As a stage box or audio interface for your DAW, the MOTU Stage-B16 combines ample I/O with ultra-low latency and networking capabilities via AVB Ethernet connectivity. Built-in DSP means you can add modeled analog EQ, vintage compression, and outstanding reverb to inputs and outputs while mixing up to 48 channels and 12 stereo buses. You get 16 stellar mic preamps, and you can link multiple Stage-B16s via Ethernet if you need more I/O. For studio recording on your Mac or with your iOS device, connect via USB 2.0 for high-quality audio recording up to 192kHz. While live and studio both present their own unique sets of needs, Sweetwater can confirm that the MOTU Stage-B16 AVB interface will excel in either application.
Audio Quality
THREE PRODUCTS IN ONE: Stage Box
16-inch stage box with AVB Ethernet “digital snake” connectivity.
Rackmount Mixer
DSP-equipped 48-input 12-bus digital mixer with wireless control.
Audio interface
Universally compatible USB audio interface for Mac and Windows.
Studio-quality analog performance up to 192 kHz
Performance suitable for the most demanding situations
The stage-B16 sets a new standard for analog audio performance in a stage box. The 8 XLR analog outputs deliver a stunning 123 dB DR, a level of measured performance normally found only in products costing thousands.
Precision Digital Trim™
Precision remote control of preamp gain
Digitally controlled analog preamp gain provides accurate adjustments in 1 dB increments from web app software running on your laptop, tablet or smartphone, with the ability to save gain settings.
16 studio-grade mic inputs
Ultra-clean preamps for studio and stage
The 16 individual mic preamps deliver 117 dB dynamic range (DR), with -110 dB THD+N (-1 dBFS, unweighted, 1kHz). Each input is equipped with 63 dB of preamps gain, individual try48V phantom power and -20dB pad.
The ultimate stage box
Run 16 mic signals to front of house – or anywhere in the network
The Stage-B16 sets a new standard for what it means to be a stage box. With AVB networking technology, you can run mic signals over standard Ethernet cabling to a front-of-house mixing console up to 100 meters away, plus any other destinations on the network, such as the monitor mix console or a computer-based recording rig. For small-to mid-sized applications, the stage-B16 takes care of all lie sound mixing duties, controlled wirelessly from your laptop, tablet or smartphone- all with audio quality that’s so good, it belongs in a world-class recording studio.
DSP-powered mixing
Console-style mixing with 48 channels and 12 busses
The mixer in the Stage-B16 is identical to the mixer found in MOTU’s flagship 1248 and 16A interfaces. If you know your way around a large-format mixing console, you’ll feel right at home. If you’ve ever wished to mix on a large console, the driver’s sat is now yours.
Modeled analog EQ and compression
Vintage processing with 32-bit float precision
British analog mixing consoles are renowned for their musical EQ profiles. The Stage-B16 meticulously models these classic EQs to give you the very same, magical EQ response found on these coveted desks. Each input channel also provides 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.
Web app control from any device
Control everything from your laptop, tablet and smartphone
The software that you use to control the stage-B16 doesn’t reside on your hard drive. It’s a web app served from the hardware itself. This means you can control the stage-B16 on-board DSP, mixing, devices settings and network audio routing from the web app software running in your favorite web browser on a laptop, tablet or smartphone connected by wire or Wi-Fi to your local area network. Use any web client on any platform- Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android- as long as it shares the same network.
Touch Console
The art of the mix on your touchscreen
Designed specifically for touchscreen operation, Touch Console™ delivers a whole new mixing experience. Access Touch Console from your tablet or smartphone to effortlessly control the powerful 48-channel mixer and effects in the Stage-B16. With large targets for your fingers, multi-touch operation and intuitive design, you can tap, swipe and pinch your way to a perfect mix, every time.
Stand-alone mixing with wireless control
Control everything from your iPad or iPhone
Connect an Apple Airport™ or other Wi-Fi router directly to the Stage-B16 with a standard Ethernet cable and control the Stage-B16’s powerful mixing and DSP effects from your smartphone or tablet, without a computer. Great for live sound mixing!
Ethernet ‘snake’ and audio networking
Connect using long cable runs with ultra-low latency
The Stage-B16 provides “digital snake” connectivity using AVB Ethernet, the new industry standard developed by the IEEE for professional audio networking. Run cable lengths up to 100 meters with standard CAT-5e or CAT-6 ethernet cables and ultra-low, sub-millisecond latency. Route audio from an AVB network over an entire performance venue or recording facility.
Connect up to five MOTU interfaces using a MOTU AVB Switch (sold separately).
Build a network with multiple interfaces, computers, and AVB switches using standard 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.
Universal connectivity
Class compliant USB 2.0 plus audio over Ethernet
The Stage-B16 connects your computer with audio class compliant hi-speed USB 2.0(compatible with USB 3.0 and iOS) for across-the-board compatibility now and in the future. Alternately If you have a Mac running OS X Yosemite(10.10) or later, you can use a standard Ethernet cable for operation as an audio interface. Either way, the Stage-B16 is compatible with all audio software.
Quick Setup presets
Completely transform your MOTU interface with one click
The Stage-B16 is so flexible, it can serve many roles — in the studio, on stage, and throughout an installation. The Quick Setup menu lets you instantly reconfigure the Stage-B16 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, you can easily customize the routing grid and mixer settings to further suit your specific needs — and then save your own custom presets.
