PreSonus StudioLive AR8 USB First Look

In this video, we take a first look at the hybrid AR8 mixer from PreSonus - an analog mixer with some digital tools mixed in, allowing you to use it as a USB audio interface and a digital recorder. 2018-05-16 Video #92
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PreSonus AR-8 - amzn.to/2L5VHQx
Other Studio Live AR Mixers:
AR-12 - amzn.to/2Is3Xsu
AR-16 - amzn.to/2IqNHIa
AR-22 - amzn.to/2IlXdAq
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[@barryrilang737]

would you be able to do a demo on how to hook up the StudioLive AR8 to computer and how to first recording tracks. I am trying to learn how to use this device to recording our ministry education out reach program. Please advise

[@LokeshThakur]

hey i had a quick question, i have a roland gr 55 , its a guitar synthesizer that takes in guitar signals from a hex pickup and outputs midi tones, would i be able to record the output with this device onto the SD card? or even record it to the studio one software via this device(using as an interface)?

[@DcSoundOp]

If you want to record the audio output of the guitar synth, this can absolutely help you do that. If you are asking though if it can record the Midi data, the answer is no. You'd want an interface that has a midi in/out connection and then you can use your gr-55 to send midi data to your computer & DAW to be used with other synths, etc.

[@LokeshThakur]

@@DcSoundOp ahh ok, as of now i just want to record the processed sound coming out of the gr 55 to be sent to the Ar8, to record it into a DAW, right now i have presonus studio one v3 but im not able to record the gr 55 with it, i was hoping this would make that process simpler. I do own a focusrite 2i4 as well, but want something without having to use my computer all the time.

[@realtalkpodcast_2raw736]

What would be the benefits of having this for an podcast setting.. full review please.

[@orangefox0052]

Was hoping to see if how many channel inputs it supports if I connect it to a DAW.

[@jorgeparr3002]

Please DO a THROUGH ANALYSIS of the Ar12!! PLEASE 🙏

[@DcSoundOp]

Don't have one.

[@p.j.r746]

I would like Presonus to a test with an acoustic drum set to how the the mixer performed.

[@tj4530]

Great review thanks! Do you know of any other mixers that have the “USB 1/2” send button? That is the deciding factor for me. I’m hoping to find a newer device that offers a Flash Drive playback/record as opposed to the SD card.

[@dissected1]

Great video, lots of useful info! I spotted something in the video which makes me curious. A question, if I may: The mic preamps seem pretty weak. From what I can see your gain is nearly maxed, the fader-knob is boosted, the main-knob is boosted - meters are still low. I have trouble imagining this for any sort of live-application when you need to crank the mic pre's that much to barely get a signal. Am I missing something here?

[@CubensisRecords]

Presonus preamps are on the weak side, you might need a preamp for live scenarios.

[@dougclendening5896]

Thanks for the review! Can you help me understand why it's so hard to find a digital mixer that is 8x8 usb instead of 8x2 or 8x4? In fact, this one is 8x4 but in reality that means you can only record 3 mics at once if I understood your explanation correctly.

[@2002jorgeparr]

please load a FULL VIEW and TECHNICAL SUN DSRIPTION OF THE AR12!!! THNAK YOU !!!

[@DcSoundOp]

Thanks for the message Jorge. We don’t have an AR12c currently to do a video, but if more viewers like you become channel members for just $1 a month, we’d be able to cover more requests like yours. Thanks for watching ✌🏼

[@joshantolin]

hey man great information! just want to know more about the multitrack recording of this interface, can you do some video about that? thanks!

[@bhabanishanakr]

Josh Antolin same I want know tooooo

[@success4life276]

I want to know as well.

[@samuellawmsangzuala4194]

can i use it for multitrack recording in DAW??Does the different channels in the mixer goes out to different track in the DAW like Cubase,protools,Ableton live etc.

