Presonus StudioLive AR12c Analogue Mixer and Audio Interface

Here's what PreSonus say

Audio recording made easy.

Don't let the classic analog mixer design fool you - the StudioLive® AR12c was built to record. With a pristine analog front-end, eight high-gain XMAX mic preamps, and a 14x4, 24-bit, 96 kHz, USB-C-compatible USB 2.0 audio interface, its hybrid design makes it simple to record studio productions and mix live shows from a single, intuitive console. Add in a musical three-band analog EQ, mic / line boost for low-level vintage synths and broadcast microphones, all-new digital effects with rich reverbs and lush delays, Bluetooth connectivity, and a stereo SD recorder, and you have a mixing and recording powerhouse that fulfills the needs of both modern musicians and content creators.

A full-featured audio interface.

The StudioLive AR12c audio interface operates at up to 96 kHz for high-definition mixing and recording. Record each of the 12 inputs, plus the main mix for even more flexible recording options. Play back up to four streams for monitoring previously recorded tracks - plus a click. Eight of PreSonus' lauded XMAX mic preamps provide all the gain you need to capture even the most subtle details without adding any extra noise. The analog mixer front end makes connecting your gear intuitive, and creating monitor mixes is quick and easy. With a USB-C connection, your StudioLive AR12c is ready to use as an audio interface for nearly any computer.

The channel that does it all… even Bluetooth connectivity!

The unique Super Channel can handle four stereo sources at once, making it easy to integrate consumer devices into your studio workflow. Connect a turntable to the RCA inputs, use the ⅛-inch stereo input to plug-in your smartphone, or forget the cable and connect it via Bluetooth wireless technology. You can also toggle between a stereo playback stream from your computer and playback from the onboard SD recorder, making rehearsal a snap.

A complete recording solution for studio and stage.

The StudioLive AR12c audio interface and analog mixer is tightly integrated with state-of-the-art recording software to help you realize your creative vision. Record multitrack live performances with one click, thanks to PreSonus' Capture® live-recording software. Create complete studio productions with our award-winning Studio One® Artist DAW. With two professional recording applications included with your StudioLive AR12c, you're ready to record right out of the box.

Stereo recording without a computer.

Imagine you're rehearsing with your band and want to record your session to analyze later. Or perhaps you're in the middle of a songwriting session and want to capture your ideas as quickly as they come to you. Either way, the StudioLive AR12c's stereo SD recorder has you covered. Insert any SD / SDHC Card, and you're ready to record your main mix, so you'll never forget a great song idea or an amazing guitar solo. Doing mobile interviews for your podcast? Leave the computer at home and record straight to SD.

Effects without latency.

Monitoring with reverb and delay helps to create better recordings. Any vocalist or guitarist will tell you that a little reverb makes them feel more comfortable while performing. The StudioLive AR12c mixer's onboard effects processor lets you add high-quality reverb, delay, or chorus to any channel for a professional monitor mix. Like what you hear in your headphones? Record the main mix and capture the effects mix, too — with or without the dry channels — to blend with your multitrack recording. Experiment in post-production to your heart's content.

All the connections you need, with a familiar look.

Packed with all the connections and controls needed to mix and record in the studio and on the stage, the StudioLive AR12c is a powerful recording solution. The four mono channels and four stereo channels include a musical three-band EQ, plus one of PreSonus' famed XMAX mic preamps. Two dedicated monitor mixes with balanced outputs provide your musicians the custom mix they need. The USB-C connector ensures your StudioLive AR12c audio interface will be the center of your studio for years to come. And with high-resolution 96 kHz recording, a full complement of connections, and an instantly familiar workflow, the StudioLive AR12c is the perfect recording and mixing solution for the modern musician and content creator.

Apple Silicon, iOS, and iPadOS compatibility—standard.

The PreSonus StudioLive AR12c is natively compatible with Apple Silicon-based Mac computers*, as well as iOS and iPadOS devices, including iPad Pro, iPad, iPad Air, iPad Mini, iPod Touch, and iPhone. Because it's USB class-compliant, there are no special drivers or applications to download and install. You'll be able to produce on the go—everything from podcasts to folk rock to trap—wherever sound takes you.

Microphone Preamp

• Type XLR Female, Class A XMAX
• Maximum Input level (unity gain) +9 dBu ± 1.0 dB
• Gain Control Range 43 dB (+12 to +55 dB)
• Frequency Response to Analog Outputs 20 Hz to 20 kHz, + 0.5 / -1.5 dB
• Frequency Response to USB (Direct) 20 Hz to 20 kHz, + 0.5 / -1.5 dB
• S / N Ratio to Outputs (+4 dBu) 94 dB
• THD + N (min. Gain, A-wtd) <0.01%
• Input Impedance 1 kΩ
• EIN (+55 dB gain, 150Ω input, 20 Hz-22 kHz, A-wtd) Mono Channels: <128 dBu
• Common Mode Rejection Ratio (1 kHz, +55 dB gain) 65 dB
• Phantom power + 48V, ± 3V, Global

