The Midas DL153 Stagebox 16 Mic Preamps AES50 Networkingfrom Midas DL153 Stagebox 16 Mic Preamps AES50 Networkingis a sixteen input, eight output stagebox that delivers the company's legendary sound quality in a cost effective, rugged 19", 2U rack mount chassis. Equipped with sixteen MIDAS microphone preamplifiers with 2.5 dB gain steps, eight balanced line level outputs and dual redundant AES50 network ports, the unit is the ideal partner to the PRO1 and PRO2 digital consoles, significantly increasing the network capacity and number of microphone inputs and analog outputs.

Interface controls and feedback are available via the intuitively laid out front panel. The controls and LED indicators provide ease of use and instant status feedback. All primary connections use high quality balanced XLR connectors and the road-ready unit is ideally suited for mounting in an optional standard flight case.

16 Input/8 Output    16 Mic Preamps with 48V Phantom Power    Dual Redundant AES50 Network Ports    Suitable for PRO1, PRO2 Digital Consoles    Universal Power Supply

Sixteen MIDAS analog microphone preamps with switchable +48V phantom power

Eight active-balanced low-impedance line level outputs

Selectable 96 or 48 kHz sample rate operation

Dual AES50 Neutrik etherCON network ports with LED status indicators

All settings programmable from front panel controls or console

Remote operation up to 100 meters via CAT5 cable

PSU status indicator LEDs and configuration LCD display on front panel

Rugged 2U rack-mount chassis for durability in portable applications

Auto-ranging universal switch-mode power supply

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Will the USB cable work both to provide power and to transmit signal to a computer? I need something to record from a condenser microphone (MXL770) to a laptop.

A: YES, the power can be supplied via the USB cable. I use it to connect a condenser microphone to an Apple laptop without issue.

Q: 2. Hello,I need a lightweight battery powered preamp. It will be used for nature sounds recording with a matched pair Rode NT5 and a Tascam DP008EX recorder. This preamp doesn't have XLR outs bu 1/4'', and the recorder has 2 1/4'' inputs. Is it possible to use this preamp with my recorder?Thanks!Dani

A: Hi Dani,Yes, you can use the 1/4 outputs from the preamplifier to directly drive the 1/4 inputs in your recorder. you only need to buy or build two simple cables with plugs at both ends. As far as signal voltage levels are concerned, I don't expect any problem because you can comfortably adjust the preamplifier monitor level to prevent saturation of your recorder inputs (by the way, the 1/4 outputs and the 1/8 outputs both depend on the monitor knob). As far as equalization is concerned, I don't expect a problem either, assuming the recorder inputs have a flat response - i.e. are not designed for musical instruments (if the latter applies, you might need re-equalization during recording or playback, but I'd not consider this as a drawback). Therefore, this wonderful preamplifier meets your needs. Cheers from Italy.

Q: 3. Do you need to purchase an interface card to connect to Expression 2 or 3?

A: In order to use the Soundcraft Mini Stagebox 32 for Soundcraft Mixer Consoles with the Soundcraft Si Expression 2 or 3 Digital Mixers, you will need to have a Soundcraft MADI card fitted to the option card slot such as the Soundcraft Single-Mode Optical MADI I/O Card for Si Series Consoles (B&H # SO5019983V) or the Soundcraft MADI-USB Combo Option Card for Si Series Consoles (B&H # SOMADIUSBCMB).

Q: 4. Does it work combining the Right and Left output into single mono output by using a Y-cable?

A: Yes, it does. I use it with GarageBand and both microphones are being used. I am a hypnotherapist and needed two mins to record both my client and myself and it works perfectly. Hope this helps.

Q: 5. Can you connect a Midas DL152 to DL151 to make a digital snake?

A: Unfortunately you cannot daisy chain the Midas DL15x series of I O boxes. The DL15x is intended to be directly connected to the Midas DL371 via the AES50 ports. The DL16 and DL32 IO boxes can be daisy-chained when used with the Midas M32 or Behringer X32 consoles. I have attached these various products for clarification purposes. All of which can be found on the B&H website.

Q: 6. Can this provide phantom power for microphones?

A: Phantom power would come from the mixer, not the stage box.

Q: 7. Tascam SS-CDR250N Q&A Can you alter the pitch or tempo of the Cd and dub it to SD?

A: Sorry, not possible to aleter the pitch or tempo of a CD to be dubbed on a SD card.

Q: 8. Other retailers are now shipping this item with a USB/MADI combo card. Is this true at B&H as well?

A: We are shipping the Mini Stagebox 16 fitted with a single-cable Cat 5 MADI HD interface for connection to the host console using an approved Cat 5 cable (not included). If required, this MADI HD interface card can be upgraded (sold separately) to either redundant (dual-cable) Cat 5 or redundant (dual-fibre) optical fiber with the compatible MADI HD interface card.

Q: 9. Can one use this simply as a stereo mic amplifier with a 9v battery and no USB connection?

A: The ART USB Dual Pre can operate as a standalone mic preamp using 9V battery or AC power.

Q: 10. does this include the console maid card?

A: The Mini Stagebox 16 will ship with an Si series compatible MADI card. Vi series console cards are available separately.