Avid Venue S6L-16C - 16-Channel Audio Control Surface with 32 Assignable Knobs and 1 XLR Inputs/2 XLR Outputs in Black Finish

The Avid Venue S6L-16C is a compact 16-channel audio control surface that delivers the full power of the S6L system in an ultra-portable, space-saving design. Designed for small-format live sound applications such as corporate AV, mobile broadcast, houses of worship, and flypack systems, the S6L-16C maintains full compatibility with all S6L engines and I/O components. Despite its smaller footprint, it provides the same software, hardware, and show file interoperability that define the VENUE platform - making it a flexible and cost-effective solution for scalable production environments.

The surface features 16 motorized faders plus two assignable faders, accompanied by a single Channel Knob Module that provides 32 touch-sensitive encoders with tri-color indicators and OLED feedback. Although it does not include a Channel Touch Module or Master Touch Screen, the S6L-16C integrates a Master Live Module with two TFT displays, customizable soft keys, transport functions, and fader layout management - giving engineers a powerful tactile interface for real-time mixing and control. The layout supports up to 48 assignable channel strips per show file, allowing smooth transitions when migrating to or from larger S6L systems.

The I/O capabilities include one XLR mic/line input, two XLR analog outputs, and a stereo headphone output, all designed with professional-grade conversion and dynamic range. Four AVB network ports provide etherCON and fiber options for extended runs, enabling seamless integration with remote I/O and shared systems. Additional connectivity includes MIDI I/O, GPIO, USB ports, and footswitch inputs. The 16C is also compatible with optional Milan, Dante, or MADI cards for expanded digital integration and routing flexibility.

Built for speed and precision, the S6L-16C supports up to 128 channels of 96kHz Pro Tools recording and playback, Virtual Soundcheck, and 400 plugin rack slots with native AAX DSP compatibility. It offers snapshot and event automation, a streamlined VENUE Link with Pro Tools, and built-in redundancy with dual hot-swappable power supplies. Compact, rugged, and optimized for mobility, the S6L-16C brings powerful performance to installations where space is limited but control and audio quality are non-negotiable.

Features

• 16 motorized faders plus 2 assignable faders in a compact and transportable design
• One Channel Knob Module with 32 tri-color touch-sensitive encoders and OLED displays
• Master Live Module with soft keys, assignable faders, transport, snapshot, and layout controls
• One XLR mic/line input and two XLR analog outputs for local connectivity
• One stereo headphone output with high headroom and low output impedance
• Full compatibility with all VENUE engines, I/O racks, and show files
• Supports up to 128 channels of 96kHz recording/playback with Pro Tools
• Virtual Soundcheck capability using previous Pro Tools multitrack recordings
• 400 plugin rack slots for 64-bit AAX DSP and Waves SoundGrid plugins
• Up to 192 input and 123 output processing channels with built-in HEAT and full dynamics
• Supports 99 mix buses including 48 VCAs and 24 matrixes with EQ and dynamics
• Four AVB ports with support for etherCON and SFP for long-distance audio networking
• Dual hot-swappable internal power supplies for maximum reliability
• Includes USB, MIDI, GPIO, ECx Ethernet, and footswitch connections
• Optional Milan, Dante, and MADI cards available for digital audio expansion
• Lightweight at just 72 lbs and compact at 26.4 x 31 x 8 inches for portable applications

Specifications

Control Surface

• Integrated Touch Screens: n/a
• Faders: 16 channel strips + 2
• Channel Knob Modules (CKM): 1 CKM with 32 color-coded encoders, 32 high-resolution displays, and tri-color indicators
• Master Live Module: 2 TFT displays with Soft Keys; Touch and Turn assignable encoder; 2 assignable faders; monitoring, layout and snapshot controls; transport controls and function buttons
• Metering: 30-segment meters per channel, with pre- and post-fade metering options; Nominal indicator, Expander/Gate status and Compressor/Limiter gain reduction meters
• Analog Inputs: 1 XLR mic/line input
• Analog Outputs: 2 XLR outputs
• Digital Inputs: n/a
• Digital Outputs: n/a
• Headphone Outputs: 1x 1/4-inch TRS stereo headphone jack
• Ancillary I/O: DVI-D video out, 4 USB 2.0 (2 rear, 1 front, 1 internal), ECx Ethernet port for wired/wireless remote control, GPIO (8 in/8 out), 2 footswitch, Linear Time Code input, MIDI I/O
• AVB Audio Network Ports: 4, each providing etherCON (copper) or SFP (fiber optic, Single- or Multi mode) connections
• Lights: 2x XLR
• Power Supply: Dual redundant, internal

