PreSonus FaderPort 16 – 16-Channel DAW Mix Production Controller with Motorized Faders

Bring the hands-on experience of a mixing console to your computer-based studio.

The PreSonus FaderPort 16 is a professional 16-channel DAW control surface designed for producers, recording engineers, mixing engineers, musicians and content creators who want tactile control over their music-production software.

Featuring 16 touch-sensitive, motorized 100mm faders, 16 high-resolution channel displays, extensive transport and session controls, automation functions and deep DAW integration, FaderPort 16 lets you reach for a physical fader instead of relying on a mouse for every mix decision.

Whether you're balancing a multitrack recording, riding vocal automation, navigating a large session or controlling plugins and sends, FaderPort 16 is designed to make computer-based mixing faster, more intuitive and more hands-on.

How Does the PreSonus FaderPort 16 Work?

FaderPort 16 is a DAW controller, not an audio interface.

It connects to your computer and communicates with compatible recording software, giving you physical control over functions inside your DAW.

Move a fader on the FaderPort and the corresponding software fader moves.

Change levels inside your session and the motorized hardware faders automatically reposition themselves to reflect the current mix.

Press Play, Stop or Record and your DAW responds.

Select tracks, manage automation, control pans, access sends and navigate your session directly from the hardware.

Your audio still passes through your computer, audio interface and monitoring system—the FaderPort controls the software.

16 Motorized 100mm Faders

The centerpiece of FaderPort 16 is its bank of 16 touch-sensitive, motorized 100mm faders.

Motorized faders provide an enormous workflow advantage when working with large sessions.

Open an existing project and the faders automatically move to reflect your saved mix.

Switch to another bank of tracks and they reposition to match those channels.

Play back automation and watch the physical faders follow the recorded movements.

Touch a fader and make your own automation changes by hand.

For engineers accustomed to working on traditional consoles, this provides a much more natural connection to a digital mix.

Mix 16 Channels at Once

Instead of adjusting one track at a time with a mouse, FaderPort 16 puts 16 physical channel faders directly beneath your hands.

This makes it easier to balance groups of instruments together.

Ride the drums while adjusting bass.

Balance background vocals against the lead vocal.

Control an orchestral section with multiple fingers.

Shape an entire mix as a performance rather than a series of individual mouse movements.

For larger recording sessions, the difference can be substantial.

16 High-Resolution Channel Displays

Each fader is paired with a high-resolution display that provides important visual feedback.

Depending on your DAW and operating mode, the displays can show information such as track names, channel information, parameter values and other relevant session data.

This helps you stay focused on the control surface instead of continually searching the computer screen to determine which track you're adjusting.

Touch-Sensitive Faders for Automation

Automation is one of the areas where physical faders can dramatically improve workflow.

Instead of drawing every level change into a DAW, you can physically perform automation moves.

Ride a lead vocal.

Bring guitars forward during a chorus.

Control dialogue levels.

Shape an effects return.

Balance orchestral dynamics.

The touch-sensitive faders allow compatible software to recognize when you're physically interacting with a control, creating a more natural automation workflow.

Session Navigator

FaderPort 16 provides a dedicated Session Navigator for controlling important DAW functions from the hardware.

Depending on the selected mode and compatible software, the encoder and surrounding controls can provide rapid access to functions such as:

• Track scrolling

• Timeline navigation

• Zoom

• Marker navigation

• Master level

• Pan

• Additional session functions

This reduces the need to constantly move between your control surface, mouse and computer keyboard.

Dedicated Transport Controls

Frequently used recording controls are immediately accessible.

Use dedicated hardware controls for functions such as:

• Play

• Stop

• Record

• Loop

• Rewind

• Fast Forward

• Session navigation

For recording engineers, this can make tracking sessions significantly more fluid.

Instead of locating an on-screen button every time you want to record another take, the transport controls remain directly beneath your hands.

Solo, Mute & Channel Selection

Dedicated channel controls provide rapid access to essential mixing functions.

Solo a track when you need to hear it independently.

Mute channels while comparing arrangements or troubleshooting a mix.

Select a channel to access additional parameters and functions.

These are simple controls, but they're among the commands engineers use constantly throughout a session.

Professional Automation Controls

FaderPort 16 provides dedicated access to compatible automation modes.

Depending on your DAW, this can make it easier to move between automation workflows without repeatedly opening software menus.

For mixing engineers who perform large amounts of automation, dedicated hardware controls can save significant time over the course of a project.

Control More Than Volume

The FaderPort isn't limited to channel levels.

Its controls can interact with additional compatible DAW parameters such as:

• Pan

• Sends

• Plugin parameters

• Track functions

• Automation

• Session navigation

• Additional software commands

The exact functionality depends on your DAW and control protocol, but the goal is to bring frequently used production functions out of the computer and onto the physical workspace.

Deep Studio One Integration

FaderPort 16 offers particularly deep integration with PreSonus Studio One, giving Studio One users extensive control over recording, mixing and session functions.

The hardware and software are designed to work together as an integrated production environment.

For musicians already using Studio One, this can make FaderPort 16 an especially powerful addition to the studio.