[@DcSoundOp]

Yes, the current model of this is the AR8c and they both have a multi-track 8 input by 4 output audio interface built-in. The internal SD card recorder only records the stereo main mix though, so you will need a computer and DAW to multi-track like you suggested. Any DAW will work.

[@vannk73]

Any further thoughts on this series of mixers? I've been looking at the AR12 as a possible step up from my current powered mixer all-in-one type of PA system. Would be nice to have some actual faders, sweepable mids on the EQ, and multiple AUX outs. Mainly for live sound use, pop-up events.

[@DcSoundOp]

Hey Ocularis73, I do have more thoughts on the AR series, and will do a future video on them for sure. I had to send this one back before I could finish up a second video with it, but I'm hoping to get one of the bigger models in soon and do the wrap-up video with that. My only concern with the mixer so far is the inconsistency in the pre-amps on the model I was testing. They worked okay, but were not consistent from channel to channel (not a huge deal). You'll need to crank them up too for relatively 'quiet' sources like spoken word on an SM57, and they can get noisy depending on your situation when you do that. This is an incredible level of scrutiny though for a $500 mixer and 14x4 interface. If it fits your needs features wise for the price point, it's worth getting your hands on one in person.

[@jculley6]

Great low cost Line but you will need to buy 2 channels worth of amps for your PA. The EQ on the AR8 is not sweepable, low and high are shelving, no frequency select knob for the mid, just a filter. There are 2 aux outs if you count the FX bus.

[@JayMichaelVideos]

Could you do a video where you use each effect (for more than a few seconds) with both voice & instruments at different levels?

[@DcSoundOp]

Hey Jay, I'll see if I can squeeze something like that in before I have to send this one back. Thanks for watching!

[@aakashbashyal1822]

Hey, if you still have this device then can you make a video on connecting this device to a laptop (either windows or MAC) and doing some live streaming through Facebook, zoom, or youtube?

[@DcSoundOp]

I wish I did still have this one, maybe I'll ask if they can send over the updated version for us to do a video about. Thanks for watching Aakash!

[@tonyrobertsguitar]

Great review! Does PreSonus sell its own foot controller for the footswitch input, or can I use other foot controllers?

[@DcSoundOp]

I don’t think they do, but any momentary switch should do the trick.

[@thehificlub]

Is it a typical problem with lipsync and Presonus? I notice your lipsink is out. My audio box also has a real time delay. Thank you

[@DcSoundOp]

Sync is a problem anytime you record video and audio with two separate devices. You need to correct for it unless you have the devices locked with time-code. The machine this video was edited on in 2018 wasn't very powerful & it wasn't always easy to get sync perfect all the time on a laggy computer.

[@adamnowak3279]

Hi, does the mixer record in multitrack dry pre-effects signal or is it possible to record in multitrack wet tracks as well?

[@ConsumerTeamPete]

Will they do a firmware update to include a mix-minus via TRRS cable capability for pulling a phone call into a podcast?. Rode & Zoom have both put this into their "podcast' mixers similar to this. Also I'd love to see Presonus put this ability into their larger mixers as we would probably buy for our on-air studios. I really like the Fat Channel capability but the phone call integration is a deal breaker for us since we do so much content for radio stations. Good job on your video. I like your format. You don't waste my time.

[@DcSoundOp]

This is an analog mixer, so you would have to use the AUX send for any sort of mix minus via TRRS.

[@reganjo1955]

My question - do you know how well the AR8 works as an audio interface via USB to iOS iPad in programs like Auria, AUM and Cubasis? Obviously in a PC or Mac DAW this would allow multi track recording and monitoring. The mixer is class compliant so connected over USB via CCK to iPad should work. Prosonus is vague about this in one of their FAQs. Thanks.

[@DcSoundOp]

Joseph Regan I have never used any of those apps on iOS unfortunately. Perhaps someone else here is more familiar with them & this console together though. Thanks for watching.

