Do Presonus StudioLive Mixers rival UA Apollo interfaces?

I switched from Universal Audio Apollo Interfaces to a Presonus StudioLive Mixer for my studio. This video discusses the benefits of the StudioLive mixers for Studio environments and why I'm so happy with the switch.
Joe Gilder has put together a playlist of videos on the StudioLive mixers. Check it out here: • Presonus StudioLive 24...
Although I have the Presonus StudioLive 32s, it's functions are identical to the StudioLive 32SC, 32SX, and 64S. They just have more or less inputs, outputs and faders.
#presonus #studiolive #universalaudio #audiointerface #mixer #digitalmixer #studiolife #edgetonestudios

[@dbmasson]

Excellent video, thorough and useful at many levels. Thanks for your perseverance in presenting the details and a personable presentation. Looking forward to viewing more of your work. Thanks!

[@EdgetoneStudios]

No problem. Thanks for watching.

[@JimAegaeon]

Great video good sir!!! Appreciate you taking the time

[@EdgetoneStudios]

Thank you. Are you considering one, out do you use one?

[@scottbrundage3600]

Thank you great overview! I’ve been using this mixer for 2 years now and I’m still learning new things on it. PreSonus has great how to videos for setup and more. Joe Gilder is a fantastic KZbin and preSonus resource as well.looking forward to more videos.

[@EdgetoneStudios]

Thanks. My next video is on the MioXM MIDI over Ethernet.

[@jimle22]

I have an older 16.0.2 firewire mixer and still learning new stuff on that.

[@mantraentretenimiento]

Thanks for your video men, now I want more than ever this board!!!

[@EdgetoneStudios]

Glad I could help.

[@bryanjs99]

Thanks for the video! I've had my 32Sx for a year now and love it's functionality in the studio. As a drummer and milti-instrumentalist it's a God send. No more sub mixing all of my drum machines and synths. The integration with studio one has been seemless. Love this mixer. P.S. only audiophiles can tell the difference between 48k and higher so to me it's a no brainer to have the flexibility. Thanks again for the video.

[@EdgetoneStudios]

Agreed. And none of them can tell the difference between 48K and other rates on a smartphone. ;-)

[@gillihansmobilewelding]

Dude, being able to sit at the kit with a tablet and get the sounds you want, without running back and forth to a mixer. That's awesome!

[@ropamart]

Great video - very clear and concise! Thank you. In terms of support for "spatial audio" (e.g., 5.1, 7.1.4, etc) I have been able to use the mix busses on my 32SX to output the required channels, in concert with Logic Pro and its new support for spatial audio. It's not perfect, and involves a little more button pushing than normal, but it does work! I still use Studio One as well, but it's a bit harder to get to Spatial there...

[@EdgetoneStudios]

Interesting. I suppose with Interface mode any of the mix outs could be used to drive monitors.

[@user-wi6tu1wm4f]

Very methodical and a good comparison..thanks...really helps with making my decisions in a world of over abundance

[@EdgetoneStudios]

Glad it was helpful. There are just so many sonic and connectivity choices, and I still keep making them. I've also figured out an upgrade to the Studiolive sound. I'll post a video on that after I try it.

[@dannybrollingsea8326]

I bought a used SL16 s3 a couple of years ago.. it’s the centerpiece of my studio, and the capabilities of it are incredible. As a songwriter and hobbyist of audio gear I am very happy with how it’s worked.

[@EdgetoneStudios]

I think that's why this video has been viewed as much as it has. People can't believe the gear would give so much, with a really great sound, at the price it is compared to other interfaces. Glad yours is working out as well.

[@norcalvirg]

Great video my friend! I did the same thing and came from pro tools and focusrite set up. I purchased my studio live in April of 2022. I found learning both studio One and the digital mixer at the same time was overwhelming. I stormed out of the studio many many times. But after refocusing and making a point to sit down with it I truly don't know how I would ever go back. And I've learned 10% of what the capabilities are in both software and hardware combination.

[@EdgetoneStudios]

Thanks. I'm still learning new things about both the mixer and Studio One, but much more in Studio One since it's so feature packed.

[@richarddunnsongs343]

That’s good to hear. I nearly sent it back when I first had it. So glad I didn’t. It was a game changer for me

[@norcalvirg]

I'm with you dude, I almost did as well. Glad I didn't.@@richarddunnsongs343

[@gillihansmobilewelding]

Did you come from Cubase?

[@LAURENTIU9900]

Verry well explain....thankyou from 🇷🇴 România

[@EdgetoneStudios]

You are welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@willemklewais4284]

thanks a lot! finally I could understand what is going on. I hope that I can say the same in 6 months. hope to see more ...

[@EdgetoneStudios]

It took me a good 6 months to get a handle on all the features and I'm still learning.

[@kappyLV]

I’ve been using a Studiolive iii SC in my studio for about 4 years. I’m very happy with it. I also added a Studiolive iii 16R rack mount mixer. In the studio, I use it as a 16 channel stage box to expand my system to 32 channels. I set it across the room for additional instruments and run a single network cable to connect it to the SC. I also use the 16R as a live mixer when my band gigs. It’s been a very flexible system for me and sounds very good.

[@EdgetoneStudios]

They really are great studio mixers. For a while now I've had a 16R connected to my 32S as an "alternate" set of inputs for the tracking room. So to go between my synths and the tracking mics, all I had to do was press the Network or Analog button for the channel. The AVB works great. I've decided to simplfy my setup and remove some gear so I'm selling the 16R, and just using the patchbay for those connections again.

[@kappyLV]

@@EdgetoneStudios I record all of our rehearsals as well as recording tracks regularly with the band. I’m also a keyboard player so having 32 inputs suits my workflow very well. Thanks for the video. Nicely done.

[@Nash_White]

I am using the same combo 32SC and 16R. Great choices

[@gillihansmobilewelding]

Guys! What about that Fat Channel and being able to sit at the drum kit, with a tablet, and meticulously set gain, eq, and comp without getting back up and running to the mixer for every move. I use the DBX 160, the Everest, and the Fairchild quite often, and you just can't beat the 1073, and Api eqs. What's your favorite Fat Channel fx fellas?

[@EdgetoneStudios]

@@gillihansmobilewelding I used the Everest on vocals a lot. One with Fast attack Fast release and moderate compression followed by another with Slow attack Slow release with heavier compression. It sounds great. I also like the Brit Comp as my bus compressor for drums. I'm talking about mixing in Studio One more than FX on input. I have a bunch of SSL Six CH 500 series preamps as well as a Rupert Neve Newton channel strip. I still love using this external hardware for recording (though I could do everything inside the StudioLive). To me it's just nice to have individual knobs per channel that I can reference at a glance without having to select the channel first.

[@michaelanderson4265]

Thank you for this Presonus StudioLive Series III overview..!!!

[@EdgetoneStudios]

You are welcome. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@Steviee8]

For what the console allows you to do is amazing, Live or studio. Of course, like any console, you can still use external preamps or effect if you want, No other console integrates so well with Studio1 The thing by itself certainly doesn't sound like bad at all. Honestly, I bet 99% of listeners would never guess music was recorded and mastered with this. The routing flexibility is so easy and plentiful. Thanks for the video, it's always nice to see how users eyes get opened and enjoy the entire mixing flow.

[@EdgetoneStudios]

Agreed. I use external 500 series preamps for most of my tracking supplemented by the internal pres for synths and extra drum mics.

[@TheCookUpWithVonFreeze]

Great review

[@EdgetoneStudios]

Thank you.

[@JBSundayCame]

Thanks!!! Much appreciated video!!

[@EdgetoneStudios]

Glad you doing it useful.

