PreSonus provides sensitivity
Published: PRODUCTS
The standout feature of PreSonus’ StudioLive CS18AI mix controller is its 18 touch sensitive motorised faders. These mean users don’t have to move the fader for it to recognise it’s being touched, so they can view the fader value without changing it. When used with Studio One, this enables users to write automation using touch-and-latch methods that ‘know’ when they touch and release a fader.
The 19-inch, rack-mountable StudioLive CS18AI has the same footprint as a StudioLive 16.4.2AI console and can control up to 64 input channels (with two cascaded StudioLive RM-series mixers) and the mixer’s Fat Channel processing section. An RGB Channel Select button is used to identify and switch between channels. In addition to supporting traditional ‘layer’ workflows, the new controller supports PreSonus Filter DCA Groups. The CS18AI also features a 16-channel scribble-strip display and a 4.3-inch colour touchscreen.
In addition to handling control data, the CS18AI’s AVB Ethernet connection makes it possible to include two mic inputs with recallable XMAX preamps and two balanced TRS line inputs, enabling the CS18AI to handle talkback, room mic, and other local inputs, such as two-track playback. There are also two channels of digital returns from the RM mixer that can carry signals from the solo bus, main mix, or any aux mixes to feed the two balanced TRS monitor and headphone outputs.
The CS18AI can be used with PreSonus UC Surface control software for Mac, Windows, and iPad as well as QMix-AI personal monitor control software for iPhone/iPod touch. This means users can control a StudioLive RM mixer with multiple devices simultaneously. UC Surface integrates directly with the CS18AI as an extension to the physical controller, providing complementary views for the selected channel strip, full metering, and scene recalls.
Away from the new controller, PreSonus is now shipping its SL-AVB-MIX Audio Video Bridging (AVB) audio networking option card for StudioLive AI-series console and StudioLive RM-series rack-mount Active Integration mixers. With this first phase of AVB support, the StudioLive RM32AI or RM16AI can be used as a stage box and monitor mixer for any StudioLive AI-series front-of-house console. In addition, the talkback and main L/R mix from FOH are set up as the talkback input and main L/R outputs on the RM mixer onstage. The talkback on/off at FOH also engages the talkback onstage.
Using the manufacturer’s Active Integration technology, mixers on the AVB system can be set up and mixing workflows synchronised in a single step. All input routing to and from the onstage RM mixer and the AI console mixer at FOH is configured automatically. The channel source can be changed from ‘analogue’ to ‘network’ on the channels that need to be sourced from the other mixer.
All StudioLive RM-series mixers already have the SL-AVB-MIX option card installed and need a firmware update to enable the new AVB networking functionality. The card is offered as an upgrade option for StudioLive AI console mixers.
A final addition from PreSonus is the Studio 192 USB 3.0 audio interface and studio command centre. The 26x32 interface records at up to 192kHz and combines eight digitally controlled XMAX Class A solid-state mic preamps and Burr-Brown converters with StudioLive Fat Channel signal processing.
The Studio 192 has been designed to be the central hub for a studio. Mixes and the onboard talkback mic can be routed to any output, including the two headphone outputs. The outputs can be used for monitor mixing or for speaker switching. Onboard Dim/Mute and Mono options are also included.
The Studio 192 offers two front-panel mic/instrument inputs and six rear-panel mic/line inputs; 16-channel ADAT optical in and out (eight channels at 88.1 or 96kHz); coaxial, stereo S/PDIF I/O; and BNC word-clock I/O. There are also eight balanced TRS outputs, balanced stereo main outputs, and two headphone amplifiers with independent outputs and level controls. Burr-Brown A/D/A converters offer 118dB of dynamic range.