The MOTU Stage-B16 16-Channel Stage Box Audio Interfacefrom MOTU Stage-B16 16-Channel Stage Box Audio Interfaceis a 16-input stage box and audio interface with DSP, mixing, Wi-Fi control, and studio-quality analog performance. The stage box section with AVB Ethernet "digital snake" connectivity allows for running sixteen microphone signals to front of house, or anywhere in the network over standard Ethernet cabling. For small- to mid-sized applications, the Stage-B16 takes care of all live sound mixing duties, controlled wirelessly from a laptop, tablet or smartphone.

The universally compatible USB audio interface function for Mac and Windows features sixteen studio-grade microphone inputs, with ultra-clean preamps, suitable for use in both a studio or on stage. The individual preamps deliver 117 dB dynamic range and each input is equipped with 63 dB of preamp gain, individual 48V phantom power, and a -20dB pad. Digitally controlled analog preamp gain provides accurate adjustments in 1 dB increments from web app software running on a laptop, tablet or smartphone, with the ability to save gain settings.

The DSP-equipped 48-input, 12-bus digital mixer with wireless control is identical to the mixer found in the company's 1248 and 16A interfaces. Modeled analog EQ and compression with 32-bit float precision delivers classic EQs based on British analog mixing consoles with each input channel providing a classic compressor with peak/RMS operation. Groups and the main mix bus are equipped with MOTU's Leveler, an accurate model of the legendary Teletronix LA-2A optical leveling amplifier, known for its highly sought-after Automatic Gain Control (AGC) characteristics.

The Stage-B16 connects to a computer with audio class compliant hi-speed USB 2.0 (compatible with USB 3.0 and iOS) for across-the-board compatibility. Alternately, with a Mac running OS X Yosemite (10.10) or later, a standard Ethernet cable can be used for operation as an audio interface. A Quick Setup menu allows for instantly reconfiguring the unit for many common situations, from operation as a standard audio interface to serving as a network "snake" from one location to another. Once a preset is chosen, the routing grid and mixer settings can be easily customized to suit specific needs, and then saved as custom presets.

3-in-1 Product    16 Microphone Inputs    Digital Mixer with Onboard DSP    Modeled Vintage Effects    32-bit Floating Point Processing    Web App Control    Wireless Standalone Use    AVB Audio Networking    AudioDesk Software    Mac OS X, Windows

DSP-equipped stage box with AVB Ethernet "digital snake" connectivity, 12-bus digital mixer with wireless control, and universally compatible audio interface for Mac and Windows

Analog performance up to 192 kHz with the XLR analog outputs delivering 123 dB of dynamic range

Sixteen microphone inputs, each with individual preamps, 48V phantom power, and -20 dB pad

Eight XLR analog outputs, four channels of AES/EBU output and 1/4" headphone output

Digitally controlled analog preamp gain provides accurate adjustments in 1 dB increments from web app software running on a laptop, tablet, or smartphone, with the ability to save gain settings

Flexible 48-input digital mixer modeled after large format mixing consoles, with twelve stereo busses and DSP effects, including reverb, 4-band EQ, gate, and compression

Control on-board DSP, mixing, device settings, and network audio routing from web app software running in a preferred browser on a laptop, tablet or smartphone connected by wire or Wi-Fi to a local area network

Stand-alone operation with wireless control

Connect an Apple Airport or other Wi-Fi router with a standard Ethernet cable for wireless control of device settings, 48-channel mixing and DSP effects from a smartphone or tablet, without a computer

Mixing and effects DSP engine delivers virtually unlimited headroom using 32-bit floating point processing

Modeled vintage effects include classic reverb, compression modeled after the legendary LA-2A and EQ modeled after British analog console EQs

Add a second MOTU AVB interface (1248, 8M, 16A, 24Ai, 24Ao, 112D or Monitor 8) using a simple CAT-5e Ethernet cable

Connect up to five MOTU interfaces using a MOTU AVB Switch (sold separately)

AVB audio networking allows for building a network with multiple interfaces and computers using standard AVB switches and network cabling, with ultra-low network latency, even over long cable runs (100 meters point to point)

Stream hundreds of audio channels among devices and computers on the network

Connects to a computer with standard AVB Ethernet or audio class compliant hi-speed USB 2.0 (compatible with USB 3.0 and iOS)

Compatible with all audio software

Includes AudioDesk workstation software for Mac and Windows with 24-bit recording, sample-accurate editing and 32-bit mixing and mastering

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. What is the typical lifespan of this mixer assuming near constant up time?

A: There is no way to really answer this question. Like anything else if the unit is kept in good condition and given proper maintenance it should last a long time. If the enviornment is dirty, does a lot of traveling from gig to gig and it get's banged around alot it wil not last as long.

Q: 2. Is the etho port DANTE compatible? Is there remote access for mixing over WAN?

A: This is not Dante compatible. You can mix using another compatible device on the same network like a computer, iOS device, Android device or laptop that is Android 5.0 or Later, Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, iOS 9.3 or Later, macOS 10.8.5 or Later.

Q: 3. Can you confirm that you can run all 24 analog outputs from the DAC at 192Khz simultaneously, and at what bit depth (24 or 32) ?

A: Yes, the MOTU 24Ao USB/AVB 72 Channel Audio Interface can run 24 analog outputs simultaneously. The analog outputs offer 32-bit trim in the DAC and are also adjustable in 1 dB increments.

Q: 4. do you Daisy-Chaining them?

A: yes you can daisy chain the dimmer packs

Q: 5. is the AVB connection different than a Cat5/Cat6 Jack?

A: Same you can use a reg Cat5 cable

Q: 6. is the unit rack mountable to go in a road case or rack install?

A: Allen & Heath does sell an additional kit that can be used to rack mount the unit however.

Q: 7. Would you recommend a power conditioner for the AB168 or can I just plug it in the wall on stage?

A: The Allen & Heath AB168 Portable AudioRack 16 x 8 Audio Interface Stage Box can be connected to a wall outlet or you can use a power conditioner like the Furman M-8x2 Merit Series 8 Outlet Power Conditioner & Surge Protector (B&H # FUM8X2).

Q: 8. does this work with FotodioX Pro FACTOR 1 x 2 V-4000ASVL Bi-Color Dimmable LED Studio Light?

A: The system referenced is made for conventional par lights and would not be ideal for what you are likely trying to do. This setup is for units without an internal dimmer such as a 500 watt Par can. The unit that you refer to states that it is controllable via dmx but I cannot seem to find how many control channels it uses, so I would assume one and its just for dimming although the color temp seems to be adjustable also so it may be more channels. I would ask B and H about that part. I would recommend the SDC12 if you just want manual control of the dimming and no programming or scene recall. The description refers to DMX as the control source and also that it is 3 pin so there isn't any reason I can think of that this controller wouldn't work.If you want programability I recommend something like the ADJ DMX Operator or the Elation Show Designer 1 for more intricate programming.

Q: 9. Do you need one of these at each end of the cable?

A: Yes, you will be able to use the SoundTools CAT Box MFX 4-Channel Analog Stage Box on each side of the Cat 5 cable that you plan to use. Here is a link to the SoundTools page, with illustrations on how this would work: https://soundtools.com/audio-over-cat5-systems-page-catbox4.html.

Q: 10. Is this only for LED lights?

A: The ADJ Stage Pak 1 Controller & Dimmer Pack System can be used for tungsten lamp heads as well as long as they do not exceed the 1800 watt limit on each dimmer pack.