Instrument Inputs

• Type ¼” TS Female, Unbalanced, Hi-Z
• Maximum Input Level (min. Gain, 1 kHz@0.5% THD + N) +9 dBu ±1.0 dB
• Gain Control Range 43 dB, ±1 dB (+12 to +55 dB)
• Frequency Response to Analog Outputs 20 Hz to 20 kHz, + 0.5 / -1.5 dB
• Frequency Response to USB (Direct) 20 Hz to 20 kHz, + 0.5 / -1.5 dB
• Dynamic Range (min. Gain, A-wtd) > 105 dB
• Dynamic Range (mid. Gain, unwtd) > 108 dB
• THD + N (1 kHz, -1 dBFS, A-wtd) <0.01%
• THD + N (1 kHz, -1 dBFS, unwtd) <0.01%
• Input Impedance > 1 MΩ

Line Inputs

• Type ¼” TRS Female, Balanced
• Maximum Input Level (min. Gain, 1 kHz@0.5% THD + N) +26 dBu ±1.0 dB
• Gain Control Range
• Mono Channels: 40 dB, ± 1 dB (-5 to +35 dB)
• Stereo Channels: 0 dB or +10 dB (+10 dB Boost)
• Frequency Response to Analog Outputs 20 Hz to 20 kHz, + 0.5 / -1.5 dB
• Frequency Response to USB (Direct) 20 Hz to 20 kHz, + 0.5 / -1.5 dB
• S / N Ratio to Analog Outputs (+4 dBu) 85 dB
• THD + N (1 kHz, -1 dBFS, A-wtd) <0.01%
• Input Impedance (Balanced) 10 kΩ

Main, Control Room, Monitor, and FX Outputs

• Type (Main Outputs) XLR Male, Impedance Balanced
• Type (Control Room, Monitor, FX Outputs) ¼” TRS Female, Balanced
• Rated Output Level (Main Outputs) +24 dBu, ±1.0 dB
• Rated Outputs Level (Control Room, Monitor, FX Outputs) +18 dBu
• Frequency Response 20 Hz to 20 kHz, + 0.5/-1.5 dB
• Dynamic Range (A-wtd) > 108 dB
• THD + N (Bandwidth 20 Hz - 20 kHz, -1 dBFS, unwtd) <0.01%
• Output Impedance 100 Ω

Headphone Output

• Type ¼” TRS Female, Stereo, Unbalanced
• Maximum Output Level 150 mW / channel @ 60 Ω
• Frequency Response 20 Hz to 20 kHz, + 0.5 / -1.5 dB
• Dynamic Range (A-wtd) >103 dB
• THD + N (Bandwidth 20 Hz - 20 kHz, -1 dBFS, unwtd) <0.01%

System Crosstalk

• Input to Output (Ref = + 4dBu, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, unwtd) -90 dBu
• Adjacent Channels (Ref = +4 dBu, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, unwtd) -85 dBu

Signal Level LED

• Signal -30 dBFS (pre-EQ)
• Clip -3.0 dB before clip (pre or post-EQ)

Channel EQ

• Low cut 100 Hz, -18 dB/Octave
• High Shelving ±15 dB @ 10 kHz
• Mid Peaking (Mono Channels) ±15 dB @ 140 Hz to 3.5 kHz (variable)
• Mid Peaking (Stereo Channels) ±15 dB @ 2.5 kHz
• Mid-Band Q Boost: 1.0, Cut: 2.5
• Low Shelving ±15 dB @ 100 Hz

Digital Audio

• Host interface USB 2.0
• ADC Dynamic Range (Component) 114 dB
• ADC Dynamic Range (Measured: A-wtd, 48 kHz) 105 dB
• DAC Dynamic Range (Component) 114 dB
• DAC Dynamic Range (Measured: A-wtd, 48 kHz) 105 dB
• Signal-to-Noise (a-weighted) -96 dB
• Bit Depth 24-bit
• Internally Supported Sample Rates 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96 kHz
• Jitter <80 ps RMS (20 Hz - 20 kHz)
• Jitter Attenuation > 60 dB (1 ns in => 1 ps out)

SD Recorder

• Supported Media Format FAT16 formatted SD™ card, FAT32 formatted SDHC™ card
• Media Storage Capacity SD card: 2 GB; SDHC card: 32 GB
• Recording File Format Stereo WAV
• Playback File Formats Stereo WAV, MP3 (96-320 kbs, 32/44.1/48 kHz)
• Sampling Rate (WAV) 44.1 kHz
• Bit Depth
• Recording: 24-bit
• Playback: 16- or 24-bit

Power / Environmental

• Connector IEC
• Input Voltage Range 90 to 240 VAC
• Recommended Ambient Operating Temperature 0˚ to 40˚ Celsius / 32˚ to 104˚ Fahrenheit

Physical

• Height 3.5” (89 mm)
• Width (Chassis only) 15" (381 mm)
• Depth 15.6” (397 mm)
• Weight 11.9 lbs (5.4 kg)