The PreSonus StudioLive 16R is a Series III, 16-channel 1 RU stagebox and rack mixer designed to serve as a simple stage box, rack mixer, or combination stagebox and monitor mixer. The 16R is equipped for AVB networking, allowing it to be connected to another Series III mixer via a single, lightweight CAT5e or CAT6 Ethernet cable, eliminating the need for heavy, expensive copper snakes, and the signal degradation caused by long cable runs. All the on-board XMAX microphone preamps can be remotely controlled from the front-of-house position. In stage box + monitor mixer mode, the StudioLive 16R not only serves as a professional networked stage box, but is a full-blown monitor mixer with advanced processing and mixing power.
The StudioLive 16R offers professional-quality sound with its on-board Series III processors and 3rd generation Fat Channel, which 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, the StudioLive 16R offers 6-band, fully parametric EQ on all mix outputs. There are six FlexMixes that can be individually designated as aux, subgroup, or matrix mixes, while eight Filter DCAs offer easy and flexible control over groups of channels.
There are 16 combo XLR-1/4″ inputs (mic/line) and an additional set of stereo RCA inputs for flexibility. The six FlexMix outputs feature 1/4″ TRS connectors, while the main output offers balanced XLR connectors. A built-in SD card recorder allows you to quickly and easily record the main mix or any other stereo mix without the need for a computer. What’s more, you can simultaneously multitrack record to your laptop via USB or AVB and record in stereo to SD.
The StudioLive 16R ships with an integrated software package including Studio One Artist, UC Surface, and Capture. Studio One Artist is a full-featured DAW for recording, mixing, and playing back tracks. The software offers remote control over the XMAX preamps and the Fat Channel processing. UC Surface offers touch-control for Mac, Windows, Android, and iPad, allowing you to control the mixer wirelessly from anywhere in the room, while Capture allows you to completely automate virtual soundchecks and record shows. Additionally, the StudioMagic plug-in suite is included, which provides a wealth of fresh sounds and effects from companies such as Eventide, Lexicon, SPL, MAAG, Brainworks, and Arturia. The StudioLive 16R ships with a power cord and a USB cable.
Inputs and Outputs
18 total inputs
16 mic/line channel inputs + 2 RCA inputs
6 x 1/4″ TRS FlexMix outputs
2 x XLR (L/R) Main outputs
Stereo headphone output
Channels and Buses
16 input channels
1 stereo digital return (SD Card, AVB, or USB)
10 buses:
6 FlexMixes (can be designated as aux, subgroup, or matrix mixes)
2 internal effects sends
Stereo main bus
6 Filter DCAs for easily and flexibly controlling groups of channels
Networking Connections
1 Ethernet control network port
Dynamic, self-assigned, and manual IP address modes
1 Ethercon AVB audio network port
Recording
On-board stereo SD recorder
18 x 18 USB recording interface
32 x 32 AVB recording interface
Signal Processing
Intuitive Fat Channel signal processing on every channel with:
A/B settings comparison
High-pass filter and polarity reverse
Gate/expander with sidechain
Compressor with sidechain
4-band parametric EQ on inputs
6-band parametric EQ on outputs
Limiter
Delay on every input
Delay on every output
Professionally programmed library of presets
Vintage EQ and compressor models available on every input:
Passive EQ
Vintage EQ
Tube compressor
FET compressor
8 x 31-band graphic EQs
2 internal effects buses: Combination of reverbs and delays with modern and vintage options
Built-in real-time analyzer
Scenes and Presets
Create, save, and edit up to 100 scenes
Scene management with:
Scene Safe – prevents a scene change from affecting designated “safe” channels
Create, save, and edit channel settings and copy/paste between channels
Advanced channel preset options can save and recall:
Channel type and name
Input settings (preamp, +48V phantom power, polarity, pan)
Fat Channel A & B settings
Bus assignments
Aux and effects send levels and pan
Select button color
8 Quick Scenes
8 Mute groups
Digital
Studio-quality converters with 115 dB dynamic range
48 kHz operation with 24-bit resolution (44.1 kHz option coming soon)
Actively Integrated Software
UC Surface touch control software for Mac, Windows, iPad, and Android
Studio One Artist digital audio workstation software for Mac and Windows
Capture multitrack recording software for Mac and Windows
QMix-UC aux-control software for iOS and Android available free from Apple App Store and Google Play
UPC 673454005817
JAL –
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.
Spitfireman65 –
This 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 –
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 –
Arrived 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 –
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.