Behringer S16 16-Input/8-Output Digital Stage Box

Behringer S16 16-Input/8-Output Digital Stage Box

The Behringer S16 Digital I/O Stage Box is built for professional live sound systems that need a dependable way to move multiple audio channels between the stage and front-of-house position without running a large traditional analog snake. It combines 16 remotely controllable Midas-designed microphone preamps with 8 balanced XLR outputs and AES50 digital networking, allowing audio and control data to travel over a single shielded Cat 5e cable. This streamlined architecture is especially useful for concerts, houses of worship, theaters, touring productions, corporate events, and installed sound systems where fast setup and organized cabling are essential.

The S16 integrates closely with Behringer X-Series digital mixing systems and can also be used in more flexible standalone configurations. Dual AES50 ports make it possible to cascade additional compatible stage boxes without a dedicated network router or merger, while ULTRANET connectivity provides direct integration with Behringer P16 personal monitoring systems and compatible Turbosound loudspeakers. Two ADAT optical outputs offer 16 channels of digital audio output, and MIDI input and output connections provide additional communication options for compatible stage equipment.

Onstage control is designed to be straightforward and practical. The front panel lets users select individual channels, adjust microphone preamp gain, engage 48 V phantom power, and monitor signal levels through dedicated LED metering. A 1/4" headphone output can be assigned to selected inputs or outputs for convenient troubleshooting and line checking directly from the stage box. The S16 also includes front-panel status indicators for AES50 connections, synchronization, splitter operation, and output routing, helping technicians quickly confirm system configuration during setup and performance.

Housed in a rugged all-steel 2 RU rackmount chassis, the Behringer S16 is designed for demanding professional environments while remaining compact enough for portable racks and permanent installations. Its internal universal power supply supports 100 to 240 VAC operation, and AES50 networking allows remote operation over cable runs of up to 330'. With extensive analog and digital connectivity, remote-controlled microphone preamps, personal-monitor integration, and flexible expansion capabilities, the S16 provides a powerful stage-to-console interface for modern digital audio systems.

Key Features

• 16 remotely controllable Midas-designed microphone preamps
• 8 servo-balanced XLR line outputs
• Dual AES50 networking ports with Klark Teknik SuperMAC technology
• Single-cable digital audio and control connection over shielded Cat 5e
• Remote operating distance up to 330'
• ULTRANET connection for Behringer P16 personal monitoring systems
• Compatible with ULTRANET-equipped Turbosound speaker systems
• Two ADAT optical outputs providing up to 16 channels of digital audio
• Assignable 1/4" headphone monitoring output
• Individual input gain and 48 V phantom-power control
• Front-panel LED signal metering and status display
• MIDI input and output for bidirectional communication
• USB connection for system updates
• Supports cascading of compatible S16, SD16, and SD8 stage boxes
• Works with Behringer X-Series digital mixing systems
• Rugged all-steel 2 RU rackmount construction
• Universal 100 to 240 VAC power supply

Technical Specifications

System Compatibility and Preamp Design

Primary System Compatibility: Behringer X-Series
Microphone Preamp Design: Midas
Number of Microphone / Line Inputs: 16
Number of Analog Line Outputs: 8
Selectable Phantom Power: 48 V per input

Microphone Input Performance

Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise: Less than 0.006% A-weighted at 20 dB gain and 0 dBu output
XLR Input Impedance: 5 kilohms unbalanced / 10 kilohms balanced
Maximum XLR Input Level Before Clipping: +23 dBu
Equivalent Input Noise: -128 dBu with XLR input shorted
Common-Mode Rejection at 20 dB Gain: Greater than 70 dB typical
Common-Mode Rejection at 40 dB Gain: Greater than 80 dB

Audio Performance

Frequency Response at 48 kHz: 10 Hz to 22 kHz, 0 to -1 dB
Analog Input-to-Output Dynamic Range: 106 dB typical
A/D Dynamic Range: 109 dB typical
D/A Dynamic Range: 108 dB
Adjacent-Channel Crosstalk Rejection at 1 kHz: 100 dB
Nominal XLR Output Level: +4 dBu
Maximum XLR Output Level: +21 dBu
XLR Output Impedance: 75 ohms
Headphone Output Impedance: 40 ohms
Headphone Output Level: +25 dBm, mono
Residual Noise Level: -87 dBu A-weighted

Analog Connections

Mic / Line Inputs: 16 x 3-pin XLR
Line Outputs: 8 x 3-pin XLR
Headphone Output: 1 x 1/4" TRS

Digital and Control Connections

AES50 Networking: 2 x AES50 ports with Klark Teknik SuperMAC over Neutrik etherCON
ULTRANET Connection: 1 x P16 connector, no power supplied
MIDI Connections: 2 x 5-pin DIN for input and output
ADAT Optical Outputs: 2 x TOSLINK, 8 channels each
USB Connection: 1 x USB-B female input for system updates

AES50 Network Capability

Audio Channels at 48 kHz: Up to 48 bidirectional channels
Audio Channels at 96 kHz: Up to 24 bidirectional channels
Network Cable Type: Shielded Cat 5e
Maximum Remote Cable Length: Up to 330'
Audio / Clock Transport: Duplex audio and sample-clock transmission over a single cable

Display and Status Monitoring

Panel Display Type: Single-color LED
Main Display: 4-digit, 7-segment LED
Touchscreen: No
AES50 Status Indicators: Red / green LEDs for AES50-A and AES50-B
Head Amp Lock Indicator: Red LED
Synchronization Master Indicator: Green LED
Splitter Indicator: Orange LED
Output Routing Indicators: Orange LEDs for Out +8 and Out +16
Signal Metering: Signal, -30, -18, -12, -9, -6, -3 dB, and Clip indicators
Rear Splitter Mode Indicator: Orange LED

Power Requirements

Power Source: AC input
AC Operating Range: 100 to 240 VAC, 50 / 60 Hz
Power Consumption: 45 W

Construction and Physical Specifications

Chassis Style: All-steel 2 RU rackmount enclosure
Finish: Gray
Environmental Resistance: None specified
Dimensions: 19" x 8.9" x 3.5"
Weight: 10.4 lb

Packaging Specifications

Shipping Weight: 12.62 lb
Box Dimensions: 21.75" x 12" x 6"

What's Included

• Behringer S16 Digital I/O Stage Box
• Limited 1-Year B&H-Serviced Manufacturer Warranty
• Registration extension to 3 years when registered within 90 days