[@DaveRave23]

Great video, thank you

[@EdgetoneStudios]

Thanks. I hope it might be helpful to someone. I'm really happy with my StudioLive.

[@yandroth]

I plan to buy a sudiolive 32s , thank you for this great review

[@EdgetoneStudios]

I hope it works well for you. Just take your time with all those configuration options. If you're setting up USB routing, this article is helpful: support.presonus.com/hc/en-us/articles/360052084812-Series-III-Interface-Mode-WDM-Primer

[@yandroth]

@@EdgetoneStudios thank for your response and your time effectively it's mostly for the use with daw and also to use some of my old gear. It's a pricey but pleasure and efficacity need some effort

[@wildcaravan]

Great video, thanks!

[@EdgetoneStudios]

You're welcome!

[@djpanntro]

GOD Bleesed you , is my favorite mixer studio , tank you !!! nice review brother !

[@EdgetoneStudios]

Thank you.

[@uptownphotography]

Great video and great info. I have the 32S model also (and have not really used it much) and do find it complicated, however your explanation and information brings light to some of the things I find complicated. My set up is a Hybrid Studio with an analog Allen Heath 32 channel mixer side by side with the 32S and I would like to have my final mix go through the Allen Heath because I have a lot of out board gear, mic pres (NEVE and API Clones) and also I have many vintage units like a Lexicon PCM42, Yamaha Rev7 and an Eventide H3000 (and others). I would like to use my out board compressors and gates also using the inserts on the Allen Heath as well. I still have not figured out a way I can do this because there are only 16 outs on the mixer and I would need double that amount. Again great video and probably the best I have seen someone explain this mixer in detail. Well done. Thanks. (Giving you a sub also). Phil NYC / Jersey Shore Area

[@EdgetoneStudios]

Yes, you are limited to 16 outputs in Interface mode, but that doesn't mean you can't still add analogue processing to your mix. I have a Burl B32 summing mixer, but I can only use 16 channels of it due to the StudioLive's limitation. So I will send several tracks to a Stereo Bus in the DAW (Studio One for me) and then route the bus to a pair of Mix outs. So I can get 8 Stereo Channels, or 16 mono Channels of summing, or some combo of the two. That's why I asked on your video about why you didn't get a Quantum 4848. They have 32 in and out which would be great for your board. Keep an eye out for a used one maybe.

[@uptownphotography]

@@EdgetoneStudios Yes, I follow you in what you're saying. Being an analog guy for many years and renting my analog studio full time, I didn't consider getting a dedicated interface at the time when I went to a DAW (I have Studio One Also). I thought I'd mix down on the StudioLive mixer, however it did not occur to me that there are no inserts to patch in my outboard compressors and gates when tracking on the StudiLive. And it also didn't occur to me (at the time) about using my outboard processing would be more involved than just using an aux send, like you would do on an analog board. It was a learning curve. I wish I knew then what I know now!...Thanks for the info. All Appreciated. Phil NYC Area

[@billburns2915]

I have a 32s I use to track drums mostly and 500 series preamps for other things. Love it.

[@EdgetoneStudios]

It really is amazing and totally under-rated as an audio interface. I think most people looking for more preamps look to ADAT connections and more Apollo units and don't even consider a digital mixer.

[@billburns2915]

@@EdgetoneStudios UA's Interfaces are overpriced and over hyped. They have a new one in the works.

[@EdgetoneStudios]

@@billburns2915 yup.

[@audiolabstudios]

Very informative video! I'm going to start using my Studio Live II 32SC mixer in my studio. I had been using a Faderport 16 as my control device. I have an analog Stuio AR16 that I use for live recording, but that wouldn't be of much help in the studio. I've been using Studio One as my DAW since version 3.0 having been frustrated with AVID and their hardware. Although the 32sc has only 16 inputs, that's more than I will ever need for any of my sessions. I alos use a Presonus Monitor Station in order to switch between two sets of monitors and a subwoofer, and as of 2024, Studio One 6 supports ATMOM mixing.

[@EdgetoneStudios]

I don't think I've ever used more than 12 inputs simultaneously while recording, so 16 should be fine. The only reason I went with 32s is that I wanted so many synths to be always patched and ready to play. I keep thinking I should do a StudioLive follow up. Any topics that I should dive deeper into.

[@kennynyc1555]

Great Series to start , I bought the 32s and its crazy how little information or use of this mixer is on youtube . Get that youtube money man

[@EdgetoneStudios]

Haha. I'm not going for the YT money. I more want to use this channel to promote my studio, but until I have some live events to stream I hope to do more gear vids.

[@phillamoore157]

For what it's worth, there's a guy on here called Home Recording Made Easy who did a LOT of videos at one point with these Studiolive mixers. I think he's moved on to a large SSL board but he's a massive wealth of knowledge on those mixers with a number of videos.

[@EdgetoneStudios]

@@phillamoore157 Yeah. I've watched him as well, but I found his channel after I already purchased. Joe Gilder was the one who turned me on to them.

[@OneFromTheWater]

Thanks for the informative video! I just got one of these and am still trying to sort things out regarding external gear integration. When you run audio back from your outboard gear (Burl, Maag, etc) what channels do you route it back to? Are you stuck using the AUX inputs or can you bring it back in whatever channel you want? Thanks!

[@EdgetoneStudios]

You have to bring HW inserts back on a fader channel, so one of the 1/4" line inputs. On the 32s, that's 17-24. You can't really bring it back in any way. So they tie up inputs, but unless your trying to connect 10 synths, 2 drum machines, an Eleven Rack and a reverb and delay like I am, you should have plenty of inputs.

[@80Phantom]

Great video 👍👍👍

[@EdgetoneStudios]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@probilmusic3396]

Hello am using PreSonus studio live 32s and connected it to my iMac 27 inch of 2017 but i get usb connection Errors, it looses connections every 5 to 10 minutes. please tell me whats with my studio live mixer or its the computer not matching up with the mixer?

[@EdgetoneStudios]

I had an issue with disconnects when I was on a Mac Mini M1. Turns out it was an issue with firmware 2.5.1.84445. Presonus support had me downgrade to firmware 2.5.0.17953 with no loss of functinality, but you will get a warning message you have to dismiss every time you open Universal Control. Since I switched to Windows (and therefore no longer had the disconnect issue), they have released firmware 2.6.0.90872. I don't know if that will fix your issue, but you could try. Other than that, I would think to try a different USB cable, or USB port.

[@markhofland1898]

Using a 64S in my studio, and a NSB 32.16 and Studio One Pro. Amazing combination of hard and software.

[@EdgetoneStudios]

Agreed. Presonus is often highly under rated.

[@markhofland1898]

@@EdgetoneStudios If possible, I want to discuss some routing options with you. Especially between S1 headphone mixes, to the 64S and then b.e. to the outputs of a NSB box. I don't use the outputs of my NSB 32.16 in my studio. So I want to use them for headphone mixes from S1. Yep I just can buy the Earmix, great stuff, but i'll need four of them, lot of money So I decided, to use the outputs of the NSB for headphone mixes and connect, b.e. a Presonus HP2. At this moment I have a Behringer Power Play XL connected, just for trying my thoughts about routing. And it works, but there are some things I don't understand, so I hope It's possible to discuss some of my ideas and some things I don't understand.

[@EdgetoneStudios]

@@markhofland1898 Might be easier to have a call sometime to chat about it but here's what I do. I have Mix 1 and 2 stereo linked and going to my Mackie HP amp.Mix 3 & 4 go to the second headphone mix on the same amp. When tracking live, I just set up a Mix on Mix 1-2 for the musicians. You can set the monitors to listen to Mix 1-2 while setting it up and go back to the Monitors when done. By default, I've set up Tape input to be USB from the computer and set that to be the main out from Studio One. I can then use the Aux fader to control the level of my mix. When overdubbing, I just set the Tape fader level on Mix 1-2 to be balanced with whatever instrument of vocals I'm overdubbing. Saves on trying to use software to set up a phone mix.

