StudioLive CS18AI Ethernet/AVB Control Surface with 18 Touch-Sensitive Moving Faders

The StudioLive CS18AI mix controller is a versatile, scalable, modular control surface for PreSonus StudioLive RM16AI or RM32AI actively integrated, rackmount digital mixers and the Studio One digital audio workstation. Networked with StudioLive RM-series mixers via AVB Ethernet and PreSonus UCNET technology, the CS18AI enables complete hardware control of all mixer features. With a CS18AI combined together with a StudioLive RM mixer, you can keep your mixing I/O on stage in a rack, while running the mix from hundreds of feet way via a lightweight Ethernet cable”eliminating the need for a cumbersome analog snake and a separate stagebox. In addition to mixing with the CS18AIs touch-sensitive motorized faders, a StudioLive RM as your mix core allows you to integrate an iPad, a large Windows 8 touch screen, or a combination of them all for an unprecedented mixing and control environment.

The 19", rack-mountable StudioLive CS18AI has the same footprint as a StudioLive 16.4.2AI console but features 18 touch sensitive motorized faders to control up to 64 input channels (when used with two cascaded StudioLive RM-series mixers) and the mixers Fat Channel processing section. An RGB Channel Select button makes it easy to identify and switch between channels and the CS18AI also features a 16-channel scribble-strip display and a 4.3" color touch screen.

PreSonus mixers have always supported traditional œlayer workflows for mixing, but many users have reported that they find this œindustry-standard way of doing things to be overly complicated. With StudioLive RM Mixers, and now the CS18AI, PreSonus has introduced Filter DCA Groups, a new way to navigate and control large mixes.

The StudioLive CS18AI can be integrated within an ecosystem of compatible PreSonus applications to create a custom configuration to meet your individual needs. Control StudioLive RM mixers with multiple devices simultaneously by using the CS18AI concurrently with PreSonus UC Surface control software for Mac, Windows, and iPad and QMix-AI personal monitor-control software for iPhone/iPod touch. UC Surface integrates directly with the CS18AI as an extension to the physical controller, providing complementary views for the selected channel strip, full metering, and scene recall. The CS18AI offers direct Capture control for live recording and virtual sound checks, and will also work as a control surface for Studio One (Q3, 2015)

In addition to handling control data, the StudioLive CS18AIs AVB Ethernet connection passes audio. The controller has two mic inputs with recallable XMAX preamps and two balanced TRS line inputs enabling the CS18AI to handle talkback, room mic and other local inputs such as 2-track playback. There are also two channels of digital returns from the RM mixer that can carry signals from the solo bus, main mix, or any aux mixes to feed the two balanced TRS monitor and headphone outputs.

Lastly, because the StudioLive CS18AIs motorized faders are touch-sensitive, you dont have to move a fader for it to recognize its being touched, and you can view the fader value without changing it. When used as a control surface for Studio One (Q3, 2015), this will enable you to write automation using touch-and-latch methods that know when you touch and release a fader.