Review: PreSonus StudioLive 16R First Look

In this video we take a first look at the PreSonus StudioLive 16R digital audio mixer. A mixer, interface, AVB network i/O device and SD recorder all in one, they’ve really packed a lot into this single rack-space unit and for a price that almost seems too good to be true.

For only $800 at the time of this release, you get a whole lot of mixer for your money. On paper, the 16R seems to do it all, and offers some incredible features for both live sound and studio users that blurs the line between digital mixer and audio interface.

In a mixer like this, there are simply too many features for me to cover absolutely everything in one video or post. I’ve found with other mixers that the best way for me to give you an honest review is to do a ‘first look’ video where I take an overview of the mixer first, and then do a deeper review after I’ve had the chance to work with it more, and really learn what it’s all about.

As a content creator, the 16R has been a really nice addition to my workflow as an interface while I’m recording and editing video here in the shop. The remote control ability alone makes a huge convenience for a single person production crew as I move around to different mics and need to plug in different gear to demonstrate or test.

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For the full specs on the 16R check out the official PreSonus 16R Website – but here’s the basics:

• 18 input (16 mix channels)
• 8 output (L/R + 6 flex mixes)
• 18×18 USB interface
• 32×32 AVB Interface
• 8 31 band graphic eq’s
• Vintage EQ & Compression plug-ins on every input channel
• 2 EFX buses
• Built In RTA
• Network remote control from iOS, Android, PC & MAC

So, is it a mixer with an interface built in, or an interface with a mixer built in? Stick around for the in-depth review that I’ll be finishing up in the coming weeks.

My first impression is that the 16R is well built and so far sounds very promising with the limited amount of audio I’ve been able to put through it. The software is easy to use and understand, and the process of updating the firmware and getting things set up has been easy and stress free. As things pick back up here now that the holiday break is over, I’m looking forward to getting this mixer out on some jobs to put it to the test in real world environments. More to come very soon…

Let me know if there are any specific questions you would like answered in the full review!

Shop for the PreSonus 16R using our affiliate link & help support the channel! There are StudioLive 24R & StudioLive 32R models too if you need more i/O.