PreSonus StudioLive AR16C
16 channel USB-C Audio Interface & Analog Mixer
Audio recording made easy.
Don’t let the classic analog mixer design fool you—the StudioLive® AR16c was built to record. With a pristine analog front-end, 12 high-gain XMAX mic preamps, and an 18x4 24-bit, 96 kHz, USB-C compatible USB 2.0 audio interface, its hybrid design makes it simple to record studio productions and mix live shows from a single intuitive console. Add in a musical 3-band analog EQ, mic/line boost for low-level vintage synths and broadcast microphones, all-new digital effects with rich reverbs and lush delays, Bluetooth® connectivity, and a stereo SD recorder... and you have a mixing and recording powerhouse that fulfills the needs of both modern musicians and content creators.
A full-featured audio interface.
The StudioLive AR16c audio interface operates at up to 96 kHz for high-definition mixing and recording. Record each of the 16 inputs, plus the main mix for even more flexible recording options. Play back up to four streams for monitoring previously recorded tracks—plus a click. Twelve lauded XMAX mic preamps provide all the gain you need to capture even the most subtle details without adding any extra noise. The analog mixer front-end makes connecting your gear to your computer intuitive, and creating monitor mixes is quick and easy. With a USB-C™ compatible connection, your StudioLive AR16c is ready to use as an audio interface for nearly any computer.
The channel that does it all… even Bluetooth connectivity!
The unique Super Channel can handle four stereo sources at once and makes it easy to integrate consumer devices into your studio workflow. Connect a turntable to the RCA inputs, use the ⅛-inch stereo input to plug-in your smartphone, or forget the cable and connect it via Bluetooth wireless technology. You can also toggle between a stereo playback stream from your computer and playback from the onboard SD recorder, making rehearsal a snap.
A complete recording solution for studio and stage.
The StudioLive AR16c audio interface and analog mixer is tightly integrated with state-of-the-art recording software to help you realize your creative vision. Record multitrack live performances with one click thanks to PreSonus’ Capture™ live-recording software. Create complete studio productions with our award-winning Studio One® Artist DAW. With two professional recording applications included with your StudioLive AR16c, you’re ready to record right out of the box.
Stereo recording without a computer.
Imagine you’re rehearsing with your band and want to record your session to analyze later. Or perhaps you’re in the middle of a songwriting session and want to capture your ideas as quickly as they come to you. Either way, the StudioLive AR16c’s stereo SD recorder has you covered. Insert any SD/SDHC card and you’re ready to record your main mix to listen to later, so you’ll never forget a great song idea or an amazing guitar solo. Doing mobile interviews for your podcast? Leave the computer at home and record straight to SD.
Effects without latency.
Monitoring with reverb and delay helps to create better recordings. Any vocalist or guitarist will tell you that a little reverb makes them feel more comfortable while performing. The StudioLive AR16c mixer’s onboard effects processor lets you add high-quality reverb, delay, or chorus to any channel for a professional monitor mix. Like what you hear in your headphones? Record the Main Mix and capture the effects mix, too—with or without the dry channels—to blend with your multitrack recording. Experiment in post-production to your heart's content.
All the connections you need with a familiar look.
Packed with all the connections and controls needed to mix and record in the studio and on the stage, the StudioLive AR16c is the ultimate recording solution. The eight mono channels and four stereo channels include a musical three-band EQ, plus one of PreSonus’ famed XMAX high-gain mic preamps. Two dedicated monitor mixes with balanced outputs provide your musicians the custom mix they need. The USB-C compatible connector ensures your StudioLive AR16c audio interface will be the center of your studio for years to come. And with high-resolution 96 kHz recording, a full complement of connections, and an instantly familiar workflow, the StudioLive AR16c is the perfect recording and mixing solution for the modern musician and content creator.
Technical 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) | Mono Channels: < 128 dBu |
| Common Mode Rejection Ratio (1 kHz, +55 dB gain) | 65 dB |
| Phantom Power | +48V, ±3V, Global |
| Note: All Channel Inputs sum through Mic preamp |
Instrument Inputs |
|
|---|---|
| Type | ¼” 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, ±1 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, unwtd) | > 108 dB |
| THD+N (1 kHz, -1 dBFS, A-wtd) | < 0.01% |
| THD+N (1 kHz, -1 dBFS, unwtd) | < 0.01% |
| Input Impedance | > 1 MΩ |
| Note: All Channel Inputs sum through Mic preamp |
Line Inputs |
|
|---|---|
| Type | ¼” 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 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 |
| Note: All Channel Inputs sum through Mic preamp |
Main, Control Room, Monitor, and FX Outputs |
|
|---|---|
| Type (Main Outputs) | XLR Male, Impedance Balanced |
| Type (Control Room, Monitor, FX Outputs) | ¼” TRS Female, Balanced |
| Rated Output Level (Main Outputs) | +24 dBu, ±1.0 dB |
| Rated Outputs Level (Control Room, Monitor, 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 Hz - 20 kHz, -1 dBFS, unwtd) | < 0.01% |
| Output Impedance | 100 Ω |
Headphone Output |
|
|---|---|
| Type | ¼” TRS Female, Stereo, Unbalanced |
| Maximum Output Level | 150 mW/channel @ 60 Ω |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz to 20 kHz, +0.5/-1.5 dB |
| Dynamic Range (A-wtd) | > 103 dB |
| THD+N (Bandwidth 20 Hz - 20 kHz, -1 dBFS, unwtd) | < 0.01% |
System Crosstalk |
|
|---|---|
| Input to Output (Ref = +4dBu, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, unwtd) | -90 dBu |
| Adjacent Channels (Ref = +4 dBu, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, unwtd) | -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) | ±15 dB @ 140 Hz to 3.5 kHz (variable) |
| Mid Peaking (Stereo Channels) | ±15 dB @ 2.5 kHz |
| Mid-Band Q | Boost: 1.0, Cut: 2.5 |
| Low Shelving | ±15 dB @ 100 Hz |
Digital Audio |
|
|---|---|
| Host Interface | USB 2.0 |
| ADC Dynamic Range (Component) | 114 dB |
| ADC Dynamic Range (Measured: A-wtd, 48 kHz) | 105 dB |
| DAC Dynamic Range (Component) | 114 dB |
| DAC Dynamic Range (Measured: A-wtd, 48 kHz) | 105 dB |
| Signal-to-Noise (a-weighted) | -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 (96-320 kbs, 32 / 44.1 / 48 kHz) |
| Sampling Rate (WAV) | 44.1 kHz |
| Bit Depth |
Recording: 24-bit Playback: 16- or 24-bit |
Power/Environmental |
|
|---|---|
| Connector | IEC |
| Input Voltage Range | 90 to 240 VAC |
| Recommended Ambient Operating Temperature | 0˚ to 40˚ Celsius / 32˚ to 104˚ Fahrenheit |
Physical |
|
|---|---|
| Height | 3.5” (89 mm) |
| Width (Chassis only) | 18.9” (480 mm) |
| Depth | 15.6” (397 mm) |
| Weight | 14.1 lbs (6.4 kg) |
For more information, click here to visit the manufacturers website.
