PreSonus StudioLive AR16c 18-Channel Mixer/USB-C Interface
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.
$699.99
- 12 x$58.33
- 8 x$87.50
- No Credit Check6 x$116.66
- No Credit Check4 x$175.00
Overall User Ratings (based on 6 ratings)
Submitted April 22, 2025 by Frank S
"So far it’s amazing!"
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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Submitted March 27, 2022 by jake smith in birmingham, MI
"Presonus unreliable hardware is a problem"
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zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I've owned two Presonus Multi Track mixers and neither lasted over 15 months. I liked the sound and features but the hardware quality is a major problem.
Sound
The sound quality of the AR16c is great. The hardware reliability is terrible. I have two of their mixers that crapped out at around 15 months of use. Presonus customer service is pretty lame too. They told me that it would cost $250 bench charge to look at the mixer. In my opinion, I would look else where for a reliable mixer for recording. see my youtube video regarding this product. https://youtu.be/eXi8g8WAEdE
Musical Background:
semi pro
Musical Style:
everything
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Submitted September 13, 2021 by a customer from gmail.com
"Live sound"
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zZounds has verified that this reviewer purchased this specific product from us.
Excited to try it out with a big let down un hooked my A&H zed10 and couldn’t believe the difference it sounded horrible with no head room maybe for studios Idw I just wanted a bigger board with quality sound and headroom not what I expected form presonus . Returning it back
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Submitted May 19, 2021 by Robert M in Madison, TN
"Don't buy it if you want a mixer that will last"
I bought an AR 16 on May,24 2019. I used it only in my home studio. It has never been out of the studio and has been covered when not in use. It literally blew up with a spark and smoke rising from the SD slot. Never used the SD slot. It now will cost me 175.00 for repair and 122.00 for shipping and packaging. Almost half what a brand new one would cost. I advise buying a different interface / mixer. It worked well until it didn't.
Musical Background:
Professional musician for 50 years. Recording engineer and producer for 30 years.
Musical Style:
Contemporary Christian, instrumentals and country.
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Submitted April 17, 2020 by Nicholas Turner in Miamar Beach, FL
"Not for today's Live Stream, stll a good board."
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zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
When I called zZounds, I told them I was using for small gigs, FB and You tube live. This has very limited ability to do so. In fact, trouble abounds! Was very upset at first, however, don't want that to be an issue. zZounds is great and no problem with them. Just wish the advisors were a little moe knowledgeable :). If you are planning on doing Live Stream, check out zZounds other available systems.
Musical Background:
Several Bands for 20 years
Musical Style:
Blues/Rock
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Submitted August 10, 2020 by Nick B in Ofallon, MO
"Can be used for streaming."
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zZounds has verified that this reviewer purchased this specific product from us.
We own a music production & streaming content studio. We have been running one long before COVID19 and this is the EXACT BOARD we use in our main studio. Works amazing. Especially when recording all 18 tracks at once and having all mics going in. The only downside to this as with all PreSonus C devices we use or I personally have owned the USB Jack on the back isn't very sturdy and had to send it back for warranty during the pandemic. We use 1810Cs as a backup in the main studio and as the main interfaces. Live streaming with boards and audio interfaces on a professional level requires knowing how to set up and route things IN the software for streaming, and how to set up the device to do so. It's not plug, and ay and away you go. All manufacturers provide online instructions on how to set up their gear or software to live stream now.
Features
Love the virtual tracks, and Bluetooth. Easy to hook up turntables fast for streams and other devices.
Ease of Use
If you have basic skills, and basic understanding of how a board works you'll be able to get good sound. You know how to actually work a board in depth man this is gold for you.
Quality
The one issue I've had is the USB C input on the rear is not sturdy and broke off which I'm sending it back for warranty now.
Value
Very worth the price
Manufacturer Support
Customer service was fast, and friendly.
The Wow Factor
I love being able record that many individual tracks at one time. When working on my own productions it speeds up my workflow 10 fold.
Musical Background:
Professional musician, Studio owner, professional streamer
Musical Style:
Personally: Flamenco guitar, DJ, music production, symphony reorchestration and orchestration specializing in Romance period Rus
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