PreSonus StudioLive AR8c - 8-Channel Analog Mixer with USB-C Audio Interface and Stereo SD Recorder in Blue Finish

The PreSonus StudioLive AR8c is an innovative 8-channel analog mixer that combines the best of both analog and digital worlds, providing musicians, podcasters, and content creators with everything they need to create professional-quality mixes and recordings. Featuring a pristine analog front end with four high-gain XMAX mic preamps, the AR8c ensures that every voice and instrument is captured with crystal-clear accuracy. This versatile mixer is equipped with an 8x4, 24-bit, 96 kHz USB audio interface, making it simple to record all of your channels plus the main mix directly to your computer. Whether you're live-streaming, recording a podcast, or producing music, the AR8c's hybrid design offers seamless integration for a smooth workflow.

In addition to its high-quality analog inputs, the AR8c boasts a range of features tailored to meet the needs of modern musicians and content creators. The 3-band analog EQ allows for precise tonal shaping of your audio, while the mic/line boost provides added gain for low-level input sources, ensuring optimal signal strength. Bluetooth connectivity allows for easy wireless pairing with external devices, and the stereo SD recorder allows you to record your main mix directly to SD cards without the need for a computer. The AR8c even offers a footswitch jack for bypassing effects, offering additional flexibility for live performances or broadcasting sessions.

The StudioLive AR8c is also designed for enhanced usability. The mixer includes a stereo effects processor with 16 presets, dedicated send and return controls, and an intuitive user interface. Whether you're using it for music production or podcasting, the AR8c ensures that your recordings sound polished and professional. The 8 channels of input - comprising of 4 balanced microphone inputs with XMAX preamps, 2 instrument/line inputs, and 2 pairs of stereo balanced line inputs - are complemented by flexible output options, allowing you to connect to a variety of audio systems. The AR8c's compact size makes it ideal for home studios and mobile recording setups, while its robust design ensures that it can withstand the demands of live performances and remote recording applications.

Features

• 8x4 24-bit/96 kHz USB 2.0 audio interface for recording every channel plus the main mix
• 2x2 SD recorder for recording the main mix, supporting SD and SDHC formats up to 32 GB
• 4 high-gain XMAX mic preamps for clear, professional audio capture
• Bluetooth wireless connectivity for easy pairing with external devices
• Stereo effects processor with 16 presets, dedicated send and return, and footswitch jack
• Comprehensive 3-band analog EQ for precise tonal shaping
• Mic/line boost for optimal gain on low-level input sources
• Includes Capture live-recording software and Studio One Pro+ for Mac and Windows
• Compact design ideal for both home studios and professional settings
• Inputs include 4 XLR mic inputs, 2 instrument/line inputs, and 2 pairs of stereo balanced line inputs
• Output options include Main, Control Room, Aux, and FX outputs with high-quality connectors
• Phantom power for condenser microphones (+48V globally)
• Dimensions: 12.3 inches x 11 inches x 3.5 inches; Weight: 7.1 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: 12.3 inches
• Width: 11 inches
• Maximum Height: 3.5 inches
• Weight: 7.1 lbs