[@yavartambrchi5124]

Great video thank you! So in terms of sound quality and converters, how its diffrent with lets say high end interfaces ? Im going to upgrade my old interface to something like RME Ufx2, but getting to know studiolive 64s i might go with this instead, and im a Studio one user.

[@EdgetoneStudios]

Well, I'm only some guy on the internet, but we recorded the first two songs for our album on Apollo interfaces, which are considered industry standard, before I switched to StudioLive. I can't say that the first two recordings were any better than the following 10. Frankly I'm starting to believe that microphone choice is far more important than what audio interface and preamps you choose. They are all pretty frickin' good. The only drawback is sample rate, but I record at 48K, so it's not an issue for me.

[@ACsolucionesacusticas]

Hello, thanks for the video, it´s really good. I´m a profesional producer and right now i'm moving to an other city were I´m building a new studio. In my previous studio I had an SSL interface with some API 500 series preamps. It sounded pretty good. Right now I´m choosing an interface and I´m between an apollo x8p and the presonus StudioLive series III. The presonus is on sale because of black friday. My concern and the question I want to make you is about quality. How does the recordings made in the apollo and the presonus compare ? How does the A/D compare ? is there competition between the Pres ?? I still have my API pres and I would only use the Studio live when I need more than 6 inputs. Thanks !

[@EdgetoneStudios]

I think the quality of my recordings is really unaltered between Apollo and Presonus. The Pres on the Studio Live are super clean. They are missing a Pad feature, but that hasn't been an issue for me yet. I was just surprised that there wasn't a -20 db pad. The real drawback are the effects. They are fine, but not superb. I wish they would update their delay and reverbs in the firmware for when I'm recording live and want to add some effects to the headphone mix. I ended up getting an external delay and reverb and just used a couple mix outs for them. I do the same as your suggesting. My 500 series rack has a Radial Jenson Twin Servo, Radial Power Tube, 2 Burl B1s and a Cranborne Camden 500. Most of my mixes just use those, but for the band I was live video recording the other day, I used 14 inputs so Overheads and Toms and HiHat were through the StudioLive. No issues at all.

[@1loveMusic2003]

great video I'm getting one

[@EdgetoneStudios]

Cool. Where are you located?

[@1loveMusic2003]

@@EdgetoneStudios Vancouver Canada Just recording my own stuff so far but I love the whole process so I'm thinking of recording other musicians too why not it's fun right

[@EdgetoneStudios]

@@1loveMusic2003 Oh. So I'm just across the water from you.

[@groover.]

Hi, thank for the explenation. I have a question about setting up a mix for my drum bus using a warm stereo compressor. I need two inputs on😂 the mixer and two outputs. I want to use input 13 and 14 (i have a studio one III 16 presonus mixer) for the input and 7/8 for the output. And when i try to set it up via Pipeline the compressor it is not comressing the drum bus I tried several settings but I can’t seem to get it right. So, how to set it up for my drumbus to get it working. I hope you can figure out what I need to do? Greets from Holland, Albert

[@EdgetoneStudios]

In order to directly send out Mix 7/8, you need to put the mixer into "Interface Mode". Press "Home", then "System" on the touch screen. There should be an "Interface Mode" showing as "Off". Press that to turn it on. If you don't see the Interface Mode option then you will have to update the firmware. Note that when you are in Interface Mode, you can't send to the Mix Outs from the mixer directly, only from software. Let me know if that helps.

[@Mheyos]

Hey wondering if there is such a huge difference with an Apollo regarding the preamps and the converters ? Thanks for this vidéo.

[@EdgetoneStudios]

I think I wouldn't be able to tell the difference between a clean Apollo Unison preamp and the Presonus XMAX preamps. The big difference in design is that the Apollo Unison preamps alter the input impedance when you use one of the UAD plugins (such as a 1073 or SSL, etc.) It would be really interesting to hear the difference between using one of those preamp emulation plugins with the Unison preamps vs. another preamp such as the XMAX.

[@wcas]

I have been using the SL Series 3 for my studio for many years now - its great for larger band sessions with a headphone mix for each musician as well as FX for headphone mixes that are not recorded. Overall its fantastic and im amazed more people do not use these digital mixers for their studios.

[@EdgetoneStudios]

Agreed. And they sound pretty darn good. After using a Burl B2 Bomber DAC for four months, I'm switching back to just using the StudioLive. It's a little brighter, but only slightly and not in a bad way.

[@ianturner6453]

@@EdgetoneStudios fascinating - do the pre-amps you have out infront of the presonus make a big difference?

[@EdgetoneStudios]

@@ianturner6453 In all honesty. No. It's a subtle difference. But I do really enjoy the hands on experience of separate controls for each preamp. And the Newton channel strip does add a nice character. The SSL Six CH less so, but they do sound nice. Another benefits of the preamps in front of the mixer with a patch bay is the ability to insert other hardware in between. For me this is primarily a Warm Audio WA-1B compressor, the Overstayer MAS analogue saturator, of my Roland SVC vocoder.

[@wcas]

@@EdgetoneStudios- hmmm tempted but does not feel essential - loved your studio build videos too - given me some ideas for an imminent house move 😁

[@gullcreekstudio1391]

I've had a 32 for awhile and only use it for a controller to mix with my hands. I use the quantum 2626 as my interface. Would I be able to run the main outs of the quantum to the 32 so that I could run multiple sets of studio monitors rather than buy a monitor controller for 3 sets of monitors? Also, the quantum has a strange output stage that disables the main outs when you try and use the 8 outputs on the back so sum mixing with the quantum is pretty weak. Are you also using a seperate interface? And if you are, how did you route the interface digitally to the 32 mixer for output to analog gear?

[@EdgetoneStudios]

I don't think Presonus provides any way to swich between monitors on a Quantum and a Studiolive, so I don't think that would work. Of course you could just change back and forth between which interface you want your DAW to use, but that wouldn't bring the input/output settings across or anything convenient like that. I was not using another interface with the StudioLive. I did have an external passive monitor switcher (Coleman Audio M3PH MKIII). Basically just plug the monitor out into the switcher and then the various monitors in as well. I have that unit for sale now as I'm installing my analogue console.

[@tonysboris1]

How to you seperate youtube playback and studio one playback on the console? The computer uses 37/38 and so does studio one master fader. I can't figure out how to seperate them.

[@EdgetoneStudios]

I set the PC output to use USB returns 37-38 as you mentioned. On Windows that shows as Studiolive WDM 1/2. I forgot what it shows as on Mac. In Studio One, go to Options --> Song Setup -->Output and set your Mains to be either 35-36 for Aux 2 or 33-34 for Aux 1. Now your Studio One playback will be on one fader, and your PC/Mac volume on another.

[@edmasi]

Jon! This is excellent & I’m determined to have you help with the Nonprofit’s curriculum! Yeah? Yeah? I love my old AR8 as my personal drum mixer. I’m looking at the PreSonus StudioLive 32SX Series III to handle our studio and live broadcasts and recording sessions for a show I’m putting together, as well as our film and TV mixing, etc. do you think it’ll do the job? And thank you!

[@EdgetoneStudios]

I'm sure I can be involved with your nonprofit in some capacity Ed. Currently waiting on a grant application for education on recording locally. If that goes through I'll be building some sort of curriculum. The StudioLive 32SX is as capable as my board, just with less faders (24 instead of 32). It's really everything one could need for recording and broadcast (aside from mics and instruments). Anything extra is more because you want it rather than need it.

