News, Tips & Reviews
B&H Gift Cards
The Professional's Source Since 1973
Ask Our Experts800-606-6969
Hello, Log InAccount & Orders
My Cart
Video Chat with a Pro Audio Expert - Live
Home

PreSonus StudioLive AR16c USB-C 18-Channel Hybrid Performance and Recording Mixer

BH #PRSLMAR16C • MFR #SLMAR16C
1 review
Print
PreSonus StudioLive AR16c USB-C 18-Channel Hybrid Performance and Recording Mixer
Key Features
  • 8 Mono & 4 Stereo Channels
  • Stereo Super Channel
  • 18x4 24-Bit / 96 kHz USB Audio Interface
  • Built-In 2x2 SD Recorder
Building upon the success of the original AR16-USB, the PreSonus StudioLive AR16c is an 18-channel hybrid performance and recording mixer well suited for a variety of applications including mixing and recording live shows, studio productions, band rehearsals, podcasts, and more. Updates to to the AR16c include a USB-C connection, Bluetooth 5.0, and a refresh of the mixer's layout and design. The mixer is packed with analog connections and digital tools that are powerful, yet easy to learn and use. The mixer features Class-A preamps and 3-band EQ.
More Details
In Stock
No Store Display
$599.99
$629.99
Save $30.00
+
Save the Tax‡
or Pay $50/mo. suggested payments for 12 Mos.§ when you use the Payboo credit card. Learn More
Add to Cart
Free 2-Day Shipping
Protect Your Gear
Add a protection plan from $44.99
See Options
Ask an Expert
800-606-6969

PreSonus SLMAR16C Overview

Building upon the success of the original AR16-USB, the PreSonus StudioLive AR16c is an 18-channel hybrid performance and recording mixer well suited for a variety of applications including mixing and recording live shows, studio productions, band rehearsals, podcasts, and more. Updates to to the AR16c include a USB-C connection, Bluetooth 5.0, and a refresh of the mixer's layout and design. The mixer is packed with analog connections and digital tools that are powerful, yet easy to learn and use. The mixer features Class-A preamps and 3-band EQ.

The StudioLive AR16c offers recording with or without a computer. Multitrack record and fly in backing tracks with its 24-bit / 96 kHz, USB-C audio interface or record and playback a stereo mix with the integrated SD digital recorder. Additionally, the mixer features a Super Channel, which allows you to connect four stereo analog and digital sources at once, enabling the mixer to be used with high-tech devices including smartphones and tablets for wireless Bluetooth streaming. The StudioLive AR16c ships with a power cord, USB-C cable, a rackmount kit, Studio One 3 Artist production software, and Capture recording software.

Channels and Buses
  • 18-channel mixer
  • 8 mono and 4 stereo channels, each with:
    • 60mm level fader
    • Pan
    • Mute
    • PFL solo
  • 1 stereo Super Channel (Ch. 17/18)
  • 2 monitor buses with PFL solo
  • 1 stereo effects bus
  • 1 stereo effects return with:
    • 60 mm master fader
    • Dedicated monitor sends
    • Effects bypass footswitch jack
Inputs and Outputs
  • 2 instrument inputs
  • 16 balanced line inputs
  • 2 unbalanced inserts
  • 12 balanced mic inputs with:
    • Class-A XMAX microphone preamp
    • Global 48V phantom power
  • Stereo Super Channel with:
    • Stereo RCA inputs
    • 1/8-inch stereo input
    • Switchable SD/USB stereo playback
    • Bluetooth 5.0 input
  • L/R XLR main outputs
  • 2 balanced TRS Aux outputs
  • 1 balanced TRS effects output
  • L/R Control Room outputs with level control
  • Headphone output with level control
Signal Processing
  • High-pass filter channels 1-8
  • +10 dB switch on stereo channels 9/10 to 15/16
  • Mono channels: 3-band semi-parametric EQ with sweepable mid band
  • Stereo channels: 3-band semi-parametric EQ
  • Stereo effects processor with 16 presets
Recording Options
  • 18x4 24-bit / 96 kHz, USB 2.0 Type-C connection audio recording interface
    • Record every channel plus the Main Mix
  • 2x2 SD recorder
    • Record main mix
    • Supports SD and SDHC formats up to 32 GB
Integrated Software
  • Capture recording software
  • Includes Studio Magic Plug-in Suite with Maag Audio EQ 2, SPL Attacker, Arturia instruments and more
  • Includes Studio One 3 Artist software (DAW)
Power
  • Internal power supply
  • Standard IEC power connector
     
