PreSonus StudioLive RM32AI/RM16AI Visual Quick Start Guide
1.0 What's in the Box
This section details the items included with your PreSonus StudioLive RM-Series mixer.
- PreSonus StudioLive RM32AI or RM16AI mixer
- USB Wi-Fi dongle
- FireWire 800 cable
- Ethernet cable
- Power cable
- Product registration and software authorization card
- This Quick Start Guide
2.0 Register Your StudioLive RM-Series Mixer!
Register your mixer online at my.PreSonus.com to download software, manuals, and video guides. The StudioLive RM-series offers integrated hardware and software solutions for stage and studio use. Included software comprises:
- UC-Surface mix-control application
- QMix™-AI personal monitor control
- Capture™ multitrack recording and virtual sound check software
- Studio One® Artist professional DAW
- Nimbit® Free publishing and marketing account
3.0 Download UC-Surface for iPad® and QMix™-AI
The UC-Surface mix-control app for iPad® and QMix™-AI aux-mix control app for iPhone®/iPod touch® are available as free downloads from the Apple App Store (). These applications are essential for controlling your StudioLive RM-series mixer.
4.0 Meet the StudioLive RM32AI and RM16AI
Front Panel
The front panel of the StudioLive RM32AI and RM16AI features various controls and indicators:
Diagram showing the front panel of the mixer with numbered controls:
- Mix outputs
- Microphone inputs
- USB port (supports firmware updates and Wi-Fi dongle)
- Power/status indicator
- Input signal/clip/+48V indicators
- +48V meters mode button
- Mute All button
- Headphone source selection buttons
- Headphone level knob
- Headphone output
- Tape input
- Main Mono output and trim knob
- Main Left/Right outputs and trim knob
Rear Panel
The rear panel provides connectivity and power options:
Diagram showing the rear panel of the mixer with numbered controls:
- Power switch
- Power inlet
- MIDI input and output ports
- Digital option-card slot
- Mix outputs (mirror of front panel mix outputs)
5.0 Wired Ethernet Control Setup
Connect your StudioLive RM32AI/RM16AI for control using a wired Ethernet connection. Connect the included Ethernet cable from the mixer's Ethernet control port to a network router that is also connected to your computer or iPad. Once UC-Surface is launched on a device connected to the same network, it should automatically detect the mixer.
Diagram illustrating the wired Ethernet setup: A StudioLive RM32 mixer is connected via an Ethernet cable to a network router. The network router is also connected to a computer and an iPad, enabling control.
6.0 Wireless Control Setup
StudioLive AI mixers require the USB Wi-Fi dongle to be plugged into the front-panel USB port before powering on the mixer for wireless operation. By default, mixers connect to a wireless network named "StudioLive" with the password "StudioLive".
To connect to a custom wireless network:
- Connect to a wired control network as described in the "Wired Ethernet Control Setup" section.
- Launch UC-Surface on a Mac, Windows computer, or iPad connected to the same network.
- Open the Settings page.
- Select the wireless connection icon.
- Choose your desired wireless network from the list.
- Enter the password if prompted.
The mixer is now configured for wireless control. Upon startup, if no wired Ethernet connection is detected and the USB Wi-Fi dongle is plugged in, the mixer will attempt to connect to the configured wireless network. Note: StudioLive AI supports WPA and WPA2 security protocols.
Diagrams illustrating wireless control scenarios: A) Mixer connected via Ethernet to a router, which provides Wi-Fi (?) for a computer and iPad. B) Mixer connected directly to a computer/iPad via USB Wi-Fi dongle. C) Mixer connected via Ethernet to a router, which also provides Wi-Fi (?).
7.0 Computer Recording Setup
The StudioLive RM32AI and RM16AI integrate seamlessly with PreSonus Capture and Studio One Artist software for live show recording. You can record a live performance, save the mixer scene with the Capture Session, and then open it in Studio One, where the mixer settings (faders, mutes, pan, effects) and Fat Channel settings will be loaded into Studio One's Native Effects™ plug-in. The mixer can also function as an audio interface for studio recording.
To set up for computer recording:
- After registering, download the Universal Control installer (for Mac or Windows) from your My PreSonus account. This includes UC-Surface and necessary drivers.
- Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions. Reboot your computer upon completion.
- Connect your StudioLive AI mixer to your computer using the included FireWire cable.
- Refer to your manual and video guides in your My PreSonus account for details on configuring the mixer as your default audio input/output device.
Diagrams show computer recording setups: One illustrates a mixer connected via FireWire cable to a computer and via Ethernet cable to a network router. Another shows a mixer connected via Ethernet cable to a network router, which is connected to a touch-screen computer.
8.0 Getting Started with UC-Surface
UC-Surface is the mix-control application designed for live mixing with the StudioLive RM32AI and RM16AI. It provides direct access to primary mixing functions without complex menu navigation.
Screenshot of the UC-Surface application interface, highlighting key areas:
- Connected device tabs: Switch between different mixers on the network.
- Settings button: Access global mixer settings like sampling rate, permissions, and wireless preferences.
- Fat Channel area: Displays detailed channel processing.
