PreSonus
Presonus StudioLive Series III 16R
Best compact digital mixer for professional touring and studio recording setups.
The Presonus StudioLive Series III 16R is a versatile 16-channel digital rack mixer designed for professional audio applications. Its compact 1U rackmount design makes it ideal for touring and space-constrained environments. This mixer excels as a stage box, a recording interface, and a live sound control surface. It features 16 high-quality mic/line inputs, comprehensive Fat Channel processing with vintage plug-ins, and integrated stereo SD card recording. Connectivity includes 18x18 USB and 32x32 AVB interfaces, offering flexible integration with your existing setup.
$825.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
11
/ 369
#11 in Audio Mixers
Price vs Category Average
-14%
Below average
Dimensions (W x D x H)
48330545
/ x x mm
Who it's for
- Studio engineers needing streamlined recording and post-production workflows
- System integrators building complex, low-latency networked audio environments
- Mobile sound technicians requiring professional processing in a portable format
Who should skip it
- Bands requiring extensive independent monitor mixes for large ensembles
- Live sound engineers uncomfortable relying on network stability for mixing
- Users without experience managing specialized AVB networking hardware
Performance breakdown
Rackmount Versatility
Compact 1U footprint saves critical space in touring and studio racks.
Processing Power
Fat Channel plug-ins provide professional-grade signal shaping for every input.
Connectivity Flexibility
Dual USB and AVB interfaces offer seamless integration for complex setups.
Remote Control
UC Surface software delivers intuitive, responsive mixing from any mobile device.
Recording Capability
Integrated SD recording provides a reliable backup for live performance captures.
Input Density
Sixteen high-quality inputs packed into a single unit maximize channel count.
Key Specs
Dimensions (W x D x H)
483 x 305 x 45 mm
Weight
3.9 kg
Sample Rate
24-bit/48 kHz
Converter Dynamic Range
115 dB
Inputs
16 Mic/Line (XLR/Combo), 1 Stereo Aux (RCA)
Outputs
6 Mix (TRS), 2 Main (XLR), 1 Headphone (TRS)
Interface Capability
18x18 USB, 32x32 AVB
Rack Unit Size
1U
Features
- 16-channel digital rack mixer
- Integrated stereo SD card recorder
- 18x18 USB recording interface
- Robust Fat Channel processing
- Vintage plug-in effects included
- Compact 1U rackmount design
- AVB stage box functionality
- Remote control via UC Surface software
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the PreSonus StudioLive Series III 16R for its exceptional value and professional sonic performance. The XMAX preamps deliver pristine sound quality, supported by powerful Fat Channel processing ideal for both live sound and studio work. Its dual role as a robust AVB stage box and a high-channel USB interface is a major advantage. Users value the seamless integration within the PreSonus ecosystem, including direct SD card recording. While the hardware build is sturdy, initial setup of the deep routing and AVB via UC Surface software presents a learning curve. However, once configured, the system proves remarkably reliable. The 16R offers premium features, making it an outstanding investment for flexible, future-proof mixing.
Know before you buy
Yes, the 16R is designed to function as a high-quality AVB stage box. You can connect it to any StudioLive Series III console via an Ethernet cable to expand your input count and remote-control your stage inputs.
No, the mixer functions independently once configured. However, you will need a computer, tablet, or smartphone running the UC Surface software to access the mixer's deep settings, routing, and Fat Channel processing during your performance.
The 16R features a built-in stereo SD card recorder that allows you to capture your main mix directly to a card without needing a laptop. It is a reliable, simple way to record live sets or rehearsals for immediate playback.
Yes, it functions as an 18x18 USB audio interface. This allows you to track all 16 inputs plus the stereo mix directly into your recording software on a Mac or PC.
Each channel features PreSonus's Fat Channel processing, which includes a high-pass filter, gate, compressor, and parametric EQ. You also have access to vintage-style plug-in models for added character and professional sound shaping.
Yes, the unit is designed for professional rack integration and occupies exactly 1U of rack space. Its compact 305mm depth makes it easy to fit into most standard portable or studio racks.
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