PreSonus StudioLive AR12c 14-Channel Analog Mixer with USB-C Interface
The PreSonus StudioLive AR12c is a 14-channel analog mixer that doubles as a USB-C audio interface. It solves a common problem for content creators and small bands: mix live with real knobs, and walk away with every track recorded on the computer, without a second device.
What sets it apart
- 8 high-gain XMAX mic preamps
- 14 x 4, 24-bit/96 kHz USB 2.0 interface over a USB-C connector
- Stereo SD recorder to capture the main mix
- Stereo Super Channel with Bluetooth, RCA and 1/8-inch inputs
- Stereo effects processor with 16 presets
- +10 dB boost on the stereo channels for low-level sources
Mix by hand, record every track
The AR12c records each of its 12 inputs plus the main mix to the computer, up to 96 kHz. On the way back, four playback streams from the computer return to the console. On macOS it needs no driver; on Windows you install Universal Control, which adds a loopback feature to record audio from another application.
Capture software sets up the session in one click, and its files open in Fender Studio Pro, included with the mixer.
The Super Channel, for everything that isn't a mic
Channels 13 and 14 form a stereo Super Channel that sums several sources: a phone over Bluetooth, a player on RCA, a 1/8-inch jack, and SD card or computer playback. Handy for intermission music or a backing track.
The 3-band analog EQ has a sweepable mid on the mono channels, and two monitor buses each have their own balanced TRS output. The effects processor offers reverbs and delays, with a footswitch jack to mute the effects return.
Specifications
| Channels | 14 (analog) |
|---|---|
| Mic inputs | 8 XLR with XMAX preamps, 43 dB of gain (+12 to +55 dB) |
| Line inputs | 12 balanced; 2 instrument inputs |
| Inserts | 2 (channels 1 and 2) |
| Audio interface | 14 x 4, 24-bit/96 kHz, USB 2.0 over a USB-C connector |
| SD recorder | Stereo (main mix), SD up to 2 GB, SDHC up to 32 GB |
| Monitor buses | 2, balanced TRS outputs |
| Effects | Stereo processor, 16 presets, footswitch jack |
| Power | Internal, 100 to 230 VAC, IEC cord |
| Dimensions | 381 x 397 x 90 mm |
| Weight | 5.4 kg |
What it's for
- Podcasts or live streams with several mics and music played from a phone
- Home studios that want a real mixer in front of the computer
- Duos or trios who run their own sound and record shows in multitrack
- Meeting rooms or small churches with background music over Bluetooth
Compared with other manufacturers
Other manufacturers also combine a 12- to 14-channel mixer with a recording interface.
| Manufacturer | Model | Mic preamps | Recording |
|---|---|---|---|
| PreSonus | StudioLive AR12c | 8 XMAX | USB-C 14 x 4 at 96 kHz, stereo SD |
| Tascam | Model 12 | 8 XLR Ultra HDDA | 12 tracks to SD card, 12 x 10 USB-C interface |
| Mackie | Onyx12 | 8 Onyx | Multitrack over USB or to SD card, up to 96 kHz |
| Mackie | ProFX12v3 | 7 Onyx | 2 x 4 USB up to 192 kHz |
Frequently asked questions
- Can the AR12c be rack-mounted?
- Yes, with a rack ear kit sold separately, according to the PreSonus manual. Only the AR16c ships with its kit.
- Does the AR12c need a driver?
- On macOS, no: it's recognized directly. On Windows, you need to install Universal Control, which provides the ASIO/WDM driver.
- AR12c or Tascam Model 12: which one?
- The AR12c records every channel to the computer and the stereo mix to SD card. The Model 12 records 12 tracks straight to SD card, without a computer. The choice depends on how you record.
- What are the AR12c dimensions?
- 381 mm wide, 397 mm deep and 90 mm high, at 5.4 kg, according to PreSonus.
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