The Midas DL153 is a professional 16-input, 8-output fixed-configuration digital stage box engineered to deliver legendary sound quality in a space-saving layout. Functioning at switchable 48 kHz or 96 kHz high-resolution operations, it serves as the definitive high-density input companion for Midas M32 and PRO Series digital mixing systems.
Housed in a road-ready 2U steel chassis equipped with an auto-ranging universal power supply for absolute touring dependability and permanent installation setups.
$2,250.00
The Midas DL153 is a current-production digital stage box from Midas Consoles, designed and engineered in England. It forms part of the PRO Series DL range of fixed-configuration rack I/O units and remains in active production today. The DL153 is available through authorized dealers including Midas Console USA.
The Midas DL153 is a 2U 19" fixed-configuration rack I/O unit with 16 mic/line level inputs and 8 line-level outputs. It serves as the critical link between onstage sources and your front-of-house console, delivering legendary Midas sound quality through time-tested, road-proven technologies.
Unlike traditional analog snakes that require dozens of individual cables, the DL153 transmits up to 48 bidirectional audio channels over AES50 SuperMAC networking at distances up to 100 meters. Dual AES50 ports provide cable redundancy, ensuring your show continues even if a cable fails.
The DL153 is the ideal partner to the Midas M32 Series and PRO Series digital consoles, enabling a digital snake connection from Front of House to stage. It operates at both 48 kHz (for M32 Series) and 96 kHz (for PRO Series), making it a versatile addition to any AES50-equipped system .
16 Award-Winning Midas Microphone Preamplifiers: The DL153 features the latest generation of Midas microphone preamplifiers with 2.5 dB analog gain steps — the very essence of the famous Midas sound. More than 40 years of design experience paired with premium-grade components delivers acclaimed warmth and depth, capturing precise sound images with low noise and high common-mode rejection.
8 Balanced Analog Line Outputs: Eight active servo-balanced, low-impedance line outputs with high output current capability drive long cable runs without signal degradation . The outputs feature an automatic mute facility if the audio signal path is muted by the console operator, with individual LED indicators for each output.
Dual Redundant AES50 Network Ports: Two AES50 SuperMAC ports provide dual-cable redundancy for mission-critical live applications. Klark Teknik AES50 technology delivers high channel counts, ultra-low deterministic latency, phase-aligned clock distribution, and comprehensive error detection.
Remote Console or Front Panel Control: All configuration settings can be set remotely from the mixing console or directly via the front panel LCD display with intuitive menu navigation. LED status indicators provide clear feedback on power supply rail condition and AES50 network status.
Rugged Tour-Ready Design: Featuring a rugged steel 2U rackmount enclosure, the DL153 is designed for the rigours of live concert touring. Premium industry-standard Neutrik connectors ensure reliable audio and network connections, night after night.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Microphone Inputs | 16 × XLR female, balanced |
| Gain Steps | 2.5 dB analog steps |
| Phantom Power | +48V, switchable per channel |
| Analog Outputs | 8 × XLR male, servo-balanced |
| AES50 Ports | 2 × Neutrik etherCON, dual redundancy |
| Ethernet Control | 1 × RJ45 |
| Sample Rates | 48 kHz / 96 kHz |
| Dynamic Range | >107 dB unweighted |
| CMRR (40 dB Gain) | >90 dB |
| Mic EIN | -126 dBu |
| Frequency Response | ±0.5 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz) |
| Output Mute | Automatic, with LED per channel |
| Power Supply | Auto-ranging universal 100–240 VAC |
| Power Consumption | <150 W |
| Rack Spaces | 2U |
| Dimensions (H×W×D) | 88 × 483 × 416 mm (3.5 × 19.0 × 16.4") |
| Weight | 6.7 kg (14.8 lbs) |
| Chassis | Rugged steel |
Specifications sourced from official Midas documentation and authorized dealer listings.
If you're building an input-heavy system for drum kits, multi-mic instrument setups, or large vocal ensembles, the DL153 offers a compelling 16-input, 8-output configuration. It's ideal as the primary stage box for medium-scale productions or as a secondary unit in larger cascaded systems.
The dual redundant AES50 ports provide failover protection that touring professionals demand. If one network path fails, the DL153 continues operating without interruption.
Users consistently praise the DL153's preamp quality and reliability. A user on Reddit confirmed: "This is what I use with my x32… Midas preamps are definitely a step up from the built-in X32 preamps". A Sweetwater reviewer using it in a worship setup noted: "Works flawlessly with my X32". A professional audio engineer on Gearspace also confirmed the DL153's role in complex systems: "Stage box is a DL153… I'm quite sure they make Dante cards for them as well".
Basic Setup: Mount the DL153 in your stage rack (2U rack space). Connect your mic sources to the 16 XLR inputs and your output destinations to the 8 XLR outputs. Run a shielded CAT5e cable from one of the AES50 ports to your M32, PRO Series, or other AES50-equipped console.
Remote Configuration: All settings — including input gain and phantom power — are remotely controllable from the console. The front panel LCD provides local control and status feedback when needed.
Redundant Networking: For dual redundancy, connect a second AES50 cable between the DL153 and console. If the primary cable fails, the system automatically switches to the redundant path without audio interruption.
How to Buy: Purchase the Midas DL153 directly from Midas Console USA. We offer competitive pricing and fast shipping within the United States. Visit our product page to place your order with secure payment options.
Payment: We accept major credit cards, debit cards, and other secure payment methods through our encrypted checkout system.
Shipping: Fast, tracked shipping across the USA. Products are carefully packaged in protective materials to ensure safe delivery of your professional audio equipment.
Legal Considerations: The DL153 is covered by the comprehensive Midas warranty program. Purchasing from an unauthorized dealer may void warranty protection. Midas Console USA is an authorized source for genuine Midas products.
A: The DL153 works with any AES50-equipped console, including the Midas M32 Series, PRO Series, and Behringer X32. It operates at 48 kHz for M32 Series and 96 kHz for PRO Series consoles.
A: The DL153 provides 16 mic/line inputs on industry-standard XLR connectors, plus 8 servo-balanced line outputs.
A: The DL153 has 16 inputs and 8 outputs, while the DL154 has 8 inputs and 16 outputs. Choose based on whether your system needs more sends or more returns.
A: Yes, all 16 mic inputs provide switchable +48V phantom power, remotely controllable from the console.
A: Up to 100 meters (328 feet) using shielded CAT5e cable with etherCON connectors.
A: Yes. Two AES50 ports provide dual-cable redundancy for fail-safe operation.
A: The DL153 is a 2U 19" rackmount unit, measuring 88 × 483 × 416 mm and weighing 6.7 kg.
Users consistently praise the DL153's preamp quality and reliability. A Reddit user confirmed: "This is what I use with my x32… Midas preamps are definitely a step up from the built-in X32 preamps". A Sweetwater reviewer using it in a worship setup noted: "Works flawlessly with my X32" . A professional audio engineer on Gearspace highlighted the DL153's role in complex systems: "Stage box is a DL153… I'm quite sure they make Dante cards for them as well".
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