Stage B16 Input Stage Box and Audio Interface

The Stage-B16 delivers the same superb analog quality as MOTU's interfaces in a rugged stage box with powerful, flexible AVB networking.

It is best described as three products in one: a16-input Stage Box with AVB Ethernet and connectivity, a DSP-equipped 48-input 12-bus digital mixer with wireless control, and a universally compatible USB audio interface for Mac and Windows.

The Stage Box
The Stage-B16 sets a new standard for analog audio performance in a stage box. The 8 XLR analog outputs deliver 123 dB DR, a level of performance normally found only in more expensive products. With AVB networking technology, you can run mic signals over standard Ethernet cabling to a front-of-house mixing console up to 100 meters away, plus any other destinations on the network. For small- to mid-sized applications, the Stage-B16 takes care of all live sound mixing duties, controlled wirelessly from your laptop, tablet or smartphone with audio quality worthy of a world-class recording studio.

The Mixer
The mixer in the Stage-B16 is identical to the mixer found in MOTU's flagship 1248 and 16A interfaces. If you know your way around a large-format mixing console, you'll feel right at home. If you've ever wished to mix on a large console, the driver's seat is now yours.

British analog mixing consoles are renowned for their musical EQ profiles. The Stage-B16 meticulously models these classic EQs to give you the very same, magical EQ response found on these coveted desks. Each input channel also provides 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 software that you use to control the Stage-B16 doesn't reside on your hard drive. It's a web app served from the hardware itself. This means you can control the Studio-B16's on-board DSP, mixing, device settings, and network audio routing from the web app software running in your favorite web browser on a laptop, tablet or smartphone connected by wire or Wi-Fi to your local area network. Use any web client on any platform — Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android — as long as it shares the same network.

Connect an Apple Airport™ or other Wi-Fi router directly to the Stage-B16 with a standard Ethernet cable and control the Stage-B16's powerful mixing and DSP effects from your smartphone or tablet, without a computer.

The Interface
The Stage-B16 provides connectivity using AVB Ethernet, the new industry standard developed by the IEEE for professional audio networking. Run cable lengths up to 100 meters with standard CAT-5e or CAT-6 Ethernet cables and ultra-low, sub-millisecond latency. Route audio from an AVB network over an entire performance venue or recording facility.

The Stage-B16 connects to your computer with audio class compliant hi-speed USB 2.0 (compatible with USB 3.0 and iOS) for across-the-board compatibility now and in the future. Alternately, if you have a Mac running OS X Yosemite (10.10) or later, you can use a standard Ethernet cable for operation as an audio interface. Either way, the Stage-B16 is compatible with all audio software.