Midas DL32 Digital I/O Stage Box

Product Overview

The Midas DL32 digital stage box is a 32-input, 16-output AES50-connected I/O expander designed to bridge the gap between the stage and a front-of-house Midas M32 or M32R console. As a 32-channel digital stage box with AES50, the DL32 delivers all 32 mic/line inputs to the console over a single Cat5e cable, eliminating the need for a traditional analog multicore. Each of the 32 inputs passes through the same MIDAS PRO Series preamp found in the flagship PRO Series consoles, making this Midas PRO preamp stage box a direct extension of your console's analog front end. Whether used as a permanent fixed-installation digital snake or deployed on a touring production, the DL32 functions as a remote stage input box for M32 systems that require full channel counts at the source.

Product Description

The DL32 connects to an M32 or M32R console via Klark Teknik AES50 (SuperMAC), transmitting 48 bidirectional audio channels at 48 kHz over a standard shielded Cat5e cable at distances up to 100 meters. This allows the stage box to be positioned at the performer end of the stage while the console remains at front-of-house — no bulky analog snake required. All 32 mic inputs are handled by remotely controllable MIDAS PRO preamps with switchable 48V phantom power, providing the same sonic character found in Midas Heritage and PRO Series consoles. The 16 balanced analog XLR outputs on the DL32 feed monitor amplifiers, in-ear transmitters, or other stage-level destinations directly from the stage box, reducing cabling complexity. The integrated ULTRANET port allows up to 16 channels of 24-bit digital audio to be sent via a single Cat5e cable directly to Behringer P16-M personal monitor mixers, supporting up to 48 individual monitor users when P16-D distributors are used. Dual AES50 ports on the DL32 allow two units to be cascaded, providing up to 64 mic/line inputs and 32 balanced outputs in a single M32 system. Additional connectivity includes dual optical ADAT sockets, AES-3 (AES/EBU) I/O, a USB port for firmware updates, and MIDI I/O for lighting and device control. Built into a 2U rack chassis, the DL32 is designed for both fixed-installation AV environments and the demands of regular touring use. For engineers running a similar setup with a smaller channel count, the Midas DL16 is also available at Creation Networks.

Key Features

• 32 MIDAS PRO Microphone Preamps — The same award-winning preamp design used in Midas Heritage and PRO Series consoles, with remote gain control and switchable 48V phantom power on every channel.
• 32 Analog Inputs / 16 Analog Outputs — 32 balanced XLR mic/line inputs and 16 balanced XLR analog outputs for monitor sends, in-ear feeds, or zone routing at the stage end.
• Dual AES50 Ports (Cat5e, up to 100m) — Klark Teknik SuperMAC AES50 connectivity transmits 48 bidirectional audio channels at 48 kHz over a single shielded Cat5e cable at distances up to 100 meters per run.
• AES50 Daisy-Chain (Cascade) — Two DL32 units can be cascaded via the dual AES50 ports, expanding a single M32 system to 64 mic inputs and 32 balanced outputs 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, supporting up to 48 individual monitor users via P16-D distributors.
• ADAT & AES-3 I/O — Dual optical ADAT sockets and AES/EBU connectivity allow integration with outboard recording systems, digital converters, and other digital devices.
• Gain Compensation — Preamp gain settings are retained and managed by the connected M32 console with full recall, ensuring consistent levels across sessions and setups.
• 2U Rack-Mount Chassis — Compact, road-ready enclosure designed to fit standard rack cases for both portable touring rigs and fixed installations.
• MIDI I/O — Bidirectional MIDI for controlling lighting systems, sound modules, and other MIDI-capable stage devices from the console.
• USB Port — Rear-panel USB for system firmware updates via PC without disassembly.

Typical Applications

• Houses of worship requiring a clean digital snake from the stage to a control room or rear-of-house console position
• Live music venues and performing arts centers replacing analog multicore with AES50 digital infrastructure
• Theater and auditorium productions needing high channel counts with remote preamp control
• Touring productions using M32 or M32R consoles that require a dedicated stage-end I/O box
• Fixed AV installations where a single Cat5e run replaces large analog cable bundles

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions