This audio interface is truly massive! Because it’s a mixer! Presonus Studiolive 32R

In this video, I’ll tell you how to set up a ‪@presonus‬ Studiolive series 3 32 channel digital rack mixer as an audio interface to use specifically with Ableton Live on your Mac! But the principle should be the same with any other DAW and other Rackmixers and digital consoles.
00:00 - Start
00:20 - Intro
02:23 - 1. Why a digital mixer
04:59 - 2. Finding a solution
09:24 - 4. Connecting the mixer to the mac
11:42 - 5. Software & DAW
14:57 - 6. Recording Tips
20:13 - Conclusion
Perfect Circuit Affiliate Shop for my American friends!
link.perfectcircuit.com/t/v1/...
Thomann:
Presonus Mixer: thmn.to/thoprod/426131?offid=...
Moog Matriarch: thmn.to/thoprod/465313?offid=...
E-RM Multiclock: thmn.to/thoprod/568827?offid=...
Jaspers Keyboardstand on wheels: thmn.to/thoprod/210332?offid=...
Behringer Dual-Phase: thmn.to/thoprod/530565?offid=...
Behringer 2600 Normal: thmn.to/thoprod/505590?offid=...
TD-3-MO: thmn.to/thoprod/516310?offid=...
RD-9: thmn.to/thoprod/521315?offid=...
RD-8: thmn.to/thoprod/523081?offid=...
Behringer VC340: thmn.to/thoprod/458341?offid=...
My Label:
drehstrom.bandcamp.com/
------------------------------
Thanks to:
www.Heddaudio.com
www.wein-et-cetera-berlin.de
for supporting our channel!
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℗ & © Wine&Synths 2023 a project by monsieurpiper.de

[@mglohmeyer]

Thanks for this video. When I bought my first Presonus 32R, like you said, there weren't very many videos talking about them, and the Presonus website and manuals don't make everything clear. I'm glad to see more people talking about using mixers like this for studios instead of using ADAT connected audio interfaces which are severely limited for expansion and sometimes for features.

[@winesynths]

It‘s really the kind of gear you can set and forget! It just works! This is why I always recommend to have an eye on this type of „live“ gear! Also Behringer X32 and A&H seem to have a lot of fans! 🤖

[@tone569]

That's the only drawback personas has got some pretty cool stuff and I like their rack digital mixer but their customer service or support sucks and they don't explain stuff very well neither

[@sjmaury]

doing this for 2 years now, best purchase so far and the zer latency works like a charm!!!

[@ErinIsBlueBlue]

Interisting point of view ! Excellent video.

[@tomnoise23]

Danke für dieses Video. Super gemacht und das hilft mir aktuell sehr bei vielen Fragen.

[@winesynths]

Das freut mich sehr! 🤖

[@peterdekkers]

Let me just say... ich liebe dieses channel. Answering the real questions of modern techno production, with style. Prost!

[@winesynths]

Golden comment Award of the day! 🏆

[@johanneskutscherauer9653]

Oh yes! 🎉❤ Thanks! 🙌🏻

[@emmitttrill4039]

So happy to see that an electronic producer is using the StudioLive Rack this way. I’ve mainly seen live musicians and churches (lol at the clip) push this solution. Very good. I think a 24r is in my future along with a switch to Studio One. You’ve got a new subscriber!

[@x0d-live]

I purchased a 32r after months of research and debating on what > 22ch interface/mixer options were available. I caught a good deal on reverb (from a church, of course), and love it. The internal (extensive/complex) routing options are almost overwhelming, but more flexible than any of the other options I had considered, and was a huge surprise. The ability to use the 16 outputs to route to outboard/fx gear is a huge plus, especially for sidechain triggering from a kick drum channel, for instance. I use it in ableton and simultaneously into OBS to stream live to youtube as I record in the DAW. I've had good luck w/ just 32gb and an intel i5 cpu and no BSOD/crashes, despite the load on both ram/cpu when feeding all 32 inputs. Definitely the best investment I've made to support all of the modular/synths/drum machines I work with. I still have mixed feelings about the onboard DSP and EQ, but if I want to preprocess things through an analog mixer, I'll use the Mackie 1604 VLZ pro to overdrive/eq things and push to the 32r from there. Super flexible setup and couldn't be happier.