System Processing

• Internal Sample Frequency: 96 kHz
• Internal Processing: Up to 64-bit floating point
• Processing Delay: As low as 2.27 ms (Stage 64 analog input, through Mains L-R bus to Stage 64 analog output, redundant star)

Analog Mic/Line Inputs

• Connector: 8 XLR-F
• Sample Rate: 96 kHz
• Phantom Power: +48V
• Input Sensitivity:
  • +14 dBu (+/-0.25 dB) @1 kHz (Pad Off)
  • +34 dBu (+/-0.25 dB) @1 kHz (Pad On)
• Pad Depth: 20 dB (+/- 0.25 dB), 1 kHz, 50 Ohm
• Gain Accuracy: ±0.25 dB @ all gains
• Gain:
  • +10 dB to +60 dB (Pad Off)
  • -10 dB to +40 dB (Pad On)
• Input Impedance: ~4 k Ohms
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz -0.2 dB @ all gains
• THD+N:
  • <0.0004% @+2 dBu, @1 kHz, @20 dB gain, 20 Hz-20 kHz filter
  • <0.0005% 20-20 kHz, @+10 dBu, @10 dB gain, 20 Hz-20 kHz filter
• EIN: -127 dB, 150 Ohm source, 20 Hz - 20 kHz
• Converter Group Delay: 12.6/Fs = 0.131 ms
• Dynamic Range: >118 dB, A - weighted @ 1 kHz
• CMRR:
  • >60 dB @60 Hz
  • >80 dB Typical @100 Hz (20 dB gain)
  • >70 dB Typical @20 Hz-20 kHz (20 dB gain)
• LEDs: Signal Present (green), +48V (red)

Analog Line Outputs

• Connector: (8) XLR-M
• Sample Rate: 96 kHz
• Output Sensitivity: +24 dBu (+/-0.25 dB) @1 kHz, 100 k ohm
• Gain Accuracy: ±0.25 dB, 20-20 kHz, all gain settings
• Frequency Response: 20-20 kHz, -0.15 dB
• THD+N:
  • <0.0005% @ 1 kHz (-5 dBFS)
  • <0.0005 @ 20-20 kHz (-5 dBFS)
• Converter Group Delay: 7/Fs = 0.073 ms
• Dynamic Range: >117.5 dB, A-weighted @1 kHz
• Mute Depth:
  • >125 dB @ 1 kHz (-10 dBFS)
  • >115 dB @ 20-20 kHz (-10 dBFS)
• Output Impedance: 100 Ohms Differential
• Crosstalk:
  • >120 dB @ 1 kHz (-10 dBFS)
  • >100 dB @ 20-20 kHz (-10 dBFS)
• LEDs: Signal Present, Mute

Digital Inputs

• Connector: (4) XLR-F
• Format: AES 3 (AES/EBU)
• Word Length: 24-bit
• Termination: 110 Ohms
• Max Cable Length: 328 feet (100 meters)
• Supported Sample Rates: 24 kHz to 210 kHz per input pair (SRC is always active)
• Level: n/a
• Channel Status Info: n/a
• Dithering: n/a
• LEDs: n/a

Digital Outputs

• Connector: (4) XLR-M
• Format: AES 3 (AES/EBU)
• Word Length: 24-bit
• Termination: 110 Ohms
• Max Cable Length: 328 feet (100 meters)
• Supported Sample Rates: 96 kHz
• Level: ~3.6V pp maximum (i.e., +/- 1.8V)
• Channel Status Info: Pro Audio 96 kHz, No Emphasis
• Dithering: No
• LEDs: Signal Present (green), Mute (red) per AES pairs

Headphone Outputs

• Connector: (1) TRS-F
• Sample Rate: 48 kHz, 96 kHz, 192 kHz
• Output Impedance: <3 Ohms
• Max Output Power (RMS):
  • >600 mW, 32 Ohm, 1 kHz, 1% THD
  • >190 mW, 300 Ohms, 1 kHz, 1% THD
  • >100 mW, 600 Ohms, 1 kHz, 1% THD
• Frequency Response: 20-20 kHz, +/- 0.2 dB, -15 dBFS
• THD+N:
  • <0.0007%, 1 kHz, -2 dBFS, >300 ohms
  • <0.0025%, 20-20 kHz, -5 dBFS, 300 ohms, 20 kHz filter
  • <0.0015%, 1 kHz, -5 dBFS, 32 ohms
  • <0.0025%, 20-20 kHz, -4 dBFS, 32 ohms, 20 kHz filter
• Group Delay: 7/Fs = 0.073 ms
• Dynamic Range: >110 dB, 20-20 kHz, A-weighted

Physical

• Length: 26.4 inches
• Width: 31 inches
• Height: 8 inches
• Weight: 72 lbs