The MOST COMPACT Mixer For An IN-EAR MONITOR RACK: Presonus Studiolive

[@KenCarver]

I put a system together with the 24R and splitters a few years ago. When you can walk into a gig and tell the house guy "don't worry about monitors", they get a big smile on their face.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Yup! And it’s SO much easier to dial in your IEMs when each musician has their control over it. It works so well!

[@dylanjastle]

Do you bring your own drum mics? Or unplug the hours mics and plug into your setup?

[@KenCarver]

@@dylanjastle we supply all of the sound sources. My current band (@HairMetalGiants) uses electronic drums. Also, we have a silent stage (no amps, everything direct). The lead vocalist is wireless, and the rest of us have wired vocal mics. In a previous band where we used a split, we did have acoustic drums and the drummer used his own mics. The thing was, he had better mics than most of the venues did. Plus, his mics clipped on the drums and the kick had a Kelly SHU mounting system. The only stands were for high hat and overheads.

[@brunodacosta_soundtec6036]

TRUE :D

[@jessetachibana4296]

These might be silly questions but: Are your splitter/s rack mounted? Also with the inputs for the PreSonus being on the front, do you have to repatch its inputs for every show, as having it permanently patched might not fit within a rack?

[@dearshadowband]

Scott this video is EXACTLY what we needed! Seriously couldn’t have come at a better time. Our singer has actually reached out to you before with a few questions about this and we really appreciate it. We were trying to figure out how to run stereo to our sennheiser iem’s and this video perfectly and quickly explained something that we were confused on. You even mentioned our exact setup! The mixer, two iem systems, a splitter and conditioner, and wired for drums. Many thanks Scott🙏💯👌

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Nice! Glad it was helpful for you guys 🤘🤘

[@chrisdore5726]

Scott, you are a great instructor! Your playing experience greatly helps make your information practical and applicable! You speak musician to musicians! Thank you!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thank you 🙏

[@bscheirman]

One amazing thing that I have figured out with the Presonus gear is when you record back to individual channels in a DAW like logic, and you do that pre-fader. Later you can configure logic to output those recordings back through the original channels on the mixer. You’ll have to set all of the inputs to digital, but then it will playback as if the entire band is playing. It’s a great way to do sound check in a new space.

[@byronsanto]

If you record into Capture and save the file with mixer channel settings. When you open the Capture file in Studio One all of the mixer channels settings, ie EQ, Comp, Gate & Lim loads into Studio One alone with effects.

[@bscheirman]

@@byronsanto in practice I’ve found this to be a little buggy, and twice I’ve found myself with some kind of feedback loop that was too hard to diagnose at a gig. So I switched to logic, which I found to be easier to understand and troubleshoot.

[@byronsanto]

@@bscheirman I’ve been using Capture since 2012 with 1000’s of hours of live gig recordings. I actually record every gig I do which is every weekend. I’ve never had any issues but I did setup my MAC to be an audio recording computer.

[@bscheirman]

@@byronsanto it’s probably user error 😅

[@soundgineering4771]

@@byronsanto Quick question: If you open some stems (tracks) onto Studio One, and you route those channels to StudioLive 16 or 24R (rack mixer) and play those stems, can you control the stems through Universal Control's StudioLive16R or 24R software faders? And apply FAT Channel to them?

[@rowanhensley3615]

We use the 16R in my band. One thing you didn't mention is that it's actually a 19 channel mixer. In addition to the 16 standard channels, there's a digital return channel that we use for tracks, and a talkback channel. They don't have physical inputs on the rack, but my band doesn't use all the physical inputs anyway since we have click and cues routed digitally to channels 5 & 6. I routed input 5 to the talkback channel so the FoH engineer can talk directly into our ears if needed.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Oh nice! That’s a great feature 🤘🤘

[@bscheirman]

I’ve never really understood what digital return means here. Don’t you have to route usb tracks to an input?

[@tanshaomala]

Been using this for about a year now as an IEM mixer, still learning new things about it thanks to your video!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Awesome! Glad to hear that 🤘🤘

[@MarkusCologne]

Danke! Hi Scott, Presonus have made good efforts to explain their StudioLive Series III universe, but your video was exactly what I needed! I have been using my 16R for three years now but never was sure if I used it correctly. Your lesson made everything clear from a power user point of view. Thank you for this!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thank you kindly! I appreciate that, and I’m glad you found it so helpful 🤘🤘

[@justuswilson9137]

DUDE you are a life saver!!! I leave for a month long tour in 4 days and have my IEM rack built but have spent the past week trying to figure out how to use this mixer, this is literally the only thing I've found that explained everything thoroughly and is easy to understand 🙏

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Nice! Glad it was helpful. Have a great tour 🤘🤘

[@HarryAdee]

This is the best system I've seen so far. Exactly what we need in our band. Very thorough walkthrough of the setup. Awesome video man. Thanks

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thank you! Glad it was helpful 🤘

[@Shankdv8]

I have the 32r because they had a good deal on sweetwater at the time. It is by far the best investment for my band I've ever made

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Nice!! 🤘🤘

[@XIIMonkeysMusicGroup]

I just got my 32R back from warranty repair. It had cold start issues from not enough voltage reaching the PCB.

