connectivity has been good and “tablet battery anxiety” can be alleviated by carrying a backup external battery pack. Setup properly, using line output, this mixer is very quiet with excellent preamps.We are running subgroups for vocals and instruments. We have programmed in multiple mute groups including: speakers only, vocals and instruments only, FX only, complementing the existing mute all group. It is possible to keep the mute groups available above the channel sliders by using the quick view. This allows us to say, mute the effects when a vocalist needs to talk. It is important to select Device Mode –> Mixer –> Link Aux Mutes –> Main Mute Auxes if you want to link the Main channel mutes to Aux 1 (Our center channel). You can create DCA filter groups on the fly to maximize the use of the available real estate on your mobile tablet, by filtering out any channels not currently in use.The Universal Control software did work on a Windows Surface Tablet, a Mac Portable Computer and an Apple iPad. If you loose connectivity, the mixer continues to function. When you save a scene, the scene is saved directly onto the 24R. To use a Mac, I had to update the 24R firmware connecting to a Mac over USB while the Mac computer was simultaneously connected to the Internet over WiFi. Finally, it is possible to use this 24R rack unit as a stage box and control it with a PreSonus 32SC board over Ethernet.So are there negatives to using a tablet controlled mixer over a FOH console? Yes. First, it only makes sense that an AC powered, ethernet connected FOH console mixer with physical sliders is probably going to be more reliable than a battery powered WiFi connected tablet controlled mixer. Second, there is no actual audio signal being transferred to the tablet, so listening to a single channel using the solo button is not possible. Third, there is no audio being sent from the tablet to the mixer, so there is no built in talk back function from the tablet.For portable sound reinforcement, the primary advantages are simplicity and safety in setup and takedown since there is no need for a snake: all mic and instrument inputs go directly to the on stage rack mounted mixer, eliminating one trip hazard.
DrJarom –
Little to no soundWhen I have the volume cranked up, I can barely hear something with the headphones. The speakers coming out to FOH have no sound. When I switch the audio preferences in my DAW back to the computer speakers, everything sounds clear and at appropriate levels. Dealing with support has been slow. On the personus Forums, I’ve found a couple of other guys dealing with the same issue. The one guy had to have parts replaced. I’m not happy to have spent this much money to be dealing with support tickets. I’m happy to change my review if Presonus picks up the pace and solves this issue.
Spitfireman65 –
Mind completely blown. Don’t buy anything else but this mixerThis is without a doubt the best rack mount mixer bang for the buck. We only tour with Oreos us and this rig is rock solid. No problems and so customizable that we haven’t even begun getting to the limitations of the mixer. Don’t waste your time with behringer/tascam/soundcraft rack mixers. Just get a presonus 16R and know that is performs circles around everything else.
LekrickP –
Coolest mixer ever!This thing is small, reliable, responsive and packed with features. I’m using it for front of house, monitor and rehearsal space mixes. The surface interface is adaptable and little tricky to setup, but worthwhile.
Basil wood –
Great all around digital mixerArrived on time and well packaged. Worked perfectly right out of the box. Software is easy to install and extremely user friendly. Since purchasing I’ve used it for multiple live performances and rehearsals.
Roman Pennington –
Great way to consolidate a whole rack of equipment into one.I am using the StudioLive 32R as a hybrid live/studio recording setup and am incredibly pleased with the performance and quality. I’ve got the box managing two separate submixes: one to the FoH for a live mix, and another goes to a ProTools rig for multi-track recording and a mixdown for a live stream audio feed. The system has proven to be rock solid. When it first came out, it only had support for 48khz, but now they also support 44.1 so I was able to replace all my previous digital interfaces in the studio with this single unit, for recording new projects, doing live sound, and mixing down older studio recordings from ProTools. The system, firmware and software continues to evolve and become more feature packed. You can’t go wrong with this unit. It replaced an entire rack of equipment in my setup. I can’t wait to ditch my snake and try their cat5-based remote boxes — that’s next on my list.
mhWatts –
quickly set up and then run from a good position in the housePreSonus StudioLive 24R Series III Rack-Mount Digital Mixer Review2/7/2018Thanks to Performance Audio and the local PreSonus rep I was able to take a PreSonus StudioLive 24R Series III for a test drive. My primary need is for something portable that I can take to small venues, quickly set up and then run from a good position in the house. I’m most often doing sound for an A’Capella band, but do a range of other gigs from small groups to musicals with some home studio work on the side. The 24R looked like a good fit for me, but I wanted to make sure it would work as advertised before investing. These review focuses mostly on overall functionality. I didn’t have time to do in-depth testing of sound quality, but my quick tests did not raise any major concerns.Hardware Tested • 13-inch 2016 MacBook Pro with two Thunderbolt 3 ports running macOS 10.13.3 ◦ Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter (USB 3.0, HDMI, Power). ◦ ITD ITANDA 4K Thunderbolt 3 to Mini DP Adapter ◦ Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter ◦ Apple Apple Thunderbolt 2 to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter • StudioLive 24R Series III stage box and rack mixer • HP Elite Book running Windows 10 Pro vs. 1703 • NetGear AC1200 wireless router • Samsung Galaxy S7Software Tested • PreSonus UC Surface Universal Control 2.5.2 (Mac and Windows) • PreSonus Capture 2. Multi-track recording software • PreSonus Studio One 3 Professional Demo vs. 3.5.5 • PreSonus QMix (Android OS) • PreSonus QMix-UC (Android OS) • Figure 53 QLab 4.1.3USB Connection Using USB to connect to the 24R I did not have any issues recording 24 channels at once. With this configuration I was able to use 3 monitors running UC Surface, Capture and QLab all at the same time. I could run backing tracks from the Mac, while doing a live mix for PA and simultaneously recording the individual channels for post-mix or virtual sound checks. It was a little tricky patching the backing tracks through the 24R and back