Stage Box Behringer SD16 Black Metal

The Behringer SD16 Stage Box is a compact, metal-built remote I/O unit for live sound applications. It provides Midas-designed remote-controllable mic preamps, balanced XLR returns at the stage end, an integrated ULTRANET distribution hub for personal monitor mixers, and AES50 connectivity for cascading with X32 systems. Housed in a rugged black metal enclosure with protective bumpers, the SD16 is intended to simplify stage connectivity using a single shielded CAT5e cable per box.

Advantages

The SD16 delivers eight high-quality remote-controllable mic preamps and eight balanced analog XLR returns in a compact, durable metal chassis. It includes a built-in 2-port ULTRANET hub to power and feed Behringer P16-M personal monitors without extra hardware, supports Hi-Z inputs for direct instrument connection on two channels, and provides USB for system updates. AES50 ports allow cascading up to six stage boxes to expand input/output counts while keeping cable runs simple with standard CAT5e cabling.

Suitable for

• Live band stage input consolidation and mic preamp placement
• Integration with Behringer X32 digital mixing systems
• Personal monitor distribution to P16-M mixers
• Short and long cable runs where a single CAT5e link is preferred
• Small to mid-size venues needing rugged, portable stage I/O

Key specifications

• Inputs: 8 Midas-designed remote-controllable mic preamps
• Outputs: 8 balanced analog XLR returns at the stage end
• Network: AES50 ports for cascading; single CAT5e link per box (up to 100 m / 330 ft)
• ULTRANET: Integrated 2-port distribution hub for P16-M personal monitors (16 channels)
• Additional: 2 Hi-Z compatible inputs for direct instrument connection
• Connectivity: USB port for system updates via PC
• Construction: Rugged black metal enclosure with protective bumpers

How to use

Place the SD16 on stage near performers and connect microphones and instruments to the XLR/Hi-Z inputs. Run a single shielded CAT5e cable from the SD16 to the FOH console or to the next stage box in an AES50 network. Connect P16-M personal monitor mixers directly to the SD16 ULTRANET ports using CAT5e cabling. Use the FOH console or connected digital mixer to control preamp gain and routing remotely. For system firmware updates, connect the SD16 to a PC via USB and follow the manufacturer's update procedure.

Recommendations

Use quality shielded CAT5e (or better) cabling and proper cable management to preserve signal integrity. Position the SD16 in a protected but accessible location on stage and cascade additional SD16 units via AES50 when more inputs/outputs are required. For instrument-to-preamp connections on the Hi-Z channels, verify gain staging to avoid clipping.