[@psmail007]

Thanks for this. I own the 16R and it hasn't landed a place as my IEM daily driver yet for three reasons. 1) When using splitters it is a common use case to squeeze another set of outs from a unit by using the main outputs as an IEM output. It is difficult to do this on the 16R because adjusting the main outputs does not alter the output of the headphone output on the 16R. So in this use case the person using mains for IEM output would need to be in physical reach of the headphone knob on the front of the unit to adjust overall volume 2) It really is a deep rack unit ... it is small in height but is really long ... you mentioned this in the vid but it really is a thing to be aware of. I also thought it was quite heavy but checking the stats its is lighter than some of its competitors so perhaps I need a lighter rack. 3) As an IEM + FoH mixer it is missing some of the mod cons, like anti-feedback ... not an issue if it is used for IEM only, but go back to point #1 if you're using it for just IEMs. Couple of misc points ... I've also seen user based functionality on other units, it's not just a Presonus thing. I love that each of the front ins is a combo unit ... I wish more did that. But TRS outs (as opposed to XLRs) is annoying and requires adaptors, but they are not the only guys doing that. And the 32R unit looks really interesting with all those aux outs because some can be reallocated to subs and by doing this you can almost get it to auto mix in the manner that Rat from RHCP describes ... I think I wish I bought that unit :) Thanks again.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thanks for commenting! All fair points for sure and hopefully it helps people decide if it fits for them or not 🤘🤘

[@Nblades78]

Really. Great. Job. This video is so informative, straightforward, no fluff, no rambling, just an absolute ton of great information. Learned a ton. Glad I found you. I use a Mackie DL1608 for mixing our band, with Master Fader 5 on an ipad. Both in our jam space and when we have to do our own sound (more often than not) at gigs. I've always used the 6 aux-outs to create individual in-ear monitor mixes for the band members. I have a love-hate relationship with the Mackie DL. I've run into trouble with devices triggering firmware update loops with the mixer several times, and in the process lost all my saved shows. I don't want to have to carry a spare mixer with me everywhere as a backup, because it defeats the purpose. So, I've determined the Mackie is just not reliable for taking on the road. Too many points of failure. Maybe the newer DL series stage boxes have solved these issues, I don't know. I love the idea of building a rock solid compact rack system like this for doing IEM and even FOH. Thanks again, I learned a lot and got a ton of ideas for changing my own setup.

[@mavhunter4053]

This is like the best tutorial on this mixer. Had it for a while but there are some features I've seen until today.

[@JeremyPowerGuitar]

Thanks, I bought this unit and used this guide to set it up. It's running perfectly! You're the best Scott!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Awesome! Thank you for the super thanks and glad you’ve been enjoying this system 🤘🤘

[@daltonjazz]

I'm so glad you did this video. I've been looking at building a live pa/iem rig for a future project, and size has been a huge consideration. I felt like I knew that the Presonus rack mixers was the right way to go for the brain, but after seeing this I know for sure it is the right way to go! Another great video

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Nice! Glad to hear that!

[@PapaRaptor]

This is hands down, the best tutorial I've seen on the Presonus rack series. Thank you!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thank you!

[@hergerlodbrok559]

My band uses the 32R in a lightweight rack with a pelicase air. We are touring the whole world with this setup, this is perfect!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Nice!! Glad it’s working well for you 🤘

[@benkitay9015]

What lightweight rack are you using, if I could ask? And which pelicase air? I’d like to try that if you could help me with some info.

No problems whatsoever ? Some sound techs have reported weird quirks with these units on tour.

[@hergerlodbrok559]

Hi, we use the 32R for our monitor mixes with the Qmix App. Works perfect. I admit that the software has a few bugs, I think any software does.

@@hergerlodbrok559 thanks for the reply ! A few examples ? How often are these bugs, are they totally random ?

