PreSonus StudioLive Mixer AR8c USB

PreSonus StudioLive AR8c USB – a hybrid analog mixer and recording interface with 4 Class-A XMAX preamps, a USB-C 8×4 audio interface (24-bit/96 kHz), built-in stereo SD recorder, 16-preset effects processor and Bluetooth 5.0. Three devices in one enclosure: analog mixer, audio interface and standalone recorder.

The AR8c is designed for musicians and content creators who need a single compact unit for live mixing, podcast recording, studio sessions and band rehearsals – without building out a rack of separate devices. The analog signal path with XMAX preamps, three-band EQ and full-complement outputs serves performers, while the USB-C interface and SD recorder add a recording layer without requiring a DAW to be running.

Super Channel and multi-source stereo input

Channel 7/8 (Super Channel) is the hub for integrating analog and digital stereo sources simultaneously: RCA inputs, 1/8" stereo jack, Bluetooth 5.0 streaming and SD/USB playback all feed into one stereo channel that can be mixed alongside the mic inputs. This is practical for DJs, solo performers and podcasters who need to mix backing tracks and break music without tying up microphone channels. Channels 1 and 2 include Hi-Z instrument inputs for direct guitar and bass connection without a DI box. Channels 1 and 2 also carry a switchable high-pass filter.

Recording with and without a computer

The USB 2.0 interface (USB-C connector) streams 8 input channels plus the main mix to a DAW at 24-bit/96 kHz, and accepts 4 return streams (two stereo pairs) for playback through mixer channels. The onboard SD recorder writes the stereo main mix directly to an SD or SDHC card up to 32 GB – no computer needed, ready for playback at the next show or rehearsal. The built-in effects processor provides 16 presets (reverb, delay, chorus) with a dedicated send/return bus and a bypass footswitch jack.

KEY FEATURES

• 2 mono channels (Ch. 1–2) with Class-A XMAX preamps, Hi-Z instrument inputs, HP filter
• 2 stereo channels (Ch. 3/4 and 5/6) with XMAX preamps and +10 dB input boost
• Super Channel 7/8: RCA + 1/8" AUX + Bluetooth 5.0 + SD/USB playback
• 3-band semi-parametric EQ on every channel
• USB-C audio interface: 8×4, 24-bit/96 kHz (USB 2.0)
• Stereo SD recorder (2×2), SD/SDHC up to 32 GB
• Effects processor: 16 presets (reverb, delay, chorus), send/return bus, bypass footswitch jack
• Outputs: Main L/R XLR, Control Room TRS, AUX monitor TRS, headphone TRS
• EIN <–128 dBu (mono channels, A-weighted), THD+N <0.01%
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (+0.5/–1.5 dB)
• SNR: >94 dB (ref +4 dBu)
• Bluetooth 5.0 – wireless streaming to Super Channel
• Included software: Capture, Fender Studio Pro (perpetual license), Ableton Live Lite

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Channels: 2× mono mic/line/Hi-Z + 2× stereo mic/line + Super Channel (RCA/1/8"/BT/SD)
• Preamps: 4× Class-A XMAX (channels 1–4)
• Gain range: mono 50 dB (0 to +50 dB), stereo 40 dB (+5 to +45 dB)
• Max input level (unity gain): mono +18 dBu (±1 dB), stereo –5 dBu (±1 dB)
• EIN (mono channels, 150 Ω, A-weighted): <–128 dBu
• THD+N (min. gain, A-weighted): <0.01%
• SNR (ref +4 dBu): >94 dB
• Frequency response (analog and USB): 20 Hz – 20 kHz (+0.5/–1.5 dB)
• USB interface: 8×4, 24-bit/96 kHz, USB 2.0 (USB-C connector)
• SD recording: 2×2 stereo, SD/SDHC up to 32 GB
• Outputs: Main L/R XLR, Control Room TRS, AUX monitor TRS, headphone TRS
• Effects: 16 presets (reverb/delay/chorus), bypass footswitch jack
• Bluetooth: 5.0
• Phantom power: 48 V