- Presets button: Accesses Fat Channel, EQ, or FX presets, and Scene/Mute Groups.
- Channel strip area: Shows input channels and fader levels for the selected mix.
- Flex channel strip: Displays the master channel strip for the selected mix.
- Mix selection area: Primary navigation for selecting mixes and their settings.
- Main output area: Shows main mix faders and meters.
- Input Meter Bridge and navigation: Displays input meters for all channels and allows navigation.
The Settings screen allows configuration of:
- Aux Routing tab: Options for auxiliary digital outputs.
- Device Settings tab: Global mixer settings, including Aux Mute, Talkback Source, Headphone Cue Source, and Permissions.
- Wireless connection: Change network name and password for wireless control.
- Sampling rate: Adjust the audio sampling rate.
9.0 Fat Channel Area
This area dynamically displays Fat Channel DSP information based on your workflow. You can select input channels, the Flex Master Channel, or Main outputs to view their Fat Channel DSP. Selecting the Flex Master Channel GEQ or FX Edit shows graphic EQ or effects settings. The Scenes/Mutes area displays Quick Scenes and Mute Groups.
9.1 Parameter Box
UC-Surface uses an informative parameter box instead of traditional knobs. It displays the parameter name, current value, and a meter. On touchscreens, touching a parameter box opens an adjustment meter for value changes. With a mouse, you can click to open the meter or use the scroll wheel to adjust values directly.
Visual representation of the Fat Channel Parameter Box, showing parameter name, value, and a meter. Also depicts the adjustment meter interface for touch or mouse interaction.
9.2 Channel Options
Within the Fat Channel view, you can access channel options to rename channels, select input sources, assign channel types and icons, and configure stereo linking. Channel types and icons help organize your workflow by automatically naming, displaying icons, and filtering options based on the selected type (e.g., filtering guitar presets for a guitar channel).
10.0 Presets Button
This button opens the Presets menu for Fat Channel, graphic EQ, or FX bus. When working with Scenes/Mute Groups, it accesses the Complete Scenes menu. Refer to the user manual and video guides for detailed information on presets and scenes.
11.0 Channel Strip Area
This area displays input channels and fader levels for the selected mix. Key elements include:
- EQ micro view: Selects the channel and opens the Fat Channel.
- Solo: Solos the channel.
- Mute: Mutes the channel.
- Pan: Adjusts the channel's stereo pan.
- Channel fader: Controls the channel's level.
- Input meter: Shows input signal level.
- Compressor gain-reduction meter: Indicates compressor activity.
- Gate gain-reduction meter: Indicates gate activity.
- Channel number, name, and type icon: Selects the channel and opens the Fat Channel.
12.0 Flex Master Channel Strip
The Flex Master channel strip represents the master channel for the selected mix (e.g., the main output for Mix 3 when Mix 3 is selected). It includes:
- EQ micro view: Selects the Mix master and opens the Fat Channel.
- Solo: Solos the Mix master.
- Mute: Mutes the Mix master.
- GEQ or FX Edit: Opens the graphic EQ or effects editor in the Fat Channel area.
- Mix fader: Controls the Mix master level.
- Output meter: Shows the output signal level.
- Compressor gain-reduction meter: Indicates compressor activity.
- Gate gain-reduction meter: Indicates gate activity.
- Mix number, name, and type icon: Selects the Mix master and opens the Fat Channel.
13.0 Mix Selection Area
This is the primary navigation area for selecting the mix controlled by the channel faders and accessing mix settings.
- Mix selection buttons: Navigate between different mixes.
- Main Mix Select button: Selects the main mix.
- FX Mix selection buttons: Selects FX mixes.
- Mix settings and Filter Groups area: Accesses settings for each mix and filter group management.
13.1 Mix Settings
Within Mix Settings, you can:
- Mix name: Rename the mix.
- Stereo Link: Link adjacent mixes for stereo operation.
- Copy/Paste: Copy the current mix settings to other mixes.
- Mix Position: Set routing position (Pre 1, Pre 2, Post).
- Mix Delay: Adjust output delay for the selected mix.
13.2 FX Settings
When an FX mix is selected, this area provides quick access to FX mutes and Tap Tempo buttons for delay effects.
14.0 Main Output Area
This area displays controls for the main output mixes:
- EQ micro view: Selects the main mix and opens the Fat Channel.
- Talkback: Toggles Talkback functionality on/off.
- Scenes/Mutes: Displays Quick Scenes and Mute Groups in the Fat Channel area.
- Main Mono/Center channel strip: Displays the fader and meter for the Main Mono mix bus.
- Main Left/Right channel strip: Displays the fader and meters for the Main Left/Right mix bus.
15.0 Input Meter Bridge and Navigation
The Meter Bridge at the bottom of the application shows input meters for all channels. A highlighted window indicates the currently displayed channels. You can navigate to specific channels by selecting them in the Meter Bridge or by dragging the highlighted window. Swiping the input channel area also scrolls through channels, with the Meter Bridge window following your position. For more advanced features, consult the user manual and video guides available in your My PreSonus account.
