Questions & Answers

Please fix two lingering lockup issues with the classic 16.4.2 mixers

+6 votes
1,280 views
asked Dec 12, 2015 in Classic Mixers by SwitchBack (2,670 points)

Two issues make the classic 16.4.2s less reliable than they could/should be:

The pinned GR meter issue. It is easy to get the boot up of the mixer wrong especially when linking to a computer, e.g. by booting the computer before the mixer completed boot-up. When that happens the top right-hand GR meter gets pinned, either immediately or within a hour or so, and all audio is killed. Toggling the mixer's link ID restores operation but it shouldn't happen in the first place.

The load freeze issue. When 'Load' is active, to load FAT settings, the mixer becomes susceptible to 'outside influences' (esd? ground noise? ...?) making the mixer's surface completely lock up with a very typical pattern of lit and unlit buttons when 'Load' is deselected. It is easily demonstrated by selecting 'Load' on a 16.4.2 linked to a computer, then power down the computer (wait until the mixer resumes operation) and then deselect 'Load'. But it can happen randomly during normal operation whenever the mixer is linked to a computer, and was also reported stand-alone in combination with the use of the mixer's tape inputs. The only way to unlock the mixer is by power-cycling which means a complete system reboot. Disastrous in a live situation.

Even though the classic 16.4.2 is a discontinued product there are still lots of them out there and in operation. Also, the two issues are not due to old age but were already there before the mixers were discontinued. Please vote if you want these issues fixed.

System info:

- classic 16.4.2 on latest firmware and latest version of UC (MBP and Windows laptop)

- the issues occur both with Mac and PC independent of OS (though Mac seems less susceptible to GR pinning).

commented Dec 12, 2015 by gadget69 (31,130 points)
I know you already know this, but the correct sequence, and the reasoning behind it are, Boot the mixer (it syncs to itself) boot computer (it takes control of the mixer).

1 Answer

0 votes
answered Dec 14, 2015 by AlexTinsley (925,410 points)

We appreciate it that you have provided answers in your question as to the work arounds for the issues that may arise. 

PreSonus tracks feature requests alongside reported "bugs" from the field for all products including the 1st Generation StudioLive 16.4.2 and 24.4.2 which help to drive Maintenance releases which are prioritized by severity for current shipping products. 

No firmware updates to these mixers are currently planned. We are still working to maintain the support for Windows and Mac OS X and iOS for VSL Remote and QMix.

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