Presonus StudioLive AR8 USB Mixer

Description

Built by musicians, for musicians
StudioLive AR8 USB 8-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. Record and playback in stereo with the integrated SD digital recorder. Stream program music wirelessly, using onboard Bluetooth. Compact and road-ready, StudioLive AR mixers provide a superior all-in-one solution for mixing and recording your performances.

All of the connections and controls you need
StudioLive AR8 USB mixers are packed with the connections and controls needed to mix and record live, in the studio, and in rehearsal. Each of the two mono channels and two stereo channels includes level control; a mic input with one of PreSonus’ prized Class A preamps; three-band EQ; and more. Besides the main outputs, you get a monitor mix output with a dedicate bus for feeding a stage wedge, headphone amp, or in-ear system. Since the StudioLive AR8 USB is also a studio mixer, you also get control-room outputs with level control to feed your studio monitors.

Plug guitars and basses directly into the mixer
Most mixers make you route acoustic and electric guitars and basses through external direct boxes before connecting to a mixer input. But with StudioLive AR mixers, Channels 1 and 2 have high-impedance instrument inputs, so you can plug a guitar or electric bass straight into the board—no direct box needed.

It’s inputs; it’s playback; it’s the Super Channel!
Our unique Super Channel (stereo Channel 7/8) allows you to connect four stereo analog and digital sources at once, enabling you to use the mixer with your high-tech devices. Plug a media player into the Super Channel’s unbalanced RCA and 1/8-inch stereo inputs, play stereo audio from the onboard SD recorder or from your USB-connected Mac or Windows PC. Use onboard Bluetooth 4.1 to pair your phone to your StudioLive AR mixer and instantly have wireless access to your music library for break music, backing tracks, or ear-training.

Record in the studio or at the gig—with or without a computer
Naturally, you want to record your gigs, as well as producing studio projects, podcasts, and so on. It’s smart to record your rehearsals, too. So StudioLive AR mixers offer two different ways to record. Connect a StudioLive AR8 USB mixer to your computer via USB 2.0, and you have an 8x4 multitrack digital recorder, ready to capture all input channels plus the main mix to a Mac or Windows PC with professional, 24-bit/96 kHz quality. An onboard stereo SD recorder lets you record the main mix without a computer—just hit Record and go. Recording can’t get much easier than this!

Fly in backing tracks and play break music, too!
Both the integrated USB recording interface and the SD recorder have multiple uses beyond simply recording. With just a few backing tracks, your small band can sound like a much larger act, so we enabled the USB interface to play back two stereo streams through the mixer—great for backing tracks, click tracks, or program music. Use the SD recorder to play up to 32 GB of MP3 and .WAV files for hours of program music or backing tracks without needing a computer. And don’t forget the Bluetooth feature in the Super Channel, which lets you play break music straight from your smartphone. With several ways to get the job done, you can work the way you want to.

Integrated software makes recording a snap
PreSonus StudioLive AR mixers are tightly integrated with state-of-the-art recording software to help you achieve your creative vision. Record with PreSonus’ Capture live-recording software, then edit in our award-winning Studio One Artist DAW (recording and production software); both are included free.

Sweeten with digital effects for a polished, professional-caliber sound
To get a great mix, you need high-quality effects. The StudioLive AR8 USB has you covered with an internal stereo effects processor with 16 presets, including an assortment of room, hall, and plate reverbs; chorus and delay effects; even a preset that emulates an acoustically treated studio room to provide a warmer, more intimate tone. A dedicated effects return, complete with master level fader and dedicated monitor send, lets you adjust the amount of the effects in your main and monitor mixes. You can even bypass the effects with a footswitch (optional). It’s just another way that StudioLive AR mixers enable you to build professional-quality mixes and recordings quickly and easily.

A complete solution that’s compact, easy to use, and built for the road
Compact and built for the road, the StudioLive AR8 USB is an easy-to-use, all-in-one solution for audio mixing and recording. With a wide variety of connections, two ways to record, and a simple, elegant mixing surface, it will quickly become the heart of your live and studio sound systems. Check it out now at your favorite PreSonus dealer!

 Presonus StudioLive AR8 USB Mixer Features:

• Channels and Buses
• 8-channel mixer
• 2 mono and 2 stereo channels, each with:
• Level knob
• Pan
• Mute
• PFL solo
• 1 stereo Super Channel (Ch. 7/8)
• 1 monitor bus with PFL solo
• 1 stereo effects bus
• 1 stereo effects return with:
• Level knob
• Dedicated monitor sends
• Effects bypass footswitch jack

• Inputs and Outputs
• 2 instrument inputs
• 8 balanced line inputs
• 4 balanced mic inputs with:
• Class A microphone preamp
• Global 48V phantom power
• Stereo Super Channel with:
• Stereo RCA inputs
• 1/8-inch stereo input
• Switchable SD/USB stereo playback
• Bluetooth 4.1 input
• L/R XLR main outputs
• 1 Balanced TRS monitor output
• 1 Balanced TRS effects 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 (Channels 1-6)
• Stereo effects processor with 16 presets

• Recording Options
• 8x4 24-bit/96 kHz, USB 2.0 audio recording interface
• Record every channel plus the main mix
• 2x2 SD recorder
• Record main mix
• Supports SD and SDHD formats up to 32 GB

• Integrated Software
• Capture recording software
• Studio One 3 Artist recording and production software (DAW)

• Power
• Internal power supply
• Standard IEC power connector

• Physical
• Sturdy metal construction
• Rackmount kit optional

• Microphone Preamp
• Type: XLR Female, Class A
• Maximum Input level (unity gain): Mono Channels: +18 dBu, ±1.0 dB, Stereo Channels: -5 dBu, ±1.0 dB
• Gain Control Range: Mono Channels: 50 dB, ±1 dB (Unity to +50 dB), Stereo Channels: 40 dB, ± 1 dB (+5 to +45 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): 89 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, Stereo Channels: <120 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 kHz@0.5% THD+N): +12 dBu ±1.0 dB
• Gain Control Range: 50 dB, ±1 dB (Unity to +50 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 kHz@0.5% THD+N): Mono Channels: +18 dBu, ±1.0 dB, Stereo Channels: +22 dBu, ±1.0 dB
• Gain Control Range: Mono Channels 50 dB, ±1 dB (-30 to +20 dB),​ Stereo Channel 50 dB, ±1 dB (-15 to +25 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 Analog Outputs (+4 dBu): 82 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): -85 dBu
• Adjacent Channels (Ref = +4 dBu, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, unwtd): -80 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 @ 12 kHz
• Mid Peaking: ±15 dB @ 2.5 kHz
• Mid-Band Q: Boost: 0.55, Cut: 2.5
• Low Shelving: ±15 dB @ 80 Hz

• Audio Interface
• 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 bits
• 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
• 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)

• Computer system requirements:
• Below are the minimum computer-system requirements for use with Capture and Studio One.

• Mac
• Mac OS X 10.8.5
• Intel Core 2 Duo processor (Intel Core i3 or faster recommended)

• Windows
• Windows 7 x64/x86 SP1 +platform update, Windows 8.1 x64/x86, Windows 10 x64/x86
• Intel Core 2 Duo (Intel Core i3 or faster recommended)

• Mac and Windows Systems
• 4 GB RAM (8 GB or more recommended)
• 30 GB hard-drive space (Studio One)
• Internal or external 7200 RPM storage drive highly recommended
• Monitor with 1366x768 resolution (high-dpi monitor recommended)