Physical
  • Sturdy metal construction
  • 60 mm level fader
  • Rackmount kit included
UPC: 673454008573

PreSonus SLMAR16C Specs

Key Specs
Number of Analog Input Channels
18 (12 Mono / 5 Stereo)
Number of Mic Preamps
12
Analog Output Channels
1x Stereo Master Output
1x Stereo Control Room/Monitor Output
2x Mono Bus/Subgroup Output
1x Mono FX Send Output
1x Stereo Headphone Output
EQ
3-Band Semi-Parametric
Built-In Effects
Yes
USB I/O
USB-C
Wireless
Bluetooth 5.0
Rack Mountable
Yes
Mixer
Number of Analog Input Channels
18 (12 Mono / 5 Stereo)
Number of Mic Preamps
12
Analog Output Channels
1x Stereo Master Output
1x Stereo Control Room/Monitor Output
2x Mono Bus/Subgroup Output
1x Mono FX Send Output
1x Stereo Headphone Output
Mix Routing
1x Stereo Main Mix
2x Mono Aux Send
1x FX Send
Faders & Level Adjustment
1x 2.4" / 60 mm Channel Fader
Signal Processing
Gain/Trim Range
1/4" Hi-Z Input:
50 dB to +1 dB
1/4" Line Input:
-20 dB to +30 dB
1/4" Stereo Line Input:
-15 dB to +25 dB
Line/Mic Input:
0 dB to +50 dB
Stereo Input:
+5 dB to +45 dB
EQ
3-Band Semi-Parametric
EQ Parameters
Mono Channels:
High: ±15 dB at 12 kHz (Shelving)
Mid: ±15 dB at 140 Hz to 3.5 kHz, 0.55 Q (Semi-Parametric)
Low: ±15 dB at 80 Hz (Shelving)
Stereo Channels:
High: ±15 dB at 12 kHz (Shelving)
Mid: ±15 dB at 2.5 kHz, 0.55 Q (Notch/Peak)
Low: ±15 dB at 80 Hz (Shelving)
Graphic EQ
No
Filters
High-Pass: 100 Hz, 18 dB/Octave
Built-In Effects
Yes
Digital Audio
Sample Rates
AD/DA Conversion:
44.1 / 48 / 88.2 / 96 kHz
Stereo Record:
44.1 kHz
Bit Depth
24-Bit
Performance
Frequency Response
Headphone Output:
20 Hz to 20 kHz +0.5/-1.5 dB
Output:
20 Hz to 20 kHz +0.5/-1.5 dB
Mic Input to Analog Output:
20 Hz to 20 kHz +0.5/-1.5 dB
Line Input to Analog Output:
20 Hz to 20 kHz +0.5/-1.5 dB
Hi-Z Input to Analog Output:
20 Hz to 20 kHz +0.5/-1.5 dB
Mic Input to USB:
20 Hz to 40 kHz +0.5/-1.5 dB
Line Input to USB:
10 Hz to 40 kHz +0.5/-1.5 dB
Hi-Z Input to USB:
20 Hz to 40 kHz +0.5/-1.5 dB
Max Input Level
Mic Input:
+22 dBu at Unity Gain (±1.0 dB, 1 kHz at 0.5% THD+N)
1/4" TRS Line Input:
+22 dBu at Min Gain (±1.0 dB, 1 kHz at 0.5% THD+N)
Hi-Z Input:
+22 dBu at Min Gain (±1.0 dB, 1 kHz at 0.5% THD+N)
Analog Dynamic Range
Headphone Output:
> 103 dBA
Output:
> 105 dB at Min Gain
> 100 dB at Mid Gain
Hi-Z Input:
> 108 dBA
Headphone Output Power
150 mW per Channel into 60 Ohms
I/O Impedance
1/4" TRS Input:
10 Kilohms (Balanced)
1/4" TS Hi-Z Input:
> 1 Megohm
Mic Input:
1 Kilohms
Output:
100 Ohms (Balanced)
SNR
Line Input to Analog Output:
94 dB (+4 dBu Reference)
Mic Input to Output:
94 dB (+4 dBu Reference)
THD+N
Headphone Output:
< 0.01% (-1 dBFS, Unweighted)
Hi-Z Input:
< 0.01% (-1 dBFS, A-Weighted, 1 kHz)
< 0.01% (-1 dBFS, Unweighted, 1 kHz)
Line Input:
< 0.01% (-1 dBFS, A-Weighted, 1 kHz)
Mic Input:
< 0.01% at Min Gain (A-Weighted)
Output:
< 0.01% (-1 dBFS, Unweighted)
Connectivity
Analog Inputs
1/4" TRS Balanced Line Input
1/4" TS Unbalanced Hi-Z Input
XLR 3-Pin Mic Input
Analog Outputs
1/4" TRS Headphone Output
XLR 3-Pin Balanced Main Output
1/4" TRS Balanced Control Room Output
1/4" TRS Balanced Monitor Output
1/4" TRS Balanced FX Output
Phantom Power
+48 V (Applied to All Inputs)
Digital I/O
No
MIDI I/O
No
USB I/O
1x USB-C 2.0 (Host Connection)
Other I/O
1x 1/4" Footswitch Input
Wireless
Bluetooth 5.0
Recording
Media Support
SD, SDHC
Max Media Storage Capacity
SD: 2 GB
SDHC: 32 GB
File Format Support
Record: WAV
Playback: MP3, WAV
Compatibility
OS Compatibility
macOS 10.11 or Later / Windows 7 or Later
RAM Requirements
4 GB, 8 GB Recommended
Power
AC Input Power
90 to 240 VAC, 50 / 60 Hz
Physical
Rack Mountable
Yes
Dimensions
3.7 x 20 x 15.4" / 9.4 x 50.8 x 39.1 cm
Packaging Info
Package Weight
18.75 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
22.2 x 19 x 7.6"

