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PreSonus StudioLive AR8c Audio Interface/Analog Mixer  From Presonus

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

Presonus

$499.99

Retail:  $599.95

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Manufacturer's Description from Presonus

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 8x4, 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 of PreSonus' lauded XMAX mic preamps provide all the gain you need to capture even the most subtle details without adding noise. The analog mixer front-end makes connecting your gear intuitive. With a USB-C compatible connection, your StudioLive AR8c is ready to use as an audio interface for nearly any computer.

 

The channel that does it all… even Bluetooth connectivity!

The unique Super Channel can handle four stereo sources at once and makes it easy to integrate consumer devices into your studio workflow. Connect a turntable to the RCA inputs, use the ⅛-inch stereo input to plug in your smartphone, or forget the cable and connect via Bluetooth wireless technology. You can also toggle between a stereo playback stream from your computer and play back from the onboard SD recorder, making it simple to add bumpers and sound effects to your podcast in real-time or practice along with your favorite recordings.

 

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.

 

You also get Ableton® Live Lite.

 

 

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, enabling you to 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 a powerful 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 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.

Apple Silicon M1, iOS, and iPadOS compatibility—standard.

The PreSonus StudioLive AR8c is natively compatible with Apple Silicon M1-based Mac computers*, as well as iOS and iPadOS devices, including iPad Pro, iPad, iPad Air, iPad Mini, iPod Touch, and iPhone. Because it's USB class-compliant, there are no special drivers or applications to download and install. You'll be able to produce on the go—everything from podcasts to folk rock to trap—wherever sound takes you.

For more on iOS/iPadOS compatibility, click here.

*Universal Control 3.4.2 or later is required for Native M1 compatibility.

 

Make your own magic.

At PreSonus, we want to make sure that our audio products come with everything you need to craft your own mesmerizing spells in the studio. That's why we include Studio One Artist with every audio interface and controller product we make, from the 2-channel AudioBox USB 96 to the 64-channel StudioLive 64S, ATOM to FaderPort 16, but we didn't stop there. Why? Because here in Louisiana, we have a word: lagniappe. It means "a little something extra," and it's in that spirit that we also include the Studio Magic Suite of software with our audio interface products and–new for 2021–our award-winning controllers as well.

The 2021 Studio Magic includes tutorials from Melodics, sound libraries from Ghost Hack, 7 virtual instruments, and 9 effects plug-ins in VST, AU, and AAX formats to use in Studio One Artist or your DAW of choice with a retail value of over $1000 (US).

Presonus

About Manufacturer

PreSonus Corporation, a developer of audio technologies for the professional and semi-professional digital audio markets, was founded in 1995 and presently has an active distribution network in place that reaches over 20 million audio consumers. PreSonus also manages a high traffic website, www.presonus.com that is experiencing over 100,000 hits per month. The Company has released 18 professional audio products that have shipped to over 41 countries. Presonus has received the Electronic Musician Magazine Editor's Choice Award for four different products. The Company's products have also been nominated several times for MIX Magazine's Technical Excellence in Creativity Awards (TEC). In all, over 150,000 PreSonus products are in use around the world. The Company's primary objective is to leverage its research and development ability, intellectual property portfolio, expertise in manufacturing, well respected brand, and established distribution channels to continue swift growth in revenue and profitability. PreSonus has exhibited consistent growth of an average of 48.6% per year over the past six years and predicts continued double digit growth rates for the next three years. PreSonus was founded on the precept of research and development in new technologies and discovery and exploitation of emerging multi-media markets. The Company has passed the 'proof of concept' stage and is presently utilizing its proprietary designs and patents to expand product offerings. PreSonus has extensive relationships in the music, technology, Internet, manufacturing and consumer electronics industries as well as a highly respected professional audio brand - PreSonus Audio Electronics. Competencies necessary to promote and support digital audio technology include qualified personnel in research, engineering, manufacturing, music and marketing as well as direct experience with branding and business development. PreSonus has developed a talented staff and exceptional reputation and is poised to take advantage of the burgeoning digital audio and digital media consumer markets.

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 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 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) +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)

 

Computer system requirements:

 

Below are the minimum computer-system requirements for StudioLive 16.0.2 USB.

macOS®

  • macOS version 10.13 or later
  • 200 MB storage space and 8 GB RAM for Universal Control (required for firmware updates)
  • Available USB port

Windows®

  • Windows 10 or later (64-Bit Only)
  • 200 MB storage space and 8 GB RAM for Universal Control (required for firmware updates and low-latency ASIO support)
  • Available USB port

The above are the hardware system requirements for this product.

DAW software and Operating System requirements vary.

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