The Stage-B16 from MOTU is a 16-input stage box and audio interface with DSP, mixing, Wi-Fi control, and studio-quality analog performance. The stage box section with AVB Ethernet "digital snake" connectivity allows for running sixteen microphone signals to front of house, or anywhere in the network over standard Ethernet cabling. For small- to mid-sized applications, the Stage-B16 takes care of all live sound mixing duties, controlled wirelessly from a laptop, tablet or smartphone.

The universally compatible USB audio interface function for Mac and Windows features sixteen studio-grade microphone inputs, with ultra-clean preamps, suitable for use in both a studio or on stage. The individual preamps deliver 117 dB dynamic range and each input is equipped with 63 dB of preamp gain, individual 48V phantom power, and a -20dB pad. Digitally controlled analog preamp gain provides accurate adjustments in 1 dB increments from web app software running on a laptop, tablet or smartphone, with the ability to save gain settings.

The DSP-equipped 48-input, 12-bus digital mixer with wireless control is identical to the mixer found in the company's 1248 and 16A interfaces. Modeled analog EQ and compression with 32-bit float precision delivers classic EQs based on British analog mixing consoles with each input channel providing a classic compressor with peak/RMS operation. Groups and the main mix bus are equipped with MOTU's Leveler, an accurate model of the legendary Teletronix LA-2A optical leveling amplifier, known for its highly sought-after Automatic Gain Control (AGC) characteristics.

The Stage-B16 connects to a computer with audio class compliant hi-speed USB 2.0 (compatible with USB 3.0 and iOS) for across-the-board compatibility. Alternately, with a Mac running OS X Yosemite (10.10) or later, a standard Ethernet cable can be used for operation as an audio interface. A Quick Setup menu allows for instantly reconfiguring the unit for many common situations, from operation as a standard audio interface to serving as a network "snake" from one location to another. Once a preset is chosen, the routing grid and mixer settings can be easily customized to suit specific needs, and then saved as custom presets.

3-in-1 Product    16 Microphone Inputs    Digital Mixer with Onboard DSP    Modeled Vintage Effects    32-bit Floating Point Processing    Web App Control    Wireless Standalone Use    AVB Audio Networking    AudioDesk Software    Mac OS X, Windows

DSP-equipped stage box with AVB Ethernet "digital snake" connectivity, 12-bus digital mixer with wireless control, and universally compatible audio interface for Mac and Windows

Analog performance up to 192 kHz with the XLR analog outputs delivering 123 dB of dynamic range

Sixteen microphone inputs, each with individual preamps, 48V phantom power, and -20 dB pad

Eight XLR analog outputs, four channels of AES/EBU output and 1/4" headphone output

Digitally controlled analog preamp gain provides accurate adjustments in 1 dB increments from web app software running on a laptop, tablet, or smartphone, with the ability to save gain settings

Flexible 48-input digital mixer modeled after large format mixing consoles, with twelve stereo busses and DSP effects, including reverb, 4-band EQ, gate, and compression

Control on-board DSP, mixing, device settings, and network audio routing from web app software running in a preferred browser on a laptop, tablet or smartphone connected by wire or Wi-Fi to a local area network

Stand-alone operation with wireless control

Connect an Apple Airport or other Wi-Fi router with a standard Ethernet cable for wireless control of device settings, 48-channel mixing and DSP effects from a smartphone or tablet, without a computer

Mixing and effects DSP engine delivers virtually unlimited headroom using 32-bit floating point processing

Modeled vintage effects include classic reverb, compression modeled after the legendary LA-2A and EQ modeled after British analog console EQs

Add a second MOTU AVB interface (1248, 8M, 16A, 24Ai, 24Ao, 112D or Monitor 8) using a simple CAT-5e Ethernet cable

Connect up to five MOTU interfaces using a MOTU AVB Switch (sold separately)

AVB audio networking allows for building a network with multiple interfaces and computers using standard AVB switches and network cabling, with ultra-low network latency, even over long cable runs (100 meters point to point)

Stream hundreds of audio channels among devices and computers on the network

Connects to a computer with standard AVB Ethernet or audio class compliant hi-speed USB 2.0 (compatible with USB 3.0 and iOS)

Compatible with all audio software

Includes AudioDesk workstation software for Mac and Windows with 24-bit recording, sample-accurate editing and 32-bit mixing and mastering

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Are the SMART features included (pink noise, spectrum analyzer, etc.)??

A: Includes Studio Magic Plug-in Suite. This suite of plug-ins adds a wealth of fresh virtual instruments and effects to Studio One. Cherry-picked from the first names in virtual instruments and effects, each plug-in brings a different flavor of practical magic to your songs. These plug-ins aren't gimmicky one-trick ponies — these are real-deal workhorses that you'll rely on for countless mixes. Modeled after classic analog studio designs, these compressor and EQ plug-ins load both natively on the StudioLive 16R and inside Studio One®, providing the ultimate mixing and recording flexibility. Like every PreSonus interface, the StudioLive 16R is ready to record right out of the box with Studio One Artist or Capture®—both of which are included. Please see the PreSONUS website for a complete list and description.

Q: 2. is the AVB connection different than a Cat5/Cat6 Jack?

A: Same you can use a reg Cat5 cable

Q: 3. Would you recommend a power conditioner for the AB168 or can I just plug it in the wall on stage?

A: The Allen & Heath AB168 Portable AudioRack 16 x 8 Audio Interface Stage Box can be connected to a wall outlet or you can use a power conditioner like the Furman M-8x2 Merit Series 8 Outlet Power Conditioner & Surge Protector (B&H # FUM8X2).

Q: 4. do you Daisy-Chaining them?

A: yes you can daisy chain the dimmer packs

Q: 5. is the unit rack mountable to go in a road case or rack install?

A: Allen & Heath does sell an additional kit that can be used to rack mount the unit however.

Q: 6. Any instrument inputs?

A: The PreSonus StudioLive 16R 18-Input, 16-Channel Series III Stage Box and Rack Mixer does not have any Hi-Z instrument inputs. To connect an instrument like a guitar or a bass, you would want to use a DI box.

Q: 7. is the StudioLive 16R Series III rack mixer compatible with StudioLive 16.4.2AI?

A: No, it is compatible with series III mixers.

Q: 8. Can you confirm that you can run all 24 analog outputs from the DAC at 192Khz simultaneously, and at what bit depth (24 or 32) ?

A: Yes, the MOTU 24Ao USB/AVB 72 Channel Audio Interface can run 24 analog outputs simultaneously. The analog outputs offer 32-bit trim in the DAC and are also adjustable in 1 dB increments.

Q: 9. Does this increase the channels of QU-16 mixer from 16 to 32 ?

A: No, the Allen & Heath AB168 Portable AudioRack is stagebox that allows you to position the inputs and outputs for your Allen & Heath Qu-16 mixer up to 393' (120m) away from the mixer using a single Cat5 cable. It does not increase the number of channels for the Qu-16 from 16 to 32.

Q: 10. Are the 1/4" and TRS monitor outputs on back mic level and could you run a mixed signal to a second computer?

A: Both sets of 1/4"/TRS outputs on the MOTU M4 Desktop 4x4 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface are specified as Line level. Either set of outputs would be suitable for sending a mix to another device.