Compatible with Multiple DAWs

FaderPort 16 isn't limited exclusively to Studio One.

Support for established control protocols allows integration with a variety of compatible DAWs.

Depending on your software and system configuration, this can include applications supporting protocols such as Mackie Control Universal and HUI.

Always verify current compatibility with your specific DAW, operating system and software version before purchase.

Footswitch Connectivity

A footswitch input provides another useful option for hands-free control.

Depending on your workflow and configuration, a compatible footswitch can be used for functions such as recording punch-in/punch-out, giving musicians another way to control a session while their hands remain on an instrument.

Compact Alternative to a Large Console

Traditional mixing consoles can require a tremendous amount of studio space.

FaderPort 16 provides 16 full-size motorized faders and extensive DAW control in a comparatively compact desktop format.

This makes it particularly attractive for:

• Home studios

• Professional recording studios

• Production rooms

• Mixing suites

• Educational facilities

• Podcast studios

• Content-production rooms

• Mobile production systems

You get the tactile benefits of a physical control surface without requiring the footprint of a traditional large-format console.

Key Features & Specifications

Type: Professional 16-channel DAW control surface
Faders: 16 touch-sensitive motorized faders
Fader Size: 100mm
Channel Displays: 16 high-resolution displays
Transport Controls: Dedicated hardware transport section
Session Navigation: Integrated Session Navigator
Automation Control: Dedicated automation functionality with compatible software
Channel Controls: Select, Solo and Mute
Pan Control: Yes, with compatible DAW integration
Send Control: Yes, with compatible DAW integration
Plugin Control: Supported functions depend on DAW and protocol
Primary Integration: PreSonus Studio One
Control Protocol Support: Compatible DAW control protocols including MCU and HUI workflows
Computer Connection: USB
Footswitch Input: Yes
Primary Applications: Recording, mixing, automation, music production, podcast production and professional studio workflows

Who Is the PreSonus FaderPort 16 For?

Mixing Engineers — Control multiple track levels simultaneously and perform automation moves using physical faders.

Recording Engineers — Access transport, track and session functions without continually reaching for a mouse.

Music Producers — Bring a tactile console-style workflow to software-based music production.

Studio One Users — Take advantage of deep integration between PreSonus hardware and software.

Home Studios — Add 16 motorized faders without requiring space for a traditional mixing console.

Professional Studios — Give engineers a dedicated DAW control surface for tracking, editing and mixing.

Composers — Use physical faders to control compatible levels, automation and production parameters across large sessions.

Podcasters & Content Creators — Gain hands-on control over multitrack productions and automation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the PreSonus FaderPort 16?
FaderPort 16 is a professional 16-channel DAW control surface that provides physical faders, transport controls, session navigation and other hands-on controls for compatible recording software.

Does the FaderPort 16 have motorized faders?
Yes. It features 16 touch-sensitive motorized 100mm faders.

Is FaderPort 16 an audio interface?
No. FaderPort 16 is a control surface, not an audio interface. It controls compatible software but does not replace the audio interface used to record microphones and instruments or connect studio monitors.

Does audio pass through FaderPort 16?
No. FaderPort communicates control information with your DAW. Audio continues to pass through your computer, audio interface and monitoring equipment.

Does FaderPort 16 work with Studio One?
Yes. FaderPort 16 is designed for particularly deep integration with PreSonus Studio One.

Can FaderPort 16 work with other DAWs?
Yes. It can integrate with various compatible DAWs through supported control protocols. Exact functionality can differ between applications, so current compatibility should be verified for your specific DAW and operating system.

Can I control plugins with FaderPort 16?
Compatible plugin and parameter control is possible depending on your DAW, protocol and configuration.

Can I automate a mix using the physical faders?
Yes. Automation is one of the major advantages of the motorized, touch-sensitive faders. With compatible software, engineers can physically perform level changes and other supported automation moves.

Why are the faders motorized?
Motorization allows the physical faders to automatically match the settings stored in your software. Change tracks, open another session or play automation and the faders can move to reflect the corresponding software positions.

Do I still need an audio interface?
Yes, if your recording or monitoring setup requires one. FaderPort 16 controls your DAW; an audio interface handles the actual audio input, output and conversion.

Stop Mixing One Mouse Click at a Time

The PreSonus FaderPort 16 combines 16 motorized 100mm faders, 16 channel displays, transport controls, session navigation and extensive DAW integration in a professional desktop control surface.

Balance multiple tracks simultaneously.

Ride a vocal by hand.

Navigate large sessions.

Control automation.

Reach for a real fader when the mix needs to move.

For producers and engineers who want the flexibility of digital recording without giving up the tactile workflow of a mixing console, FaderPort 16 creates a powerful bridge between hardware and software.

Need help building your complete mixing environment?
Backline Music Gear can help identify compatible audio interfaces, studio monitors, headphones, microphones, cabling and other studio equipment based on your recording and production workflow.

PreSonus, FaderPort, Studio One and related product names are trademarks of their respective owners. Product and trademark names are used solely for accurate product identification. DAW compatibility, software, specifications and included accessories are subject to manufacturer changes; verify current compatibility and product configuration before purchase.