PreSonus® StudioLive™ RM32AI/RM16AI Visual Quick Start Guide
A guide to getting started with your PreSonus StudioLive RM-series digital mixers.
1.0 What's in the Box
Your StudioLive RM32AI or RM16AI mixer package includes:
- 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 and authorize included software, manuals, and video guides.
The StudioLive RM-series offers a powerful suite of integrated hardware and software solutions. Included software comprises:
- UC-Surface battle-ready mix-control application
- QMix™-AI personal monitor control
- Capture™ multitrack recording and virtual sound check
- Studio One® Artist professional DAW
- Nimbit® Free publishing and marketing account
3.0 Download UC-Surface for iPad® and QMix™-AI
Download the PreSonus UC-Surface mix-control app for iPad® (?) and the QMix™-AI aux-mix control app for iPhone®/iPod touch® (?) for free from the Apple App Store (). These are essential for controlling your StudioLive RM-series mixer.
4.0 Meet the StudioLive RM32AI and RM16AI
Front Panel Overview
The front panel features:
- 1. Mix outputs: Outputs for various mix buses.
- 2. Microphone inputs: XLR inputs for microphones.
- 3. USB port: For firmware updates and Wi-Fi dongle connection.
- 4. Power/status indicator: Shows power and operational status.
- 5. Input signal/clip/+48V indicators: Visual feedback for input levels and phantom power.
- 6. +48V meters mode button: Toggles meter display modes for +48V.
- 7. Mute All button: Silences all channels simultaneously.
- 8. Headphone source selection buttons: Choose audio source for headphones.
- 9. Headphone level knob: Adjusts headphone volume.
- 10. Headphone output: Jack for connecting headphones.
- 11. Tape input: Input for tape or line-level sources.
- 12. Main Mono output and trim knob: Mono output with level control.
- 13. Main Left/Right outputs and trim knob: Stereo main outputs with level control.
Rear Panel Overview
The rear panel includes:
- 14. Power switch: Turns the unit on/off.
- 15. Power inlet: Connection for the power cable.
- 16. MIDI input and output: For MIDI communication.
- 17. Digital option-card slot: For expansion cards.
- 18. Mix outputs: Additional mix outputs mirroring front panel outputs.
5.0 Wired Ethernet Control Setup
Connect your StudioLive RM32AI or RM16AI to your network using the included Ethernet cable. Connect one end to the mixer's Ethernet control port and the other to a network switch that is also connected to your computer or iPad. Once UC-Surface is launched on your connected device, it should automatically detect the mixer.
6.0 Wireless Control Setup
Ensure the USB Wi-Fi dongle is plugged into the front-panel USB port before powering on the mixer. By default, mixers connect to a wireless network named "StudioLive" with the password "StudioLive".
To connect to a custom wireless network:
- Connect to the mixer via a wired Ethernet connection first.
- Launch UC-Surface on your 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 and enter the password if prompted.
The mixer will now attempt to connect to this network automatically upon startup if no wired connection is present and the Wi-Fi dongle is plugged in. Note: StudioLive AI mixers support WPA and WPA2 security protocols.
7.0 Computer Recording Setup
The StudioLive RM32AI and RM16AI integrate seamlessly with PreSonus Capture and Studio One Artist software for recording live shows and studio sessions. You can record directly to Capture, save the mixer scene with the session, and then open it in Studio One Artist, which will automatically configure its mixer settings to match your StudioLive scene, including Fat Channel settings.
To set up:
- Register your mixer and download the Universal Control installer (including UC-Surface and drivers) from your My PreSonus account.
- Run the installer and reboot your computer.
- Connect your mixer to your computer using the included [FireWire 800] cable.
- Refer to your manual and video guides (▶️) in your My PreSonus account for detailed configuration as an audio interface.
8.0 Getting Started with UC-Surface
UC-Surface is the primary control application for the StudioLive RM32AI and RM16AI, designed for intuitive live mixing.
UC-Surface Interface Elements:
- 1. Connected device tabs: Switch between different mixers on the network.
- 2. Settings button (⚙️): Access global mixer settings like sampling rate, permissions, and wireless configuration.
- 3. Fat Channel area: Displays detailed DSP processing for channels.
