NAMM 2017: PreSonus unleashes StudioLive Series III

Nine years of R&D has culminated in PreSonus unveiling their new third-generation StudioLive Series III digital console/recorders, which they tell us are fully recallable…

In this new series PreSonus offers two models: the 16-channel StudioLive 16, which features 17-touch sensitive, motorised faders and 17 recallable XMAX preamps and the StudioLive32, that features 33-touch sensitive, motorised faders and 33 recallable XMAX preamps.

We’ve been told that thanks to the new 24- and 40- input consoles both models will continue to improve on the StudioLive’s easy-to-use design, allowing workflow customisation and operations the way you want them.

Here’s what PreSonus has to say about the StudioLive Series III.

PreSonus Capture™ multitrack recording software with virtual soundcheck is installed directly into StudioLive Series III consoles so you can leave your laptop at home. With just one touch, Capture records up to 34 tracks to the StudioLive’s onboard SD recorder. When finished recording, open your Capture session in Studio One® for Mac® and Windows® (included), and the entire mix scene will transfer to your Studio One session, including fader levels and Fat Channel settings.

The StudioLive Series III’s distinctive Fat Channel processing section has received a major overhaul, including a plug-in-style workflow that features vintage-style EQ and compression options on every channel, from classic tube limiters to passive EQs. In addition to channel processing, StudioLive Series III consoles offer 6-band, fully parametric EQ on all mix outputs.

StudioLive Series III goes above and beyond in providing ways to customize things to best fit the way you work. User layers for the channel faders let you place any channel or bus fader anywhere you want–and they’re easy to set up. You also can customize your Fat Channel layout, putting the parameters you care about most right at your fingertips, and there are several workflow options to personalize your mixing experience.

With StudioLive Series III consoles, you can customize scenes even more precisely than with previous models. You could always decide which settings would be recalled in a global StudioLive scene change. Now, with Scene Safe, a scene change won’t alter the settings on designated “safe” channels. Similarly, Fat Channel presets have, for practical purposes, become like scenes for individual channels, not only saving input and Fat Channel settings but also aux send and bus assignments. Of course you can also use preset filters to choose what you want to recall.

Don’t you hate it when you have an unused subgroup but you’re short one monitor mix? That’s not a problem anymore, thanks to 16 FlexMixes that can be individually designated as aux, subgroup, or matrix mixes. These 16 FlexMixes are in addition to the 4 fixed subgroups giving you a total of 20 mix buses, not counting the main mix, effects mixes, and solo buses. And with 24 DCAs, you can more easily and flexibly control groups of channels. To top it off, you can choose between 1-to-1 or split-layer workflows: Assign all channels to the top layer, with one fader per input channel, or split the faders between inputs and outputs, including DCAs and aux outputs.

An AVB Ethernet connection enables you to network compatible computers and stream up to 55 channels of audio to and from a Mac or Windows PC. (AVB networked solutions, including stageboxes, personal monitor mixers, and increased third-party AVB interoperability, are coming later in 2017.) You also get 38×38 recording via USB 2.0, giving you a choice of computer recording methods. In addition to the AVB recording connection, StudioLive 32 consoles sport a 1 Gb Ethernet port that can connect to a wireless router or directly to a computer, providing remote control of virtually all features via a wired or wireless connection.

PreSonus StudioLive 32 mixers are tightly integrated with an entire suite of state-of-the-art software. Mix wirelessly or over a wired network from anywhere using free UC Surface touch-control software for Mac, Windows, and iPad®. Even add a second–or third, or even fourth!–screen for fast workflow. Remote control the mixer’s recallable XMAX preamps and Fat Channel processing with Studio One (included) for low-latency recording with effects. Completely automate virtual soundchecks and record shows with Capture for Mac and Windows (included)–or record with Studio One or with any software that supports ASIO or Core Audio. The StudioLive 16 comes with Studio One Artist, while StudioLive 32 customers can enjoy the full power of Studio One Professional. Musicians can control their monitor mixes onstage with free QMix®-UC for iPhone®, iPod® touch, or Android™ device without the need for large monitor networks.

The StudioLive 32 digital console/recorders are available immediately, with an RRP of $2,999.95; the StudioLive 16 will ship later in Q1 of 2017 at an anticipated price of $1,999.95. For more information head to PreSonus’ website here.