[@edmasi]

@@EdgetoneStudios Thank you so much! And I hope you grab the grant. I have a couple of grants in the works as well. We press on!

[@ledheavy26]

Ive been using a first generation Studiolive 16.4.2 and Studio One since their inception back in 2010 I believe. I will be sad when the digital interface in the mixer ceases to communicate with modern computers, until then though its been rock solid and sounds great.

[@EdgetoneStudios]

Presonus really does make nice interfaces. I don't think they get enough credit.

[@kennynyc1555]

biggest probem i have i can never find the right sd card to use to do live record in , it scans fully , possibly a faulty unit , i bought all suggested cards , if you have any info this would be a great topic thanks , your doing better then presonus!

[@EdgetoneStudios]

Although I mention the SD card as a benefit, I haven't had to use one since this is an integrated part of my studio. Have you seen this topic from Presonus: answers.presonus.com/42283/cannot-record-to-sd-card-problem-solved

[@kennynyc1555]

@@EdgetoneStudios Yes , numerous times , I even created tickets , you should probably test yours out to see if it works , especially if you have warranty . I believe its 3 years

[@kennynyc1555]

I purchased mine from Florida around when covid started for 3,000 U.S. cam with mixer 2 Rokit 8's and stands , bought around March , didnt recieve till October that year .

[@faaip0de0oaid]

What about the audio quality of the preamps? I wanted to buy an Apollo interface for the good sound quality it has, but i also want the options of the presonus mixer...

[@EdgetoneStudios]

I really thought I was going to be missing the Unison technology of the Apollo interfaces and the ability to emulate classic pres. But the Presonus pres are very clean and clear and I don't miss the Apollos at all. I've also come to appreciate the stock Studio One plugins. I have never felt they lacked anything since using them exclusively. If you want more colour, do as I did and use the combo jacks (Inputs 17+) to insert external preamps between the mic and the mixer. It's the best of both worlds that way.

[@faaip0de0oaid]

@@EdgetoneStudios Thanks for the quick answer :)

[@PearlLaneTV]

Do the preamps sound/ function similar to an audio interface when using a condenser microphone? Is there noticeable noise of any kind or are the preamps silent like an audio interface? I’m in the market for one of these things and it will be my first, coming from the world of audio interfaces.

[@EdgetoneStudios]

The preamps are very clean sounding and quiet. I primarily use them with condenser mics. They don't really colour the sound. Think of the digital mixer like a regular audio interface where you don't have to use software to control the settings. When you move a fader or change preamp gain on the mixing board, it's doing the exact same thing as using a mouse to move a fader or change the preamp gain when using the included Universal Control software. It's still digital control, but you have physical knobs, buttons and sliders. When you put the board into "Interface mode" it becomes even more like a classic rack audio interface. All of the subgroup (Mix) send controls are disabled and you can use your audio interface to send directly out the Mix outputs from your DAW. The one frustration I encounter is forgetting that I am in Interface mode (there is no visual indicator), so then I go to use a subgroups and the channels are all muted and the faders don't do anything. The screen actually states "Interface Mode: Not Currently Available" when you press one of the Mix buttons, but I'm usually distracted by trying to unmute and don't notice. I'm slowly learning to pay more attention to the settings. This board is incredibly deep, and it can be easy to get a bit overwhelmed by all the settings like digital routing, mix monitoring, network permissons, bluetooth audio, scene management, etc. One cool thing I found when I switched from Mac to Windows, is that Tape, Aux 1, Aux 2 and Mains all have a corresponding USB send to or from the computer and show as WDM1/2, WDM 3/4, WDM 5/6 and WDM 7/8. By looking up the various associated USB channels, I'm now set up so that my PC's output is controlled by Tape fader, Studio One's volume is the Aux1 fader, my click track is the Aux 2 fader, and I've set Mix 13/14 as my live stream mix. So when I'm working with someone remotely, I can set the faders on mix on 13/14 to balance DAW playback, my desk mic, and any PC audio (such as KZbin). My daugther and son were remotely helping me Comp vocals last night for our latest song. So cool.

[@PearlLaneTV]

Wow!! Thanks for that feedback!! You’ve answered a question I’ve been searching all over the internet for. Now I’m more confident to pull the trigger. Sounds very flexible with audio routing. I thought these things had feedback like you’d hear sometimes from a live band setup. I’ve been researching this and the behringer x32

[@EdgetoneStudios]

@@PearlLaneTVYou can always experience that type of live feedback if your microphones are in the same room as your monitors and the mic gain is up and the monitors too loud. This would happen with any mixer or audio interface no matter what brand.

[@HalcyonGuitars]

Any comments on the sound quality of the onboard effects?

[@EdgetoneStudios]

They are okay, but nothing special. For just adding reverb or delay to a vocalists headphone mix they work, but I wouldn't commit any of them to tracks.

[@richarddunnsongs343]

I’ve changed my studio to a 24r. Have to admit, it was complex to set up for what I wanted, a friend did it for me, but once it was set up including a stage box in a separate piano room. . I’m happy with it, the routing is great, I can send individual mixes to headphones easily, and to route the bass through to a B15 and guitar to isolated amps without fuss. the amount of inputs mean I never have to think of plugging anything in from full kit to Hammond etc . All ready to go. Tho it would have been interesting to hear what you thought of the sound difference between the Apollo and the Presonus

[@EdgetoneStudios]

I think the Presonus StudioLive and Apollo X series really sound comparable. Apollo is really all about the plugins, and their unison preamp emulations. I'm sure if you stuck a nice 73 style plugin on a track recorded with the Presonus it would sound great. Do you use a tablet with the rackmount StudioLive? Or do you just open Universal Control on the computer? I always thought a tablet would be the way to go with a rackmount version.

[@richarddunnsongs343]

Thank you. Yes I use an I pad, and a Mac mini @@EdgetoneStudios

[@richarddunnsongs343]

Thank you .Yes I use an I pad, and a Mac mini in the control room( I’ve kept my old Focusrite, alongside in case I have to use 96 k for anyone that wants it for online piano/Hammond sessions)@@EdgetoneStudios

[@casade2831]

You seem to have the closest to my dream approach, from the studio build to the daw and everything else. The one-piece missing in my gear puzzle is the NO latency recording (monitoring), and I wonder if there is a simpler solution than your mixer. I track vocals only. I do not want to monitor coming out of the computer (interface). I use a Symphopny Apogee. Watching your videos is inspirational.

[@EdgetoneStudios]

Many interfaces have low latency monitoring, maybe one of the MOTU products such as a MOTU M2.

[@casade2831]

@@EdgetoneStudios Thank you. I should have mentioned that I want no DSP monitoring or buffer issues. No computer latency. I understand that I could use a mixer like yours to monitor the channel path, but can the concept be simplified? Price is not an issue. I want to purchase something that is straightforward. Appearance and ease of use are the most important factors for me. It must have an effect, i.e., vocal tracking. I imagine a separate or bypassed return to my headphones before it hits the computer. I am not very tech-savvy, though. Money is not a problem (I mean this in the best way possible). I just want a simple but high-end solution. Is this crazy? Did you sell the Sony board?

[@EdgetoneStudios]

@@casade2831 I think there are tons of options, but all have DSP processing. After all, everyone of these interfaces is an analog to digital converter (and back). Or maybe you just meant you don't want issues with the DSP monitoring. The Sony board appears to be sold, but I'm waiting on the actual transaction to happen.