[@KristohanongBisdakMusic]

Wow! Very well designed mixer. So will this replace your Behringer xr18/32? Thanks for this in-depth review, Scott!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

It’s extremely well designed. I haven’t decided yet overall. I have been telling one of the groups I work with that I have a fly rig now, so if we need a travel mixer, this will 100% be the one. There is no way for me to fly with my current mixer 🤘

[@AllenMarkel]

If you compare the 16R to the Midas MR18, it seems that the Midas has more to offer? Midas is 3 rack spaces but it’s so shallow, that you can put it behind stuff, or get a shallow rack. You can use the Midas DN4816 for FOH, instead of 2 ART splitter boxes. So it probably becomes a toss up on size? Also you can have a rack for everything but the MR18 mixer. Then put the mixer in a separate bag. 🧐

[@stevesheroan4131]

@@AllenMarkelI kinda am in the same mindset. Although I currently have the Behringer XR18, I don’t see anything this offers above it other than being 1u (and I’m sure someone will say “and not being a Behringer”, but folks just can’t help themselves I guess). I’ve had no issues with the Behringer, and if I’m only using it for IEM then I’m not as concerned about preamp quality as I would be if it were my FOH rig. Any upgrade in preamps will be nullified by the IEM compander anyway. The front-facing XLR outputs of the XR18 are alone enough for it to be preferable for my use. For the record, I use a Presonus Quantum interface with Studio One, so I’m not anti-Presonus by any means.

[@AllenMarkel]

@@stevesheroan4131 I see the benefits in the 24 and 32 channel mixers but not in the 16 channel format. My gripe is the depth of the unit. I have the Midas version, so I doubt the Presonus version is any better.I copied and pasted this comment to put as a comment so it doesn't get lost as a reply.

[@djabthrash]

The xr18 is way better than the 16R in so many ways (that are not discussed in this video)...

[@cletusrobinson]

I have a QSC TouchMix 16 and have seriously looked at these. Presonus is located here in Baton Rouge. Their service department is fantastic!

[@sultansofstring]

we actually switched from that QSC to the Presonus. Presonus sounds better and can be connected by AVB cable to a console which is awesome!

[@jaimemoralacreacion]

I bought a used 32R and man we have all our wireless slx (3 mics 4 body packs) two antenna combiners for that, IN total we are using about 17-18 channels and have plenty if another band wants to show up and connect to ours to make things faster, we also have 4 PSM 300, 2 running stereo, 2 mono and open channels just in case someone shows up and may need it, plus the IEM combiner, a power supply, a network snake couplet for drums by RAT sounds and a self built I/O strip for USB, Network and extra channel and 4 Aux ports (we still have 6 more ports if needed!) for accessibility all in a SKB 8U shock rack. We can record straight from the mixer and dump it into any software of your choice, we use Pro Tools and Studio One. We have had no issues with our wireless and IEM becasue we place our paddles correctly and still no issues, and best of all it's been awesome to roll into a club, venue, gig and just ask for two channels from the house mixer and we handle everything. We have tried a lot of mixers and I love our MIDAS digital but man this has been a game changer and love it.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Nice man!! That’s a super clean setup 🤘🤘

[@steevidrums]

I bought an Allen And Heath QuPac a years ago, and I do really like it. But I wished I'd kept looking and found the Presonus 32R. All of my gripes with the QuPac are non existent with it. Namely Auxes are fixed mono or stereo, it's only a 32 channel with an audio expander (which is almost the cost of the mixer itself at the time of purchase) plus other a few other things, which aren't deal breakers but yeah... wished I'd kept looking.

[@davidcaviness194]

I just purchased the 32r series 3 rack mount, by far you have the best tutorial on how to set up monitor mixes spot on😊

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Glad it was helpful! Enjoy!

[@stevewheeler1133]

I own a bunch of Presonus equipment. This was the best tutorial on the app I have ever watched. Presonus should have it on their tutorial list on their website. I would love to see a similar video on in ear setup on their studio one recording software with the quantum interface. Thanks for a great video

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thank you! I appreciate that 🤘🤘

[@Danny_Zak]

I like how the app uses a lot of Studio One’s interface and icons e.g. compressors and eq - really nice when you’re so used to the look and feel of S1

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Oh nice, I haven’t used Studio One, so I didn’t know that 🤘

[@Five0Music]

I’ve been using Presonus mixers, and have been using the 32R for a couple of years. You simply can’t beat them for features. The UC Surface app is very developed, as is the monitor app. Glad to see you’re digging it. The NSB stage boxes and EarMix boxes add even more. Definitely a viable setup in a minimum of space.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Yeah, it’s really great!! Very well designed

[@rubenarce4980]

I currently have a Midas MR18, but I have been eyeing this mixer. Great info as always.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thank you 🙏

[@ccampau]

I've had the 16r and Midas. The MR18 is better and costs less.

[@BloodlineMetalfromGermany]

Hi! What do you think about the Midas MR18? How is the connection and functionality with the app?

[@rubenarce4980]

@@BloodlineMetalfromGermany I like it. Worth every penny. I also have the behringer xr16 and there is a sonic difference. You do have to get an external router since the built it one is subpar. The app works well and is easy to navigate.

