Yamaha RIO1608-D3 – 16-Input Dante Stage I/O Rack

Product Overview

The Yamaha RIO1608-D3 is a third-generation Dante-networked stage I/O rack unit providing 16 analog XLR mic/line inputs and 8 XLR line outputs in a 1U chassis. It is designed for mid-scale live sound productions, installed AV systems, and any application requiring a compact Dante I/O solution that integrates directly with Yamaha CL, QL, DM7, or RIVAGE PM consoles. The D3 generation adds a front-panel headphone output for local monitoring, a third isolated network port for control and monitoring traffic, and delivers 16% lower power consumption than its D2 predecessor. With a built-in redundant power supply and dual Dante ports, the RIO1608-D3 addresses the reliability requirements of both touring and permanent installations.

Product Description

The RIO1608-D3 extends a Yamaha digital console’s I/O to the stage over a Dante network, eliminating long analog snake runs between the stage and mix position. The 16 XLR inputs accept mic-level signals from any balanced source, and the 8 XLR line outputs handle monitor feeds, amplifier sends, or distributed audio zones. Like the larger RIO3224-D3, the RIO1608-D3 includes dual primary and secondary Dante ports for network redundancy — a critical feature for live events where a single cable fault cannot be allowed to interrupt audio. The third dedicated network port separates control and monitoring traffic from the Dante audio stream, supporting cleaner network architecture in IT-managed AV environments. Each of the 8 output ports supports independent delay, phase inversion, and level adjustment, giving the system engineer precise alignment control at the I/O rack without requiring external processing hardware. The built-in redundant power supply ensures continuous operation if one power path fails. The D3 generation headphone socket enables direct local monitoring at the rack for line checks and system commissioning. At 1U, the RIO1608-D3 fits touring stage racks, podium racks, and fixed AV equipment rooms with minimal space impact. The 16% reduction in power draw over the D2 lowers operating costs in permanently installed systems. Creation Networks supplies the RIO1608-D3 as part of complete Yamaha Dante system designs; visit creationnetworks.net for consultation and purchasing.

Key Features

• 16 Analog XLR Inputs — Accepts mic or line-level signals from balanced XLR sources for mid-scale stage input requirements.
• 8 Analog XLR Outputs — Balanced line-level outputs for monitors, amplifiers, or distributed audio zones.
• Redundant Dante Networking — Dual primary/secondary Dante ports maintain uninterrupted audio if a network path is lost.
• Third Isolated Network Port — Dedicated control and monitoring port keeps management traffic separate from the Dante audio network.
• Per-Output Delay, Phase, and Level Adjustment — Independent processing on each output for system alignment without external processors.
• Onboard Headphone Output — New in D3 generation; supports local signal monitoring directly at the rack.
• Redundant Internal Power Supply — Built-in dual PSU protects against power failure in live and installed applications.
• 16% Lower Power Consumption vs. D2 — Reduced heat and operating costs compared to the previous generation.
• 1U Rack-Mount Form Factor — Fits standard 19-inch touring, stage, and equipment room racks with minimal space use.
• Compatible with RIVAGE PM, DM7, CL, and QL Series — Direct Dante-based integration with Yamaha’s professional digital console range.

Typical Applications

• Mid-size live sound: theaters, clubs, conference centers, and houses of worship
• Touring productions requiring a compact stage box with Dante connectivity
• Fixed AV installations in multipurpose rooms, lecture halls, and auditoriums
• Houses of worship with a single stage I/O rack and Yamaha console
• Broadcast and recording setups requiring a compact Dante-connected I/O unit
• Education AV systems with centralized mixing and distributed stage I/O

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How does the RIO1608-D3 differ from the RIO3224-D3?
A: The RIO1608-D3 provides 16 analog inputs and 8 analog outputs, compared to 32 inputs and 16 outputs on the RIO3224-D3. It also omits the AES/EBU digital outputs present on the larger unit. Both share the same D3-generation features: redundant Dante, third control port, headphone output, and redundant PSU.

Q: Which Yamaha consoles are compatible with the RIO1608-D3?
A: The RIO1608-D3 is compatible with Yamaha RIVAGE PM, DM7, CL, and QL series digital mixing consoles. Connectivity is via Dante, so any Dante-enabled Yamaha console can address this unit.

Q: Does the RIO1608-D3 support network redundancy?
A: Yes. The unit includes primary and secondary Dante ports. If the primary Dante connection is interrupted, the secondary takes over without audio dropout.

Q: What does the third network port do on the D3 generation?
A: The third port carries control and monitoring traffic independently from the Dante audio network. This separation is important in managed IT environments and reduces the risk of control traffic impacting audio performance.

Q: Can I adjust output delay without an external processor?
A: Yes. Each of the 8 output ports supports independent delay, phase inversion, and level adjustment on the unit itself, without requiring a separate signal processor.

Q: Is the redundant power supply an add-on or built in?
A: The redundant power supply is built into the RIO1608-D3 chassis. No external redundant PSU module is needed.

Q: Can the RIO1608-D3 be used alongside the RIO3224-D3 in the same system?
A: Yes. Multiple RIO units can coexist on the same Dante network, addressed by a single Yamaha console. This allows systems to scale channel count by adding units as needed.