PreSonus’s implementation of AVB (Audio Video Bridging) technology transforms how churches manage distributed audio systems. Rather than running multiple analog cables from a stage location to your mixing console, a single Gigabit Ethernet connection carries audio with professional quality and minimal latency. This guide walks you through configuring AVB networking between your StudioLive 16R stage box and your main mixing console.
Understanding AVB in the PreSonus Ecosystem
AVB is an industry standard for audio networking over Ethernet. PreSonus implements it in professional-grade consoles like the StudioLive 32S. When you connect a StudioLive 16R stage box to an AVB-enabled main console, the 16R’s 16 processed audio outputs become available as inputs to the main console over a single Gigabit Ethernet connection.
This architecture is remarkably flexible. Your stage location needs only a single network cable—no multiple analog audio cables snaking through your facility. Your main console operator receives the 16R’s pre-processed audio as if it were local inputs, with negligible latency.
Physical Network Infrastructure
Before configuring AVB, ensure you have proper network infrastructure. You need Gigabit Ethernet switches capable of handling AVB’s specific requirements. Consumer-grade network equipment might not provide the performance AVB demands.
Invest in AVB-capable professional networking switches positioned between your stage 16R and your main console location. These switches prioritize audio traffic, ensuring that other network activity doesn’t interfere with your audio streams.
Run Gigabit Ethernet cabling from your stage box location to your main mixing location. Depending on your facility size, this might involve running cables through ceiling spaces, walls, or cable trays. Professional cable installation ensures reliability and longevity.
Configuring the StudioLive 16R for AVB
On the StudioLive 16R, navigate to its network settings. You’ll specify that you want to operate in AVB mode. The 16R will generate a unique AVB identifier (its GUID) that the main console uses to recognize it.
Set the 16R’s network addressing. Most configurations use DHCP for automatic IP assignment, though some prefer static IP addresses for network predictability. Document your network settings for future reference.
Configuring Your Main Console for AVB
On your main mixing console (typically a StudioLive 32S or similar AVB-enabled device), navigate to its network settings and enable AVB. The console will search for available AVB devices on your network.
Within moments, your StudioLive 16R should appear in the list of available AVB devices. Select it to establish the connection. The console will establish a connection and begin making the 16R’s audio available.
Verifying AVB Connection
Once properly configured, your main console should display the StudioLive 16R as a connected AVB device. Navigate to your input channel pool and you should see the 16R’s 16 channels available for assignment.
Assign the 16R’s outputs to input channels on your main console. Typically, you’d route the 16R’s channels to your main mix in the same way you’d route local analog inputs.
Assigning StudioLive 16R Outputs to Main Console Inputs
In your main console’s mixing software or interface, you assign each 16R output to the main console’s input channels. This routing determines which 16R sources appear as input channels on the main console.
You might assign the 16R’s stereo main output (which combines all 16 stage inputs) to a pair of main console input channels. Alternatively, you might route specific 16R outputs—say, vocal channels or instrumental channels—to specific main console input assignments for more granular control.
Testing AVB Connection Stability
Before depending on AVB for live services, test the connection thoroughly. Have your stage technical person speak into microphones connected to the 16R while observing the audio in the main console.
Do the 16R’s inputs appear in the main console with appropriate levels? Is there any audio latency you can perceive? Does the connection remain stable over extended operation?
Run a full service rehearsal with AVB engaged. Operate normally, watch for any glitches or disconnections. AVB is remarkably stable, but testing builds confidence before live services.
Expanding Your AVB Network
Your initial setup might be a single StudioLive 16R feeding a StudioLive 32S main console. As your church grows, you can add additional StudioLive devices to your AVB network.
Add a second StudioLive 16R in a different worship space. Add wireless microphone receivers with AVB outputs. Add networked speakers or other PreSonus devices. Your AVB network scales to support increasingly complex audio architectures.
Network Monitoring and Maintenance
Periodically verify that your AVB connection remains healthy. Most consoles provide network status information showing connected AVB devices and their status. If a device disappears from this list, investigate network connectivity.
Check that your Gigabit Ethernet cables remain securely connected at both ends. Occasionally inspect cables for damage. Keep your network switches powered and operating properly.
Backup Network Paths
For critical installations, consider implementing redundant network paths. Some professional facilities run dual Gigabit Ethernet connections between stage and mixing locations. If one connection fails, audio automatically routes through the backup path.
Implementing redundancy requires additional network equipment and configuration complexity, but it provides near-bulletproof reliability for installations where audio failure would be catastrophic.
Coordinating AVB with Overall System Design
Your StudioLive 16R’s AVB connection represents just one component of your overall system. Consider how this networked stage box integrates with your main console, your monitoring infrastructure, and your broadcast systems.
Some churches use the 16R for source processing and AVB delivery of main stage audio, while using traditional analog monitor outputs from the 16R for physical stage monitor speakers. This hybrid approach leverages each technology’s strengths.
Documentation and Troubleshooting
Document your AVB configuration thoroughly. Create a network diagram showing your 16R, main console, switches, and cabling. Document IP addresses, device GUIDs, and routing assignments. This documentation makes future troubleshooting much faster.
If AVB connectivity issues occur, verify that all network cables are properly connected, Gigabit Ethernet switches are powered and functioning, and both your 16R and main console are properly configured for AVB operation.
Your PreSonus StudioLive 16R with AVB networking now provides professional-grade distributed audio infrastructure. This networked approach enables churches to scale their audio systems from single-location setups to complex, multi-room facilities without proportional increases in cable complexity or infrastructure cost.