Midas DL16 16 Input 8 Output Stage Box - Studio-Grade Remote Preamps

Our review of the Midas DL16 focuses on live sound engineers and production rigs that need clean remote preamps and flexible digital outputs. The bottom line: the DL16 puts 16 award-winning Midas PRO microphone preamplifiers at stage level with switchable +48 V phantom power, eight balanced analog returns, ULTRANET personal monitoring and dual ADAT and AES50 ports, making it a sensible choice for anyone consolidating stage feeds and digital stage-to-mix workflows.

Key Features

• 16 Midas preamps: Sixteen award-winning microphone preamplifiers deliver low-noise, high-headroom gain for reliable mic capture on stage.
• 48 V phantom power: Switchable phantom on each preamp supports condenser microphones and active DI boxes without extra stage power supplies.
• Eight balanced outputs: Eight electronically balanced, low-impedance line outputs provide clean analog returns to front-of-house or monitor paths.
• ULTRANET connectivity: Built-in ULTRANET output integrates with personal monitoring systems for in-ear mixes without complex splits.
• Dual digital ports: Dual AES50 SuperMAC ports and dual ADAT outputs offer cascading, networked multi-box setups and 16-channel digital output options.
• Simple cabling: Single CAT5 cable per stage box lets you cascade additional DL16 units without external mergers or routers, keeping stage runs tidy.

Who It's For

The DL16 is ideal for live sound engineers, small touring rigs and houses of worship that need professional microphone preamplification at stage level and straightforward digital and analog routing back to the mix position. Its ULTRANET and ADAT options also suit engineers who use personal monitor systems or ADAT-compatible recorders and interfaces.

It is less appropriate for users who need multitrack recording features built into the box itself or for those who require more than 16 remote mic preamps without planning a cascaded AES50 network; in those cases a larger stagebox or integrated digital console may be a better fit.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• High-quality Midas PRO preamplifiers deliver clean, musical gain and low noise for microphones and DI sources.
• Flexible outputs with both analog XLR returns and digital ADAT/AES50 options make routing to FOH or recorders easy.
• ULTRANET personal monitoring support lets performers access dedicated in-ear mixes through compatible systems.
• Dual AES50 ports allow cascading multiple DL16 units with a single CAT5 link, reducing cable clutter.

Cons

• Does not include onboard multitrack recording or a built-in mixer, so it relies on external consoles or interfaces for control.

Specifications

Microphone Preamplifiers	16 Midas PRO preamps
Phantom Power	Switchable +48 V
Analog Outputs	8 electronically balanced low-impedance XLR returns
Personal Monitoring	ULTRANET output for in-ear applications
Digital Connectivity	Dual AES50 SuperMAC ports; Dual ADAT outputs (16 channels)
Cascading	Dual AES50 ports for cascading additional DL16 units without merger

Our Verdict

The Midas DL16 is a practical, professional stage box for engineers who want premium microphone preamps at the source and versatile digital and analog outputs. It represents strong value for live production where low-noise gain, ULTRANET monitoring and AES50/ADAT connectivity are priorities, and it keeps stage cabling simple when expanding with multiple units.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the DL16 power condenser microphones?
The DL16 provides switchable +48 V phantom power on its Midas PRO preamplifiers to support condenser microphones and active DI boxes.

How do you expand input count with more DL16 units?
Use the dual AES50 SuperMAC ports to cascade additional DL16 stageboxes over CAT5 without an external merger or router.

Does it support personal in-ear monitoring?
Yes, the DL16 includes an ULTRANET output for connection to compatible personal monitor mixers for in-ear applications.