[@BloodlineMetalfromGermany]

@@rubenarce4980 ok thanks for your reply! Do you think the difference in sound/clarity between the Xr16 and MR18 is huge?

[@aleks_white_]

I can't decide what's better - this mixer and all it can do, or Scott's phenomenal tutorial! Great job man, also kudos to Presonus!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thanks man! I appreciate that 🤘🤘

[@alikamali3555]

Great video , we have been using this with 2 shure wireless 300 for 4 different mixes for a Four-Piece band we played 30 shows so far with this system without a single issue in our in-ear monitors.

[@KC0MAE]

Scott, thank you so much! This has been one of the best gear tutorials I've seen, it was VERY helpful!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thank you!

[@LeticiaStanley]

Dang! Loving these videos!

[@rickdey5407]

Have used a 32r every weekend for the last 4 years! Flawless!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Nice!

[@roberttaylor7640]

Great video. Best review and tutorial of the Presonus unit and control S/W I’ve seen.

[@brucelandis6994]

Thanks, Scott. I’ll try another cable

[@dadbodmetalgod]

Thanks, Scott! I always love your videos- even if I think I know everything about a piece of gear, you always show me something new. Keep up the great work!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thank you 🤘🤘 I appreciate that 😁

[@mikecicero5946]

We have a 24R. 32 Channels. Able to split all vocals and instruments between FOH and our ears. Freaking fantastic.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

🤘🤘🤘

[@rustyfritz7743]

Yea I have the bigger studiolive digital mixer for my basement and love it I’m saving up for this to put together my iem rig

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Nice!! Good choice 🤘

[@rustyfritz7743]

Also if you’re not using all 16 inputs you can digital route those free slots from analog to usb and run your backing tracks that way. No need for wires.

[@byronsanto]

Great video! I’m a 15 year Presonus mixer user. You were spot on for functionality.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Nice! And thank you 🙏

[@BrandonWells]

they do look really cool and I appreciate the size. it's just kinda of a routing bummer when inputs and outputs are on separate sides when it comes to mounting in my rack case. thats the only part thats hard for me to switch from behringer, its so clean to just mount them backwards and not worry about messy cables. but for the love of god behringer needs to get it together with their proprietary app thats supposed to work with it.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Yeah, I know what you mean. Although having the outputs on the back is fantastic for connecting to the IEMs in the rack, and then that is all clean. And then everyone just plugs in in the front. But I know what you mean!

[@djabthrash]

Use mixing Station

[@johnmcchavs]

An interesting option (especially for what each client can access, which would be great for my fellow musicians to not change the front while trying to adjust their individual monitor). At the moment, we are using a XR18 (less expensive than this solution), and probably will stay on that solution (and have another one as a spare), but this gear you show is VERY interesting also. Thanks, Scott, as usual !

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Yeah man, no chance that they can accidentally change someone else’s mix (or FOH) is just amazing!

[@johnmcchavs]

@@ScottUhlMusic it happens sometimes, not all musicians are "geeks" willing to learn how to use a user interface (and there is no problem about that), and mistakes are human, even if you know what to do usually, you can misclick easily... 😊

[@Colintrigger04]

Absolutely love Presonus stuff!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

They definitely make great gear! 🤘🤘

[@mykmorris9957]

Agree!

[@KPGuitarStudios]

Wicked as usual. The band just ordered a 16.0.2 USB, the singer wanted the physical controls but I was wanting to go this route. Now I feel like we should have gone this route as I got to use the QMix software on the last show. I wish I had known about the wheel of me, that's great! By the way cheers from Florida! I moved down here from Canada for music 🤘 Considering doing the backing tracks thing and starting to practice and record tracks for my own one man show... seems I figured out the singing and playing thing so now it's a matter of accelerating beyond. Gotta go back and watch some of your videos I haven't yet as well as likely rewatch all the iPad related ones so I can get the backing tracks playing a full set as intended. If a cover band can get $800-1000 for a show split 5 ways, a solo artist can get $350-500 by themselves. That sounds like the difference between a struggle to wrangle a herd to a proper career by putting some work in and relying on your own skills. Then you can easily add back in some artists as you need just like you do, it's perfect, really

[@EricHansenGuitarist]

While shopping for a mixer that can do my IEM mix and FoH I had this one as a potential. Love the single space rack size. However, it has one weakness that really bothered me which is it cannot record multitrack audio. Only 2 track. That was a deal breaker and in my opinion a large oversight by Presonus. I ended up getting the Allen and Heath CQ-12T which obviously is not a rackmount mixer but can do multitrack recording/IEM mixes and in a nice compact size.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Ah, good to know. And that’s why it’s definitely valuable to see which ones have which features you need. When people ask “which one is best” there really is no right or wrong answer. Just “which one do you need”?

