Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Elevate your studio setup with the Presonus CS18AI, a versatile Ethernet/AVB control surface designed to seamlessly integrate with StudioLive RM mixers and the Studio One DAW software. Whether you're a seasoned producer or an aspiring musician, this intuitive controller puts comprehensive mixing capabilities at your fingertips, ensuring you stay in command of your creative projects.

The CS18AI offers an array of features that cater to the modern audio engineer. Its sleek touch-sensitive motorized faders allow for precise adjustments, while the color-coded, customizable channel scribble strips make navigation a breeze. The capacitance touch technology on the faders and encoders detects your touch, providing an intuitive and responsive mixing experience. Additionally, the built-in talkback microphone and headphone amplifier give you direct communication with your performers, eliminating the need for external devices.

What sets the CS18AI apart is its seamless integration with PreSonus' ecosystem, allowing you to control your entire mix wirelessly via Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Effortlessly switch between controlling your DAW and your mixer, ensuring flexibility and efficiency in any studio or live setting. Whether you're adjusting levels, tweaking EQs, or adding effects, the CS18AI provides a tactile and immersive experience that enhances your workflow.

Key Features:

  • Ethernet/AVB control surface for StudioLive RM mixers and Studio One DAW
  • Touch-sensitive motorized faders for accurate control
  • Capacitive touch technology for responsive mixing
  • Customizable, color-coded channel scribble strips
  • Built-in talkback microphone and headphone amplifier
  • Seamless wireless integration via Wi-Fi or Ethernet
  • User-friendly interface for efficient workflow

Product specs

Brand PreSonus
Model StudioLive CS18AI
Finish Black
Year 2010s
Categories Audio Mixers, Consoles and Summing Boxes

FAQs

What is the primary function of the PreSonus CS18AI?

The PreSonus CS18AI serves as a control surface for StudioLive RM mixers and Studio One DAW, offering remote control capabilities for live sound and studio recording setups.

Does the PreSonus CS18AI require a physical connection to the mixer?

The PreSonus CS18AI can connect to StudioLive RM mixers via Ethernet or wireless network, allowing flexible placement and control without a direct physical connection.

Is the PreSonus CS18AI compatible with all versions of Studio One?

The PreSonus CS18AI is designed to integrate seamlessly with Studio One, but it is always best to check compatibility with the latest software updates from PreSonus.

Can the PreSonus CS18AI be used for live sound mixing?

Yes, the PreSonus CS18AI is designed for both live sound mixing and studio applications, providing hands-on control over mix parameters and settings.

Does the PreSonus CS18AI support multi-touch functionality?

The PreSonus CS18AI features a multi-touch screen that allows intuitive control over various mixing parameters, enhancing workflow efficiency.

PreSonus Audio Electronics

PreSonus Audio Electronics

PreSonus StudioLive CS18AI Walk-Through

Video thumbnail for PreSonus StudioLive CS18AI Walk-Through by PreSonus Audio Electronics

PreSonus StudioLive CS18AI Walk-Through

PreSonus Audio Electronics

PreSonus Audio Electronics

Video thumbnail for PreSonus StudioLive CS18AI — Moving Fader Control for StudioLive RM Rack Mixers and Studio One by PreSonus Audio Electronics

PreSonus StudioLive CS18AI — Moving Fader Control for StudioLive RM Rack Mixers and Studio One

PreSonus Audio Electronics

PreSonus Audio Electronics

Video thumbnail for PreSonus LIVE—Using the StudioLive CS18AI With Studio One 3 by PreSonus Audio Electronics

PreSonus LIVE—Using the StudioLive CS18AI With Studio One 3

PreSonus Audio Electronics

PreSonus Audio Electronics

Video thumbnail for PreSonus StudioLive CS18AI Features Overview by PreSonus Audio Electronics

PreSonus StudioLive CS18AI Features Overview

PreSonus Audio Electronics

PreSonus Audio Electronics

Video thumbnail for PreSonus StudioLive CS18AI: Networking with an AVB Switch by PreSonus Audio Electronics

PreSonus StudioLive CS18AI: Networking with an AVB Switch

PreSonus Audio Electronics

PreSonus Audio Electronics

Video thumbnail for First impressions of the Presonus CS18AI by Czar

First impressions of the Presonus CS18AI

Czar

Czar

Video thumbnail for The Presonus CS18AI by Northern Sound and Light

The Presonus CS18AI

Northern Sound and Light

Northern Sound and Light

Video thumbnail for Presonus CS18AI Review by DJJDBass

Presonus CS18AI Review

DJJDBass

DJJDBass

Video thumbnail for PreSonus— The StudioLive CS18AI at Gun Hill Studios by PreSonus Audio Electronics

PreSonus— The StudioLive CS18AI at Gun Hill Studios

PreSonus Audio Electronics

PreSonus Audio Electronics

Video thumbnail for The PreSonus CS18AI from INFOCOMM 2015 by PreSonus Audio Electronics

The PreSonus CS18AI from INFOCOMM 2015

PreSonus Audio Electronics

PreSonus Audio Electronics

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Presonus CS18AI.

