HP60 vs StudioLive Mixers: Choosing a Headphone Mixing System

Quick answer

Choose the PreSonus HP60 if your only job is giving up to six musicians independent, loud, clear headphone mixes from a single stereo source. Choose the StudioLive AR16c if you need to mix and record a full band and can accept fewer simultaneous headphone mixes. The HP60 is a dedicated 6-channel headphone distribution system; the AR16c is a hybrid analog mixer with a USB audio interface, not a standalone headphone amp.

What each product actually is

The PreSonus HP60 is a 6-channel headphone mixing system. Each of its six headphone amps has its own level control and is described by PreSonus as louder than you'll ever need, yet crystal clear. It also provides two sets of inputs, so you can feed it from a mixer, interface, or monitor controller without repatching.

The StudioLive AR16c is an analog mixer built to record. It has a pristine analog front end with 12 high-gain XMAX mic preamps and an 18x4, 24-bit, 96 kHz USB-C compatible USB 2.0 audio interface. Its headphone monitoring is a feature of the mixer, not its primary purpose.

Headphone mix count and control

If your band needs six separate headphone mixes with individual level control, the HP60 is the direct answer. It solves a host of common headphone-monitoring issues because it is a field-tested, easy-to-use distribution system rather than a general-purpose mixer.

The AR16c is designed to mix and record 12 mic-level sources. It can monitor headphones, but it does not provide six independent headphone mixes with individual level controls. For a band where each player wants a different blend, that difference matters more than channel count.

Recording and routing trade-offs

The AR16c records 18x4 at 24-bit, 96 kHz over USB-C. It includes a musical 3-band analog EQ and mic/line boost for low-level sources including vintage synths. If you need to capture a multitrack session and provide monitoring, the AR16c covers both jobs in one box.

The HP60 does not record. It takes a stereo or two-source feed and distributes it to six headphones. That focus is the point: less routing to learn, fewer settings to accidentally change, and a fast setup for rehearsal or tracking when the recording rig is already handled elsewhere.

Monitoring controller and rack options

If your studio already has a monitor controller, the Central Station PLUS can switch between multiple sets of monitors and multiple analog and digital sources with a passive signal path and S/PDIF inputs with 24-bit, 192 kHz D/A converters. It is not a headphone distribution system, but it can feed the HP60 cleanly.

For rack mounting, the NSB 16.8 Rack Kit mounts an NSB 16.8 securely to any standard 19-inch rack unit and includes Cat6 patch cables to bring RJ45 connections to the front. It is specific to the NSB 16.8, so it is not a universal HP60 or AR16c accessory.

Trade-offs to weigh

• Dedicated headphone distribution vs. all-in-one recording: The HP60 gives six independent headphone mixes with individual level control. The AR16c gives you 12 mic preamps and 18x4 USB recording, but fewer headphone mixes. Pick based on whether the priority is six headphone mixes or recording the full band.
• Setup simplicity vs. routing flexibility: The HP60 accepts two sets of inputs and distributes them; the AR16c routes 12 mic inputs, EQ, and USB returns. More routing options mean more decisions during setup. For fast rehearsals, the HP60 is quicker; for studio sessions, the AR16c earns its complexity.
• Recording capability vs. headphone-only focus: The AR16c records at 24-bit, 96 kHz over USB-C. The HP60 does not record at all. If you already have an interface, the HP60 fills the headphone gap without duplicating recording gear.

Key product facts

• HP60 6-Channel Headphone Mixing Systems: Each of the HP60's six headphone amps has its own level control and is louder than you'll ever need, yet crystal clear. Six musicians can set their own volume without asking the engineer to adjust a shared feed.
• StudioLive AR16c Analog Mixer: The StudioLive AR16c has 12 high-gain XMAX mic preamps and an 18x4, 24-bit, 96 kHz USB-C compatible USB 2.0 audio interface. It can track a full band and send audio to a computer, but its headphone outputs are not six independent mixes.

Which should you choose?

Best for

• Bands that need up to six independent headphone mixes with individual level control
• Studios that already have a recording interface and need a dedicated headphone distribution system
• Rehearsal spaces where fast, reliable headphone monitoring matters more than recording

Not for

• Users who need to record 12 mic sources and mix them in one box — choose the StudioLive AR16c
• Anyone who needs a monitor controller with multiple speaker and source switching — consider the Central Station PLUS instead
• Setup where a single shared headphone mix is sufficient