[@Underdog_Drums]

Will this work as a "DAW controller" for Studio One Pro V5? Would I be able to run the XLR's (4?) to add to an audio interface that has 8 XLR inputs? I'm learning Stidio One now, I'm just wondering if this would make things easier for recording a drum kit, podcasting........?

[@DcSoundOp]

I probably wouldn't recommend this unit for that application. You would be better served with a StudioLive if you're looking for DAW control and the ability to expand and add modules together for things like recording drums. Have you checked out my video on the 16R? It's a really affordable way into the StudioLive Eco System and combined with a faderport can be a really powerful setup! kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJKxi2tspLqWb80

[@ronniepaulinc]

how many tracks does it send via usb to your software?

[@djmarcosaldinio2093]

i have a doubt im trying to connect to my ableton live 11 by usb but dont appear the option of midi interface in ableton live dont know why anyone can help me

[@hectorsantiago644]

I have a PTZoptics camera and a STUDIOLIVE-AR8C mixer, how do i get audio to my camera, it has a line in connection , what cable do I need to make this happen, I am trying to stream to a wix website via OBS

[@DcSoundOp]

If you’re using OBS, add a new audio input source to your scene & then select the AR8 as the device. You can access the advanced audio settings then to set routing, panning & delay to sync to video if you need it.

[@papagoygarcia]

Is it good for Podcasting? Does it have a latency?

[@shawnclark9674]

Any issues? I am leaning towards the AR8C, but I am seeing alot of bad reviews.

[@itaboracapoeira8862]

I am new to all this. After recording my music into the SD card how do I listen to what I have recorded? Do I need then to connect the SD card to my computer and use a software?

[@MrKeys57]

Just press the rewind button, then play, (i assume you have headphones or monitors attached..) if you are going to work with the file/music, just put the SdCard in your computer (transfer the file) and use it in your daw or other software as you wish, i have this mixer and also pretty new to it. - i have noticed that it is very hard to "overload" the recording signal, (by mistake) you can crank up the levels pretty much before that happens, and thats good, Levi

[@iamjonguy]

Hi, is there a smaller model version of this? Portability purposes.

[@DcSoundOp]

The 8 is as small as they go, the 16R is a really interesting option for portability, if you don’t mind not having faders etc.

[@FrankieLessard]

Please tell me they upgraded the mic preamps on the new AR8C model. Looking to buy one of these but all the video's I've seen have the gain cranked all the way up for the vocals.

[@DcSoundOp]

They actually did address this. Not sure what they've changed with the input circuitry, but the previous version was applying +50db of gain all the way up on the input trim, while the new one is up to +55 all the way up, so you don't have to turn them up quite as far physically to get the same gain. They've also improved the Signal to Noise ratio on the outputs from 89 to 94dB, system crosstalk is down -5db from before amongst other slight changes in the spec sheet. They also stuck a +10 boost switch on one of the channels that will help if you're using a broadcast mic like an SM7 or RE20 that needs more gain. So that's an interesting development. I should add, this is all from their specs, I have only briefly seen the new version in person at a trade show and have not had a chance to use one side by side with the original version I reviewed in this video. One question.. assuming you can achieve a good input level without adding a lot of noise, does it matter where the physical knob is pointed? Thanks for the great question.

[@FrankieLessard]

@@DcSoundOp Thanks for the quick response and the specs! I'd be using this for my acoustic duo and trio gigs to "capture" live recording so I would definitely need the mic preamps to be loud enough to cut through. I wouldn't be using it for podcasts but I see your point, lol.

[@JustinFREAKIN]

@@DcSoundOp Where is this +10 boost switch at? I've looked all over for it.

[@DcSoundOp]

JustinFREAKIN It’s on channel 3/4 of the AR8c model, not on the AR8 in this video.

[@AhmadAli-ub3ry]

Hi and thanks for your video. When recording vocal on to sd card are the digital effects also recorded? Thanks

[@DcSoundOp]

Hey Ahmad, the SD recorder on this one records the main mix. So whatever you are sending out the main L/R mix will be recorded, including efx. Thanks for the message & for watching.

