Presonus StudioLive AR8c

15 Customer ratings

4.7 / 5

You have to be logged in to rate products.

Note: To prevent ratings from being based on hearsay, smattering or surreptitious advertising we only allow ratings from real users on our website, who have bought the equipment from us.

After logging in you will also find all items you can rate under rate products in the customer centre.

handling

features

sound

quality

9 Reviews

Presonus StudioLive AR8c
£381
All prices incl. VAT
In stock
In stock

This product is in stock and can be shipped immediately.

Standard Delivery Times
Delivery free of charge expected between Wednesday, 3.04. and Thursday, 4.04.
1
HR
Lots of functions, but also some issues
Huub R 27.07.2020
I really like the versatility of this mixer: lots of input options, multitrack USB (Windows drivers work fine), built-in SD recorder and AUX/FX/Phones/Main/ControlRoom outputs. Having all this functionality in a single mixer is the reason I bought this model, and it does not disappoint. I like to easily switch between working with and without a computer/DAW, and this mixer is ideal in that regard.

What does disappoint is the following:
-The balance of the different channels is not calibrated. For instance on channel 5/6, with the PAN set to CENTER, the right channel is about 1.4 dB louder than the left channel. I've found this to be the case in three different AR8c mixers, so it's not just mine. This can be 'fixed' by slowly panning to the left using a mono source until the VU meters line up, but I think this is sloppy for a mixer in this price range.
-There is no display for the SD recorder. I use it to record my playing when I don't want to use a computer, and you can immediately listen to it, but finding older recordings is a hassle since there's no visible track number or date etc, so my advice would be to use a mic to voice-stamp the recording at the start.
-The mix knobs are ofcourse not as nice as faders, but it saves space so it's fine. But I've noticed that you always need to use two fingers to turn the knobs, because with a single finger the knob tilts slightly, pushes into the sides and can't be turned anymore due to friction.

In the end the benefits outweigh the issues, and since this is the only mixer in this pricerange with these features I've decided to keep it.
handling
features
sound
quality
14
0
Report

Report

M
Piece of junk with one great feature
Mantriur 12.10.2020
The AR8c has one thing going for it: Marrying an 8/4 USB interface with a hardware mixer. I'm a sucker for hardware controls, but I also need to route audio in creative ways in my home office. It is unique in that regard, and really does offer a lot of flexibility. Unfortunately, the good ends there.

- Build quality is abysmal. Pots are flimsy and wobbly, even labels are off.
- Components are out of spec, stereo distribution is uneven.
- Headphone amp is weak, roughly the level of a USB powered device, and a THD-fest.
- Line audio isn't linear, bass-heavy, and not suitable for audio production.
- SD records at 44.1khz, distribution rather than production rate.
- Effects engine makes me long for my '98 Sound Blaster Live.
- Bluetooth works well, if you ever need to mix audio from your phone with an extra level of compression.

It does reduce the mess of cables around my desk. It is only for that reason that I'm keeping it ... until it breaks, which I expect it will sooner rather than later.
handling
features
sound
quality
16
2
Report

Report

A
Low noise mixer
Alexanderius 13.08.2021
Super clean sound.

Line level connectors have only +10 boost option, no pre-amps, keep in mind.
handling
features
sound
quality
4
0
Report

Report

Presonus StudioLive AR8c