[@winesynths]

Probably the most useful piece of kit I bought this year! 🤖

[@Sycokay]

A while ago I found the perfect solution for the "not enough inputs" problem: RME Raydat PCIe card + 4 x Behringer ADA8200 = 32 Inputs - and you can have multiple of those, so if you want, you can have 64 or 96 etc. inputs. If you have a (semi)modular synth, you can use the Raydat to drive the Expert Sleepers ES modules, which can give you CV/Gate signals at audio rate from your DAW - you can draw your envelopes with those. Simply love it.

[@winesynths]

Fortunately I‘m done with any computer that has PCI sockets! 🤖 This is certainly a useful solution, but I was more into something efficient and easy to use. 🤓 And! The Ada8200 converters don‘t sound as nice as the ones on the mixer. I have it here too on my interface.

[@synkuk]

I came to the same conclusion as yourself with inputs and ended up getting rid of my collection of audio interfaces and replaced with a digital mixer .... VERY good results

[@winesynths]

So which mixer do you have?

[@marcpinion]

Another fantastic video I was a Reason user for over 10 years but got very unhappy with them when they became Reason studios. I got a copy of the free studio one and then updated it to pro. Like you I have a large setup and I also hate patchbays . I got the presonus 32s but as I keep on getting gear I got the first NSB 32.16 in the UK so the individual outs from my drum machines go into that and my synths go into my 32s . fantastic the service I have had from Presonus has been fantastic but just like you when I was trying to find out about the NSB 32.16 before it was on sail in the UK I could get no information. I tried the US the European importer in Ireland and my local Presonus dealer but got nothing. I asked a question of a KZbinr from Scan in the UK and they got back to me striate away and I had one in 4 weeks . Fantastic service.

[@winesynths]

Good to hear! The chances are high that I will end up with a Studio Live desk too! I really enjoy the sound for my style of electronic music. Especially combined with vintage outboard! 😁

[@rytchbytchrockingclub3867]

Very cool video, thanks a lot! I especially liked "My studio reached a critical MESS" Haha. Same here, I know what you're talking about :)

[@winesynths]

You‘re welcome! 🤖

[@peterdekkers]

I've got the Motu Ultralite Mk4 on main duties (DC coupled outputs for modular fun!), and a Focusrite 18i20 MK1 piggybacked via ADAT for extra channels. It's okay! I've run out of channels with the drum machines though, so giving the 32R some serious thought. Amazing that you can aggregate devices in macOS-yay!

[@peterdekkers]

48kHz is indeed fine!

[@winstonsmith84]

Just got a Soundcraft ui24 for my setup.

[@jjrusy7438]

I used all my inputs on my Behringer 12ch mixer (2442 with 8 mono/ 4 stereo ch's). so I thought about my setup and I chose to get another 2442 to add to the system. My old 1st gen Scarlett 2i4 died and I replaced it with a motu M6. Now I have both mixers and 4 input channels controlled on the front. Even though the mixers are USB, I need to monitor recorded tracks so I still wanted the interface. Fwiw, that M6 is super clean. Anyway, my 3 piece setup was about $1200us for the 2 mixers and interface and I can borrow one of the mixers (19" rack mount width) for jams. So the upgrade was actually $800 since I did not put the old mixer on the storage shelf. Now I have 16mono/mic ins and 8 stereo ins = 32ch mono inputs but most synths are stereo, even the 2600. This setup is for any daw. This setup is also not that much cheaper but way easier to tweak live. I now have 8 aux sends for effects chains so all inputs on a mixer can use all the effects.

[@winesynths]

Interesting solution and kind of alternative to my first "budget" suggestion of adding the UMC1820 plus an ADA8200 to an existing interface. Do those mixers also work as multichannel usb-interfaces?

[@jjrusy7438]

@@winesynths I think only basic stereo one direction, so I could record directly, but I need playback monitoring for overdubbing in sync. I will look at the user manual to see if there is any USB control room audio returns. PS I saw your Dr mix vid. I laughed when you slagged italian wine. I was told that German mothers raise their babies on 1/2 milk and 1/2 wine. MEHR WOI...

