DL16

The Midas DL16 is a professional 16-input, 8-output digital stage box engineered to bridge the gap between FOH (Front of House) and the stage. Built for high-performance live sound and studio applications, it brings the legendary warmth and precision of Midas Pro preamplifiers to your digital mixing environment.

Inputs
16 Mic Preamps
Outputs
8 Balanced XLR
Form Factor
2U Rackmount
Warranty
3-Year Program

Key Features

  • ✓
    Award-Winning Preamplifiers: 16 genuine Midas PRO microphone preamps featuring switchable +48V phantom power and complete remote-control capabilities.
  • ✓
    Advanced Network Cascading: Dual AES50 SuperMAC ports allow daisy-chaining up to three DL16 units together, delivering 48 channels of bidirectional audio over a single shielded CAT5 cable.
  • ✓
    Personal Monitor Integration: Integrated ULTRANET connectivity feeds directly into Behringer P16-M personal monitoring systems for zero-latency on-stage cue mixes.
  • ✓
    Flexible Digital I/O: Dual optical ADAT outputs provide clean 16-channel digital connectivity for splitting applications and outboard recording setups.

Designed and engineered in England. Shipped in a rugged, road-ready 2U steel chassis for elite durability in touring configurations.

$780.00

Description

When Was the Midas DL16 Manufactured?

The Midas DL16 has been a staple in professional audio since its introduction in the early 2010s. Designed and engineered in England by Midas Consoles, a brand with over 40 years of heritage in audio innovation, the DL16 continues to be manufactured to exacting standards. The unit is part of the Midas DL Series of digital stage boxes, which also includes the DL32, DL151, DL153, and DL155 models. The DL16 is currently in active production and widely available through authorized dealers including Midas Console USA.

What Is the Midas DL16?

The Midas DL16 is a 16-input, 8-output digital stage box that serves as the critical link between your stage microphones and your front-of-house mixing console. At its core are 16 award-winning MIDAS PRO microphone preamplifiers — the very same preamp design found in Midas’s flagship PRO Series consoles. These remotely controllable preamps feature switchable +48V phantom power and are engineered for the pristine sonic clarity that has made Midas a legend in the audio industry.

The DL16 transforms your workflow by replacing bulky analog snake cables with a single shielded CAT5 cable, carrying up to 48 bidirectional channels when cascading multiple units.

Key Features of the Midas DL16

Legendary Midas PRO Microphone Preamplifiers: The DL16 provides 16 MIDAS PRO mic preamps — the same preamps trusted by top touring acts and installed in venues worldwide. These preamps are remote-controllable from the M32 Series console, allowing you to adjust gain and phantom power from front-of-house.

Dual AES50 SuperMAC Ports: Using Klark Teknik’s AES50 technology, the DL16 delivers ultra-low latency (⅛ ms per node), accurate phase-aligned clock distribution, and comprehensive error detection. Up to three DL16 units can be daisy-chained — no merger or router required — delivering 48 analog inputs and 24 analog outputs via a single CAT5 line.

ULTRANET Connectivity: The integrated ULTRANET output transmits 16 independent channels of 24-bit digital audio to Behringer P16 personal monitor mixers, enabling each performer to control their own monitor mix.

Dual ADAT Outputs: Two ADAT optical outputs provide 16 additional channels of digital output for connecting recording systems or ADAT-equipped D/A converters like the Behringer ADA8200.

Remote-Controllable and On-Stage Monitoring: All settings are programmable from the front panel or remotely via the console. The assignable headphones output lets engineers listen directly to any of the 16 inputs for easy signal verification.

Technical Specifications Table

Parameter Specification
Inputs 16 XLR (Midas PRO mic preamps)
Outputs 8 balanced XLR
Phantom Power +48V, switchable per channel
ADAT Outputs 2 × 8 channels (16 total)
AES50 Ports 2 × Neutrik etherCON
ULTRANET Port 1 × etherCON (16 channels)
MIDI 1 In / 1 Out
Latency 1.1 ms (network I/O)
A/D Dynamic Range 114 dB (A-weighted)
D/A Dynamic Range 120 dB (A-weighted)
Input Impedance 10 kΩ balanced
Max Input Level +23 dBu
Equivalent Input Noise -125 dBu
CMRR >70 dB (unity), >90 dB (40 dB gain)
Rack Spaces 2U
Dimensions 89 × 483 × 210 mm
Weight 4.7 kg

Specifications sourced from Midas official documentation and user manuals.

Why Choose the Midas DL16?

Choosing the DL16 means investing in the authentic Midas sound that audio professionals have trusted for decades. Whether you’re upgrading from a Behringer SD16 or building a new digital snake system, the DL16 delivers demonstrably superior preamp quality and build construction.

Users consistently report that the DL16 represents a significant sonic upgrade over comparable products. As one Sweetwater reviewer noted, “After using an SD16, I went ahead and bought the DL16 and wow what a difference in sound quality”. Another professional engineer commented, “You can tell the difference between it and the Behringer version. Quality preamps, and processing”.

How to Use the Midas DL16

Setup Overview: Place the DL16 on stage near your microphones and connect your sources to the 16 XLR inputs. Run a single shielded CAT5e cable (max 100m/330ft) to your M32 console or AES50-equipped device. The preamps are then remotely controllable from the console. For monitor mixing, connect the ULTRANET port to a Behringer P16-D distributor or P16-M personal mixers.

Cascading for More Channels: Connect a second DL16 via the AES50 ports to add 16 more inputs. A third unit can be added for 48 total inputs. No merger or router is needed.

Buying Guide: Payment, Shipping & Services

How to Buy: Purchase the Midas DL16 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.

Our Services Include:

  • 24/7 Support: Our technical team is available to assist with setup and configuration questions.
  • Product Replacement: In the unlikely event of a defect, we offer replacement support in accordance with warranty terms.
  • Authenticity Guarantee: We are an authorized Midas dealer — every DL16 comes with a full manufacturer warranty.
  • Technical Consultation: Unsure if the DL16 is right for your rig? Contact us for expert advice.
  • Complaint Handling: We take customer concerns seriously and respond promptly to resolve any issues.

Legal Considerations: The DL16 is covered by a comprehensive Midas warranty program. Purchasing from an unauthorized dealer may void warranty protection. Midas Console USA is an authorized source for genuine Midas products.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions About the Midas DL16

Q: Is the DL16 compatible with the Behringer X32?

A: Yes. The DL16 works with any AES50-equipped console including the Behringer X32 and Midas M32 series. Many X32 users upgrade to the DL16 for its superior Midas PRO preamps.

Q: How many DL16 units can I cascade together?

A: Up to three DL16 units can be daisy-chained via AES50, providing 48 inputs and 24 outputs total.

Q: What is the maximum cable length for AES50?

A: Up to 100 meters (330 feet) using shielded CAT5e cable with etherCON connectors.

Q: Can I use the DL16 as a standalone snake with an analog console?

A: Yes. A pair of DL16 units can function as a standalone digital snake, with one at FOH and one on stage.

Q: Does the DL16 have phantom power?

A: Yes, all 16 inputs provide switchable +48V phantom power.

Q: What personal monitoring systems work with the DL16?

A: The ULTRANET port is designed for the Behringer P16 personal monitoring system, including P16-M mixers and P16-D distributors.

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