PreSonus SLMAR16C Reviews

Absolute powerhouse

By Pierre
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2024-03-10

This mixer is an absolute gem. So much functionality for such a great price point.

See any errors on this page?

Will the AR16 power out small church’s speakers ...

Will the AR16 power out small church’s speakers or do we need to get some sort of amp?
Asked by: Daniel
The AR16 will not supply power for speakers so you will either need a power amp or powered speakers.
Answered by: Lisa S
Date published: 2021-04-08

Can this livestream through the USBC?

Can this livestream through the USBC?
Asked by: Eric
Yes, the PreSonus StudioLive AR16c Hybrid Performance and Recording Mixer can be used for livestreaming from the built-in USB-C audio interface.
Answered by: Lisa S
Date published: 2023-05-08

Can you do sound on sound over dubbing recording?

Can you do sound on sound over dubbing recording?
Asked by: Edward
Since the PreSonus StudioLive AR16c is a digital recorder that supports multitrack recording, you can playback a track and then record the same audio from the playback track together with new overdubbed audio onto another track. It's the same basic idea as sound on sound recording which is done on tape by bypassing the recorder's erase head and re-recording audio to build up layers of recorded audio on the same track. A similar type of layering of sounds can be accomplished using a digital multitrack recorder.
Answered by: Lisa S
Date published: 2023-02-21
  • y_2026, m_6, d_1, h_13CST
  • bvseo_bulk, prod_bvqa, vn_bulk_3.0.46
  • cp_1, bvpage1
  • co_hasquestionsanswers, tq_3
  • loc_en_US, sid_1514782, prod, sort_[SortEntry(order=HAS_STAFF_ANSWERS, direction=DESCENDING)]
  • clientName_bhphotovideo
Whatever You Need, We've Got It