Features and functionality

  • The CS18AI includes motorized faders and LED scribble strips, enhancing usability over previous models without these features.

    Source
  • Its 4i2o AVB interface supports talkback mics and iPod connectivity, offering flexible input options.

    Source
  • The visible parametric EQ graph is praised for clarity, improving upon older models' confusing vertical meter bar layout.

    Source
  • The Presonus CS18AI lacks digital input/digital snaking capability, relying heavily on FireWire for connectivity, which limits its integration flexibility compared to other digital consoles.

    Source
  • The CS18AI has only 4 EFX sends, which may be limiting for users needing extensive effects routing for complex live setups.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners compare the CS18AI's simplicity to the PreSonus StudioLive 32.4.2, highlighting its user-friendly analog-style interface.

    Source
  • The CS18AI's lack of recallable gain control is a notable disadvantage compared to competitors like the Behringer X32, affecting its adaptability in dynamic live settings.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The CS18AI is anticipated to be popular in small project studios, benefiting from its ease of use and compact control surface design.

    Source
  • Presonus models are favored in educational settings due to their intuitive layout, which aids beginners despite their limited feature set.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • The Presonus control software is criticized for unreliable driver performance, making it difficult to aggregate multiple units effectively.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report the CS18AI’s upper midrange sound as harsh, a consistent issue across multiple Presonus models, affecting audio clarity in live and studio applications.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Review: Presonus Studiolive CS18AI — AudioTechnology

audiotechnology.com

The PreSonus CS18AI aims for a seamless integration of live sound and studio control but stumbles in execution. While its intuitive fader layout and integration with Studio One are commendable, the uniform design of knobs and limited transport controls hinder usability. The inability to reassign I/O digitally restricts flexibility, especially for live scene recalls. Although it outperforms an iPad setup, the lack of color-coded labeling and slow scene switching detracts from its efficiency. Ultimately, while the CS18AI has potential, it falls short of being the comprehensive solution it aspires to be.

negative

PreSonus StudioLive CS18AI

soundonsound.com

The PreSonus StudioLive CS18AI attempts to bridge the gap between live sound mixing and DAW control, but it falls short in several areas. While it offers a range of features for Studio One users, including fader control and automation, the limited channel name display and confusing send mapping hinder usability. The touchscreen interface is a nice touch, though it lacks true jog functionality for scrubbing through tracks. Additionally, the absence of comprehensive documentation leaves users navigating through a learning curve without proper guidance. Although it shows promise, the CS18AI needs significant refinement to maximize its potential as a reliable control surface.

negative

Review: PreSonus StudioLive CS18AI Control Surface - Church Production Magazine

churchproduction.com

The PreSonus StudioLive CS18AI control surface delivers impressive flexibility with multiple controllers and 18 motorized faders that enhance user experience. Its integration with Studio One software is a notable advantage, as is the LCD "scribble strip" feature. However, the touchscreen interface lacks intuitiveness and comprehensive control, leaving some users frustrated. A significant bug that can freeze the system raises concerns about reliability, although a fix is reportedly on the way. While the hardware shows great promise, the software's limitations hinder its full potential, making it a product in need of refinement rather than a definitive solution for live mixing.

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Presonus CS18AI, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
chester_park

chester_park

Gear IQ 126

More PreSonus Accessories

Presonus HP60

$289.00 - $356.99

# 18

Rank

 
Dangerous Music D-BOX

$2,499.00 - $2,899.00

# 1

Rank

Owl City Tycho Fjaak
10 artists using
API 500 Rack

$991.00 - $995.00

# 15

Rank

Peter Gabriel Rhett Shull Fjaak
7 artists using
API 550b lunchbox 4b

$1,230.25 - $1,295.00

# 16

Rank

Tommy Lee Butch Vig Josh Benton
3 artists using
Zoom RC4

$27.99 - $39.99

# 21

Rank

 
Fredestein Bento 6S

$325.00 - $367.81

# 23

Rank

Lonas
1 artist using

Accessories & Related Items

Artist usage

Similar