Portable. Affordable. Recordable.
StudioLive AR16c: 16 channel USB-C™ Compatible Audio Interface / Analog Mixer / Stereo SD Recorder
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 18×4 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.
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.
Features
Recording
- 18×4 24-bit/96 kHz, USB 2.0 (over USB-C connector) audio recording interface
- Record every channel plus the main mix
- 2×2 SD recorder to capture the main mix
- Supports SD™ and SDHD™ formats up to 32 GB
Mixing
- 18-channel analog mixer
- 12 balanced microphone inputs with XMAX mic preamps
- 2 insert points
- 2 instrument/line inputs
- 16 balanced line level inputs:
- 8 mono
- 4 stereo pairs
- Stereo Super Channel (Ch. 17/18) with Bluetooth 5.0 input, RCA inputs, 1/8-inch stereo input, and switchable SD/USB stereo playback
- 8 mono and 4 stereo channels, each with level knob, pan, mute, PFL solo, highpass filter, and 3-band semi-parametric EQ
- 2 monitor buses with dedicated channel sends, AFL solo, and balanced TRS output
- L/R Control Room outputs with level control
- Headphone output with level control
Signal Processing
- Highpass filter on every channel
- 3-band quasi-parametric EQ with sweepable mid-band on each mono channel
- 3-band semi-parametric EQ on each stereo channel
- Stereo effects processor with 16 presets, dedicated send and return, and bypass footswitch jack
- Mic/line boost on stereo channels for low-level input sources and consumer devices
Included Software
- Capture® live multitrack recording software
- Studio One® Artist recording and production software (DAW)
- Studio Magic Software Suite
Power
- Internal power supply
- Standard IEC power connector
Physical
- Sturdy metal construction
- 60 mm faders
- Rackmount kit included
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 [email protected]% 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 [email protected]% 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)
Professionally packed and fast shipping
Through our long-term relationship in a long-standing partnership with UPS, FedEx, DHL and many other top global carriers we can offer an array of shipping options. Our warehouse personnel are well trained and will be able to pack your goods in accordance with our precise and exact specifications. Prior to shipping, your goods are carefully examined and safely secured. We deliver to thousands of customers every day across multiple countries. Our commitment to become the largest online retailer around the globe is evident by this. Warehouses and distribution centres can be located in Europe and the USA.
Note: Orders that contain more than one item will be assigned a distinct processing time, depending on the specific item.
We will inspect each and every one of the products before they are shipped. Today, the majority of orders will be shipped within 48 hours. Delivery is expected to take between 3 and 7 days.
Returns
Due to the multiple parties involved such as the factory and the warehouse, we are unable to fully manage stock. The levels of stock can change at any given time. It is possible that inventory could run out once the order has been made.
Our policy lasts 30 days. If you don't receive the product within 30 days, we're not able to issue the option of a refund or exchange.
To be eligible for a return the item must be unused and in the same condition as you received it in. The item should be returned in its original packaging.
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