StudioLive AI Hardware Explained

PreSonus has done it again with their incredible line of digital mixers! StudioLive AI is the cutting edge of digital mixer technology, and Bill Edstrom covers them in full detail, inside and out. If you use these powerhouse mixers, learn to get the most from them as well as an enhanced workflow for increased creativity and speed.

StudioLive Hands-on

• Introduction (03:52) - This series is a comprehensive overview of using StudioLive boards hands-on. Get an overview of what mixing is all about.

• Input to Output (05:04) - Power up, zero the board, and get a signal from input to output. Watch as Bill builds a basic mix in a few easy steps.

• StudioLive Overview (10:12) - Learn all the sections of the board and in general what each button, knob, fader and meter does.

• Input Channels (06:07) - Learn the basic functions of the dedicated controls for each input channel. Learn how to select channels and route them to the Main fader and how to pan the signal left and right.

• Stereo Linking Channels (05:35) - Learn how to link adjacent channels to create a stereo pair. Learn how to unlink channels that have been linked.

• Metering Explained (04:05) - Bill discusses the basics of the the LVL meter for the selected channel and the Main meter. Learn how to switch the LED bar graph indicators in the Fat Channel to work as a full meter bridge for channel input or output levels.

• Solo-in-Place (02:53) - In this video Bill shows how to solo channels to the Main output during sound check using the SIP button and channel Solo buttons.

• Headphones and Soloing (07:16) - Discover how to connect headphones, set the level, and hear the Main mix. Then, learn how to solo channels to the phones and set the level of the solo bus.

• Mixing Stage Monitors (08:26) - See where to connect your stage monitors and how to use the StudioLive Aux Outputs to create one or or more mixes for the musicians on stage. You will also learn how to create monitor mixes for each Aux using the encoder knobs and LED bar graph meters.

• Mixing Monitors in Stereo (04:33) - Learn how to link adjacent Aux Outputs to create stereo monitor mixes. Learn how to pan channels left and right using the even numbered encoder knobs.

• Using Talkback (04:16) - Discover how to use the TalkBack controls on the Master section of your StudioLive AI mixer. Bill also covers the Talkback Mic connection, level, routing, and of course the Talk button.

• 2-Track In (04:46) - Here, learn how to use the dedicated 2 Track In (Tape In) to have music ready to play when the band takes a break. You will also review how to route the Tape In to the monitors.

• Scribble Strips (05:13) - Get some ideas on how to improve your mixes and avoid mistakes by clearly labeling the board. It’s low-tech but essential.

The Fat Channel

• Introducing the Fat Channel (05:47) - Review how to select channels to activate the Fat Channel controls and get an overview of using the Fat Channel including turning the sections on and off. You will also learn to how to instantly reset any FAT Channel parameter to its default value and see how to use the Alt AB to compare Fat Channel changes.

• Polarity (03:09) - Learn how to use the polarity button and the most common application - snare top and bottom mics.

• Hi Pass Filter (05:18) - The Hi Pass filter is the most used feature of the Fat Channel. See and hear the effect of the Hi Pass Filter as I go over typical applications.

• Gate (09:15) - Here you will learn how to use the StudioLive AI gate. In this video Bill covers the essential controls Threshold, Range, Attack, and Release.

• Expander (05:16) - Bill explains how to use the Gate as an expander by engaging the EXP button.

• Key Listen (03:55) - In this video I explain what the Key Listen and Key Filter controls on the Gate are all about.

• Gate Sidechaining (05:47) - StudioLive AI boards let you control the Gate from one channel using the signal from another. I will demonstrate this using the most common application, gating the bass from the kick.

• Compressor (10:47) - Learn the controls on the compressor module and how to apply the compressor to common types of vocals and instruments. The compressor works the same for all three mixers even though the buttons are in a slightly different order.

• Limiter (03:41) - The limiter is simple and effective featuring one button and a Threshold parameter. Learn how it works and when to apply it.

• Equalizer (06:13) - In this video learn how to apply the four band parametric equalizer including the Low, Low Mid, High Mid, and High bands. I will also go over how to use Shelf button on the Low and High bands.

• 16AI Fat Channel (07:23) - The 16AI has a simpler gate, limiter, and semi-parametric EQ. Learn how to use this simpler but very effective Fat Channel.

