Midas DL16 I/O Stage Box with 16 Preamps

Product Overview

The Midas DL16 stage box is a 16-input, 8-output digital I/O expander that connects to a Midas M32, M32R, or M32C console via Klark Teknik AES50, functioning as a compact digital snake for live productions where 32 channels of input are not required. As a 16-channel stage box with AES50, the DL16 places all 16 MIDAS PRO preamps at the stage end of the signal chain, connected to front-of-house over a single shielded Cat5e cable at distances up to 100 meters. The DL16 AES50 stage input box occupies 2U of rack space and is built for both touring and fixed-installation use, offering the same preamp quality found in Midas Heritage and PRO Series consoles in a lighter, more compact form than the DL32. Current pricing on the DL16 makes it an accessible entry point into the Midas AES50 ecosystem for smaller productions and installed venues.

Product Description

The DL16 connects to an M32, M32R, or M32C console via one of its dual AES50 ports, sending 16 remotely controllable MIDAS PRO preamp signals to the console over a single Cat5e cable. The 8 balanced analog XLR outputs deliver monitor sends, playback, or zone feeds directly at the stage position, eliminating the need for a separate output snake. Preamp gain and phantom power are controlled remotely from the connected console or M32-EDIT software, with all settings stored in the console scene for complete recall. For engineers who need more than 16 inputs, up to three DL16 units can be daisy-chained via the dual AES50 ports, delivering 48 channels in and 24 outputs without a router or merger — or a DL16 can be used alongside a DL32 for hybrid configurations. The integrated ULTRANET port sends up to 16 channels of 24-bit digital audio via Cat5e to Behringer POWERPLAY P16-M personal monitor mixers, supporting in-ear monitoring systems without additional analog cabling. Dual ADAT outputs allow the DL16's preamp signals to be split to outboard recording devices or additional digital converters. A front-panel headphone output with a single rotary selector allows on-stage engineers to monitor any of the 16 inputs directly, and MIDI I/O supports lighting control and scene automation from the console. For productions requiring 32 inputs, the Midas DL32 is available at Creation Networks and provides twice the input count in the same 2U footprint.

Key Features

• 16 MIDAS PRO Microphone Preamps — The same preamp design used in Midas PRO Series and M32 consoles, with remotely controllable gain, switchable 48V phantom power, and the sonic signature the Midas name is known for.
• 16 Analog Inputs / 8 Analog Outputs — 16 balanced XLR mic/line inputs and 8 balanced XLR analog outputs for monitor sends, in-ear feeds, or stage-level routing.
• Dual AES50 Ports (Cat5e, up to 100m) — Klark Teknik SuperMAC AES50 connectivity transmits 48 bidirectional channels at 48 kHz over a single shielded Cat5e cable at distances up to 100 meters per run.
• AES50 Daisy-Chain (up to 3 units) — Up to three DL16 units can be cascaded via the dual AES50 ports, providing 48 channels in and 24 outputs in a single M32 system without additional routing hardware.
• ULTRANET Port — Sends up to 16 channels of 24-bit digital audio via Cat5e directly to Behringer POWERPLAY P16-M personal monitor mixers for in-ear monitoring without additional analog infrastructure.
• Dual ADAT Outputs — Two optical TOSLINK ADAT outputs allow preamp signals to be split to outboard recorders, digital converters, or other ADAT-equipped devices for recording or signal distribution.
• Front-Panel Headphone Monitor — Assignable headphone output on the front panel allows on-stage engineers to monitor any of the 16 inputs directly, with a single rotary control for channel selection and gain adjustment.
• Remote Gain & Phantom Control — All 16 preamp gain settings and phantom power states are remotely controllable from the connected M32 console or M32-EDIT software, with full scene recall.
• 2U Rack-Mount Chassis — Compact, road-ready enclosure occupies just 2U in a standard rack case, suitable for both portable touring rigs and permanent fixed installations.
• MIDI I/O — Bidirectional MIDI for scene automation, lighting control, and external MIDI device integration from the connected console.

Typical Applications

• Houses of worship replacing analog stage snakes with a single Cat5e AES50 digital connection to an M32 console
• Live music venues with moderate input requirements where 16 channels covers the full stage
• Auditoriums and performing arts centers using the DL16 as a compact digital snake in a fixed installation
• Theater productions requiring remote preamp control and digital audio distribution from the stage
• Touring productions using M32 or M32R consoles that need a lightweight, 2U stage box for smaller shows

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions