PreSonus Studiolive 16.4.2

4.5 (13)

3 Critic Reviews

3 Reviews

Find out who is using Presonus Studiolive 16.4.2

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Page last updated Jun 03, 2026

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Price

Average Price: $350

Standard/Professional

$200

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Mixers category, Presonus Studiolive 16.4.2 is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Description

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The PreSonus StudioLive 16.4.2 is your ultimate partner for seamless live and studio performances. This robust 16-channel digital mixer brings together advanced technology and intuitive design to offer musicians, producers, and sound engineers a versatile tool that fits perfectly into any creative workflow. Featuring an effortless setup and a user-friendly interface, the StudioLive 16.4.2 makes it easy to get the sound you want without the usual technical headaches.

With PreSonus’ acclaimed Fat Channel processing on every channel, you can shape your sound with EQ, dynamics, and more, all within a streamlined layout. The mixer’s integrated FireWire interface allows for multi-track recording and playback, making it a standout choice for those looking to capture high-quality audio with precision and clarity. Whether you're on stage or in the studio, the StudioLive 16.4.2 offers the flexibility and reliability you need to make every performance shine.

Key Features:

16 Class A XMAX mic preamps for pristine audio quality
Fat Channel processing with EQ and dynamics on every channel
Integrated FireWire interface for multi-track recording and playback
4 subgroups with 4 dedicated mix buses
6 aux sends for monitor mixes or effects
Scene and setting recall capability for quick setup changes
Rugged construction for dependable performance in any environment

Product specs

Brand	PreSonus
Model	StudioLive 16.4.2
Finish	Silver
Year	2010s
Made In	United States
Categories	Audio Interfaces, Audio Mixers, Consoles and Summing Boxes

FAQs

Does the PreSonus StudioLive 16.4.2 have motorized faders?: No, the PreSonus StudioLive 16.4.2 does not feature motorized faders.
How can I connect the PreSonus StudioLive 16.4.2 to my computer?: You can connect the PreSonus StudioLive 16.4.2 to your computer using Ethernet cables. Connect a CAT5e or CAT6 cable from your computer's Ethernet port to a LAN port on an Ethernet router, and another from the router to the Control port on the mixer's rear panel.
What types of outputs does the PreSonus StudioLive 16.4.2 offer?: The PreSonus StudioLive 16.4.2 provides main outputs on both XLR and balanced ¼" jacks, a full-range XLR Mono output, balanced ¼" jacks for subgroup, aux send, and control room outputs, and RCA jacks for stereo tape sends and returns.
Is the PreSonus StudioLive 16.4.2 suitable for live sound applications?: Yes, the PreSonus StudioLive 16.4.2 is designed for both studio and live sound applications, offering a range of outputs and features suitable for various audio environments.
Can the PreSonus StudioLive 16.4.2 be used as a DAW controller?: The PreSonus StudioLive 16.4.2 does not have motorized faders or specific DAW control functionality, so it is not primarily designed to be used as a DAW controller.

Videos

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CCI Solutions

PreSonus StudioLive 16.4.2 Digital Audio Sound Mixer - Review

CCI Solutions

Sweetwater - PreSonus StudioLive 16.4.2 Demo

Sweetwater

PreSonus Studio Live 16.4.2 Added Features - Sweetwater

Sweetwater

PreSonus StudioLive 16.4.2 Digital Mixer Review - TheRecordingRevolution.com

recordingrevolution

audioMIDI.com Presents The Presonus StudioLive 16.4.2

audiomidicom

PreSonus StudioLive 16.4.2 - SL Remote / QMix Apps for iPad, iPhone

Austin Bazaar

PreSonus StudioLive 16.4.2 Digital Mixer Overview | Full Compass

Full Compass

Reviews

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PROS

Excellent sound quality for both studio and live use
Effective DAW integration for seamless recording and mixing
Versatile connectivity with multiple devices (e.g., Macbook, laptop)
Performs well with digital audio software like Ableton Live
Reliable performance with updated operating systems (e.g., Yosemite)

CONS

Initial setup can be challenging and not very intuitive
Some issues with internet streaming audio quality

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Presonus Studiolive 16.4.2.

Features and functionality

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The Presonus 16.4.2 offers six aux sends and four subgroups, plus a 31-band graphic EQ per aux, which is uncommon for mixers in its price range.
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User experience

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Owners have reported frequent crashes during live shows, necessitating hard restarts, impacting reliability and live performance suitability.
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0 0

Owners report challenging experiences with Presonus support, citing poor customer service and costly repairs.
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Some users face issues with defective units and prolonged repair times, leading to negative experiences with product reliability.
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Comparisons

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Users often compare the Presonus 16.4.2 to the Behringer XR18, noting the Presonus has better preamps, but the XR18 is more reliable.
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Software and compatibility

0 0

Connecting an iPad using the Universal Control app enhances usability and adds wireless control, which is recommended for better functionality.
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0 0

Ableton users find the mixer acts as a sound card/interface, enabling mixing levels but without DAW control.
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Use cases and applications

0 0

Suitable for small venues or rehearsal spaces due to its affordability and basic digital features, despite reliability concerns in high-stakes live environments.
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Build quality

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The screen visibility is poor in daylight, and the unit runs hot, which may affect performance in certain settings.
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Critic Reviews

PreSonus StudioLive 16:4:2

soundonsound.com

The PreSonus StudioLive 16.4.2 shines as a versatile digital mixer, excelling in both live sound and studio recording environments. Its robust build, intuitive interface, and extensive 'Fat Channel' DSP processing make it a strong contender for those needing a dual-purpose mixer. The XMAX preamps are particularly commendable, offering clear, open sound ideal for a range of instruments. However, it stumbles slightly with its clunky solo and Scene recall functions, limited mix processing flexibility, and high software monitoring latency. Overall, this mixer is a solid choice for those seeking reliability and ease of use in dynamic settings.

positive

Full Review

Presonus StudioLive 16.4.2 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The PreSonus StudioLive 16.4.2 is a versatile digital mixer that excels in both studio and live settings. Its ergonomic design and comprehensive features, including FireWire I/O and a Fat Channel for dynamic control, make it a solid choice for multitasking environments. However, it lacks motorized faders and a true one-knob-per-function setup, which could be a setback for those seeking full digital convenience. Despite these drawbacks, its ease of use, quality preamps, and ability to serve various functions make it a commendable option for musicians and sound engineers.

positive

Full Review

PreSonus: StudioLive 16.4.2 digital mixer | Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 13 Ratings

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m16_gaming

127

almost 7 years ago

I Really liked that mixer , even for studio use

Just to clarify , I got a fat discount on that mixer new so i couldnt resist :P And im really happy about this choice! First of all i thought the sound going to be PA ish , but its not!! its a really quality mixer even for studio use i run my mic and other devices like my macbook and my laptop and output to my monitors but generally i use the DAW function most of the time which is neat.

wivariders

261

over 11 years ago

Best low-end digital mixer.

We use this with Ableton Live, and at first it was a bit rocky, and not very intuitive to set up. But now its a steam engine. Didn't like internet streaming audio at first, but have had no problems with Yosemite. Has been great to record our V-Drums.