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Hybrid Mixer and Interface:

On the bench today is the PreSonus AR8 mixer and USB audio interface. If you work with small format audio in fields like webcasting or editing, you’ll know how frustrating it can be sometimes to work in an entirely virtual world. I’m happy working with a software based mixer & I’m used to dealing with gear where the only connections are XLR. Still, there are moments of frustration when you just need to make a quick connection or a simple adjustment, only to find an adaptor has gone missing or an app just won’t connect.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH

More First Look Videos and Reviews

I reached out to PreSonus a while back and asked if they would mind sending over the AR8. I think they were a bit surprised that I wanted to look at the cheapest and smallest mixer they sell, and not the bigger and more capable StudioLive series 3 mixers. In a small format mixer, I’m looking for simplicity and some flexibility in routing and interconnecting with other gear. I like having all of the i/O in one place, and the less space it takes on the desk, the better.

So check out the first look video and let me know if you have any questions you’d like answered in the full review. As I use this mixer and get to know it better, I will be adding it to the Gear Guide and updating that page along the way.

I’m sure you’ve noticed that I have been using an SM-57 for the voice-overs in the videos recently. While I plan to continue to use different microphones and techniques to make these videos in the future, for gear like this mixer where it is applicable, I want to use a single industry standard mic.

While far from a scientific method, a standard microphone that we are all used to hearing through our own systems regularly seemed like a good base line to establish going forward.