MOTU Stage-B16 - AVB/USB Hybrid Stage Box and Audio Interface
The MOTU Stage-B16 is an exceptionally versatile professional audio solution, designed to excel both on stage and in the recording studio. This robust unit, housed in a 2U rack chassis, combines three devices in one: a high-performance stage box, a powerful 48-channel digital mixer, and a universally compatible hybrid audio interface. Its intelligent design concentrates all audio connectivity on the front panel for quick and easy access in any situation, whether in a live rack or on a studio desktop.
Equipped with 16 studio-quality microphone preamps, the Stage-B16 guarantees pristine audio capture with exceptional clarity and dynamic range. Each input features digital gain control, individual +48V phantom power, and a -20dB pad, providing complete control over any sound source. Hybrid connectivity is a key strength, allowing connection to a computer via high-speed USB 2.0 (compatible with USB 3.0 and iOS devices) or via AVB Ethernet, the industry standard for professional audio networks. This dual capability ensures ultra-low latency and allows for cable runs of up to 100 meters without signal loss, ideal for large venues and multi-room studios.
Main Features
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Triple functionality: Operates as a stage box, standalone digital mixer or AVB/USB audio interface.
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Exceptional audio quality: High-end conversion with sampling frequencies up to 192 kHz and a dynamic range of 123 dB on its analog outputs.
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16 Elite Mic Preamps: High transparency mic inputs with digital gain control, +48V and individual -20dB pad.
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Hybrid Connectivity: High-speed USB 2.0 port for direct connection to computers and iOS devices, and AVB Ethernet port for ultra-low latency audio networks.
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Powerful Integrated DSP: 48-channel, 12-bus stereo digital mixer with 32-bit floating-point effects processing, including modeled equalizer, LA-2A-type compression, and classic reverb.
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Universal Remote Control: Manage all mixer functions and effects through an innovative web application, accessible from the browser of your iPad, iPhone, tablet, smartphone or laptop.
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Expandable Network System: Easily connect a second MOTU AVB interface with a simple Ethernet cable to expand the number of inputs and outputs in your system.
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Robust Construction: Steel alloy chassis designed to withstand the demands of touring and intensive live use.
Benefits for the Audio Professional
The Stage-B16 is designed for the sound engineer, producer, or musician who demands flexibility without compromising on quality. Its ability to function as the "brain" of a live sound system, autonomously managing monitor and FOH mixes, or as the heart of a recording studio, makes it a smart and scalable investment. The internal DSP frees up your computer's CPU, allowing you to apply high-quality effects with near-zero latency—crucial for monitoring performers. Wireless control gives you the freedom to move around the venue and adjust the mix from the optimal listening position. Furthermore, AVB networking not only simplifies cabling but also opens the door to complex distributed audio systems with unparalleled reliability and performance.
Use Cases
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Live Sound: Use it as a band's main stage box. Send all signals to FOH via a single network cable and use the internal DSP to create custom monitor mixes, all controlled from a tablet.
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Recording Studio: Functions as the central audio interface for recording a full band, utilizing its 16 high-quality preamps for drums, vocals, and instruments. Provides musicians with latency-free, effects-enabled headphone mixes.
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Fixed Installations: Perfect for theaters, auditoriums and places of worship, allowing audio to be distributed between different areas (stage, control, lobbies) with a simple network infrastructure and imperceptible latency.
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Broadcasting and Streaming: Manage multiple audio sources for live broadcasts with the reliability of the AVB network and the power of your internal mixer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a computer to use the Stage-B16?
Not necessarily. The Stage-B16 can function as a standalone digital mixer. You can control all its mixing and effects functions wirelessly from a tablet or smartphone, without needing to connect it to a computer.
What is AVB and why is it important?
AVB (Audio Video Bridging) is an Ethernet network standard designed for transmitting high-quality audio and video with very low latency and precise synchronization. It allows you to connect multiple devices over long distances (up to 100 meters) using standard network cables to create complex and scalable audio systems, replacing cumbersome and expensive analog cables.
Can I control the preamps remotely?
Yes. All preamp parameters, including gain, phantom power, and attenuator pad, are digitally controlled via the web control application from any network-connected device.
Is it compatible with my recording software (DAW)?
Yes. When connected via USB, the Stage-B16 uses high-speed, class-compliant drivers, making it compatible with all major audio software on Mac and Windows, such as Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase, Ableton Live, and many more.
Project description
This 2U rackmount digital audio interface and mixer features 16 mic/line inputs on XLR/TRS combo connectors with digitally controlled preamps and individual +48V phantom power per channel. It offers 8 analog XLR line outputs, 4 channels of AES/EBU digital outputs on 2 XLR connectors, and a stereo headphone output. Connectivity to the host is via a high-speed USB 2.0 port (compatible with USB 3.0/iOS) or an AVB Ethernet network port. The device integrates a 32-bit floating-point DSP processor for mixing 48 channels and 12 stereo buses, with EQ, compression, and reverb effects. It supports sample rates from 44.1 kHz to 192 kHz. MIDI In/Out ports are included, and it is controlled via web application software.