into Capture, but the flexibility is there to do it. Note: Q-Lab needs a Pro license to talk to anything other than channels 1 and 2. The Apple Core Audio drivers had no problems allowing all three apps to interface with the same device. The same setup also worked with PreSonus’ Studio One 3 software, but you do have to upgrade to the $99 version to get more than stereo out. It was useful to keep UC Surfacerunning with Studio One 3 as I was playing with different patching options. The only downside I saw with USB is that you have to be within about 10 meters of the board to run USB without investing in extenders.Ethernet Control and AVB Things got more complicated when I tried to use Ethernet Control and the AVB bus. The setup that worked best for UC Surface was to use a Wifi Router with a single Cat 5 connection from the 24R to a router and then go WiFi for the link to the control computer. I successfully connected via WiFi with a PC, my Mac and a couple of Android phones simultaneously. The Androids used QMix and QMix-UC. I could control the 24R from any of them, seeing the results on all screens with never more than a 1 second lag. This would work fine in small venues, but it gets dicy when you have a thousand cell phones all trying to connect to WiFi during a show. I was also able to run UC Surface by connecting either my Mac or PC to the router with a 2nd Cat 5 cable. With the Mac I had to first convert from Thunderbolt C to Thunderbolt 2 and then use a separate adapter to convert Thunderbolt 2 to Ethernet. Several notices warned that the direct-to-ethernet Thunderbolt C adapters do not work. I did not try them. The PC would not let me use WiFi and Ethernet at the same time. As soon as the Ethernet was plugged in it stopped using its own WiFi. The Mac was happy to run both simultaneously. A big frustration I found with using Ethernet is that I had to power down the 24R after making any changes to my network in order for UC Surface to recognize the 24R. Hot-swapping does not work, and it appears that power sequencing is also a requirement; the 24R has to be the last thing connected. If you temporarily lose router power, you can’t just reconnect it, you have to cycle power on the mixer before you can regain control. Other systems I’ve used are more forgiving. Hopefully there is something that can be done in the firmware to fix this. As stated in the manual and literature, you cannot send audio over the Ethernet Control port. Less obvious is the fact that you cannot (yet) control the mixer over the AVB port. In order to get both control and audio without using USB you have to have two separate ethernet connections or do AVB over ethernet and control of WiFi. I was successful at getting both AVB and Ethernet Control working on the Mac by direct-connecting my Mac Ethernet adapter to the AVB port on the 24R, and then running the control signal to a WiFi router and making the 2nd connection to the Mac using WiFi. In this configuration I was able to run Capture and UI Control simultaneously. I couldn’t get this configuration working on a Windows 10 PC since Windows does not support AVB without dedicated adapters.Software UC Surface control software worked reasonably well, but needs some fixes before I would choose to use it in a live situation. The biggest issue was not being able to hide unused channels. Most of the shows I do involve fewer than 12 channels and would fit nicely on a compact screen if unused channels could be hidden. The Group-Master/VCA implementation does allow filtered views with reduced fader count, but it hides all elements that aren’t part of the selected VCA. I would like to be able to see VCA Group-masters while non-grouped channels are also visible. Navigation between pages is clumsy. In UI Control the button bars are chopped into small pieces and spread all over the screen. Several frequently used controls take 2-3 clicks to reach. A static button-bar across the top would be an easy fix.Mouse control of the faders was generally acceptable. If you clicked above or below the current fader setting it didn’t jump to meet the mouse as other interfaces I’ve used do, it simply tracked motion as the mouse moved. That said, the overall interface seemed better suited for multi-touch screens. Unfortunately I did not have the luxury to test that option. QMix-UC for Android gives access to all the controls in UC Surface, but needs to have better scaling of the screen elements. On a small screen the faders are too narrow to be selected. I don’t expect to be able to control 30 faders on a small screen at once, but that is the only option you get. QMix for Android is a clever stripped-down app that gives users the ability to control their own monitor mix. UC Control determines which device controls which Aux mix. On the app, one screen allows the user to select which channels constitute their sound. The unselected channels are considered to be “the band”. On the main screen you simply control the relative volume of your sound to the band. A master volume control would have been addition, but the App is works as is. Capture is simple and effective. It allows multi-track recording, simple editing and multi-track playback. The interface is basic, but usable. I would not use it as a substitute for a DAW.I didn’t spend much time using Studio One 3 software. Coming from a Pro Tools background there is a learning curve, but it seems reasonable enough to be usable and I didn’t see any show stoppers. It definitely worked better with USB than AVB.Summary Overall the hardware is functional. The USB connection works great. Requiring two separate interfaces for control and audio is a significant drawback when using AVB. In a live situation I’d probably use Capture on a dedicated computer on stage while using a second computer connected via WiFi or Ethernet in the house to do the live mix. For now I’m going to wait and watch before buying. The hardware is tempting, but the control software needs a few improvements. Hopefully PreSonus is listening.
Tibor Kiss –
This is a great AVB audio interface with additional versatilityI use in an AVB network connected with MOTU AVB devices. Provides me the functionality of Dolby Atmos input and output when used in studio environment. The programmable delays makes suitable to work in Atmos setup. The live features are also important to me. Since the clock is provided by a MOTU 8pre-es through AVB stream, starting of StudioLive 24R should happen a bit later than the clock source, otherwise doesn’t starts or emit a little bit noise. In this case I have to reboot. But the delayed startup is the best choice. It would be nice to be documented the control protocol.
Eugene Tanaka –
Tel que décrit…Le produit est exactement ce que je m’attendais. Très satisfait du produit, du service et de la livraison.