PreSonus StudioLive AR16c - 16-Channel Analog Mixer with USB-C Audio Interface and Stereo SD Recorder in Blue Finish

The PreSonus StudioLive AR16c is a versatile 16-channel analog mixer that combines the warmth and familiarity of analog with modern digital flexibility. Designed for both musicians and content creators, it provides the ideal solution for live mixing, recording, and broadcast applications. Featuring a pristine analog front end with 12 high-gain XMAX mic preamps, the AR16c delivers excellent sound clarity and powerful amplification, making it perfect for live performances, studio recordings, and high-quality streaming.

At the heart of the AR16c's hybrid design is its 18x4, 24-bit, 96 kHz USB-C-compatible USB 2.0 audio interface, which allows you to record every individual channel as well as the main mix. Whether you are recording a podcast, livestream, or music production, the AR16c offers seamless integration with both macOS and Windows computers. The mixer also features a 2x2 stereo SD recorder for recording the main mix directly onto SD or SDHC cards, offering a simple and portable solution for recording without needing a computer. This mixer combines analog warmth and digital precision, making it a flexible tool for various applications.

The AR16c also includes Bluetooth connectivity, a Super Channel (Ch. 13/14) that supports wireless streaming and playback from external devices, and a built-in stereo effects processor with 16 presets, including rich reverbs and lush delays. These features make it easy to customize your sound for any situation, from studio recording to live shows. The 3-band analog EQ, mic/line boost, and high-pass filter ensure your audio sounds pristine and well-tuned, whether you're dealing with vocals, instruments, or line-level sources. The AR16c also includes a dedicated footswitch jack, allowing you to bypass effects during live performances with ease.

Thanks to its extensive input options, the AR16c is capable of accommodating a wide range of audio sources. It has 12 balanced line-level inputs, 2 instrument inputs, and a pair of insert points for external effects. Additionally, it features 2 stereo channels (13/14) that offer Bluetooth streaming, RCA, and 1/8-inch stereo inputs, as well as the ability to switch between SD or USB stereo playback. Whether you are recording a band, hosting a live podcast, or livestreaming, this mixer has the versatility you need to connect virtually any audio source.

The AR16c comes with the Capture live-recording software and Studio One Pro+ for both Mac and Windows, providing a complete recording and mixing solution right out of the box. These software tools allow you to capture every moment of your performance, mix tracks, and produce high-quality audio content for any medium. With its reliable design and powerful features, the StudioLive AR16c is a great choice for professional and home studio environments.

Features

• 18x4 24-bit/96 kHz USB audio interface over USB-C for recording individual channels and the main mix
• 2x2 stereo SD recorder for recording the main mix directly onto SD or SDHC cards (supports up to 32 GB)
• 12 high-gain XMAX mic preamps, 2 instrument inputs, and 12 balanced line-level inputs
• Bluetooth wireless connectivity and Stereo Super Channel (Ch. 13/14) with RCA, 1/8-inch stereo input, and switchable SD/USB stereo playback
• Built-in stereo effects processor with 16 preset effects, including reverb, delay, and more
• 3-band analog EQ with mic/line boost and high-pass filter for fine-tuning audio quality
• Dedicated footswitch jack for bypassing effects during live performances
• Complete recording solution with Capture live-recording software and Studio One Pro+ for Mac and Windows
• Inputs and outputs include XLR, balanced 1/4-inch TRS, unbalanced RCA, and 1/8-inch stereo
• Phantom power (+48V) for condenser microphones
• Dimensions: 15.6 inches x 18.9 inches x 3.5 inches; Weight: 14.1 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: 18.9 inches
• Maximum Height: 3.5 inches
• Weight: 14.1 lbs