It's been a while since we've seen any evolution of the brand's range of StudioLive mixers, last updated in 2019 with the new models in the Series III. Still, the mixers remain an excellent design for bands thanks to their built-in USB multichannel interface and bundled with a powerful software suite — including Studio One Pro, Capture, and Universal Control.
Anyway, since the existing PreSonus stage boxes still ensured working systems, the systems continue to be fully functional, and it's always possible to feed the multichannel outputs to a Dante stage box in large productions. PreSonus is also one of the very few brands left still offering dedicated AVB network switch and bridge units. The reason why AVB failed to gain any traction is that unlike existing audio-over-IP standards, AVB only worked with dedicated network switchers and routers, which manufacturers of standard networking equipment no longer support (only Cisco did at some point).
The refreshed 2025 range of Special-Edition StudioLive Digital Mixers will be available again in the SE 16, 24, and 32 models, offering a nearly infinite mix configuration and equipped with an arsenal of studio-quality audio processors and effects. The mixers' Integrated Recording capability continues to offer a unique 64x64 bidirectional USB audio interface that makes recording individual channels and routing to plug-in racks effortless, while allowing uninterrupted performance recording via Capture software or the onboard multitrack SD card. Flexible Routing offers any of four available sources (analog, network, USB, and SD card) to be patched to any channel and switched at the press of a button.
According to PreSonus, the new line of StudioLive Series III SE Digital Mixers offers a comprehensive solution for musicians and bands, with features like Virtual soundcheck and FlexMixes that provide flexibility to individually configure Aux, Subgroup, and Matrix mixes to create over 20 distinct routing configurations, in addition to a dedicated stereo main output. Metro remote access gives users full control of settings, routing, levels, and effects processing over an Internet connection — while delivering low-latency audio monitoring directly from a local device. And users can create tailored fader layouts for quick access to critical channels and lock EQ, dynamics, gain staging, scenes, projects, and level limits, ideal for less experienced operators.
"We’re excited to launch the new special edition StudioLive Digital Mixers," says Adrian Haselhuber, VP of PreSonus Hardware. "We designed these mixers specifically to address the real-world challenges audio engineers and musicians face during live performances. These powerful mixers come packed with innovative features, including an entire software package to get started recording quickly and easily."
Additionally, StudioLive SE mixers have new ergonomic improvements, an expanded reverb parameter set with pro-level depth and precise sonic control, upgraded analog-modeled EQs and compressors, plus a new variable release on the Fat Channel limiter for even more tonal sculpting. For those with existing StudioLive Series III Digital Console and Rack Mixers, this release delivers a free firmware update that includes every new DSP and audio networking feature addition plus over 40 improvements to ensure optimized performance and rock-solid stability.
As stated, since these are one of the few last remaining AVB-based solutions available, PreSonus is expanding the possibilities of this StudioLive Series III SE Digital Mixers with an update to make sure the mixers will work with new Milan-AVB audio networking solutions. Milan is a new proprietary protocol developed as an effort to integrate the existing AVB-based audio networking systems from L-Acoustics, Meyer Sound, d&b audiotechnik, and Avid, which remain closed, only working with systems from each brand, and not allowing any form of interoperability - which those manufacturers prefer anyway.
Milan is a remarkable engineering effort that tries to build upon these systems, trying to create some level of compatibility (including control, which remains an effort under development). In order to work, this requires third-party Milan certification of every piece of equipment to ensure that the original advantages of low-latency, time-aligned AVB audio networking remain valid (advantages that have meanwhile superseded by modern, IP-based audio networking technologies).
With this new StudioLive Series III SE Digital Mixers, PreSonus ensured these are Milan-certified systems and can route audio with compatible equipment. A free companion firmware release also adds Milan-certified AVB networking for the existing PreSonus StudioLive Series III ecosystem products (NSB Stage Boxes, EarMix Personal Monitor Mixer, and AVB-D16 Dante Bridge), which is a noble effort, protecting existing investments.
These new mixers also have affordable prices for their features. The StudioLive SE 16 retails for $1,999.99 USD, the StudioLive SE 24 sells for $2,999.99 USD, and the larger StudioLive SE 32 is available for $3,499.99 USD.
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