Midas DL16 - 16-Input/8-Output Stage Box with 16 Midas Microphone Preamplifiers, ULTRANET and ADAT Interfaces in Black Finish

The Midas DL16 is a high-performance 16-input/8-output stagebox designed for modern live sound applications, offering exceptional audio quality, convenience, and flexibility. It features 16 award-winning Midas PRO microphone preamplifiers, renowned for their transparency, warmth, and depth. These preamplifiers, with switchable +48 V phantom power, are ideal for capturing every subtle detail of a performance, whether for live sound or studio recording. The DL16 ensures pristine sound quality across all channels, delivering professional-grade audio reproduction in demanding environments. This stagebox provides 8 electronically balanced line-level XLR outputs, capable of delivering clear, uncolored sound to long cable runs, making it a versatile solution for various audio setups.

The DL16 incorporates several cutting-edge technologies to enhance connectivity and signal distribution. It is equipped with ULTRANET, a revolutionary technology developed by Behringer and Midas that transmits up to 16 channels of 24-bit digital audio and control data over a single CAT5 cable. This innovation eliminates the need for bulky analog cabling, providing a cleaner signal path free from interference, cross-talk, and signal degradation. The ULTRANET connection also enables easy integration with Behringer P16-M personal monitor mixers, as well as other compatible devices such as powered loudspeakers and personal monitoring systems, simplifying setup and saving valuable time during installation.

For additional flexibility, the DL16 features dual ADAT outputs, providing up to 16 channels of digital output on two optical TOSLINK connectors. This feature allows for seamless integration with ADAT-compatible outboard equipment, including recording systems and other audio devices. When more channels are needed, the ADAT outputs can be used to connect to ADAT-equipped D/A converters, such as the Behringer ADA8200, to expand the system with up to 16 additional analog outputs. The DL16 also supports dual AES50 SuperMAC ports, enabling multiple DL16 stageboxes to be daisy-chained together, allowing for up to 48 inputs and 24 outputs, all connected via a single CAT5 cable without the need for a merger or router.

The DL16 is designed with user convenience in mind, featuring an intuitive front panel with clear LED indicators and a 4-digit, 7-segment display for easy monitoring and setup. The status LEDs provide real-time feedback on AES50 connectivity, headphone amplifier lock, and output status, ensuring that the system's health can be easily monitored during operation. Additionally, the unit includes a headphones output, which can be assigned to any of the 16 inputs or 8 outputs for on-stage monitoring, making it easy to perform line checks and signal verifications on the fly. The front panel's robust rotary control allows for quick adjustments to gain, phantom power, and input monitoring, offering a highly efficient workflow for engineers.

Built to withstand the rigors of the road, the DL16 is housed in a durable 2U rackmount chassis. It is equipped with a switch-mode auto-ranging power supply that supports a wide voltage range of 100-240 V, making it suitable for global use. The unit is compact, lightweight, and capable of delivering exceptional performance under the most demanding live sound conditions. With its advanced features and professional-grade audio capabilities, the Midas DL16 is an essential tool for any live sound or studio recording setup that demands pristine audio quality, flexible connectivity, and reliable performance.

Features

• 16 award-winning Midas PRO microphone preamplifiers with switchable +48 V phantom power
• 8 electronically balanced low-impedance line-level XLR outputs
• ULTRANET personal monitoring system connectivity for in-ear applications
• Dual AES50 SuperMAC ports for cascading additional DL16 stageboxes without the need for a merger or router
• Dual ADAT outputs providing 16-channel digital output on two optical TOSLINK connectors
• Remote operation via shielded CAT5e cable up to 330 ft / 100 m length
• All settings programmable from front panel controls or console
• Status indicator LEDs on front panel for AES50, HA locked, splitter, and output status
• Headphones output assignable to any of the inputs or outputs for on-stage monitoring
• MIDI In/Out for bidirectional communication between Midas M32 Series console and on-stage MIDI devices
• Neutrik etherCON AES50 and ULTRANET network ports
• Rugged 2U rackmount chassis for durability in portable applications
• Auto-ranging universal switch-mode power supply for global use
• Processing: 8-channel A/D converters with 114 dB dynamic range, 24-bit at 44.1/48 kHz
• Power consumption: 45 W
• Dimensions: 19 x 8.9 x 3.5 inches
• Weight: 10.4 lbs

Specifications

Processing

• A/D converters (8-channel, 24-bit @ 44.1 / 48 kHz): 114 dB dynamic range (A-weighted)
• D/A converters (stereo, 24-bit @ 44.1 / 48 kHz): 120 dB dynamic range (A-weighted)
• Networked I/O latency (stagebox in > console processing > stagebox out): 1.1 ms

Connectors

• XLR inputs, programmable mic preamps: 16
• XLR outputs: 8
• Phones outputs, 1/4" TRS: 1 (mono)
• AES50 ports, SuperMAC, NEUTRIK etherCON: 2
• P-16 connector, Ultranet (no power supplied): 1
• MIDI inputs/outputs: 1
• ADAT Toslink outputs (2 x 8 Ch): 2
• USB type B, rear panel, for system updates: 1

Mic Input Characteristics (Midas PRO)

• THD + noise, @ unity gain, 0 dBu out: < 0.01% unweighted
• THD + noise, @ +40 dB gain, 0 dBu out: < 0.03% unweighted
• Input impedance XLR, unbal. / bal.: 10 kΩ / 10 kΩ
• Non-clip maximum input level, XLR: +23 dBu
• Phantom power, switchable per input: 48 V
• Equivalent input noise @ +40 dB gain, (150Ω source): -125 dBu, 22 Hz - 22 kHz unweighted
• CMRR, XLR, @ unity gain (typical): >70 dB
• CMRR, XLR, @ 40 dB gain (typical): >90 dB

Input/Output Characteristics

• Frequency response @ 48 kHz sample rate: 0 to -1 dB 20 Hz to 20 kHz
• Dynamic range, analogue in to analogue out: 107 dB (22 Hz - 22 kHz unweighted)
• A/D dynamic range, preamp and converter (typical): 109 dB (22 Hz to 22 kHz unweighted)
• D/A dynamic range, converter and output (typical): 110 dB (22 Hz - 22 kHz unweighted)
• Crosstalk rejection @ 1 kHz, adjacent channels: 100 dB
• Output level, XLR, nom./max.: +4 dBu / +21 dBu
• Output impedance, XLR, unbal. / bal.: 50Ω / 50Ω
• Phones output impedance / level: 40Ω / +21 dBu (mono)
• Residual noise level, out 1-8 XLR, unity gain: -86 dBu, 22 Hz - 22 kHz unweighted

Indicators

• Display: 4-digit, 7-segment, LED
• Front status LEDs: AES50-A, red/green; AES50-B, red/green; HA Locked, red; SN Master, green; Splitter, orange; Out +16, orange; Out +8, orange
• Meter: Sig, -30 dB, -18 dB, -12 dB, -9 dB, -6 dB, -3 dB, Clip
• Rear panel: Splitter mode, orange

Power

• Switch-mode autorange power supply: 100-240 V (50/60 Hz)
• Power consumption: 45 W

Physical

• Dimensions: 19 x 8.9 x 3.5 inches
• Weight: 10.4 lbs