[@ThaRealDawn]

Hello, I have a question! How good are the AD/DA converters on the StudioLive 32s. I've been trying to figure out if the converters are like the Quantum, or like the 1824c? Is all the PreSonus AD/DA interfaces the same quality including the StudioLive 32? Are they better than like the Appolo line? Lynx converter quality, like what grade are they equal too?

[@EdgetoneStudios]

I have another video where I talk about upgrading the DAC by using the AES out. For 4 months I've been using a Burl B2 Bomber DAC instead of the built in DAC. I've recently put the Bomber up for sale, because after getting very used to it, then comparing the standard StudioLive DAC, the difference isn't worth the money I have invested in the Burl. So I feel that the conversion is really good. I've never direct A/B compared to the Apollos, but I previously had Apollo and I have no complaints about the quality comparitavely. Of course I'm just some guy on the internet, so your preferences may vary.

[@ThaRealDawn]

Understand. Do you run you I/O in the TRS section, or main Combo-Jacks section? Is you say there is not much difference is that from the TRS, combo jack or both. I ask because I'm not sure if the DA/AD conversion quality are the same for both sections in quality! @@EdgetoneStudios

[@EdgetoneStudios]

@@ThaRealDawn I have my monitor switcher connected to the XLR mains out. That's the main D/A conversion that happens when listening to the board. I had the AES out, through the Burl B2 converters also connected to my monitor switcher. That was what I compared . Technically there is D/A conversion if you send out Aux Mixes, Subs out or if you use the Aux outs in Interface mode, but there is no way to update that conversion.

[@ThaRealDawn]

@@EdgetoneStudios Is the SL32 AES L+R or mono? And i looked at B2 and see it has two AES (1 and 2) is there a way to do like AES to ADAT or SPDIF or just L+R in TRS/XLR. My unit i got today only has ADAT and XLR it also has the digital AES-3 and SPDIF with regular XLR. How would you advise running this with using the SL32 AES? The SL32 only has the AES and RCA that i see. Am i wrong. Im kind of stuck, its probably simple fix but I'm a bit foggy on the answer right now....

[@EdgetoneStudios]

@@ThaRealDawn the AES is stereo. The Burl B2 can have two different AES sources that you can switch between. I believe one can be Spdif. There isn't any way to tie Adat into the StudioLive that I know of.

[@hornstrum]

Very good video. I bought my Apollo in 2015 but due to fires, moving, time passing and my 2015 MBP i7 too slow for Apollo forcing me to buy an M1 just to use UAD2 Apollo8 & Quad Satellite. I also bought SL24series3 a year+ ago and right now I have my SL24 feeding stereo channels to my Apollo. Why? I wanted to see how I like Apollo and not give up input/patch flexibility and DAW control of the SL24. Regarding Apollo: sound is good and plugins are good but already i hate the workflow. MY HAND LIVES ON THE MOUSE. Also, the Apollo rack monitor controls are not convenient like their desktop models. Then the DSP. I have 8 cores and bought $1500 of plugins and still have missing [expensive] plugins. I have $4,000 grand into Apollo and I’m going to go back to tracking through the SL24 and perhaps SUM in the Apollo with summing and buss plugins. If the UAD summing doesnt turn me on, I may offer to sell my 8 core Apollo kit for $2,500. #HHNET #HappyHarryNET #NASAV_studios #SL24series3

[@EdgetoneStudios]

You could always sell your Apollos and get a 500 series rack with some nice pres (of whatever flavour you like) for 8 of your channels. I have a feeling there is going to be a new Apollo line soon and those SHARK chip versions are going to be unwanted.

[@theuniversityoflife8704]

I believe the inputs for line bypasses the pre amp which means you can use external pres if you wish? I really dig this.

[@EdgetoneStudios]

That's what I do with a 500 series rack and some external pres. 16 of my inputs are connected to line and the other 16 are connected to the internal pres.

[@phillamoore157]

@@EdgetoneStudios Interesting. There are a LOT of people doing that. What I'd be interested to know is just how different those external pre's are, and if there's a high-end, plug-in that could get you 90%-95% of that sound without dropping an obscene amount of money on those external mic-pre's. If you ask the designers of these plugins, there literally IS no difference.

[@EdgetoneStudios]

@@phillamoore157 well there are always less expensive solutions that can be as effective. However a few of my pres have both input and output gain that provide many more gain staging options. The Burl B1s sound amazing and allow me to overdrive without blasting the line input of the mixer. Plus I love physical controls and I have the cash.

[@phillamoore157]

@@EdgetoneStudios 🤣...I love that answer! I'm just a mere mortal, and going to just have to live with a mixer and good plugins. That's the first I've heard of the Burl B1's....I'll check those out, as well. I'm recording primarily outboard gear...drums guitar, with DI for bass, and DI keyboards. Very old school. I'll be checking out more of your videos. You've definitely got me sold on this mixer. I think of everything close to it's price-range it's pretty much the best on the market. I don't know of anyone who regrets their purchase. 👍

[@EdgetoneStudios]

@@phillamoore157 Awesome. Thanks again for the comments and for watching another mere mortal. ;-)

[@studiomofunic2503]

Hello, I see that your mixing console also has the same problem as mine. The Subgrp button is also off instead of being dimmed. Is that normal or is it a common problem with this 32SC mixer

[@EdgetoneStudios]

The SubGrp button only is dim if you change any of the Mixes from Aux to Sub. Select a Mix. Press the gear menu at the top left of the display. Select Subgroup in the Flexmix Mode section (bottom left of the display) As soon as you do that it will dim. Now when you select a channel and press the SubGrp button you can choose that Subgroup or A - D.

[@studiomofunic2503]

It works as you said. Thank you!@@EdgetoneStudios

[@EdgetoneStudios]

@@studiomofunic2503 I actually had to go try it because I had never notice the behaviour of the SubGrp light before. I really don't use it. 😉

[@studiomofunic2503]

@@EdgetoneStudios 😁

[@dannyharpermusic]

Thanks for this great video! I just ordered The Presonus 32SX.. I have the model before this too without flying faders. I just noticed that the 32SX doesn't have the scribble screen in the fat channel.. Not sure if this is a problem. I almost ordered the 32s which has them. I didn't noticed it, until I ordered it yesterday. I also have apollo 16 and Apollo Twin, which i have always loved. I love this newer Presonus Mixers with all the capabilities.

[@EdgetoneStudios]

Glad it was helpful. I haven't found the scribble strips as helpful as I thought. I use the one for gain all the time, but I could just as easily look at the main touch screen for level. You probably saved yourself a few bucks. I'm pretty sure all Series III have motorized faders. After getting rid of the Apollos and the UAD plugins, I went completely with Presonus plugins from Studio One. I don't regret it at all, they sound great and didn't cost anything extra.

[@dannyharpermusic]

@@EdgetoneStudios thanks. I have the Presonus 24.4.2 and now the 32SX too. I wanted the 32SX for the flying faders (automation) and DAW mode. I was running my Apollo 16 and Apollo Twin in and out of my 64 input Analog console,, But now digital is getting really great sound with the emulation of the tube stuff. So its getting really good now. Thanks for your videos.

[@EdgetoneStudios]

@@dannyharpermusic The funny thing is that I've now purchased a Sony MXP-3036 console that I'm refurbishing and now am planning to move to an analogue console instead.

[@dannyharpermusic]

@@EdgetoneStudios MPX-3036, Thats a nice analog console

[@EdgetoneStudios]

@@dannyharpermusic Apparently it's the quietest analogue console ever made. And it sounds amazing so far.

