PreSonus looks to give the best of both worlds
Published: PRODUCTS
PreSonus is aiming to offer users an audio option that provides the best power-amp configuration in its AIR speaker series, with an emphasis on mobile and installed sound. The company is also attempting to follow on from the success of its previous StudioLive success with its two new RML series models.
The company’s AIR, full-range loudspeaker series contains three products, including the AIR10, AIR12 and AIR15. The series allows for both mobile and installed sound. It also features digital tuning functions and, according to the manufacturer, the amplification system uses strengths from both Class-D and Class-A/B amplifiers.
For low end, both the AIR15 and AIR18 active subwoofers employ 1,200W of Class-D power and can be used with a wide variety of full-range loudspeakers. Additionally, AIR10, AIR12 and AIR15 implement optimised presets, making it easier to dial into an AIR three-way system, PreSonus has stated.
The AIR loudspeakers are equipped with DSP presets that customise their response for a variety of uses. Treble and bass controls boost or cut by 10dB, while location pre-sets can also be implemented.
AIR subwoofers meanwhile have DSP pre-sets for normal FOH use and for extended low end, offering presets to quickly configure a cardioid array, the company stated. Polarity reverse and a variable alignment delay are also provided to configure more complicated subwoofer arrays.
The speakers feature moulded plastic, rubber feet and include an optional dual position sub pole that allows users to aim the speaker level at a 7.5 degree downward tilt. Additionally, the series offers an on-board mixer, with two combo XLR mic/TRS line inputs.
In other news, PreSonus’ two newly announced RML series mixer models offer line-level inputs, in addition to the XLR mic inputs found in the RM series. Designed for live-sound mixing and studio recording, the new models provide 32 internal channels, 25 busses, a 52x34 FireWire 800 recording interface, AVB Ethernet networking and Fat Channel signal processing on all input channels and busses. This includes a four band parametric EQ compressor, gate and limiter.
Reportedly, users can control StudioLive RML mixers with Surface touch-control software. Using AVB Ethernet networking, the product allows for cascading of any two StudioLive RML and RM mixers to create larger mixing systems. Both mixers in the expanded systems can be controlled from a StudioLive CS18AI, from UC Surface and from Studio One. As well as UC Surface touch control software, the product reportedly comes with Capture recording software, as well as Studio One 3 Artist DAW for Mac and Windows.
PreSonus states that the 3U rack-mount RML16AI provides eight locking XLR mic inputs and eight combo locking XLR mic ¼-inch TRS line inputs, each with a recallable XMAX Class-A preamp, as well as eight XLR lint outs and three main outs. The 4U rack-mount RML32AI also offers 24 locking XLR mic inputs and eight combo locking XLR-mic ¼-inch TRS line inputs, 16 XLR line outs, and three main outs.
Other features included are front-panel input signal present and clip LEDs for monitoring levels and rear-panel mirror of the line outputs on a DB25 connector. The rear panel contains an option slot that comes with two FireWire 800 ports, an AVB Ethernet networking port and S/PDIFI/O.