PreSonus StudioLive AR8c

8-channel USB-C™ Compatible Audio Interface / Analog Mixer / Stereo SD Recorder

425.00

Description

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 8×4 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 lauded XMAX mic preamps provide all the gain you need to capture even the most subtle details without adding any extra noise. The analog mixer front-end makes connecting your gear to your computer 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 it via Bluetooth wireless technology. You can also toggle between a stereo playback stream from your computer and playback 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.

 

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, so you can 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 the ultimate 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 compatible 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.

 

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.

 

Features

Recording

  • 8×4 24-bit/96 kHz, USB 2.0 (over USB-C™ connection) audio recording interface
    • Record every channel plus the main mix
  • 2×2 SD recorder to capture the main mix
    • Supports SD™ and SDHD™ formats up to 32 GB

Mixing

  • 8-channel analog mixer
  • 4 balanced microphone inputs with XMAX mic preamps
  • 2 instrument/line inputs
  • 6 balanced line level inputs:
    • 2 mono
    • 2 stereo pairs
  • Stereo Super Channel (Ch. 13/14) with Bluetooth 5.0 input, RCA inputs, 1/8-inch stereo input, and switchable SD/USB stereo playback
  • 2 mono and 2 stereo channels, each with level knob, pan, mute, PFL solo, highpass filter, and 3-band semi-parametric EQ
  • 1 monitor buses with dedicated channel sends, AFL solo, and balanced TRS 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 on every channel
  • Stereo effects processor with 16 presets, dedicated send and return, and bypass footswitch jack
  • Mic/line boost on stereo channels for low-level input sources and consumer devices

Included Software

  • Capture™ live multitrack recording software
  • Studio One ® Artist recording and production software (DAW)
  • Studio Magic plug-in suite

Power

  • Internal power supply
  • Standard IEC power connector

Physical

  • Sturdy metal construction
  • Optional rackmount kit

 

Computer system requirements:

Below are the minimum computer-system requirements for use with Capture™ and Studio One®.

Mac

  • macOS® 10.13 or higher (64-bit only)
  • Intel® Core™ i3 or better
  • Minimum 4 GB RAM (8 GB or more recommended)

Windows

  • Windows® 10 (64-bit only)
  • Intel Core i3 / AMD A10 processor or better
  • Minimum 4 GB RAM (8 GB or more recommended)

Mac and Windows Systems

  • USB 2.0 port
  • Internal or external 7200 RPM storage drive highly recommended
  • 30 GB hard disk space
  • Monitor with 1366×768 resolution

The minimum system requirements may differ for DAWs other than Studio One®. Please check the requirements for your DAW of choice with its manufacturer.

Note that the speed of your processor, amount of RAM and size and speed of your hard drive will greatly affect the overall performance of your recording system. Also, a more powerful system (faster processor with more RAM) will allow for lower latency (signal delay) than you might experience while monitoring audio signals.

As a commitment to constant improvement, PreSonus Audio Electronics, Inc., reserves the right to change any specification stated herein, at any time, without notification.​​

VST Compatible Logo ASIO Compatible Logo

VST is a registered trademark of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH
ASIO is a trademark and software of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH

Technical 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)

As a commitment to constant improvement, PreSonus® Audio Electronics, Inc., reserves the right to change any specification stated herein, at any time, without notification.

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