PreSonus StudioLive AR12c - 14-Channel Analog Mixer with USB-C Audio Interface and Stereo SD Recorder in Blue Finish

The PreSonus StudioLive AR12c is an advanced 14-channel analog mixer that offers a seamless integration of analog warmth with digital precision. Perfect for a variety of applications, such as podcasts, livestreams, music production, and live performances, the AR12c excels in providing high-quality sound capture, flexible connectivity, and user-friendly controls. Equipped with eight high-gain XMAX mic preamps, this mixer ensures that every voice, instrument, or sound source is captured with pristine clarity and detail. The hybrid design of the AR12c combines a USB 2.0 audio interface with 14x4, 24-bit, 96 kHz recording capability over USB-C, making it a versatile solution for recording every individual channel along with the main mix.

The AR12c boasts a broad array of features that cater to modern musicians and content creators. In addition to its stellar mic preamps, the mixer includes two instrument inputs and twelve balanced line-level inputs, accommodating a wide range of audio sources. The stereo Super Channel (Ch. 13/14) supports Bluetooth wireless streaming, RCA inputs, and a 1/8-inch stereo input, along with switchable SD/USB stereo playback, offering a variety of connection options for various devices. The integrated stereo effects processor provides 16 preset effects, including reverbs, delays, and other audio enhancements, while the dedicated send and return channels ensure professional-quality signal routing. The AR12c also features a footswitch jack for bypassing effects, adding extra control for live applications.

The AR12c is designed with user-friendly controls to help users dial in the perfect sound for any environment. It includes a musical 3-band analog EQ, mic/line boost for low-level sources, and a high-pass filter to ensure that your sound is optimized. The powerful 14-channel setup ensures that you'll have the flexibility to accommodate various audio sources, whether you are recording music or managing a live performance. With the ability to record directly to an SD card with its 2x2 stereo SD recorder, the AR12c eliminates the need for a computer, making it a self-contained solution for live or studio recording. Furthermore, it includes Capture live-recording software and Studio One Pro+ for Mac and Windows, providing a complete recording solution right out of the box.

Features

• 14x4 24-bit/96 kHz USB audio interface over USB-C connection for recording every channel plus the main mix
• 2x2 SD recorder for recording the main mix, supporting SD and SDHC cards up to 32 GB
• 8 high-gain XMAX mic preamps for clear, professional audio capture
• Bluetooth wireless connectivity for easy pairing with external devices
• Stereo effects processor with 16 preset effects, dedicated send/return, and footswitch jack
• 3-band analog EQ, mic/line boost, and high-pass filter for optimizing sound quality
• Flexible input options: 8 mic preamps, 2 instrument inputs, 12 balanced line-level inputs
• Complete recording solution with Capture live-recording software and Studio One Pro+ for Mac and Windows
• USB and SD card recording with stereo WAV support, 24-bit recording and 16/24-bit playback
• Inputs include 8 XLR mic inputs, 2 instrument/line inputs, and 2 pairs of stereo balanced line inputs
• Outputs include Main, Control Room, Aux, and FX with high-quality connectors
• Phantom power for condenser microphones (+48V globally)
• Dimensions: 15.6 inches x 15 inches x 3.5 inches; Weight: 11.9 lbs

Specifications

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): < -128 dBu
• Common Mode Rejection Ratio (1 kHz, +55 dB gain): 65 dB
• Phantom Power: +48 V, +3V, Global

Instrument Inputs

• Type: 1/4-inch 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 (+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, A-wtd): > 108 dB
• THD+N (1 kHz, -1 dBFS, A-wtd): < 0.01%
• THD+N (1 kHz, -1 dBFS, unwt): < 0.01%
• Input Impedance: > 1 MΩ

Line Inputs

• Type: 1/4-inch 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 +/- 1.0 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

Main, Control Room, Aux, and FX Outputs

• Type (Main Outputs): XLR Male, Impedance Balanced
• Type (Control Room, Monitor, FX Outputs): 1/4-inch TRS Female, Balanced
• Rated Output Level (Main Outputs): +24 dBu, +1.0 dB
• Rated Output Level (Control Room, Aux, 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 20-20 kHz, -1 dBFS, unwt): < 0.01%
• Output Impedance: 100 Ω

Headphone Output

• Type: 1/4-inch TRS Female, Stereo, Unbalanced
• Maximum Output Level: 150 mW/channel @ 56Ω
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz, +/-0.5/-1.5 dB
• Dynamic Range (A-wtd): > 103 dB
• THD+N (Bandwidth 20-20 kHz, -1 dBFS, unwt): < 0.01%

System Crosstalk

• Input to Output (Ref = +4 dBu, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, unwt): -90 dBu
• Adjacent Channels (Ref = +4 dBu, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, unwt): -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: AR16c, AR12c): +15 dB @ 140 Hz to 3.5 kHz (variable)
• Mid Peaking (Stereo Channels: AR16c, AR12c, All: AR8c): +15 dB @ 2.5 kHz
• Mid-Band Q: Boost: 1.0, Cut: 2.5
• Low Shelving: +15 dB @ 100 Hz

Audio Interface

• Host Interface: USB 2.0
• ADC Dynamic Range (Component): 114 dB
• DAC Dynamic Range (Component): 114 dB
• Signal to Noise (A-wtd): -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
• Sampling Rate (WAV): 44.1 kHz
• Bit Depth: Recording: 24-bit, Playback: 16- and 24-bit

Power

• Connector: IEC
• Input Voltage Range: 90 to 240 VAC

Physical

• Length: 15.6 inches
• Width: 15 inches
• Maximum Height: 3.5 inches
• Weight: 11.9 lbs