Presonus StudioLive AR12 USB Walkthrough

The Presonus StudioLive AR 12USB Mixer - A Walkthrough

Ever since I had heard about the new Presonus StudioLive AR Hybrid boards, I have wanted to try one out. They are a true hybrid board, combining the necessary features for live sound but also acting as a multi input interface to your digital recording system.

The Presonus StudioLive AR 12USB Hybrid Board

The Hook Ups

One of the coolest things about this board are the number of different hook-up configurations, and the output to the computer. The Super Channel, for instance, combines inputs from RCA jacks, the included Memory Card slot or a USB input - but unlike most really good mixers this channel also includes Bluetooth capability for hook ups to a phone, tablet or computer. This makes streaming music during breaks (or for Karaoke) extremely easy. This channel also has the 2 monitor outputs so those signals can be routed through the stage monitors too (this is essential for Karaoke or for dubbing in additional vocal tracks to a completed instrument mix).

The USB output on the back of the board is a standard USB 2 hookup, and will connect to any modern computer so that you can use the board as a recording board. 

It will work with any modern DAW system, and is incredibly easy to install; of course, it works particularly well with Presonus Studio One, and I had it up and running within minutes of hooking it up to my Dell Windows 10 system.

The first two channels are also optimized for a direct plug in for basses and guitars, with a small switch that increases your input levels so that a direct box is not necessary. Most amplified acoustics will not need this feature as they throw a much stronger signal than a standard electric guitar or bass. 

The Channels

The channels on these boards are very well thought out. The AR 12USB has 8 actual mic inputs, the first four of which have sweepable mid EQ's. The last four channels have a very nice 3 band with god EQ points, and all of these channels have 48v Phantom power for running studio condenser mics. There are also 2 distinct monitor sends (with separate slider volume controls for each of the monitor master volumes) as well as a send to the internal effects engine.

The effects are applied after the signal is split off to go to the computer, so if you are recording a live performance you can add effects to your hearts content for the live show; the board will send the unaffected signal to the computer so you can add reverbs and delays that are different from those you used live (this is actually a very important feature. It also allows you to apply effects to a singers voice when they are recording without those effects going to tape).

Note the sweepable mids on the first 4 channels and the PFL button on each channel!

The board has 2 XLR outputs as well as separate Control Room 1/4" outputs (for sending to another speaker system). The Control Room outputs carry the same mix as the main LR master fader, but they have a separate volume control.

I performed a simply test, which I will go through in greater detail in another post. I hooked up an acoustic guitar (A Seagull Excursion Spruce CW QIT electric Acoustic) and used a standard dynamic mic. i listened to the mix live, and recorded it into Studio One at the same time. 

Note separate master volume for the monitor mixes and the effects mix!

The board performed fully as I expected for a Presonus product - it sounded great with very little tweaking, and when I listened back to the song the guitar and the vocals were pristine (well, my vocals suck, but it recorded my suckiness in a very pristine manner!).

These boards are a fantastic step forward for a good, tough mixing board, and their capability as a recording interface is tremendous, delivering crystal clear, better than CD quality sound to your computer's DAW! 

To check out these boards and many other Presonus and Live Sound and recording products, go to James House of Deals, one of the best music stores in Lincolnton and your home for recording gear and computer interfaces in Lincolnton!