It’s hard to believe it’s already been eight years since PreSonus unveiled its first StudioLive 16.4.2 digital console back in 2009, and over the years, the platform has been enhanced, improved and expanded. Even better yet for end users, advancements in digital technology have reduced the pricing of the mixers over time, while adding additional features and functionality.
In fact, the second generation of the Studio-Live 32.4.2AI originally carried a street price of $3,999, while the latest, next-gen StudioLive 32 Series III adds a host of new features — ranging from faster workflow, moving faders, 40 total inputs and direct recording/virtual sound check playback to onboard SD media — and brings it in at a street tag of $2,999. And for those with more modest input needs or on a budget, the 16-channel StudioLive 16 Series III — with 17 touch-sensitive, motorized faders, 24 total inputs and 17 recallable XMAX preamps — has a MAP of $1,999. And PreSonus just unveiled the 24-channel StudioLive 24 ($2,499) at this month’s Musikmesse show in Frankfurt (See sidebar, this page).
Besides the clean, updated looks of these newcomers, the StudioLive 32 has a 32.4 x 23-inch footprint. The Series III is less than an inch wider and two inches deeper than its predecessor, yet weighs in at 37.2 pounds. This is nearly 13 pounds less than the original and certainly something to appreciate during a 2:30 am load-out after a show. The new StudioLive 16 weighs in at a svelte 23 pounds, and its compact 17.6 x 22.9-inch layout is ideal for installs or applications where space is an issue.
Features Galore
PreSonus Capture™ multi-track recording software (with virtual sound check) is installed directly into StudioLive Series III consoles, so you can leave your laptop at home. With just one touch, Capture records up to 34 tracks to StudioLive’s onboard SD recorder. When finished recording, open your Capture session in the included Studio One Mac/Windows software and the entire mix scene will transfer to your Studio One session, including fader levels and Fat Channel settings.
The StudioLive Series III’s distinctive Fat Channel processing section has received a major overhaul, including a plug-in-style workflow that features vintage-style EQ and compression options on every channel, from classic tube limiters to passive EQs and a large, bright touch screen for easy navigation. In addition to channel processing, StudioLive Series III consoles also offer 6-band, fully parametric EQ on all mix outputs.
StudioLive Series III provides numerous ways to customize the console to best fit the way you work. User layers for the channel faders let you place any channel or bus fader anywhere you want—and they’re easy to set up. You also can customize your Fat Channel layout, putting the parameters you care about most right at your fingertips, and there are several workflow options to personalize your mixing experience.
With StudioLive Series III consoles, you can customize scenes even more precisely than with previous models. You could always decide which settings would be recalled in a global StudioLive scene change. Now, with Scene Safe, a scene change won’t alter the settings on designated “safe” channels. Similarly, Fat Channel presets have, for practical purposes, become like scenes for individual channels, not only saving input and Fat Channel settings but also aux send and bus assignments. Of course, you can also use preset filters to choose what you want to recall.
Hate it when you have an unused subgroup but you’re short one monitor mix? That’s no longer an issue, thanks to 16 FlexMixes that can be individually designated as aux, subgroup or matrix mixes. These 16 FlexMixes are in addition to the four fixed subgroups, offering a total of 20 mix buses, not counting the main mix, effects mixes, and solo buses. And with 24 DCAs, you can more easily and flexibly control groups of channels. To top it off, you can choose between 1-to-1 or split-layer workflows: Assign all channels to the top layer, with one fader per input channel, or split the faders between inputs and outputs, including DCAs and aux outputs.
An AVB Ethernet connection enables you to network compatible computers and stream up to 55 channels of audio to and from a Mac or Windows PC. (AVB networked solutions, including stageboxes, personal monitor mixers and increased third-party AVB interoperability are coming later in 2017.) You also get up to 38×38 recording via USB 2.0, offering a choice of computer recording methods. In addition to the AVB recording connection, StudioLive consoles sport a 1 Gb Ethernet port that can connect to a wireless router or directly to a computer, providing remote control of virtually all features via a wired or wireless connection.
PreSonus StudioLive 32 mixers are tightly integrated with an entire suite of state-of-the-art software. Mix wirelessly or over a wired network from anywhere using free UC Surface touch-control software for Mac, Windows, and iPad. Or add a second, third or even fourth — screen for fast workflows. Remotely control the mixer’s recallable XMAX preamps and Fat Channel processing with Studio One (included) for low-latency recording with effects.
Users can completely automate virtual sound checks and record shows with the included Capture software or record with Studio One — or with any DAW software that supports ASIO or Core Audio. The StudioLive 16 includes Studio One Artist, while StudioLive 32 customers can enjoy the full power of Studio One Professional. Musicians can control their monitor mixes onstage with free QMix-UC for iPhone, iPod touch or Android device without the need for large monitor networks.
All StudioLive digital console/recorders are available immediately. The StudioLive 32 has a U.S. MAP price of $2,999; the StudioLive 24 is $2,499; the StudioLive 16 is $1,999. For more information, visit www.presonus.com.
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