[@SebWoodland]

Nice

[@EdgetoneStudios]

Thanks

[@naymannbassey916]

Thank you so much Sir. This is the most in-depth revelatory coaching ever heard on this ground breaking product Presonus. Would love to engage you for personal tutoring Sir as I am working with Presonus right now but terribly underutilized I must be honest. Please Kindly let me know what it takes and how to get started and how to contact personally. Much obliged Njb

[@EdgetoneStudios]

I've been thinking about doing a live stream overview and questions and answers session if that would be of interest.

[@richardgordon9939]

are the main outs for connecting speakers?

[@EdgetoneStudios]

The Mains out are for connecting powered speakers or a PA, but that is for the tracking room or front of house in a live setting. The Mains out do not respond to the solo button. Use the Monitor Out to connect your speakers in your control room.

[@studiosdoradora4722]

Es una verdadera lástima que no entienda inglés, pues tengo la misma consola lo que pasa es que al final se va a quedar en mi estudio como controladora de Protools, pues al final he optado por Orión 32 plus 3G, y nunca llegué a exprimir bien mi estudio Life Pero supongo que lo que estarás explicando son maravillas, pues siempre he pensado que tenían unos pre amplificadores de alta calidad

[@EdgetoneStudios]

Bueno, no entiendo español pero Google Translate me ayudó con tu comentario y mi respuesta. El Orion 32 es un convertidor maravilloso. Puede obtener un mezclador analógico y conectarlo para una configuración realmente agradable. Revisé tu canal. Maravillosa batería y maravilloso sonido.

[@studiosdoradora4722]

@@EdgetoneStudios muchas gracias, lástima que yo no sea ingeniero, solo soy músico, cantante, guitarrista y baterista, pues esas baterías, están grabadas con la Studio, Live

[@DanMarcelino]

Did you make the intro music in your studio?

[@EdgetoneStudios]

I put that together in Studio One using software synths. I was just trying to do something quickly, but I kinda liked it.

[@DanMarcelino]

@@EdgetoneStudios cool 👍🏼 thanks for the response and thanks for posting the video

[@raggedrec]

their whole AVB ecosystem is the hub of my studio with a S32 at the centre.

[@EdgetoneStudios]

Nice. I might have gone AVB if I had thought of it in advance. But I originally build for an Apollo ecosystem, so I pulled plenty of cables.

[@CybreSmee]

Heya, great video. Be keen on your advice. We have a 32sx in storage I initially discounted because of the zero inserts (or need to dedicate inputs as returns). But thinking about this, it might actually work for us. What we want to do is either buy a full analog board, like an SSL AWS 948, or use the StudioLive to patch out to 16 channels of BUS processing and summing to replicate the analog environment. Sure, track count is less - but its digital, so much greater flexibility moving things around. Budget-wise, its a 3/4 the price of a new SSL. So sending subgrouped tracks out to analog processing sounds great, but my engineer reckons we might as well just stay in the DAW and use emulations at that point as the Presonus is digital so whats the point of complicating the routing for no actual sonic gain. I get his point, but its hard to charge good money for DAW/plugin mixes over actual analog outboard processing through nice gear. Thoughts?

[@EdgetoneStudios]

Well that is the way I've been using the StudioLive. I have the 16 mix out set up for phones and fx, but on mixdown use subgroups to sum through the Burl B32. You need to set the StudioLive into Interface mode on mixdown to sum or use external fxs. Then take off interface mode to use the Auxes for phones (though you could use inteface mode and set up headphones in the box). And if you want the ability to have inserts, you can put a 500 series rack (with sends and returns) in front of some of the line inputs and have sends on those external pres. I think the decision between analogue or digital is really just a personal choice these day. Digital gives so much flexibility, but I find there is slightly less headroom than an analogue console. Analogue hybrid setups can be really complicated or simple, and the digital mixer is flexible, but it's also deeply complicated with all the digital patching. And sometimes, my digital patching resets and I lose my OBS mix routing and have to set it up again. I also can't just scan the board to see which tracks have compression and EQ turned on, I have to select each track and see the settings. All that being said, I'm still struggling with knowing exactly how I want to be set up. My digital setup with 500 series outboard is working, but I almost bought a modern analogue console over the Christmas break and now I am working on fixing up a vintage console (see my videos) that should sound amazing, but will be more limited in some ways. I think the ideal is to be as flexible as possible while keeping things as simple as you can. Cheers.

[@CybreSmee]

@@EdgetoneStudios Fantastic, thanks for the reply, lots to digest. Our biggest consideration is maximising the income for the studio. Im not convinced we would get the profile acts or higher rates using just a ITB digital setup. I personally don't think theres much, if any, difference in the long run between plugins and hardware. But you can charge $200/hr when theres a big console and a room full of analog gear. I think you could charge close to that with the digi mixer and analog gear too. I know this sounds fickle, but thats how bands and corporate clients are.

[@EdgetoneStudios]

@@CybreSmee I've always wondered if musician really know enough about audio to care what you have in your studio, whether full mixer or not, analogue or digital. Sounds like where you are they do.

[@CybreSmee]

@@EdgetoneStudios It's mostly the management/labels who are more interested in gear (I presume they have a shopping list of stuff the band have requested). They always want to see your gear list and riders before asking for quotes. Corporate clients I find are looking for higher priced studios, I guess they presumes you must be better. The people we usually deal with have zero understanding of equipment, they just want to know we're the best/fastest or have the best desk or whatever the manager assigned to the project has seen in magazines that week, haha. Its all about aesthetics. You need to know what you're doing, of course. But you'll never get hired with just a laptop and interface no matter how good you are.

[@jameskeenatch3726]

The thing about some outboard gear like a dangerous box or the one he had in the video is ..mark my words you will only ever get that sound through analog..meaning your stereo field having things like vocals being truly center ..getting that saturation from tubes or transformers .come out digital ado your panning and what ever processing then pop back in the daw and board and print 2 tracks back in best of both worlds .

[@jameskeenatch3726]

My main wounder is there a way tontrack zero latency like on apollo ...vaise injabe some real cliemts that swear they can tell the difference between straight to the headphones or looped

[@EdgetoneStudios]

Because it's a full mixer, by default it's zero latency. You don't even need a DAW. You can record all tracks to an SD card if you want. So typically, in your DAW, you will turn off Input Monitoring and use the mixer for monitoring. What I do for headphones is set the playback levels of click and the recorded Mains out to the headphone Mix (for me 1&2) and then I use the board to set levels for all the instruments.

[@Zazquatch1]

Have you looked at the channel "Home Recording Made Easy? He is using his in the studio.😉

[@EdgetoneStudios]

Yes, though he now uses an SSL Origin analogue board I believe.

[@jameskeenatch3726]

Thank you so much ..i really want the honest truth can uou hear much if amy difference from the apollo ..i been using apollo x love the sound and im using a older allen and heath conse from thw 90s lobe my sound but want to grab this vaise im hoing to switch to studio one aswell just woried about the sound..i ised to have a qu32 from allen and heath loved the sound worked great with lrotools but was locked only use was 48 k if you think the converters sound good..man idobe to hear a final product tracked from yhe unit ...

[@EdgetoneStudios]

I couldn't tell the difference between the Presonus XMAX pres and the Apollo X pres in their plain mode. However, Apollo has Unison plugins that emulate Neve, SSL, etc. The only way to do that on StudioLive is to use external preamps.

[@jameskeenatch3726]

@@EdgetoneStudios I kinda figured..I mean converters are so cheap to make these days even the worst ones made ..sound better than the top stuff ten years ago so..n question how is daw comtrol with pt...is it ok ..I'm a protools oldie..just starting with studio0ne. Still not sure about the change though 😂..and I want to talk to you about a idea regarding your analog console..