• Copying Settings (03:51) - Learn how to easily copy a Fat Channel setup to another channel or bus on the fly using the Copy button.

• Recalling and Saving Channel Presets (08:34) - See how to load Fat Channel presets to quickly get appropriate setup for the source using the Load button. See how to name and save your own custom Fat Channel presets using the LCD display and the Value knob.

StudioLive Effects

• Using Digital Effects (05:30) - See how to configure master delay and master reverb effects using the four built-in effects processors. Then learn how to mix effects for any channel to your front of house mix.

• Tweaking Reverb FX (05:30) - Audition some of the superb built-in reverb settings. Learn how to edit the parameters of built-in effects the using LCD display and controls.

• Tweaking Delay FX (09:55) - Explore the delay settings on FX C and FX D. Learn how to use the TAP button to set the delay time to match the tempo of the current song.

• Saving FX Presets (02:02) - After you tweak effects to your liking, easily save them for later recall.

• Adding FX to Monitor Mixes (03:21) - It is pretty easy to mix effects to your stage and in-ear monitors when using Aux buses as monitor sends. Learn how to use the Aux Flip function to mix in some delay or reverb to inspire great performances from the artists.

• Using External Effects (04:35) - Learn how to connecting external rack effects processors. For this example I use a classic PCM 42 delay. You will also see how to configure Aux Buses for use as effects sends (post fader).

Submix Buses

• Submixing (06:27) - Explore the basics of using submixes and how to route channels to the four separate mono submix buses. For these examples, Bill explains how to route drums, guitars, instruments, and vocals to separate Submix buses for simplified mixing.

• Stereo Submixing (04:54) - Learn how to link submix buses in to build stereo submixes for drums and vocals.

• Configuring an FX Submix (04:43) - All or some of the FX buses can be routed to an submix buses if you like.

• Parallel Compression (03:29) - Learn how to route lead channels to a highly compressed Submix bus to add apparent level to solos and lead lines without having to crank the volume. One more creative use of the Submix buses!

• Remote Room Levels (02:37) - In fixed installations you might have another room that is getting the main mix from your StudioLive but you want a separate level control. Learn how to use the Submix output on the back of the board to achieve that along with how to set up the routing so that the Submix matches the Main.

• Delayed Speakers (03:25) - If you have fill speakers that are a good distance back from the main speakers, your audience will hear a disorienting delay effect. Use the Submix delay parameter to time align fill speakers with the mains.

Master Section

• System Menu (07:59) - Take the complete tour of the System menu including - Page 1. Global settings, Page 2 Network setup, Page 3. iOS Setup, Page 4. Aux PrePost, Page 5. FX PrePost, Page 6. Digital, Page 7 Sub Out Delays, Page 8 Lockout, Page 9 About & firmware version.

• Saving and Recalling Scenes (05:17) - Learn how to store a snapshot of your mixer for total recall. Learn how to name a scene and store it. Load your customer scene and use the Faders Locate button to set the faders to match the recalled scene.

• Control Room Monitoring (06:30) - See how to connect, route, and set the level of your control room monitors for studio and fixed sound applications. Learn how to take advantage of the CR Solo Mode.

• Radio Solo Mode (02:19) - Discover how the Radio solo mode works. While Latch mode is the default, Radio mode might work better in some situations.

• Graphic EQ (05:03) - Learn how to use the GEQs on the Main and Aux Outputs. Also see how to use the encoders and LEDs to set the EQ bands along with how to save and load GEQ presets.

• Firmware Update (04:03) - Bill shows how to update the firmware whenever new revisions are released.

StudioLive AI Special Features

• Mute Groups (04:15) - Discover how to assign channels to the six mute groups on the 32.4.2 AI mixer. You will also learn the function of the handy All On and All Off buttons for the Mute Groups. See practical applications of muting multiple channels at a time.

• Mix Scenes (02:49) - The SL32.4.2 includes eight instant access Mix Scenes that allow you to switch scenes right on the mixer surface without needing to go into the LCD screen. This is perfect for fixed install applications and gives you more creative flexibility for on-the-fly changes.

• Clip Indicators (02:05) - Learn about the clip indicates as we wrap up the this series.