[@davemau5e]

Question: Where do you connect your studio monitors to on this USB audio interface? Both L & R??

[@DcSoundOp]

Hi, great question. It really depends on your preference. I would probably connect studio monitors to the Control Room outputs (labeled Ctl Room on this console) so that the PFL will work to solo individual channels. You could connect to the L/R outputs if you needed to, there is nothing wrong with that at all, you will just only hear the L/R mix. Thanks for the message!

[@magilinmagilin3280]

Even in this one you do it plz. Tell me where have you connected the DSLR

[@DcSoundOp]

For most cameras, an XLR (Female) to 3.5mm (Male) cable will allow you to take an output from a mixer and connect it to a camera with a 3.5mm mic input. You'll need to turn down the input level on the camera, and make sure the signal from the mixer is not too hot, but otherwise it should be fairly simple - here is a cable that would work - amzn.to/2zMtWsB

[@josenadesan]

When I connect headphones I don't get any sound. Is there a switch or solo function I need to activate? Peace.

[@DcSoundOp]

Hey Jose, can you tell me a bit more about your setup. You should be getting sound if you solo an input, assuming you have the headphones turned up etc. Let me know where you are stuck & I'll try to help. Thanks for the message!

[@bhabanishanakr]

Hi brother is ar series good for multiple track record means studio live recording. Is all Input also work with Neundo or cubas?

[@DcSoundOp]

Hey, sorry for the slow response! Yes, the AR series are good for multi-track recording both live or in a home studio. It's essentially just a big sound card once it's hooked up to your computer with the USB cable, so it should work fine with any software you're running on a modern computer.

[@jculley6]

All 8 tracks and the mix can be recorded via usb on a computer running the Presonus Capture software.

[@mejiaanibal]

Hi , Do you know if there is anything else different between this model and the one with usb-c model . I noticed the Bluetooth and the usb-c to be different but I would like to know if there is anything else . Thanks . Presonus studiolive AR8 vs Presonus studiolive AR8C ?

[@DcSoundOp]

The biggest difference I remember is that channels 3/4 & 5/6 have a +10 boost and a different gain range, which if I remember correctly, was to meet the needs of some of the lower gain podcast mics that are popular now so you wouldn't need external boxes like the Cloudlifter. I can't remember if there were any other minor tweaks, but they are generally very similar.

[@lajuanahenderson3690]

How do you connect phone to receive calls through the mixer for online radio broadcast?

[@DcSoundOp]

You can use the Bluetooth connection like pairing your phone just the same as any other Bluetooth device. You can always hard wire it as well with any number of adapter cables, depending I your model phone of course.

[@lajuanahenderson3690]

Thank you so much for your response. I did use the Bluetooth when recording you can hear my voice but it did not record the voice of the caller. If I use the quarter inch cable in what connections on the mixer should be connected? I bought an iRig2 and plugged in the quarter inch into a mic channel and another into the aux output fx. I recorded a call using the capture software and it was ok. I just have to tweet it. Do you have any suggestions? Thank you

[@FAPoindexter]

What computer software do you recommend?

[@DcSoundOp]

Hey Fred, it all depends on what you are trying to do. Are you doing music or something else? What style of music? Do you have a budget for software already? Most of the PreSonus interfaces come with a copy of Studio One, which is a great all around DAW to work with.

[@FAPoindexter]

@@DcSoundOp ok thanks good to know. I used to have a home studio but was wanting a simpler system. Does this work as a audio interface? I have a MacBook Air

[@투유리더]

The fever was severe and the inside burned out after a year and a month. The power condenser, in and out boards have been replaced for a fee.

[@4davegr]

How did the effects sound quality compare with the QSC Touchmix 8

[@DcSoundOp]

I didn't have an opportunity to listen to them side by side. They work, and could probably be fine in moderation, like most built-in Efx. If effects are an important factor for you, I would look to the QSC. Just for the amount of control you have in adjusting parameters, you'll get more out of it. I hope that helps.

