PreSonus StudioLive AR16c 18-Channel Mixer/USB-C Interface

zZounds Gear Experts Say...
Build big mixes and capture multitrack audio to your DAW! Record at 24-bit/96 kHz via the 18x4 USB-C I/O -- or record in stereo to the built-in SD card slot.

StudioLive AR16c USB-C 18-channel hybrid mixers make it simple to mix and record live shows, studio productions, band rehearsals, podcasts, and much more. This is a musician's mixer: lightweight, versatile, feature-rich, and packed with analog connections and digital tools, yet easy to learn and use. Mix with PreSonus' famous Class A preamps and three-band EQ. Create multitrack recordings and fly in backing tracks with a 24-bit, 96 kHz, USB 2.0 digital audio interface (via USB-C connection).


See how to livestream with your StudioLive AR or ARc mixer using OBS software:


Record and playback in stereo with the integrated SD digital recorder. Stream program music wirelessly, using onboard Bluetooth 5.0. With a wide variety of connections, two ways to record, and a simple, elegant mixing surface, the StudioLive AR16c USB-C will quickly become the heart of your live and studio sound systems.

Features:

- 8 mono and 4 stereo channels, each with 60 mm level fader, pan, mute, PFL solo, highpass filter, and 3-band semi-parametric EQ (mono channels: sweepable mid band)
- 2 instrument inputs, 16 balanced line inputs, and 12 balanced mic inputs with Class A microphone preamps
- 1 stereo Super Channel (Ch. 17/18) with RCA inputs, 1/8-inch stereo input, switchable SD/USB stereo playback, and Bluetooth 5.0 input
- 2 monitor buses with dedicated channel sends, AFL solo, and balanced TRS output
- 1 stereo effects processor with 16 presets, dedicated send and return, and bypass footswitch read more jack
- 18x4 24-bit/96 kHz, USB 2.0 audio recording interface (USB-C connection); record every channel plus the main mix
- 2x2 SD recorder (record main mix); supports SD and HCSD formats up to 32 GB
- L/R Control Room outputs and headphone output with dedicated level controls
- Global 48V phantom power
- Rackmount kit included
- Complete recording solution: Includes Capture live-recording software and pro recording software access with a free perpetual license to Fender Studio Pro
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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 kOhm
EIN (+55 dB gain, 150 Ohms 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: 1/4" 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 M Ohm

Line Inputs:

Type: 1/4" 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 kOhm

Main, Control Room, Monitor, and FX Outputs:

Type (Main Outputs): XLR Male, Impedance Balanced
Type (Control Room, Monitor, FX Outputs): 1/4" 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 Ohms

Headphone Output:

Type: 1/4" TRS Female, Stereo, Unbalanced
Maximum Output Level: 150 mW/channel @ 60 Ohms
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 degrees Celsius / 32 to 104 degrees 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)

Dimensions and Weight in Packaging

Base Item

  • Shipping Weight: 18.75 lbs
  • Shipping Dimensions: 23 x 19 x 8 in
  • Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): 2779200102

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 225-216-7887
Web: https://support.presonus.com

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. (6 ratings)
Submitted April 22, 2025 by Frank S

"So far it’s amazing!"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I record pretty much every day. I love it. I use it alone and also with my daw. Both ways are super easy. With the added software Capture it takes all problems to daw away. I have seen no quality issues at all. I’ve had it a month now. I will continue to update.
Sound
It sounds great and is super easy to use. Plug and play.
Features
I like the Capture software. It is so easy to record and then drag tracks to Reaper.
Ease of Use
I have found that tweaking it to dial in the sound is quick and easy.
Quality
I have had zero quality issues so far.
Value
This is very compatible price wise with all competition. It was either the Tascam Model 12 or this. Overall reviews sold me on the Presonus. Also the added free daw sold me.
Manufacturer Support
I have reached out to Presonus about 8 times since I bought this. They have been quick to respond and they are very helpful.
The Wow Factor
I like the size and layout. It makes life easy. So far I’m loving it and wouldn’t change a thing.

Musical Background:

Retired artist.

Musical Style:

Metal
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