[@pnddesign]

Not true. From the website : One-click recording The StudioLive 16R is tightly integrated with PreSonus® Capture® live-recording software. Capture is designed to make recording easy by instantly configuring with your mixer and allowing you to record every channel plus the main mix with a single mouse click. Even better, your Capture sessions open natively in Studio One!

[@DeltaWhiskeyBravo13579]

Thanks for the tutorial. I want one to replace my older Soundcraft Ui16 rack mixer. I would like to get the 32, but even the 16 will be an expansion of inputs for me.

[@inhauscreative]

Love my 32r! for in-ears

[@californiadaze]

Dude - another insanely helpful video. Thanks for breaking the Presonus down so well!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thank you 🙏

[@justinnabors2866]

This is awesome! I’m glad that you like the Presonus system! I use the 16R as a combination keyboard mixer/audio interface with my band. I’ve tried to get them to move to this system, but not everyone is a Presonus fan.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

How do they not like PreSonus? Haha they make great stuff! Glad you have good taste 🤘

[@garyclement2888]

This thing is too cool. Will really make things easy. Technology is getting so good, I almost cant decide what to purchase now. THis video was a great tutorial to make people really jump on this.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thank you!

[@russgoos4628]

Great video, Scott! It must have taken hours to edit this one. That's a LOT of work. Thanks dude! Hm, these mixers just might replace my XR18.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thanks man! The editing did take quite a while on this one, but I’m glad it turned out great 🤘🤘

[@scottbakernc]

Great review Scott! Much appreciated!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Glad it was helpful!

[@admiralpeter254]

Well explained. Enjoyed it to the end👏

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thank you 🙏

[@quavonbrooks2031]

Can you do a video setting up the Behringer P-16 with the PreSonus 24 Digital Mixer? Please and many many Thanks!!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

I don’t believe you can connect the two. I think the behringer only works with behringer and Midas if I’m not mistaken

[@tuneroneff]

I got surprised by you talking about this mixer!!!! Im just devating between presonus and CQ 20 HH.

[@rickdey5407]

Great video, Scott. I’ve learn some stuff I didn’t even know!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

🤘🤘🤘

[@joehenthompson2023]

Excellent review and advice. Thank you

[@justsofrivolous]

Really informative video looks like a great system

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thank you!

[@PlasticSoulTribute]

The new Allen & Heath CQ-20B is about half the size of the Presonus. It weighs under 5 lbs and is only 4" deep. So, despite taking up 3U, I was able to build a 4U flight case that fits as an airline carryon. The Presonus needs a 17" depth rack, so is, much bigger in practical terms.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

I guess more shallow has its benefit too. But still, 1U rack of the Presonus is incredibly compact. You can get away with a 13” rack depth with it

[@OlegAryutkin]

We use the RME baby face pro with Behringer ADAT expander, gives me 12 in/12 out with preamps, EQ, reverb, mix presets.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Interesting. I haven’t even heard of it and just googled it. Thanks for sharing!

[@Tobias-Diez]

I'm also thinking about this configuration.. Are you happy with the Behringer Sound Quality? I guess its an ADA8200, right?

[@OlegAryutkin]

@@Tobias-Diez yes, the ADA8200. it's absolutely fine. I only use it in a live setting, so if the preamps are not high end I wouldn't even notice. But there's no noise, no obvious sound issues, it's really light weight, reliable. It has inputs on front and outputs on back which is perfect for an IEM rig. You could get an RME ADAT AD/DA for 10x the price and it would work exactly the same.

[@OlegAryutkin]

@@Tobias-Diez I run all vocals, guitar mic (mic-ed tube amp), bass guitar, a kick mic thru the ADA8200, and it feeds our wireless IEM transmitters. THere's no distortion, everhything sounds like it's supposed to.

[@Tobias-Diez]

@@OlegAryutkin great, thanks a lot for sharing your experience. We will test if it meets our requirements :)

[@Bashanvibe]

I need this for my studio to track live gear

[@XIIMonkeysMusicGroup]

I have the 16R, 32R mixers, and 32SC desk mixer.

[@kevystead]

Well! It looks like we have a new front runner for a digital mixer. Scott. I really appreciate you directing me to the Xr12, but If I'm gonna do this for the gigs I DO need a mixer I think this one is leaps and bounds better than the behringer one, and only a few bucks more. Cheers man. Love your gear reviews.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Nice! Glad it helped you make a decision!

[@GilCatarino]

Awesome gear, and awesome video Scott! Thank you !

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thank you!

[@MrGTOYskatoTOYsILY3000]

This is an awesome machine. I’ll definitely recommend this to my client 😎

[@trbone64]

I have been using a 32R which is overkill for A Lot of projects, but I wanted to know if I needed to mic and record a small orchestra, I can. The Capture software is amazing and all the effects are fairly decent for live use. Also having everyone build their own mix is great and a huge time saver.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Nice! And yeah, the fact that the 32R can provide 16 mono or 8 stereo mixes all within the mixer itself is pretty wild!