[@igorromanchuk350]

can i use it for usb playback from pc or mac?

[@DcSoundOp]

Yes, absolutely. Channel 7/8 has a button that toggles between bluetooth and USB playback.

[@lulanhernandez8440]

my studiolive ar12 no recording i dont know what happen do u know any program ?

[@marieto1]

iPhone guys, does anyone knows how to capture audio via Presonus StudioLive AR12 bluetooth to the iphone´s Dictaphone app ou Camera app? i know it´s possible to capture audio to the Dictaphone from the mic built in my bluetooth JBL headphones (by the way, the sound is terrible). I was wondering if the "audio in" of the Camera app and the Dictaphone app could be the Presonus StudioLive via bluetooth. That would be great!

[@videcormeumrobbie]

This video is tops, but why not explain how to connect the mixer to a mac, all sorts of problems arise, with me when I connect the mixer to my mac via usb and use universal control, the mixer icon appears at the bottom but the button is dead as is the icons either side USB Mixer Icon Studio Live AR8 USB . Very frustrating as I need this to work to keep my sanity as I am on lockdown. I hope all is okay. Any help on this please. Robbie

[@protrudamus]

Robbie, check out section 2 in the StudioLive AR-Series Software Reference pae-web.presonusmusic.com/downloads/products/pdf/StudioLive_AR-Series_Software_Reference_Manual_EN_19092017.pdf

[@videcormeumrobbie]

Bill Long Sorry for the late reply. That’s great Bill, I’m up and running g. Thank you so much. Keep safe. Cheers Robbie

[@ssullivan94534]

Being a true novice I don't know what PFL means - you mentioned at the bottom of the channel in a toggle switch. What does PFL stand for or mean?

[@Spectre361]

Scott Sullivan depends on who you ask, either Pre fader look, or pre fader listen.

[@jculley6]

PreFadeListen. You use it to trim out your mics to say -8db then leave the trim knob alone, turn off PFL, and adjust the sound now with the fader.

[@ssullivan94534]

Does the Blue tooth allow for a phone call to be input from the phone?

[@DcSoundOp]

Scott Sullivan I believe that’s going to be dependent on your device, not the mixer. It’s just a receiver in the mixer, so if your phone will send it, it should accept it.

[@ssullivan94534]

Thanks, I am looking for a way to take calls live on the radio

[@jculley6]

Yes, if you have the correct TRRS cable you can run the microphone wire to the AUX Out and have a microphone on channel 1 and turn up the aux knob.

[@a.Jason.official]

Can it record to computer through all channels or just 2?

[@DcSoundOp]

The AR8 is an 8x4 interface. They have more specs about the larger models here too www.presonus.com/products/StudioLive-AR8c

[@magilinmagilin3280]

Plz Tell how to connect a camera for into this mixer

[@DcSoundOp]

It's going to depend on what type of camera you have and what you're trying to accomplish. Are you trying to record audio from the mixer to the camera, or are you lookin to playback from the camera or something like that?

[@magilinmagilin3280]

@@DcSoundOp Thank You So Much for Replying.I want to record .What do you mean by playback I did not understand could you plz explain

[@DcSoundOp]

If you had a camera with an output, like a video camera, they can playback recorded footage too. In this case you'd connect the camera like any other source to the mixer. It's not something you'd likely need to do, but since it requires a different cable, it seemed worth asking what you're actually trying to accomplish.

[@magilinmagilin3280]

@@DcSoundOp Yeah Got you.Yaa I need to Record it.For Example like I wanna do live Covers with my guitar and vocals so both those together

[@richardc2803]

Do I need powered speakers to use this mixer?

[@DcSoundOp]

Hey Richard! Yes, you will need to power your speakers independently of this mixer. You can choose to do that with a powered speaker that has an amp built in, or with a passive speaker and a separate amplifier that you would in turn connect this mixer to. Either way will work, but this mixer does not have an amplifier built in. Hope that helps, let me know if you've got any other questions!

