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DcSoundOp First Look: PreSonus StudioLive 16 Series 3

Taking a closer look at new tools offering a fresh approach to working with digital audio in modern production environments.

This week we embark on an adventure together into the world of PreSonus StudioLive networked audio.

Whatever you’ve heard, whatever you think you remember about PreSonus mixing consoles in the past, kindly set all of that aside. This is a whole new world and a completely fresh approach from PreSonus to working with digital audio in modern production environments.

Relying on the AVB network protocol to move audio traffic, the system is much bigger than just mixing consoles. And YES, this time there are motorized faders!!

The lineup includes traditional console mixers like the StudioLive 16 / 24 & 32 as well as their rack-mount counterparts, the StudioLive 16R / 24R & 32R which we looked previously on the channel in videos #78 & #83.

All of these models can be used as stand alone mixers, and all offer remote control capabilities via software. Most exciting however is how they can all be used in tandem to build out larger systems as needed. Front of house & monitors, a dedicated mixer for a webcast or record mix, or interconnecting multiple breakout rooms at a corporate conference, it’s all possible with these mixers.

To aid in moving all of that audio traffic around, we have the PreSonus SW5e PoE (Power over Ethernet) AVB network switch that makes connecting items like the NSB 8.8 & NSB16.8 stage-boxes a simple task. It also provides power for the EarMix 16M personal monitor stations that can be used to not only allow a musician to tweak their mix, but also power a local set of headphones, saving money on unnecessary wireless gear for stationary musicians who may prefer to use in-ear monitors.

Rounding it all out is the 150-foot Cat-5 network cable that PreSonus is offering as a simple solution for getting your stage boxes where they need to be.

Using Ethercon connectors and built with stage & mobile use in mind, we’ll put them to the test in future videos to see how they stand up to typical abuse on the job.

This is going to be an on-going review over the coming months, with each piece of gear getting it’s own video as we use and test them in real world situations. We’ll also be looking at the Studio One 4 DAW Software and the DAW Mode functionality of the mixer and how the two work together in recording, mixing and editing as a whole system.

Please leave a comment with any questions you have, or anything you would like to see tested or demonstrated in a future video.

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