KORG MW-1608 - 16x8x2 Hybrid Mixer with HiVolt Preamps, 1-Knob Compressor, and 32-bit KORG FX

KORG MW-1608 - 16x8x2 Hybrid Mixer with HiVolt Preamps, 1-Knob Compressor, and 32-bit KORG FX

The KORG MW-1608 ( SoundLink series) is a hybrid analog/digital mixer conceived in collaboration with legendary designers Greg Mackie and Peter Watts . It features 16 channels with true 16x8x2 architecture , HiVolt preamps with enormous headroom, a one-knob compressor on all mic channels, and an intuitive, direct digital section with KORG 32-bit FX , paragraphic EQ , and feedback suppressor . It's all finished off with Velvet Sound™ converters and long-life ALPS® faders and knobs for smooth, accurate performance.

Its analog panel grants immediate control (gain, EQ, and dynamics per channel), while the digital strip adds ready-to-use rack tools: 20 KORG effects with up to 10 simultaneous operation , a 31-band multi-band EQ (9 active bands selectable, Wide 1 octave / Narrow 1/2 octave modes), a 24-band spectrum analyzer , and a Feedback Suppressor assignable to Main L/R and Aux 1/2 . A Musician’s Phones section lets two performers boost their monitor mix with a single knob—without touching each other’s AUX inputs—and Mute Groups (A–D) memorize channel combinations for instant switching between songs, scenes, or blocks of a show.

Main features

• 16×8×2 hybrid design with immediate analog flow and digital processing where it adds the most value.
• HiVolt preamps (Peter Watts design) with +16.5V internal headroom and −128 dBu EIN for ultra-low noise.
• Channels : 8 mono + 4 stereo (16 total); Stereo USB in/out (44.1/48 kHz; 16/24-bit) on pair 15/16.
• Studio-quality single-knob compressor on all mic channels; digital limiter and gate assignable to Main and Aux 1/2.
• EQ per channel : Mono 3 bands (Hi shelving 12 kHz, Mid sweep 250 Hz–5 kHz, Lo shelving 100 Hz; ±15 dB) + HP filter 80 Hz . Stereo: 4 bands (Hi shelf 12 kHz, Hi-Mid 2.5 kHz, Lo-Mid 250 Hz, Lo shelf 100 Hz).
• Multi-band room EQ : 31 bands with 9 active band selection ( Wide 1 octave and Narrow ½ octave modes).
• KORG 32-bit effects : reverbs (Room/Hall/Plate/Spring and Warm versions), delays (Analog, Tape, Standard, SDD3000), modulation (Chorus, Flanger), Exciter and Sub-Bass, with 10 simultaneous FX and recallable memories.
• Automatic Feedback Suppressor assignable to Main L/R and Aux 1/2; 24-band analyzer with peak-hold and test generators.
• Monitoring section : Dual Musician's Phones (injects L/R to AUX 3/4) + independent PHONES output.
• Mute Groups (4 groups) and Global Scenes to save/recall settings (FX, EQ, dynamics, mutes, etc.).
• Audio quality : 20 Hz–20 kHz response (+0.5/−1.5 dB), THD 0.004% , professional-class crosstalk and S/N.
• Construction & I/O : Velvet Sound™ converters, ALPS® faders/rotator; Simultaneous Main XLR and TRS, 8 Sub Group OUT , 4 AUX OUT XLR , Monitor OUT, Talkback, Footswitch.

Product benefits

• More control in less time : “always ready” analog + digital scenes and memorization for one-touch changes.
• Easy Musician 's Phones Mixes: With Musician's Phones you can add "more of me" without redoing AUX sends or moving the main mix.
• Clean and stable sound : preamps with great headroom, practical dynamics and real-world room tools (31-band/FS/Analyzer).
• Scalability : 8 true group buses for stem recording, broadcast sends, or drum/backing vocal submixes.

Use cases

• Live : bands, churches and theater with quick changes via Mute Groups and feedback control on Main/Aux.
• Production and streaming : subgroups for stems + stereo USB to the computer and room monitoring with Analyzer.
• Corporate events : global venues for presentations, audience Q&As, and seamless background music.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How many AUX inputs does it have? Four AUX inputs with balanced XLR outputs.
• What's coming in through the USB IN? Stereo audio from your computer/mobile phone, rotated to stereo channel 15/16 with channel EQ available.
• Can I use the main XLR and TRS outputs at the same time? Yes, both outputs can be used simultaneously.

Description for projects

KORG MW-1608 mixing console (SoundLink) : 16×8×2 format; HiVolt preamps (EIN −128 dBu); EQ per channel: 3-band mono (Hi 12 kHz shelf, Mid 250 Hz–5 kHz peak , Lo 100 Hz shelf) + HPF 80 Hz; 4-band stereo (Hi 12 kHz shelf, Hi-Mid 2.5 kHz, Lo-Mid 250 Hz, Lo 100 Hz shelf). 32-bit digital processing: KORG FX (up to 10 simultaneous), 31-band GEQ (9 active bands; Wide/Narrow modes), Feedback Suppressor (Main/Aux1/2), 24-band Analyzer . I/O: Main L/R XLR and TRS, 8 Group OUT , 4 AUX OUT Performance: 20 Hz–20 kHz (+0.5/−1.5 dB), THD 0.004% . Dimensions 396 × 187 × 530 mm ; 8.0 kg . Velvet Sound™ Converters ; ALPS® faders/rotaries.