Podcasting and home recording, simplified.
With its instantly familiar analog mixer design, the StudioLive® AR8c is the easiest way to record podcasts, live streams, and music productions. Featuring a pristine analog front-end with four high-gain XMAX mic preamps and an 8x4 24-bit, 96 kHz, USB-C compatible USB 2.0 audio interface, the StudioLive AR8c’s hybrid design makes it simple to record from a single intuitive console. Add in tools like a musical 3-band analog EQ, mic/line boost for low-level broadcast microphones and consumer devices, Bluetooth® connectivity, and a stereo SD recorder... and you have a broadcasting and recording powerhouse that fulfills the needs of both modern musicians and content creators.
The StudioLive AR8c audio interface operates at up to 96 kHz for high-definition mixing and recording. Record each of the six inputs, plus the main mix, for even more flexible recording options. Play back up to four streams for monitoring previously recorded tracks—plus sound effects, loopback audio, and more. Four 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 to your computer intuitive. With a USB-C compatible connection, your StudioLive AR8c is ready to use as an audio interface for nearly any computer.
The unique Super Channel can handle four stereo sources at once and makes 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 it simple to add bumpers and sound effects to your podcast in real-time, or practice along with your favorite recordings.
The StudioLive AR8c audio interface and analog mixer is tightly integrated with state-of-the-art recording software to help you achieve your creative vision. Create multitrack recordings for your podcast or band with one click thanks to PreSonus’ Capture™ live recording software. Capture is designed to make recording easy. Create complete studio productions with our award-winning Studio One® Artist DAW to add effects, bumpers, and more. With two professional recording applications included with your StudioLive AR8c, you’re ready to record right out of the box whether you’re creating a podcast, live streaming your performance, or recording your first EP.
Whether you’re recording a mobile interview for your podcast or you’re in the middle of a songwriting session and want to capture your ideas as quickly as they come to you, the StudioLive AR8c’s stereo SD recorder has you covered. Insert any SD/SDHC card and you’re ready to record your main mix, so you can simplify your recording process whenever you want. Doing mobile interviews for your podcast? Leave the computer at home and record straight to SD.
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 at ease while performing. The StudioLive AR8c 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.
StudioLive AR8c
Recording
8x4 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
8-channel analog mixer
4 balanced microphone inputs with XMAX mic preamps
2 instrument/line inputs
6 balanced line level inputs:
2 mono
2 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
2 mono and 2 stereo channels, each with level knob, pan, mute, PFL solo, highpass filter, and 3-band semi-parametric EQ
1 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 semi-parametric EQ on every 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 plug-in suite
Power
Internal power supply
Standard IEC power connector
Physical
Sturdy metal construction
Optional rackmount kit
StudioLive AR8c
Computer system requirements:
Below are the minimum computer-system requirements for use with Capture™ and Studio One®.
Mac
Windows
Windows® 7 x64 SP1 + platform update, Windows 8.1 x64, Windows 10 x64
Intel Core 2 Duo (Intel Core i3 or faster recommended)
Mac and Windows Systems
4 GB RAM (8 GB or more recommended)
30 GB hard-drive space (Studio One)
Internal or external 7200 RPM storage drive highly recommended
Monitor with 1366x768 resolution (high-dpi monitor recommended)
The minimum system requirements may differ for DAWs other than Studio One®. Please check the requirements for your DAW of choice with its manufacturer.
Note that the speed of your processor, amount of RAM and size and speed of your hard drive will greatly affect the overall performance of your recording system. Also, a more powerful system (faster processor with more RAM) will allow for lower latency (signal delay) than you might experience while monitoring audio signals.
As a commitment to constant improvement, PreSonus Audio Electronics, Inc., reserves the right to change any specification stated herein, at any time, without notification.