The Midas DL251 is a high-density, professional fixed-configuration I/O stage box engineered for critical live sound and studio applications. Operating at switchable 48 kHz or 96 kHz high-resolution sample rates, it serves as the ultimate high-channel companion for Midas M32 and PRO Series digital mixing systems.
Housed in a rugged 5U steel chassis built to withstand the punishing demands of heavy touring logistics and global stadium installations.
$3,800.00
The Midas DL251 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 DL251 is available through authorized dealers including Midas Console USA.
The Midas DL251 is a 5U 19" fixed-configuration rack I/O unit with 48 mic/line level inputs and 16 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 DL251 transmits up to 48 bidirectional audio channels over AES50 SuperMAC networking at distances up to 100 meters. Three AES50 ports provide N+1 cable redundancy, ensuring your show continues even if a cable fails.
The DL251 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.
48 Award-Winning Midas Microphone Preamplifiers: The DL251 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. As one user on Reverb noted: "These preamps are freaking amazing! I'm running them on my Behringer WING, X32, and M32C consoles".
16 Servo-Balanced Line Outputs: Sixteen active servo-balanced, low-impedance line outputs with high output current capability drive long cable runs without signal degradation . A recessed "Mute All Outputs" switch on the rear panel allows quiet and safe re-patching of cables, even during a show.
Triple AES50 Ports with N+1 Redundancy: Three digital audio network ports provide N+1 cable redundancy for mission-critical live applications. Klark Teknik SuperMAC (AES50-2011 compliant) technology delivers high channel counts, ultra-low deterministic latency, phase-aligned clock distribution, and comprehensive error detection.
Dual Redundant Power Supplies: The DL251 features dual-redundant, auto-voltage sensing switch-mode power supplies for worldwide use, providing seamless switchover in the unlikely event of a power supply loss — a critical feature for touring and installed sound.
Remote Console or Front Panel Control: All configuration settings can be set remotely from the mixing console or directly via the intuitive front panel. LED status indicators provide highly visible feedback on power supply rail condition, AES50 and Ethernet network status, clock synchronization source, unit identification, and communication mode.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Microphone Inputs | 48 × XLR (Midas PRO preamps) |
| Gain Steps | 2.5 dB analog steps |
| Line Outputs | 16 × XLR, servo-balanced |
| AES50 Ports | 3 × Neutrik etherCON |
| Ethernet Control | 1 × RJ45 |
| MIDI | 1 In / 1 Out / 1 Thru |
| Sample Rates | 48 kHz / 96 kHz |
| Network Redundancy | N+1 cable redundancy |
| AES50 Standard | AES50-2011 compliant |
| Output Mute | Recessed rear-panel switch |
| Power Supplies | Dual redundant, auto-ranging |
| Power Requirements | 100–240 VAC, 50–60 Hz |
| Rack Spaces | 5U |
| Dimensions (H×W×D) | 221 × 483 × 414 mm (8.7 × 19.0 × 16.3") |
| Weight | 10 kg (22.05 lbs) |
| Chassis | Rugged steel |
Specifications sourced from official Midas documentation and authorized dealer listings .
Why Choose the Midas DL251?
If you're building a large-format input system for touring, installations, or broadcast, the DL251 is purpose-built for the task. With 48 Midas PRO preamps from a single rack unit, it eliminates the need for multiple smaller stage boxes and the associated cabling complexity.
The N+1 redundancy on the AES50 network is a standout feature for touring professionals. If a cable fails mid-show, audio continues without interruption — a level of reliability that competitors in this price range rarely offer.
The dual redundant power supplies provide another layer of failover protection. In the unlikely event of a PSU failure, the second supply takes over seamlessly, keeping your show running.
Users consistently praise Midas PRO Series preamps for their warm, organic character when driven hard — a quality that has made them the choice of leading live sound engineers for decades. As Midas notes: "the crystal-clear audiophile reproduction giving way to just the right combination of harmonics, a warm and organic sound heard by millions of concert goers".
Basic Setup: Mount the DL251 in your stage rack (5U rack space). Connect your mic sources to the 48 XLR inputs and your output destinations (IEM transmitters, monitors, etc.) to the 16 XLR outputs. Run a shielded CAT5e cable from one of the three AES50 ports to your M32, PRO Series, or other AES50-equipped console.
Redundant Networking: For N+1 redundancy, connect a second AES50 cable between the DL251 and console. If the primary cable fails, the system automatically switches to the redundant path without audio interruption.
Remote Configuration: All settings — including input gain and phantom power — are remotely controllable from the console. The front panel provides local control and LED status feedback when needed.
Output Muting: Use the recessed rear-panel "Mute All Outputs" switch for safe cable re-patching during setup or between sets, even while the PA system is powered.
How to Buy: Purchase the Midas DL251 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 DL251 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 DL251 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 DL251 provides 48 mic/line inputs on industry-standard XLR connectors, plus 16 servo-balanced line outputs.
A: N+1 redundancy means the system has one more cable path than the minimum required. If one AES50 cable fails, audio continues seamlessly over the redundant path — critical for live shows where downtime is not an option.
A: Yes, the 48 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. The DL251 features dual-redundant, auto-ranging switch-mode power supplies for worldwide use, with seamless switchover if one fails.
A: Yes. A recessed "Mute All Outputs" switch on the rear panel allows quiet and safe re-patching of cables, even during a show.
Users consistently praise the DL251's preamp quality and system integration. A Reverb reviewer noted: "These preamps are freaking amazing! I'm running them on my Behringer WING, X32, and M32C consoles. Love that these preamps are compatible with such valuable boards". A professional audio engineer on Gearspace highlighted the DL251's role in complex systems: "Stage box is a DL251… I'm quite sure they make Dante cards for them as well" . Another user considering the DL251 for a Behringer WING setup noted: "Some users swear by the Midas DL251. Great product that costs as much as the Wing. 48 in X 16 out".
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.