[@jculley6]

Yes, it is a Passive mixer.

[@johnthompson3856]

So if you plug in studio monitors you don’t need a power amp?

[@steveblive]

Question? I just purchased a AR12. How can I monitor the SD card to know if it is really recording. I have recorded with it and played it back through the system but, I would like to hear the actual recording as it is being recorded. Can the mixer do this? Thanks again for your informative video, I subscribed to learn.

[@DcSoundOp]

So on the AR12, the recorder only records the Master L/R bus. If you think of it like a BIG portable stereo recorder (like a Tascam DR-05 or Zoom H1) - anytime you are monitoring the master bus, you are monitoring the recorder. Functionally, you are monitoring the signal in the same place in the signal path as you would on a portable recorder. I hope this answers your question. Also, PreSonus documentation is pretty good these days and I keep PDF copies on my mobile devices for quick reference - pae-web.presonusmusic.com/downloads/products/pdf/StudioLiveARSeries_OwnersManual_EN_19092017.pdf

[@steveblive]

@@DcSoundOp thanks for the info, that helps

[@jorgeluzcisneros1995]

Aloha! what kind of laptop do you use? mahalo!

[@DcSoundOp]

Hey! I use a 2015 15" MacBook Pro currently, pretty much fully loaded as far as you can order them from Apple.

[@AnjankumarASCreation]

My AR8 mix voice out going is very low when I record my voice in my computer by USB plz help me

[@DcSoundOp]

Hi Anjan, what are your input and output levels on the meter? If you use the PFL button on the channel, is the level near 0 or slightly above? How about the output meter, where is that? If you’re not getting up to the 0 or slightly above range on both, you’ll need to turn things up.

[@AnjankumarASCreation]

@@DcSoundOp which channel is best for condoncer microphne use plz

[@rickn4198]

Presonus o Focusrite Scarlett for making music?

[@DcSoundOp]

They both have good interfaces that fit different needs. Find a model that works to solve the problems you are facing without getting in the way of how you make music.

[@rickn4198]

​@@DcSoundOp Thank you! I apreciate it.

[@DcSoundOp]

If you are not committed to a specific DAW already, you should check out PreSonus Studio One (it is bundled with some of their hardware currently). They've been doing some amazing stuff with it for musicians and song writers. There's also a Rick N at PreSonus who does a lot of fun videos with their gear & is a musician himself, so you might check him out for more info on how it all works: kzbin.info/www/bejne/imLHmpuleL98gM0

[@rickn4198]

​@@DcSoundOp It's perfect, very interesting, thank you"

[@lymerbean88]

Recording question - what format choices are available on the SD card for recording - mp3, WAV, etc.

[@itaboracapoeira8862]

Good question John. I have the same question.

[@MrKeys57]

Recording only wav, playback also MP3

[@MrKeys57]

@@itaboracapoeira8862 Recording only wav, playback also MP3

[@DavidGoedicke]

Hey, am I the only one or is the Audio/Video out of sync??

[@DcSoundOp]

David Goedicke yeah the lip sync is way out for me too playing back on my phone. Sorry for that, It’s hard to think I wouldn’t have seen it before now. Thanks for the message!

[@DavidGoedicke]

@@DcSoundOp Haha I just wanted to check that I wasn't going crazy. A quick question if I may; there are other KZbinrs who complain about cracking noises when moving the knobs, and also a very low gain in the mic pre-amps. Have you had similar experiences?

[@ikeandesranow]

I was going to point that out and saw your post:)))))) great video though... thank you

[@marcosaruca5283]

i hear alot of click and pops

[@janromanoff6221]

Breathe! 🤭

[@AnjankumarASCreation]

Don't buy plz its bad

[@DcSoundOp]

Can you be more specific with what you don’t like about the AR8 so other folks can understand the issues you’ve had?