[@1loveMusic2003]

I got the 16r and love it. Your right Presonus is hard to contact. My 16r didn't work and I had to write a ticket on their troubleshooting section of website and there was no response. It ended up being that I had to power up the 16r before my PC and it worked fine. Wish that was on the Quick-start guide.

[@winesynths]

Yes! Documentation is kind of sparse. But since I sat it up, I never had any deeper questions again. Still very satisfied with the sound of this mixer!

[@boothbuster]

I liked this when it was less expensive upon release - but mine just stopped working, blinking red light on startup. Also, always found it confusing to use, and a bit temperamental. :) (needed its own USB bus, sometimes wouldn't start up for many tries) I used to champion it though!

[@derkernspalter]

I am still running my Fireface UCX + one Behringer Ultragain. But since Behringer won't stop releasing new synths i have the same problem that needs solving soon. :P

[@14845445]

i got a used rme kinda cheapish on ebay years ago, and still love it. but i dont need 64 channels^^

[@ilkhausen1212]

Love the background music! Produced by you (and your assistant?)

[@winesynths]

drehstrom.bandcamp.com/

[@francescomargherita]

Hi, i have two questions: how is the customer support for registered users? And, can i mix daw channels with internal presonus mixer effects and then return to daw a mix sum via USB?

[@winesynths]

For the Customer Support, I don't know. It just works fine since I installed it, and I am still extremely satisfied with the sound! There is a very active and surprisingly friendly user group on Facebook, where you will for sure find somebody to answer all your technical questions in detail. With all the inbuilt routing possibilities, it's no problem to run your recorded DAW-tracks through the inbuilt effects of the mixer. But I did not try it yet!

[@davidordonez8964]

Great vid. Got a quick question, am I able to connect my iPhone through the USB port of the 32S StudioLive Digital Mixer and play multitracks through the outs of the console? My console is connected via Ethernet in stagebox mode with a 32R Rack mixer in stage.

[@winesynths]

I really can‘t tell you because I don’t have the 32s and I don‘t use it that way! Sorry!

[@calvingudu9237]

Could you please inform me whether Mac silicon (M1 and M2) supports AVB for integration with a Person's rack mixer?

[@winesynths]

AVB is part of the Mac Os. So it should work on every M1 & M2 Mac.

[@framlucasse]

Thanks for the usefull video, I'll probably also have the 32R soon. What would be the matching hardware mixer console in your opinion ? Or better to go directly for the StudioLive 32 or 64S ?

[@winesynths]

It depends if you really need 64 channels on the desk for your final mix down? I never use so many in my tracks! So a 32 desk would be just perfect with the 32R. It will then act as a stage box, and you can select the inputs for the channels of your desk. It really depends on your use case and workflow. The Presonus Mixer System is really flexible and sounds great. Still satisfied of my choice and no need for another interface! I will maybe add a stage box to my synhs rack to have fewer cables around.

[@framlucasse]

@@winesynths Thanks. No, 64 tracks would probably be an overkill but the price difference is not that big netween 64S and 32S, so I'll see... If I understand well you would go for and 32R + a 32S ? Why both ? Or just a 32S + a mix table 32, and if yes whicj one ? Sorry to bother. 🙃

[@winesynths]

Until now, I don't really feel the need for a desk. The 32r is perfect for my needs. Maybe I will add a stage box for my synth rack. I would probably go for the 64, just to be more flexible in the future.

[@mstrblstr6666]

I also had to inexplicably set up a negative driver error comp also (yours is -9.02 ms in the video, mine -8.5) - otherwise couldn't get sounds to land on 0. why do you think that is?

[@mstrblstr6666]

Still set up that way? Or did you find another workaround?

[@mstrblstr6666]

Allo?

[@technodrone313]

i got a roland sh-4d. 4 independent synths and 26 drum parts in one box. and you can send audio over usb in separate tracks. no more line hiss/hum/buzz

[@winesynths]

I don‘t like Plugins! Even if they come with knobs like on the SH-4D! 🫣 I prefer the SH-101! 🤖

[@technodrone313]

@@winesynths plugins? oh god. i like clean audio signals

[@winesynths]

@@technodrone313 if you watch some older videos, you will see what I think of modern Roland gear! Specially the boutiques! 🫣🤖😁

[@technodrone313]

@@winesynths sh-4d isn't a boutique

[@EdgetoneStudios]

I also use a Presonus StudioLive mixer with my many synths, but in my case I bought the 32s full mixer because I wanted hands on control for access. I recently bought a 16R as an AVB addition. I will point out that only the 64s can connect to 64 inputs simultaneously. Every other StudioLive is limited to 32 analogue inputs. Last year I did a video on why I went to the Studiolive 32s: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gneVc3ljeaxmZposi=S_Z9qqY9IJ8HOIle I've learned a lot about the ins and outs of this mixer, Interface mode, Scenes, digital routing and AVB, so feel free to reach out if you have any questions. Did you decide to go with a full mixer?