[@EdgetoneStudios]

@@jameskeenatch3726 I got into DAWs in 2007 and chose to avoid Protools. I've never used it. You can check out our band HTTPS://WaveformMountain.com to hear tracks recorded on my system.

[@artysanmobile]

I’ve always wondered how the StudioLive faders would work in control surface mode. I’m very happy with the Pro Tools mixer so would use very little of the StudioLive. Primarily, channel faders, mutes and pans if they can be used as control-only, plus monitor functions such as talkback. As a result, the sound of the StudioLive would be irrelevant. There is a number of models but I don’t know if there is any MIDI available.

[@EdgetoneStudios]

With Studio One, the DAW mode give contol surface integration for faders, mutes, pans and integrates with Fat Channel plugins. With other DAWs it presents as an MCU protocol device. So you get fader, mute, pan and of course the transport controls. When in DAW mode, you can still use all the line and mic ins, but you have to switch out of DAW mode to adjust the local mix on the mixer. None have MIDI and none have ADAT expansion. Both of which are a shame.

[@artysanmobile]

@@EdgetoneStudios Thank you very much for that info!

[@artysanmobile]

@@EdgetoneStudios If no MIDI, how do they communicate in MCU protocol?

[@EdgetoneStudios]

@@artysanmobile No problem at all.

[@EdgetoneStudios]

@@artysanmobile I suppose they only implemented it for HUI/MCU over USB. But it does support it. support.presonus.com/hc/en-us/articles/360055704452-StudioLive-Series-III-DAW-Mode-Setup-Troubleshooting-Guide

[@mangoman3038]

Studiolive 3 has same issue with network card...suddenly computer cannot recognize the hardware...then need to replace network card...but it will happen again and again...

[@EdgetoneStudios]

I have never experienced this issue.

[@gillihansmobilewelding]

It's funny when people are so caught up with how a digital desk "sounds", like anyone listening to a song is going to know what you recorded the sing through. Beck Hanson's song "Loser", and the entire Mellow Gold album was recorded to a Fostex 8 track 1/4" tape machine, and the vocals were sang in to a Shure BOUNDARY microphone. 😂 That album went platinum.

[@EdgetoneStudios]

Indeed. I'm really of the opinion now that any mid-range price gear will sound amazing and low priced gear will sound great. So just choose the budget and format that works best for you.

[@aarongreen3802]

frogleap studio puts out new videos of cover songs every week & he uses a studiolive mixer

[@EdgetoneStudios]

Excellent

[@1loveMusic2003]

I thought you could only record the stereo mix to the sd card.

[@EdgetoneStudios]

I haven't tried yet, but my understanding is you can record all tracks. As well, if you use Studio One, I believe you can import directly into a song.

[@Featherlightstudio]

You can record all input channels of the mixer including the mains left and right to the SD card. The result can be opened in Studio One or any DAW, just drag and drop the audio files in the DAW. We use this feature all the time.

[@RemyRAD]

Yeah, yeah…… These are great with one exception. They have no insert patch points. So… For those of us, that have, great hardware, dynamic range processors. There is no insert patch after the microphone preamp. And basically making it a deal killer for me. Otherwise what to do with, 1176's, LA-3 A's, DBX 160's, De-Esser's, downward expanders, gates. And with this Studio-Live. What good are they? So as I take the leap. From a custom 36 input, 1970, all transistor, Neve. To a common digital. A nice, lightweight, do Hickey. No more, over 2000 pound, audio consoles for me. But I want some actual, inserts. Post microphone preamp. And that's not happening, here. So I think I have to check this one off my list. Of course, I could also use, my outboard, microphone preamps, equalizers, dynamic range limiters, digital effects devices. And plug that. Into that PreSonus. But those API preamps still weigh a lot. And takes up rack space. And uses more electrical. I do like the, digital microphone snake box. One little, CAT cable. Instead of my hundreds of pounds of, 250 foot long, multiple microphone snake cables. And even longer on occasion would be grand. From one skinny little lightweight cable. And a clear sound on the microphones. Since they are going through, less cable. Before the preamp. But what to do with no insert patches? The software renditions of those are fine, sure. But they don't beat, using the real thing. And if you got them, smoke them. In a manner of speaking. As much of that is generally consumed. Though it may also be time for me. To walk away from an over, 50 year career in the industry? It's tough making that decision. But much has changed our lives in recent times. And nothing is the same anymore. Nothing makes sense anymore. And the planet, with numerous madman dictators and extremist religious zealots. Make it appear. That Homo sapiens might be kaput? And just a short period of time. Before we may all be, vaporized. While in our sleep. While it is lunch time the next day. 12,000 miles away on the other side of the planet. We are it's already been tomorrow, all day today. And we are all time travelers. While awakening every day. Only to realize. It's Groundhog Day. And with our global warming. We are nothing more than, Frying Dutchmen. What's in your wallet? RemyRAD

[@EdgetoneStudios]

Yes, inserts would be nice, but I've found them unnecessary for most of my work. I have a 500 series rack and a patch bay. For my 6 outboard pres, I can patch them through whatever I want before entering the board. It's nearly unheard of for me to need external gear on more than 6 pres when tracking since so much is done in overdubs these days. I'm not writing off the human race yet, but yes, things are irrevocably changed and will continue to change forever as is the nature of the universe.

[@klownaround5464]

Ok so i can use a patchbay with my new PRESONUS STUDIOLIVE 32SX ((still in its box from SWEETWATER- i been watching videos on hybrid setups and just thought i made a mistake reading this guys comment here - so i can still use my old hardware external gear with a patchbay then into the mixer on specific channels to record the effects to DAW ??

[@joesalyers]

To answer the question in the title, no each has their strengths and weaknesses. I own both and have made videos on both so let me give my humble perspective. The Studiolive has 48K limit because of USB 2.0 which is fine for 75% of audio engineers and home studios and may not be seen as a limitation for some people. The Fat Channel effects have horribly glaring bugs and just plain bad algorithms. The Pultec EQ is the most obvious on the low band at 0.75 on the knob you have increased the gain by 9 db so if an inexperienced person cranks say 60 hz like every other Pultec plugin or hardware you might just blow your front of house speakers. The EQ cramping due to 48K is abysmal along with the 1 Kilo-ohm mic preamps. 1Kilo-ohm is very low by modern standard and when I say modern I mean anything made after 1973. So the combination of those 2 things makes it hard to get a clean high end that isn't dull due to the low 1kilo-ohm mic amp of the X-max preamp. The send effects are terrible and border on unusable. Every reverb has a resonance like that of a piano's inner strings resonating. The Plate reverb is ok but the other reverbs are garbage and will cause frequency clashing so its best to avoid them at all costs. The delays and modulations are good but nothing more than very basic. But for the price the rackmount units like the Studiolive 16R, 24R, & 32R are a great value for small bands who want to record shows and rehearsals or band looking to build an affordable in ear monitoring system to avoid dealing with bad monitoring in clubs and theaters or a studio that needs more than 8 inputs which is standard for most off the shelf audio interfaces. Now for the UAD Apollo, it boils down to something similar UAD have this issue where if you work at 44.1 or 48K you are fine but if you work at 88.2 or higher the new effects have a hard cut off at 24K causing an arbitrary antialiasing filter to be present at the wrong frequency, at first I thought this was a limitation of the older Sharc DSP chips UAD were using but when they brought out the same plugins for UAD spark native the same problem were present and this is a major NO-NO among plugin developers. This means your UAD plugins whether they are running natively or on the DSP are running at 48K internally at all times no matter your DAW's sampling rate. This is a terrible way to deal with aliasing and is in my opinion just plain laziness. The Apollo Mic Preamps Run at 5.3 kilo-ohms (without using a unison plugin) which makes them more in-line with modern designs but when pushing the volume they can be very noisy. Also the thunderbolt latency is higher than some USB 2.0 interface which is just plain BAD. Ironically the USB Allen & Heath SQ6 digital console I use has a lower latency than my thunderbolt 3 Apollos do and the Studiolive 24R has nearly the same latency at 48K. So they UAD thunderbolt driver is one of the worst performing in the industry for latency. But in the grand scheme of things does it matter NOT REALLY, because if you record a GREAT song either device it is still a GREAT SONG and in the end that is all that matters!!! Cheers!!

