PreSonus | StudioLive AR8c Mixer and Audio Interface with Effects PreSonus

Portable. Affordable. Recordable.

StudioLive AR8c: 8-channel USB-C™ Compatible Audio Interface / Analog Mixer / Stereo SD Recorder

Podcasting and home recording, simplified.

With its instantly familiar analog mixer design, the StudioLive® AR8c is the easiest way to record podcasts, live streams, and music productions. Featuring a pristine analog front-end with four high-gain XMAX mic preamps and an 8×4 24-bit, 96 kHz, USB-C compatible USB 2.0 audio interface, the StudioLive AR8c’s hybrid design makes it simple to record from a single intuitive console. Add in tools like a musical 3-band analog EQ, mic/line boost for low-level broadcast microphones and consumer devices, Bluetooth® connectivity, and a stereo SD recorder… and you have a broadcasting and recording powerhouse that fulfills the needs of both modern musicians and content creators.

A full-featured audio interface.

The StudioLive AR8c audio interface operates at up to 96 kHz for high-definition mixing and recording. Record each of the six inputs, plus the main mix, for even more flexible recording options. Play back up to four streams for monitoring previously recorded tracks—plus sound effects, loopback audio, and more. Four 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. With a USB-C compatible connection, your StudioLive AR8c is ready to use as an audio interface for nearly any computer.

The all-in-one recording package.

The StudioLive AR8c audio interface and analog mixer is tightly integrated with state-of-the-art recording software to help you achieve your creative vision. Create multitrack recordings for your podcast or band with one click thanks to PreSonus’ Capture™ live recording software. Capture is designed to make recording easy. Create complete studio productions with our award-winning Studio One® Artist DAW to add effects, bumpers, and more. With two professional recording applications included with your StudioLive AR8c, you’re ready to record right out of the box whether you’re creating a podcast, live streaming your performance, or recording your first EP.

Record whenever and wherever you want.

Whether you’re recording a mobile interview for your podcast or you’re in the middle of a songwriting session and want to capture your ideas as quickly as they come to you, the StudioLive AR8c’s stereo SD recorder has you covered. Insert any SD/SDHC card and you’re ready to record your main mix, so you can simplify your recording process whenever you want. 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 at ease while performing. The StudioLive AR8c 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 podcasts, live streams, and music productions, the StudioLive AR8c is the ultimate recording solution. The two mono channels and two stereo channels include a musical three-band EQ, plus one of PreSonus’ famed XMAX high-gain mic preamps. The USB-C compatible connector ensures your StudioLive AR8c audio interface will be the center of your studio for years to come. With high-resolution 96 kHz recording, a full complement of connections, and an instantly familiar workflow, the StudioLive AR8c is the perfect recording and mixing solution for the modern musician and content creator.

Features

Recording

• 8×4 24-bit/96 kHz, USB 2.0 (over USB-C connection) 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

• 8-channel analog mixer
• 4 balanced microphone inputs with XMAX mic preamps
• 2 instrument/line inputs
• 6 balanced line level inputs:
  • 2 mono
  • 2 stereo pairs
• Stereo Super Channel (Ch. 13/14) with Bluetooth 5.0 input, RCA inputs, 1/8-inch stereo input, and switchable SD/USB stereo playback
• 2 mono and 2 stereo channels, each with level knob, pan, mute, PFL solo, highpass filter, and 3-band semi-parametric EQ
• 1 monitor bus with dedicated channel send, 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 semi-parametric EQ on every 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
• Optional rackmount kit

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)       11” (284 mm)
• Depth   12.3” (313 mm)
• Weight 7.1 lbs (3.2 kg)