- 4. Presets button: Accesses Presets, Scenes, and Mute Groups.
- 5. Channel strip area: Shows input channels and fader levels for the selected mix.
- 6. Flex channel strip: Displays the master channel strip for the selected mix.
- 7. Mix selection area: Navigate and configure different mix buses.
- 8. Main output area: Controls for main stereo and mono outputs.
- 9. Input Meter Bridge and navigation: Visual overview of all input meters, used for channel selection and scrolling.
9.0 Fat Channel Area
The Fat Channel area dynamically displays DSP information based on your workflow. You can view Fat Channel DSP for input channels, the Flex Master Channel, or Main outputs. It also allows access to graphic EQ and effects editing.
9.1 Parameter Box
The Parameter Box provides detailed information on parameters, showing the parameter name, current value, and a meter. On touchscreens, touching a parameter box opens an adjustment meter for precise control. With a mouse, you can click to open the meter or use the scroll wheel to adjust values directly.
9.2 Channel Options
Within the Fat Channel view, you can edit channel names, select input sources, assign channel types and icons, and configure stereo linking. Channel types and icons help organize your workflow by automatically tagging channels and filtering presets accordingly.
10.0 Presets Button
This button opens the Presets menu for the Fat Channel and graphic EQ, and the Complete Scenes menu for Scenes/Mute Groups.
11.0 Channel Strip Area
This area displays input channels and fader levels for the selected mix. Key elements include:
- 1. EQ micro view: Accesses the Fat Channel for the selected channel.
- 2. Solo: Isolates the selected channel.
- 3. Mute: Silences the selected channel.
- 4. Pan: Adjusts the stereo position of the channel.
- 5. Channel fader: Controls the channel's level.
- 6. Input meter: Shows the input signal level.
- 7. Compressor gain-reduction meter: Indicates compressor activity.
- 8. Gate gain-reduction meter: Indicates gate activity.
- 9. Channel number, name, and type icon: Identifies the channel and provides access to the Fat Channel.
12.0 Flex Master Channel Strip
The Flex Master Channel Strip shows the master channel for the selected mix. It includes:
- 1. EQ micro view: Accesses the Fat Channel for the mix master.
- 2. Solo: Isolates the selected mix master.
- 3. Mute: Silences the selected mix master.
- 4. GEQ or FX Edit: Opens the graphic EQ or effects editor.
- 5. Mix fader: Controls the mix level.
- 6. Output meter: Shows the output signal level.
- 7. Compressor gain-reduction meter: Indicates compressor activity.
- 8. Gate gain-reduction meter: Indicates gate activity.
- 9. Mix number, name, and type icon: Identifies the mix master and provides access to the Fat Channel.
13.0 Mix Selection Area
This is the main navigation area for selecting and configuring mixes. It includes:
- 1. Mix selection buttons: Choose which mix bus to control.
- 2. Main Mix Select button: Selects the main mix bus.
- 3. FX Mix selection buttons: Select FX mix buses.
- 4. Mix settings and Filter Groups area: Configure mix parameters and filter groups.
13.1 Mix Settings
Configure individual mix settings:
- 1. Mix name: Rename the mix.
- 2. Stereo Link: Link adjacent mixes for stereo operation.
- 3. Copy/Paste: Copy and paste mix settings.
- 4. Mix Position: Set routing position (Pre 1, Pre 2, Post).
- 5. Mix Delay: Adjust output delay for the 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 controls the main stereo and mono outputs:
- 1. EQ micro view: Accesses the Fat Channel for the main mix.
- 2. Talkback: Toggles Talkback functionality.
- 3. Scenes/Mutes: Displays Quick Scenes and Mute Groups.
- 4. Main Mono/Center channel strip: Fader and meter for the Main Mono mix bus.
- 5. Main Left/Right channel strip: 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 displays input meters for all channels. A highlighted window indicates the currently viewed channels. You can select channels in the Meter Bridge to jump to them, or drag the window to scroll. Swiping the input channel area also scrolls through channels, with the Meter Bridge window following.
For more advanced features, consult the user manual and video guides (▶️) available in your My PreSonus account.
PreSonus, Inc.
18011 Grand Bay Court
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70809 USA
+1-225-216-7887
www.presonus.com
Part #: 825-WLV0057-A