[@Elniniss]

When my Soundcraft ui16 gives up, this is my next mixer.

[@iamtobler]

Could you show how to multitrack record using an sd card and iPad also please?

[@clyvech]

Bro you're doing the Lord's work 🙏 Thank You!

[@Andrew_O]

I've been considering a 2nd mixer setup, potentially rack-mounted with IEM systems all integrated into a single rack, but more compact than my current X32 Rack setup. I'm still trying to find a used XR18 as I loved the stagebox format, but the integrated rack format is also appealing. Dangit, looks like a little bit of analysis paralysis on this one unless I find a deal that wings me one way or another!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Hahaha analysis paralysis is a real thing with gear! I go through it all the time myself

[@MelodyAngelTV]

Great walk through. Can you tell me where the record button is on the UC surface app, to record live shows? I have the formatted SD card.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

I didn’t look too much into the SD card tbh, but the manual should have info on that 🤘

[@coreyharen24]

Great video as always! I love these mixers!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thank you 🙏

[@rudygunnthatsme]

Hey Scott love your channel. I'm looking to build an in ear rig. Do you happen to know if the Network Audio out is compatible to run into the Midas DN4816-O digital snake split? May be a far stretch but thought if we can route it out of the presonus pre-gain unlike xr18 where you can only go post gain. Then this would be the ultimate set up. Run out of the presonus into the midas digital snake pre-gain. That way I can have a snale tail.in my case to give to the FOH engineer. Or go the other way as well. If they hand me a tail I just go into the front of the presonus. Flexible no matter how they have their stage set up.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

@@rudygunnthatsme thanks! And that Midas snake split only works with Midas and Behringer products unfortunately

[@rudygunnthatsme]

​@@ScottUhlMusicsong that would have been absolutely perfect

[@stevecunningham7136]

Great run thru, Thanks heaps. Running an XR18 for now but if it died it would be a tough decision. The XR18 might be 3RU high, but super shallow. heaps of options for running stuff in the rear of your rack with it. No such luxury with the 16/24R. Plus the P16M option for your drummer with the XR18. I think the XR18 wins for now but only just.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

The shallowness of the 3u mixer is definitely something to consider, that is true. Both are great options 👍

[@bleeigh]

I didn’t see a link for the router that you used on this. If that could get posted, I’d appreciate it. I’m trying to learn more about that aspect of gear these days.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Here you go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3aYnmCMjtuil5Isi=rEIuXXH4kXoWyO8x

[@KenMoss-music]

Great job with this video.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thank you!

[@stephanpelletier1727]

Thank you for the review! I wish it had MIDI in/out ports (like Behringer XR18), other than just the USB.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thanks! And yeah it doesn’t have that, although most people don’t use the midi ports that often. But some people do need it for sure!

[@WutrUduin]

What do you use the MIDI port on the XR for? I've never heard anyone talk about why it's useful other than connecting a control surface like a BCF2000, so I'm very curious.

[@stephanpelletier1727]

Hello@@WutrUduin ! It's for bands (solo, duo, or full band) who play with backing tracks. With MIDI programming, we can control other devices, such as guitar or vocal effect boxes (I use a TC Helicon VoiceLive Touch 2, which I use with my saxophone). I program harmonies, delays and other effects using MIDI. The backing tracks along with the MIDI signals come from my computer via USB. I then need a device, such as an audio interface or a mixer such as the XR 18 to take the USB in and split the audio and MIDI, and transmit the MIDI signal through a MIDI port to the external MIDI-driven device. Extremely powerful! But again, only if you use backing tracks to some level (well, there are probably other use cases other people could bring :-) ).

[@KENNETHCOOPER55]

I gotta say Scott, that mixer is very interesting for its ease of use, right now i currently have an XR18 with a swissonic router in a rack, love the swissonic by the way, i also have an X32 full board that i use with a simple tp link router, both work flawlessly, i also use both native apps with my mixers plus i use Mixing Station, another great app, i use an SD16 stage box with my X32, maybe you could give me some more info on the personus stage boxes that are available. Both my Behringer products work great, but im going to look into this mixer more, great video Scott

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thanks! Glad you like that router too. It’s a bit pricey, but it’s worth it imo 🤘 and yeah I’ll need to look more into the Presonus stage boxes. This is my first venture into the StudioLive series, and I’m loving it so far. I’ve used Presonus before and I’ve seen others use it and I’ve always been happy with it. I believe you can just use the RJ45 port in the back for connecting to a stage box just like the SD16 does. But I haven’t looked into that as much

[@KENNETHCOOPER55]

@ScottUhlMusic yes, the swissonic is pricey, im in Canada 😀 thanks for the reply & your honesty, im going to look up different stage boxes for the unit, i would definitely switch to it if it checked all the boxes Tho i do live my Behringers lol 😀

[@vicdl7528]

Great video Scott, I own the 24r but don’t use it very often cause it’s a little overwhelming but this video helps a lot. Can you make a few videos on the rest of the mixer like matix and routing? Thx

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thanks! Glad it was helpful. I honestly have so many other products to review, I probably wouldn’t be able to get to that. But routing on a digital mixer is really cool!

