PreSonus STUDIOLIVE16R 18-Channel Digital Rack Mixer

The PreSonus StudioLive 16R is an 18-input digital rack mixer designed for live sound, recording, installed systems, and personal-monitoring setups. Its one-rackspace format puts 16 remote-controllable microphone/line inputs, RCA playback inputs, processing, routing, and recording functions in a compact rack unit. It can operate as a standalone mixer under software control or as remote I/O for a compatible StudioLive Series III console.

This mixer is suited to bands, venues, houses of worship, rehearsal spaces, mobile production rigs, and studios that need channel count without a full-size mixing surface. Six FlexMix buses can be configured for auxiliary, subgroup, or matrix duties, allowing monitor feeds, effects sends, and system-routing tasks to be organized for the application. Stereo XLR main outputs and six balanced TRS FlexMix outputs provide practical connections for PA systems, powered monitors, wireless in-ear systems, and outboard destinations.

Sixteen locking combo XLR/TRS inputs use recallable XMAX Class A microphone preamps, so input gain settings can be stored and recalled with mixer scenes. The signal path supports 24-bit digital audio and 32-bit floating-point internal processing, with 115 dB A/D and D/A dynamic range specified at 48 kHz. Fat Channel processing, internal effects buses, and flexible routing provide a controlled, repeatable mix workflow without requiring external channel processing for many common applications.

For recording, the StudioLive 16R includes an 18x18 USB 2.0 audio interface and a 32x32 AVB audio interface. It also supports onboard stereo recording to SD card, giving users a direct way to capture a main mix without connecting a computer. Capture recording software and Studio One Artist software were included with the original software bundle, supporting multitrack capture and production workflows on Mac and Windows computers.

The StudioLive 16R can be controlled through UC Surface on compatible Mac, Windows, iPad, and Android devices, while QMix-UC provides personal monitor control on compatible mobile devices. In a larger Series III system, it can serve as an AVB stage box or as a stage box and monitor mixer. It can also connect to an AVB network for use with compatible StudioLive and EarMix personal-monitoring equipment.

Key Features

• 18 Analog Inputs: Sixteen XMAX mic/line inputs plus a stereo RCA input pair accommodate microphones, instruments, and playback sources.
• Recallable XMAX Preamps: Remote-controlled input gain settings can be stored and recalled with mixer scenes.
• Six FlexMix Outputs: Configure the six buses as aux mixes, subgroups, or matrix mixes to suit monitoring and routing needs.
• USB And AVB Audio: Use the 18x18 USB interface or 32x32 AVB interface for computer recording and networked audio.
• Built-In Processing: Fat Channel processing and two internal effects buses reduce the need for separate channel processors.
• SD Stereo Recording: Record a stereo mix directly to an SD card without a connected computer.

Design & Installation

The StudioLive 16R uses a black, one-rackspace chassis measuring 19 inches wide, 1.75 inches high, and 12 inches deep. It weighs 8.6 pounds and uses an IEC power connection. The front and rear input layout places 12 of the mic/line inputs on the front panel and four on the rear panel for flexible rack wiring.

Install the mixer in a standard 19-inch equipment rack with adequate ventilation and connect microphones or balanced line sources to the locking combo inputs. Connect the XLR main outputs to the primary sound system, use the six balanced TRS FlexMix outputs for monitor or zone feeds, and use USB, AVB, or SD recording as needed. A compatible computer or mobile control device running UC Surface is used for detailed mixer control, while an Ethernet network connection supports remote control and AVB integration.