Product Description
PreSonus Studio Live AR12c 12-channel USB-C Compatible Audio Interface / Analog Mixer / Stereo SD Recorder
Audio Recording made easy
Don't let the classic analog mixer design fool you - the Studio Live® 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 Studio Live 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 Studio Live 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.
You also get Ableton® Live Lite.
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.
Make your own Magic
At PreSonus, we want to make sure that our audio products come with everything you need to craft your own mesmerizing spells in the studio. That's why we include Studio One Artist with every audio interface and controller product we make, from the 2-channel AudioBox USB 96 to the 64-channel StudioLive 64S, ATOM to FaderPort 16, but we didn't stop there. Why? Because here in Louisiana, we have a word: lagniappe. It means "a little something extra," and it's in that spirit that we also include the Studio Magic Suite of software with our audio interface products and–new for 2021–our award-winning controllers as well.
The 2021 Studio Magic includes tutorials from Melodics, sound libraries from Ghost Hack, 7 virtual instruments, and 9 effects plug-ins in VST, AU, and AAX formats to use in Studio One Artist or your DAW of choice with a retail value of over $1000 (US).
Features
Recording
- 14x4 24-bit/96 kHz, USB 2.0 (over USB-C connection) audio recording interface
- Record every channel plus the main mix
- 2x2 SD recorder to capture the main mix
- Supports SD™ and SDHD™ formats up to 32 GB
Mixing
- 14-channel analog mixer
- 8 balanced microphone inputs with XMAX mic preamps
- 2 insert points
- 2 instrument/line inputs
- 12 balanced line level inputs:
- 4 mono
- 4 stereo pairs
- Stereo Super Channel (Ch. 13/14) with Bluetooth 5.0 input, RCA inputs, 1/8-inch stereo input, and switchable SD/USB stereo playback
- 4 mono and 4 stereo channels, each with level knob, pan, mute, PFL solo, highpass filter, and 3-band semi-parametric EQ
- 2 monitor buses with dedicated channel sends, AFL solo, and balanced TRS output
- L/R Control Room outputs with level control
- Headphone output with level control
Signal Processing
- Highpass filter on every channel
- 3-band quasi-parametric EQ with sweepable mid-band on each mono channel
- 3-band semi-parametric EQ on each stereo channel
- Stereo effects processor with 16 presets, dedicated send and return, and bypass footswitch jack
- Mic/line boost on stereo channels for low-level input sources and consumer devices
Included Software
- Capture® live multitrack recording software
- Studio One® Artist recording and production software (DAW)
- Studio Magic Software Suite
Power
- Internal power supply
- Standard IEC power connector
Physical
- Sturdy metal construction
- 60 mm faders
- Optional rackmount kit
Computer System Requirements
Below are the minimum computer-system requirements for StudioLive AR12c.
macOS®
- macOS version 10.13 or later
- 200 MB storage space and 8 GB RAM for Universal Control (required for firmware updates)
- Available USB port
Windows®
- Windows 10 or later (64-Bit Only)
- 200 MB storage space and 8 GB RAM for Universal Control (required for firmware updates and low-latency ASIO support)
- Available USB port
Technical Specifications
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) |