[@chucksaeger7500]

You are the absolute best at explaining things! So is this a replacement for your Behringer unit? It seems to do the same kind of stuff and technology is so fast these days. Thanks

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thanks Chuck! And I haven’t decided, except that as a fly rig im going with this for sure 🤘

[@kenholt2625]

What kind of rack mount wifi unit do you recommend?

[@ScottUhlMusic]

I love this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3aYnmCMjtuil5Isi=yuuZBX0nTupIDzFk

[@soundgineering4771]

Another great review Scott!! In one of your next videos, can you please review Studio One and show us how you can route and control the channels (backing tracks/stems) inputs through UC Surface software?

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thanks! I appreciate it. I haven’t checked out Studio One but I’ve heard good things about it 🤘

[@dylanjastle]

The 16-input model would be perfect if it just had two more outputs! Looking for a 16-channel input and 8 output (for 4 stereo mixes)

[@ScottUhlMusic]

If you always use a splitter (never run sound to FOH from this mixer) one musician can have the main xlr output as their stereo mix 🤘

[@PabloLaFrossia]

You can also use the EarMix 16 giving you an additional stereo aux mix.

[@AllenMarkel]

f you compare the 16R to the Midas MR18, it seems that the Midas has more to offer? It has 4 effect processors. Midas is 3 rack spaces but it’s so shallow, that you can put it behind stuff, or get a shallow rack. You can use the Midas DN4816 for splitting to FOH, instead of 2 ART splitter boxes if desired. So it probably becomes a toss up on size? Also you can have a rack for everything but the MR18 mixer. Then put the mixer in a separate bag.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

All of these are good things to consider for sure 👍 Make the decision for what works best for your band. Both are great choices 🤘🤘

[@AllenMarkel]

@@ScottUhlMusic Enjoy your Videos! Thank You!

[@djabthrash]

MR18 over 16R any day !

[@JC_guitar95]

This is great, we currently have the XR18 but this seems to be the next level 🔥

[@djabthrash]

It is not...

[@izbiz671]

Very well explained, thanks. Presonus should pay you for this.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thank you 🙏 glad you found it helpful!

[@zackcarpenter3980]

hey Scott, could you show us how to do a firmware update on this mixer? Preferably via the ipad if possible

[@ScottUhlMusic]

I haven’t done one actually so I’m not sure. I need to look into that

[@zackcarpenter3980]

gotcha thanks!

[@Merwin-u6g]

Hi it looks great! Does it work wtih SWISSONIC RACK ROUTER?

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Yup 👍

[@izbiz671]

Thank you!!... I just got my Presonus 16R.....how do you connect a Samsung tablet directly and not by wifi router to the 16R? I saw you were doing it in one of your videos but I couldn't find it.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

I haven’t done it with the PreSonus yet, but I believe this works with it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eaWsZYiXp9SId7csi=0-W1MFE26pnv7Qez

[@Soydaime]

Can u make a vs between CQ20 and this one please

[@ScottUhlMusic]

I’m not really a “versus” kind of guy really. I like reviewing products and letting people decide which applies to them personally. But I would love to try that one too!

[@Soydaime]

@@ScottUhlMusic ok i will wait that video to :)

[@michaelkrogh7785]

Hi Scott.. amazing review. So if you had to buy a in ear mixer today would you go with the Behringer x 32 rack or this one ?

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thanks! And I would compare the two of them and see which one has the features that you prefer. Each has their own benefits. If you can’t decide between them, go with the cheaper one 🤘 That’s always been my philosophy

[@DirkMonroe]

Yo Scott, can you carry-on a not-shallow rack on a plane? I’ve flown with a behringer xr12 in the overhead before but have wanted to switch to one of these for a long time. Great video brother.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

I believe you might have to check it. My guitar is almost always my carry on, so I haven’t actually traveled with a full rack before. I would have to look into that. But I believe you would likely need to check it

[@MrNinfofan]

Currently debating between this and the Behringer XR18, Presonus is more expensive but still within budget, any suggestions/features/quality of sound that I should know before I make my decision?

