[NAMM] PreSonus StudioLive AI-Series Loudspeakers

All StudioLive AI-series speakers incorporate Fulcrum Acoustic’s TQ™ Temporal Equalization algorithms and onboard DSP. TQ employs multiple, fully addressable Finite Impulse Response (FIR) filters to eliminate horn reflections and to correct linear time and amplitude anomalies

The AI-speakers also integrate Active Integration technology which combines wireless and wired networking and communications with the DSP.

All StudioLive AI-series loudspeakers include a USB Wi-Fi module to connect to SL Room Control software over a wireless network. SL Room Control is an system-configuration application for Mac OS X, Windows, and iPad that provides both individual and grouped speaker control and includes a 31-band graphic EQ and an 8-band parametric EQ, muting, soloing, and level control, in addition to performance monitoring (over temperature, click detection, and excursions). A network-setup wizard is also included to quickly connect each speaker to your wireless network. An included Ethernet port on each speaker can be replaced with an AVB option card, which is expected to available in late 2013.

Full-range AI-series loudspeakers are available in three configurations. Each compact, powered, 3-way loudspeaker relies on a custom-designed, 8-inch coaxial speaker with a 1.75-inch titanium compression driver to reproduce the mid and high frequencies. The triamplified, Class D power amplifiers in each model (quad-amped in the 328AI) deliver a combined 2,000 watts of power. 

The StudioLive 312AI comes equipped with a 12-inch ferrite speaker to handle low-frequency reproduction.

Featuring dual 8-inch ferrite speakers for low-frequency reproduction, the StudioLive 328AI delivers full-range, high-powered performance, yet is streamlined and compact- just right for the club that needs a compact PA with the frequency range, sound, and power of a large system.

For the large venue that needs a bigger low-end, the StudioLive 315AI provides 3-way coverage, with a 15-inch speaker for the lows.

Each full-range system has a combo XLR/TRS line input and an XLR microphone input with an XMAX Class A mic preamplifier and 12V phantom power, as well as an XLR audio throughput. The full-range speaker systems are pole-mountable and have two ergonomic side handles, interlocking stacking, and M10 fly points. All enclosures are of plywood construction. Three operation modes allow the user to choose DSP presets for their application, such as MP3 playback, live performance, or stage monitoring. Users can also create a custom preset using SL Room Control and store it onboard for use later.

In addition to the full-range, 3-way systems, PreSonus is offering the StudioLive 18sAI, a powered, 18-inch, ferrite subwoofer designed to complement the full-range StudioLive AI speakers while still being flexible enough to work with other powered loudspeakers. A 1,000W amplifier powers the subwoofer. The StudioLive 18sAI offers stereo line inputs (XLR/¼-inch combo) and full-range stereo line outputs (XLR) that can be summed to mono. An alignment delay can be set to 0, 2, or 4 feet, allowing the subwoofer to combine with a full-range system.

Each full-range, three-way speaker system includes a switch that engages an External Subwoofer mode. In this mode, a custom low-cut filter ensures that the bottom frequency range of the woofer and the top range of the StudioLive 18sAI subwoofer overlap, and an alignment delay and phase correction are enabled, creating a true time- and phase-aligned, four-way system.

The StudioLive 18sAI subwoofer offers an additional alignment delay that can be set to 0, 2, or 4 feet, allowing the full-range system to be placed on the subwoofer pole (the 0 setting) or with the subwoofer in front, or with the full-range system onstage and the subwoofer on the floor. 

Custom accessories for the AI-series speakers include a mountable Sub Dolly and a Sub Pole to mount a full-range system atop the 18sAI. An M10 Kit, which contains four M10 eyebolts, lets you fly any full-range model in a permanent installation. Protective covers for the 312AI, 328AI, 315AI, and 18sAI are also available.

All models are expected to ship late in the first quarter of 2013. Full specifications are available on www.presonus.com/products/live-sound-reinforcement.