Like many people my first experience of digital mixers was using the Yamaha LS9 and M7CL mixers. Their uncompromising use of XLR inputs, while reassuringly professional is also quite annoying, necessitating extra hardware to accommodate all the (often unannounced) line level sources which get thrust at an engineer on a typical gig. Until recently this was also the case with the StudioLive RM mixers from PreSonus, makers of Studio One. This has been addressed with the introduction of the StudioLive RML mixers, the L indicating live level inputs. Apart from the inclusion of eight XLR/TRS inputs on combi connectors the new RML-series and the RM-series mixers are identical, with the same recallable XMAX preamps and up to 96 kHz operation.
Control Via Software Or Control Surface
Designed for live-sound mixing and studio recording, StudioLive RML16AI and RML32AI mixers provide 32 internal channels and 25 buses, a 52x34 FireWire 800 recording interface, AVB Ethernet networking, and Fat Channel signal processing on all input channels and all buses, including a 4-band parametric EQ, compressor, gate, and limiter. You can control StudioLive RML mixers with UC Surface touch-control software for Mac, Windows, and iPad and with the StudioLive CS18AI AVB control surface, which provides motorised faders. Combine hardware and software control to meet your individual needs.
AVB Audio Networking
As well as being capable standalone products, The RML series offers AVB audio networking. A Stage Box mode lets you use StudioLive RML mixers as remote I/O devices in conjunction with StudioLive AI-series consoles. You can use the RML as simple I/ O, bypassing the internal mixer, or as a monitor mixer and remote I/O. In addition to UC Surface touch control software, these rack-mount mixers come with tightly integrated Capture recording software for Mac and Windows, with true Virtual Soundcheck mode; and Studio One® 3 Artist DAW for Mac and Windows. PreSonus’ free QMix-AI aux-mix control software for iPhone/iPod touch enables musicians to control their own monitor mixes.
With a remote stage-box form factor, these mixers are built to withstand road abuse. The 3U rack-mount RML16AI provides 8 locking XLR mic inputs and 8 combo locking XLR mic-¼” TRS line inputs, each with a recallable XMAX Class A preamp as well as 8 XLR line outs and 3 main outs (left, right, and mono/center). Similarly, the 4U rack-mount RML32AI offers 24 locking XLR mic inputs and 8 combo locking XLR mic-¼” TRS line inputs, 16 XLR line outs, and 3 main outs.
Other features include front-panel input signal-present and clip LEDs for monitoring levels and rear-panel mirror of the line outputs on a DB25 connector—perfect for connecting to wireless in-ear systems. The rear panel contains an option slot that comes with two FireWire 800 ports, an AVB Ethernet networking port, and S/PDIF I/O. Alternatively, the slot can accept an optional Dante™ card.