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Both are fantastic systems for sure, and both sound great! See if one has any bonus features that you prefer (including portability/size) and then if they are both “equal”, go with the cheaper one. Thats always been my philosophy

[@MrNinfofan]

@@ScottUhlMusic thanks for the reply Scott your content is amazing

[@djabthrash]

So XR18 is way better than the 16R in so many ways... Especially if you also do foh, use it for different bands, etc

[@Johnseeterlin]

This is so much better and compact! Crazy that the 2u space 32 channel unit can do the same and possibly a little bit more than my X32 rack + expansion that takes up 5u of space. I would totally switch my 7 piece band to it now if I didn’t want to go through the nightmare of taking multiple practices to dial in everybody’s ear mixes from scratch 😂

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Haha yeah man it’s wild! For large bands especially it’s insanely valuable

[@James_Gilchrist]

If I could give this video 2 LIKES I would. 'Just watched it for the third time since Scott posted it from start to finish because it is a great breakdown of this Presonus digital mixer and a great overview of digital mixing in general. Just FANTASTIC. OH yeah - 👍👍😎.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thanks James! 🤘🤘

[@James_Gilchrist]

​@@ScottUhlMusicJust got my very own PreSonus StudioLive 16R! So excited to put it to work. Thanks again for your very clear explainer video about it. #gratefulforyou

[@claytonoliveirah]

I love your channel. It’s possible to connect two devices simultaneously?

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thanks! And I don’t know about that. Likely not live, but I could be wrong

[@sultansofstring]

@@ScottUhlMusic I connect my 32R rack to the 32sx console with an AVB cable. You can also connect to other presonus stage boxes but then you need their SW5E AVB switch which is not cheap nor flawless.

[@florian_metalgandalf]

Can the gatesection also be used as a "ducker" to turn off the ambient mic while the band is playing e.g.?

[@ScottUhlMusic]

I’m not sure, most mixers like this have some sort of ducking settings, so my guess would be yes.

[@MalikEmmanuel]

After having used it for a while can you compare this one to the Behringer X32? I bought one of these for home but I am building a in ear rig and I want to know which is actually better for my use case

[@ScottUhlMusic]

They both are great!

[@geraldaugustus739]

I've been watching oodles of your stuff and helping a band put together a tracks rig and an IEM rig. the track rig is more or less set, with 9 channels sending (awkward), but only just starting on the IEM. I've played a lot of gigs when the world was all wedge as far as the eye can see, and sometimes when I try to imagine these rigs I have a hard time imagining setting it up in all but a few situations. Like festivals where changeover can be quite quick and the techs dont love you ripping out their snake inputs and swapping them over, or situations where they have multiple snake drops, and, and, and. Since you've been gigging this way for so long, I wondered if you'd consider making a video talking about different ways you've accommodated various challenges and types of shows/venues you've had to adapt to. Are there any times where you've had just abandon the iem rig? or the track rig? or both? As an example, right now I've got my ableton tracks session setup to send as 9 or as stereo left and right for situations where there's an input shortage. But that feels like one adaptation among many I may need. Anyway, thanks for reading! sorry for the essay.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thanks for following the channel! And sometimes they say no IEM rig, and we have to push back a little. It just depends. Just make sure you email them ahead of time and communicate on what needs to happen for your band. The long changeover can be really tough with an IEM rack, so make sure everyone knows how to help. It’s extremely stressful to be the only guy who knows how to setup the rack and everyone asking you for help

[@AmadChima]

Hey Scott at 3:32 you mentioned you could just put this in a 1U rack case and use it as is - I just wanted to ask then in that case could we just essentially connect wired in ears into the AUX ports and use it like that? (Provided a separate router is connected as well to access the app and a splitter that could go FOH) - cheers, and thanks for the great video! Been looking to build an IEM system and these videos are helping me understand it so much more!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Yup! Absolutely that would work 🤘🤘

[@AmadChima]

@@ScottUhlMusic Thanks!

[@smellytele9629]

Man, these units look great and the app also looks super easy. My Midas mr18 might be for sale LOL!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

The portability of it is quite amazing, and the app is very well designed 🤘

[@MrFusion182]

Is there any way to expand the outputs, like using Ultranet with the Behringer

[@ScottUhlMusic]

I’m not sure, but I would be willing to bet there would be

[@mykmorris9957]

Man Scott this is exactly what I'm into haha! I'm trying to put together an IEM rig for my band but on a budget. Need atleast 13 inputs. I'd love to see what you'd do on a budget!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

I plan to do that actually 🤘🤘 This one would be a good one for a compact setup for sure 🤘 As far as budget IEM and wireless gear I go over that in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpqVe5aDpNKdh5Isi=60G_2KKSFhlxfB9r

[@mykmorris9957]

@ScottUhlMusic I've actually seen them haha. Mostly looking into splitters now as they seem to be harder to come by in Canada