[@phillamoore157]

The most important, relevant thing you said was the very last sentence. You should've started your reply with that 👍

[@EdgetoneStudios]

Thanks

[@EdgetoneStudios]

Nice. 😉

[@randomschittz9461]

@@phillamoore157 Haha, right! It’s like having to read through a long annoying blog when all you want is the recipe.

[@michaelklein4582]

Thanks fir the details, I wonder how the SSL big Six fits into that comparison!

[@ProducersVault]

You should be endorsed by Presonus perhaps we should refer your channel to them.

[@EdgetoneStudios]

Feel free to refer me, but I don't really need an endorsement. I do these mostly for learning and fun and to promote my studio.

[@MinkFranchise]

People say Apollo interfaces like their all equal. An Apollo solo and Twin Duo are not the same as an Apollo Quad MkII which isn't the same as an Apollo X8p which isnt the same as an x16. Which Apollo did you switch from??? That is a major omission? You don't need a computer for an Apollo X6, X8,X8p, or x16 either, etc., etc. SMH.

[@EdgetoneStudios]

Good point. I had an x8p with and x16 as the main interface and a Cranborne audio 500ADAT to give me the 32 inputs. . I also had a Quad satalite with that.

[@cmill357]

Why doesn't any reviewer ever talk about what is truly important?... Sonics! how does it sound, stereo image ,depth of field , converter quality in and out, mic pre quality. SMH I can easily look up specs n features. So frustrating.

[@EdgetoneStudios]

Sonics ARE important, to a point. I have found that every interface I've owned since 2007 (3 MotU, a Mackie, 3UAD, and now Presonus) all have high quality, clean sounding preamps and converters. And that depth of field and stereo are determined more from amplifier and monitors. Everything I've used in that time, including budget mics, completely rivals all the top gear I got to use in the 80's and a lot of amazing music was created with that gear. Nowadays, nearly everything you buy for making music is going to sound good when used well (I was going to say correctly, but there is no correct approach other than to use your ears to make good decisions on what you hear). So for me, the most important things are feature sets and functions. I prefer a mixer over a rack mount interface for the hands on control. And as a Studio One user, the StudioLive gives me a few extra integration features that Mackie, Allen & Heath, Behringer and others lacked. The Integration Mode on it's own, makes this mixer so much more useful. Now I just wish I could put some Mixes in Integration Mode and leave others as standard busses. That would be perfect.

[@gillihansmobilewelding]

It's digital bro, chill. Some of us don't need everyone to hold our hands all the way through.

[@kellygreenii]

Sound is subjective. What sounds good to one person’s ear sounds terrible to someone else’s….and from me environment to another.

[@coreybuystedt]

That first reply was great. So truw

[@richiefamus8778]

Back when it was $2700-$3200 it was worth getting but now that they’ve nearly doubled the price? 5k? Total money grab lol. It’s a nice board though for what it is.

[@EdgetoneStudios]

Keep in mind a UAD Apollo x16 is $5199 CAD for half the inputs and no preamps at all. This is the type of thing I'm comparing to. Everything in the audio industry has gone up. A decent bass guitar is easiy $2K now. I just bought a Neve 551 EQ and it was $1200!

[@richiefamus8778]

@@EdgetoneStudios You ain't lying brother.

[@richiefamus8778]

Grabbed a 32S during the Black Friday sale. Have 3 x series apollos, including the X16. Yeah, you’re right. The 32s is a FAR superior value. ..And it sounds phenomenal despite the lower audio specs.

[@EdgetoneStudios]

@@richiefamus8778 Cool. There is so much to explore. I just wish they would update the FXs through firmware upgrades.

[@alankovin9204]

Great video and such an excellent profile of MTG...a lady who is really a true patriot.....and this is coming from a very centrist, objective political guy. The media and the Duopoly has really done their misinformation on MTG, and after this interview, I found myself again aghast at the breathtaking corruption in our systems. Tucker is also one of the great Truth Tellers now!!

[@EdgetoneStudios]

Ah... what?

[@WilliamAshleyOnline]

Apollo isn't a mixer it is a DSP audio interface totally different product IMO, if this mixer had DSP and DSP plugins different story but didn't find the chapter talking about DSP processing on this.

[@EdgetoneStudios]

Yes. The StudioLive has the Fat Channel DSP on every channel. It's a selection of compressor and EQ models with a gate and limiter. Studio One can sync it's Fat Channel plugin settings with the Studio Live (or they can be used independently). So you can record while listening to FXs, with no effects applied to the recorded audio, but then the Studio One plugins apply the same effects on playback. In this way you can record with FX on, but then alter the FXs when it comes to mixdown (and still retain the unprocessed audio if needed).

[@WilliamAshleyOnline]

@@EdgetoneStudios You should do a video on Fat Channel plugin I havn't heard of it before even after researching DSP plugin interfaces like Antelope Audio Synergy and UA's UAD-2 architecuture. I will look into this more.

[@WilliamAshleyOnline]

@@EdgetoneStudios Does FatChannel only work in Studio One or will it work in other daws like FL Studio and Ableton live?

[@EdgetoneStudios]

@@WilliamAshleyOnline Good idea. When I get back to making videos I'll add this to the list.

[@VoxTone2009]

I never liked the sound of the Presonus mixers (nor the workflow) nor their audio interfaces. The Allen & Heath SQ series sound much better and the newer Avantis is quite a bit step up. Both of these for recording or live mixing will be so much better than the Presonus equipment. UA Appollo is decent, but I prefer the RME and Apogee brands versions. The Focusrite brand also sound so much better than Presonus audio interfaces.

[@Goeogoth]

Sound so much better! You can't tell the difference even from a Behringer cheap digital preamp on a mix, let alone live sound. The analog days of preamps are long gone.

[@VoxTone2009]

@@Goeogoth I hear a difference between a "cheaper" digital preamp and the warmer nicer preamps. I also have Midas M32 from a few years back and someone I know have a Behring X32, another friend have a Studio Live mixer. You can clearly hear the difference in the preamps. Higher cleaner headroom and warmer sound. In an outdoor setting it is hard to hear the difference, but in a good acoustic indoor setting it does make a difference. Also, mixers like A&H Avantis, D Live, SSL L series etc. gives you so much more power doing live processing that make the musicians sound so much fuller, cleaner and can separate the sources in the mix better. I had the chance hearing a Neve desk a few times in a studio and it is something else. It just has the extra in the sound. No digital preamps I know of can compete with it. BTW, also got to try the Ehrlund M series microphone. I haven't had a more transparent clean microphone at a reasonable price. 7 - 87k hz. One overhead on a drum set, no other mic and sounded great as a whole.

[@VoxTone2009]

Forgot to mention, if you have an A&H SQ series you can upgrade to Avantis and have the SQ as a live stream mixer for example. What I know it is the only "cheap" mixer that have interoperability with bigger consoles for growth. That is a really good reason to get and SQ instead of for example Studio Live or Midas etc.

[@garethde-witt6433]

Way way too expensive

[@EdgetoneStudios]

Perhaps, but StudioLive mixers are less expensive than the equivalent number of inputs from Apollo units. At least that was my main point.