Presonus AIR series loudspeakers will blow you away!

By now, you most likely have heard of the new Presonus AIR series loudspeakers. They offer three top speakers; The AIR10, AIR12, and AIR15. These can be mounted on stands, flown, wall mounted, or even use them as a monitor wedge. Pair them with the AIR15s and AIR18S subwoofers, and you have the perfect portable system – that not only isn't going to break the bank, but can fit in the back of almost any car.

Presonus AIR12

This past Wednesday (10/5/16) our friend Johnny, from Presonus, stopped by the FEA offices to give us hands on with the AIR speakers. We must say, that they are quite impressive. These speakers have depth and punch in the lows, a forward and balanced (rich) mid range, and plenty of clarity and presence – without being hard. The multiple DSP settings allow you to tailor the speakers performace for the application you are using them in. These settings are: “FOH – front of house” for a flat setting, “DJ” – for that punchy smiley face dance sound, “Monitor” – for stage wedge use, and “Speech” - for speaking/presentation. These setting are very effective in providing the focus and performance you need – depending on your situation. A set up of AIR speakers, with the AIR subs, and a StudioLive AR hybrid mixer – that is a powerful and flexible PA system, that can be portable (for a DJ, local/regional band, or freelance engineer), or used as a main install in a smaller house of worship or presentation hall.

StudioLive AR12

I mention the Presonus StudioLive AR mixer, because Johnny brought that too. Again, another solid and flexible product from Presonus. Not only does it function as a standard Analog mixer, but it is also a USB interface for recording multi-tack to a PC/MAC. It also features an SD card slot for stereo track recording right on the board! What an easy and convenient way to track a presentation, live performance, or rehearsal! Not to mention these mixers can be paired with a smart phone (via Bluetooth). That's a cool way to play backing tracks, or your favorite music during intermission (which by the way, you can playback tracks of the SD card as well). Oh, and I shouldn't for get to mention that they provide high quality built-in effects with 16 presets.

Now, in the picture of the StudioLive AR, you probably noticed the StudioLive RML16 AI. Johnny brought that too. If the AIR speakers and the SutioLive AR wasn't cool enough, the RML AI racks are where Presonus continues to flex their muscles. Available in a 16 or a 32 version, these pull multiple duty – and with grace and ease. They are digital networking racks, that are your mixer as well. You can control them with the Presonus UC Surface software (on an iPad or Windows [8-10] device), or the Presonus CS AI hardware control surfaces. Everything is networked over AVB (ethernet), and expandable with a wireless router and AVB switch. But not only are these your stage box and mixer, they also double as an audio interface! So you can take this on the road to record a band, and you are literally taking your studio with you. When you get back to your studio, simple hook everything up to your MAC/PC, load everything into Studio One, and get to mixing. Or knock out some overdubs if you need to. When on the road, this system is your studio. It's such a cool design! Up to two of RML AI racks can be cascaded, so you'll have no problem getting the IO you need.

We had a blast having Johnny here with all thus great Presonus gear. It was as fun as it was impressive. While Presonus has been around for a while, where they are going just might surprise you. They are definitely not pulling punches, and are helping lead the future of audio. On top of it all, they are still good down to earth people. I'll leave you with the great, and absolutely hilarious promotional video for the Presonus AIR speakers. Shot right in the offices of Presonus in Louisiana. I think Johnny's bit at the very end is the highlight.