Published 18/3/08
Digital mixer & audio interface
One of the most interesting announcements at the Frankfurt show was the unveiling by Presonus, until now a very studio-orientated manufacturer, of a brand new mixing console.
The StudioLive 1642, as its name suggests, is a 16:4:2 digital mixer that is suitable for both studio and live applications, but which also has an impressive 22-input, 18-output Firewire audio interface built in. Needless to say, it packs some fairly neat features, using a mixture of digital and analogue circuitry.
On the analogue side, it’s got 16 audio inputs, each with Presonus’ tried and tested XMAX preamps, plus six auxiliary buses and two dedicated effects mixes. Each channel has a balanced direct output (which can be switched to receive its signal pre- or post-fader), and an insert point, which enables external processors to be inserted.
On the digital side, there are on-board effects and dynamics that can be applied to individual input channels, the auxiliary buses and the main output. Inputs can be routed to the audio interface, and DAW returns can be brought up on the input channels for mixdown.
The StudioLive 1642 comes with a piece of software called TrackLive, which is essentially a user interface that lets you record directly on to the hard drive of a PC or Mac. With TrackLive, audio is transferred via the Firewire connection to the connected computer, where it can then be edited and exported in WAV format, making it compatible with virtually any DAW package.
Metering is handled by a wealth of LED bargraph displays, which can show a range of parameters, from EQ filter frequency to compression threshold and ratio. Entire mixer settings can be saved at the touch of a button, meaning you can instantly recall all your routing, effects and dynamics-processing parameters, so you can show up at a live gig, and retain the same sound as you got the night before.
For further details, keep your eye on Presonus’ web site, and take a look at the video below, where SOS Technical Editor Hugh Robjohns checks out the new device.
Source Distribution +44 (0)208 962 5080
www.sourcedistribution.co.uk
www.presonus.com
One of the most interesting announcements at the Frankfurt show was the unveiling by Presonus, until now a very studio-orientated manufacturer, of a brand new mixing console.The StudioLive 1642, as its name suggests, is a 16:4:2 digital mixer that is suitable for both studio and live applications, but which also has an impressive 22-input, 18-output Firewire audio interface built in. Needless to say, it packs some fairly neat features, using a mixture of digital and analogue circuitry.
On the analogue side, it’s got 16 audio inputs, each with Presonus’ tried and tested XMAX preamps, plus six auxiliary buses and two dedicated effects mixes. Each channel has a balanced direct output (which can be switched to receive its signal pre- or post-fader), and an insert point, which enables external processors to be inserted.
On the digital side, there are on-board effects and dynamics that can be applied to individual input channels, the auxiliary buses and the main output. Inputs can be routed to the audio interface, and DAW returns can be brought up on the input channels for mixdown.
The StudioLive 1642 comes with a piece of software called TrackLive, which is essentially a user interface that lets you record directly on to the hard drive of a PC or Mac. With TrackLive, audio is transferred via the Firewire connection to the connected computer, where it can then be edited and exported in WAV format, making it compatible with virtually any DAW package.
Metering is handled by a wealth of LED bargraph displays, which can show a range of parameters, from EQ filter frequency to compression threshold and ratio. Entire mixer settings can be saved at the touch of a button, meaning you can instantly recall all your routing, effects and dynamics-processing parameters, so you can show up at a live gig, and retain the same sound as you got the night before.
For further details, keep your eye on Presonus’ web site, and take a look at the video below, where SOS Technical Editor Hugh Robjohns checks out the new device.
Source Distribution +44 (0)208 962 5080
www.sourcedistribution.co.uk
www.presonus.com