[@winesynths]

Super Cool! Thanks for your offer! I think that in a longer term I will go for the 64 channel desk. Totally makes sense to me if I want to extend my studio. Until now, I mostly use the 32R as an interface and rarely use it as a standalone mixer.

[@MadelnMachines]

I'm looking at options as i want to get back into music production after a long break. I'm going to buy an M2 pro 12 core. In terms of interface i'm not sure as I have had many latency problems in the past with sending midi to my analogue synths. The returned audio was always delayed and out of sync with my software synths and in the box drums samples. I really want my setup to be as low latency as possible so I don't have to bother with delay compensation (if possible) and moving around audio recordings to make them line up. I just want a setup I can setup once and forget. Most people say RME is the answer to reliable low latency performance. However, that comes at a high price and with limited analog inputs. ADAT expansion is always possible but this might bring in further possibilities of timing issues - is that why you don't like ADAT? I've never tried it. However, the Presonus 2626 promises incredibly low latencies of 2ms at 32 samples 48k and 3ms at 64 samples 48k which is even lower than the higher end RME cards - but is that a consistent and reliable solution? Then there is the studio live series 3 which could give me all the inputs i'd ever need without needing ADAT expansion. However, in the context of the RME and 2626 thunderbolt the 8ms latency of the studiolive 3 seems quite big. Is the 8ms at 48k 64 buffer size? The Behringer UC1820 is also a very cheap option but again limited inputs and probably a similar latency to what you are getting.

[@winesynths]

Hard decisions to take! To me, the problem is less of an audio latency problem. I can live with 8 ms, which on my M1 is working perfectly with 64ms of buffersize at 48khz. It's tricky when it comes to sync Midi-Hardware with your DAW! The best solution known today is the Floatingpoint Multiclock. Otherwise, as much as I like Behringer and the UC1820 is really a great unit for the price, but in the studio, the preamps and the ADCs cannot really keep up with the Presonus or with my Arturia Audiofuse Studio. RME also makes great interfaces, but it's another price range. Good luck!

[@MadelnMachines]

@@winesynths I very rarely use mic preamps to be honest - only 1/4 jacks so preamps are largely wasted on me. Yeah RME prices - not really what I want to be paying but if they are really so trouble free and reliable then I guess it's worth it.

[@alumenyame8351]

can u multitrack record on the SD card without a computer?

[@winesynths]

The rack version only records the stereo sum to sd card. Contrary to the Consoles which allow multitracking.

[@T-H-X]

