PreSonus

PreSonus StudioLive AR16c 18-Ch Hybrid Mixer USB-C

4.2 (148 reviews)
USB-C48Vphantom power

Elevate Your Sound with the PreSonus StudioLive AR16c Hybrid Mixer The PreSonus StudioLive AR16c is a versatile 18-channel hybrid mixer, perfect for musicians and content creators. Featuring a high-quality analog front end with XMAX mic preamps and a USB-C audio interface, it makes recording and ...

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Overview

Elevate Your Sound with the PreSonus StudioLive AR16c Hybrid Mixer

The PreSonus StudioLive AR16c is a versatile 18-channel hybrid mixer, perfect for musicians and content creators. Featuring a high-quality analog front end with XMAX mic preamps and a USB-C audio interface, it makes recording and mixing a breeze. With built-in digital effects, Bluetooth connectivity, and an SD recorder, this mixer is a powerhouse for any studio or live performance setup.

Specifications:

  • Channels: 18
  • Audio Interface: 18x4 24-bit/96 kHz USB 2.0 (over USB-C connection)
  • SD Recorder: 2x2 (records main mix), supports SD/SDHC up to 32 GB
  • Mic Preamps: 12 balanced microphone inputs with XMAX preamps
  • Instrument Inputs: 2
  • Line Inputs: 16 balanced
  • Insert Points: 2
  • Super Channel: Stereo, with Bluetooth 5.0, RCA inputs, 1/8-inch stereo input, and switchable SD/USB playback
  • Effects Processor: Stereo with 16 presets, dedicated send/return, and bypass footswitch jack
  • Software: Includes Capture live-recording software and Studio One Artist DAW for Mac and Windows
  • Phantom Power: Global +48V
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth

Key Features

18x4 24-bit or 96 kHz, USB 2. 0 (over USB-C connection) 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

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 or 18) with Bluetooth 5. 0 wireless, RCA inputs, 1 or 8-inch stereo input, and switchable SD or 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 plus 48V phantom power

Specifications

Channels
18
USB Audio Interface
18x4 24-bit/96 kHz USB 2.0 (over USB-C)
SD Recorder
2x2 (records main mix), supports SD/SDHC up to 32 GB
Microphone Inputs
12 balanced with XMAX preamps
Instrument Inputs
2
Line Level Inputs
16 balanced
Insert Points
2
Stereo Super Channel
Yes (Ch. 17/18) with Bluetooth 5.0, RCA, 1/8-inch stereo input
Stereo Effects Processor
16 presets
Recording Software Included
Capture live-recording software, Studio One Artist DAW
Phantom Power
Global +48V

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Offers a high-resolution 18x4 24-bit/96 kHz USB 2.0 (over USB-C) audio recording interface for detailed sound capture.
  • Features a 2x2 SD recorder capable of recording the main mix and supporting SD/SDHC formats up to 32 GB.
  • Equipped with 12 balanced microphone inputs, including XMAX mic preamps, for professional audio input quality.
  • Includes a versatile Stereo Super Channel with Bluetooth 5.0 wireless, RCA inputs, and a 1/8-inch stereo input for diverse connectivity.
  • Comes with a complete recording solution package, including Capture live-recording software and Studio One Artist DAW.

👎 Cons

  • The mixer requires 48V phantom power for microphones, which is global rather than switchable per channel.
  • Only two instrument inputs are specified, which might limit the number of direct instrument connections simultaneously.
  • The 2x2 SD recorder is limited to recording only the main mix, not individual channels to SD.
  • Specific details on the type or brand of components used for the 16 balanced line level inputs are not provided.
  • The stereo effects processor has 16 presets, which may not offer the customizability some advanced users seek.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the 2x2 SD recorder on the PreSonus StudioLive AR16c is designed to record only the main mix, not individual channels, to an SD or SDHC card.
Yes, the PreSonus StudioLive AR16c includes Studio One Artist DAW software, which is compatible with both Mac and Windows for a complete recording solution.
The Stereo Super Channel (Ch. 17/18) offers versatile connectivity, including Bluetooth 5.0 wireless, RCA inputs, and a 1/8-inch stereo input, allowing for a wide range of devices.
Yes, the PreSonus StudioLive AR16c features global +48V phantom power, which is essential for operating condenser microphones.
The 2x2 SD recorder on this mixer supports SD and SDHC formats with capacities up to 32 GB for recording the main mix.
The mixer includes a dedicated send and return for its stereo effects processor, in addition to its 18x4 USB interface capabilities for routing audio.