Also, ich hatte mal das Midas M32R Pult. Die Preamps des Midas sind wirklich rauschfrei im Vergleich zum Presonus. Trotzdem bin ich aufs Presonus gewechselt, weil das Routing und viele andere Dinge einfach am Presonus besser gelöst sind. Aber die Preamps sind beim Midas wesentlich rauschfreier. Auch ist zwar die Software am Mixer von Midas älter aber wesentlich latenzfreier als die von Presonus. Sehr merkbar am Display des Pultes wenn man RTA aber auch bei den Standardsachen wie Gate, Kompressor usw anzeigt. Von der Bedienung/Routing und USB/Analog/Network Eingang pro Kanal umschaltbar - Send/Return Effekte und Subgroups ist das Presonus sehr einfach von der Handhabung her. Für den Preis wirklich sehr gut. Leider haben alle Pulte von Presonus keine Inserts und auch nur 2 Stereo Aux INS was auch nicht gerade toll ist bzgl externer Effekte. Außerdem ist das Problem obwohl alle Presonus Pulte 64/64 IN OUT per USB haben. Wenn man mehr als 32 Mono Kanäle auf den Fadern haben möchte (also bis zu 64) kommt man um das teuerste Pult (Presonus StudioLive 64S) nicht rum. Alle anderen Pulte können nur bis zu 32 Mono Kanäle am Pult anzeigen. Wenn es um die Möglichkeit geht viele Synths an ein leistbares Digitalpult zu bekommen, kommt man um das Presonus nicht herum. Alle anderen Pulte von anderen Herstellern benötigen zumindest XLR Klinke Adapter. english: Well, I once had the Midas M32R desk. The Midas preamps are really noise-free compared to the Presonus. Nevertheless, I switched to the Presonus because routing and many other things are simply better solved on the Presonus. But the preamps on the Midas are much more noise-free. The software on the Midas mixer is also older but has much less latency than that of Presonus. Very noticeable on the console's display when you show RTA but also with the standard things like gate, compressor, etc. The operation/routing and USB/analog/network input can be switched per channel - send/return effects and subgroups on the presonus are very easy to use. Really very good for the price. Unfortunately, all Presonus consoles have no inserts and only 2 stereo Aux INS, which isn't exactly great when it comes to external effects. In addition, the problem is even though all Presonus consoles have 64/64 IN OUT via USB. If you want to have more than 32 mono channels on the faders (i.e. up to 64), you can't avoid the most expensive console (Presonus StudioLive 64S). All other consoles can only display up to 32 mono channels on the console. When it comes to being able to get a lot of synths on an affordable digital console, you can't avoid the Presonus. All other consoles from other manufacturers require at least an XLR jack adapter.

[@winesynths]

Danke für deine ausführliche Ergänzung! Ich nutze das Presonus eigentlich nur als Interface und mache meine Routings in Ableton. Zum mixen hätte ich dann doch lieber was mit Fadern und Knöpfen zum anfassen.

[@T-H-X]

@@winesynths wie gesagt, ich habe hier meine Erfahrung mit dem Mixer beschrieben und nicht nur mit dem "Interface" so wie du das Presonus verwendest. Ich verwende den Presonus 32SC Mixer.

[@Judasz696]

Does outputs on this can send cv to modulars?

[@winesynths]

No!

[@BigSmNdZ]

Hello, I just bought this, and i'm totally baffled that the power button is on the rear, of a rack mount mixer...

[@winesynths]

Yes! There is always a little hair in the soup! 🤖

[@Judasz696]

What's the latency? Better then on rme or motu units?

[@winesynths]

No not really. On my Mac it has the average 8ms roundtrip, when aggregated with another usb interface.

[@sdfxse9267]

Hi I can't hear stereo on this studio live 16r How can i fix this

[@winesynths]

Stereo on the master? The headphones? The buses? 🤔 It's always helpful to be more specific if you need really helpful answers! 🍀

[@sdfxse9267]

On master and digital

[@paulussantosociwidjaja4781]

Sehr gud, danke sheun. Subscribe.

[@timodeous]

ASIO4all allows aggregation of interfaces on PC

[@winesynths]

Good Luck with sync and latency! 🍀

[@OMPTraxxs]

Why Rack-Version and not Mixer- Version ?

[@winesynths]

Because it takes no space! Just like any other interface.

[@i_agree_youre_right]

But if you have the space... My 32s is my baby

[@yoniglasius4737]

Anything similar but more budget friendly?😅

[@winesynths]

there are smaller versions with 16 and 24 channels. Also upgradable with inputs and outputs. This could be sufficient to start.

[@yoniglasius4737]

@@winesynths haha yes, i think i am where you were a couple of years ago, just bought the RD9 haha

[@winesynths]

@@yoniglasius4737 so maybe my thoughts can save you some trouble!

[@SaundiHemmo]

Finally cat content!😁

[@winesynths]

😺😸😻

[@bangprints8816]

Subscribe - keep this channel in Favourites ❤ Opted for the RME MADI route / Frontier Design Group Apache for ADAT

[@winesynths]

Surely a great combo too! The most important is to feel the most comfortable in order to produce the best sound possible! 🍀

[@mm18391]

Totally waste money&scam!!!after time,i can’t even connect it through usb to my macbook pro 2020 cause the usb compatible problem,can’t use it as a interface

[@winesynths]

Works fine here. Macbook Pro I9, 2020.