Behringer SD16 Stagebox

Behringer Digital Snake SD16 — 16-Channel Stage Box for the X32 Ecosystem

The Behringer Digital Snake SD16 is a 16-channel digital stage box engineered to replace bulky analog multicores in live sound, broadcast and installed AV environments. Built around Midas-designed remote-controllable preamps and Klark Teknik SuperMac AES50 networking, the SD16 routes every input and return through a single shielded Cat-5e cable, freeing engineers from heavy copper snakes and ground-loop headaches. The Behringer Digital Snake SD16 also drops directly into the X32 family of digital consoles, the WING ecosystem and any mixer that exposes an AES50 port, making it one of the most flexible stage boxes in its price tier.

What Sets the SD16 Apart in Its Category

Inside the chassis sit reference-class Cirrus Logic 24-bit converters that eliminate RFI and crosstalk between channels, while the integrated four-port Ultranet hub sends 16 channels of 24-bit digital audio and DC power to Behringer P16-M personal monitor mixers without extra cabling. Two of the combo inputs are switchable to high-impedance mode, allowing direct connection of electric guitars and basses without an external DI box — a feature rarely found on competing stage boxes at this price point.

Inputs and Preamps — Capture Every Source

The preamp stage is the heart of any digital snake, and the SD16 uses the same Midas-designed, fully programmable mic preamp architecture that powers the X32 console. Phantom power, gain staging and routing are all controlled remotely from the front-of-house console, so engineers never have to walk back to the stage to adjust a channel.

• Mic Inputs: 14 × XLR-1/4" combo (mic/line) + 2 × XLR-1/4" combo (mic/line/Hi-Z) — handles dynamic, condenser and instrument sources on a single stage box.
• Phantom Power: +48 V globally switchable — powers condenser microphones and active DI boxes across all 16 inputs.
• Preamps: 16 Midas-designed, fully programmable — the same low-noise, high-headroom front end trusted in flagship X32 consoles.

Outputs and Networking — One Cable Does It All

Stage monitoring and amp-rack feeds are handled by eight servo-balanced XLR analog outputs, while AES50 and Ultranet ports carry the digital signal to the FOH console and personal monitoring system. A single shielded Cat-5e cable replaces what used to be a 25-pair analog snake, dramatically shortening load-in and tear-out times.

• Analog Outputs: 8 × servo-balanced XLR — drives stage wedges, in-ear monitor transmitters or powered speakers with a clean, hum-resistant signal.
• AES50 Ports: 2 × locking EtherCON (Klark Teknik SuperMac) — ultra-low-jitter digital audio plus the option to cascade up to three SD16 units without a merger or router.
• Ultranet Ports: 4 × RJ-45 — distributes 16 channels of 24-bit audio and power to four Behringer P16-M personal monitor mixers.
• Cable Reach: up to 100 m (330 ft) per Cat-5e run — covers the largest festival stages and most houses of worship from a single FOH position.

Build, Power and Form Factor — Road-Ready Hardware

The all-steel chassis ships with both rack ears and protective rubber bumpers, so the SD16 can be rack-mounted in a touring fly rack or dropped directly onto a stage floor. A standard IEC AC inlet and a USB Type-B port for firmware updates round out the hardware, while the compact footprint leaves room in any rack or transport case.

• Dimensions: 33.27 cm W × 13.97 cm H × 14.99 cm D (13.1" × 5.5" × 5.9") — fits a 3U rack space when ears are fitted and slips into most fly racks.
• Weight: 3.22 kg (7.1 lbs) — light enough for one person to carry across a venue during load-in.
• Chassis: all-steel with rack ears and protection bumpers — survives daily touring, mobile church rigs and permanent installs.
• Power: standard IEC AC inlet — uses the same power cable found in any venue, no proprietary adapters required.

Who the Behringer Digital Snake SD16 Is For

The Behringer Digital Snake SD16 is the right choice for bands, houses of worship, schools, corporate AV teams and small-to-mid touring sound companies that need a reliable 16-input stage box without paying flagship prices. It pairs naturally with any Behringer X32, M32 or WING console, and it works with any third-party digital mixer that exposes an AES50 port. Mobile rigs benefit from the single-cable setup that turns a 30-minute analog snake deployment into a 5-minute Cat-5e connection, while installed venues gain clean digital signal paths free from RFI and ground loops. Engineers running personal monitor systems will appreciate the built-in four-port Ultranet hub that powers P16-M mixers straight from the stage.

Midas Heritage — The Preamps Behind the Stage Box

Since its formation in the 1970s, Midas has built a reputation for no-compromise analog and digital consoles used by the world's most demanding touring acts and installations. Legendary desks such as the XL4 and Heritage H3000 set the benchmark for live-sound preamp design, and the XL8 and PRO Series continue that lineage in modern digital form. Behringer incorporates Midas-designed preamps across its digital ecosystem, so the SD16 delivers the same award-winning front-end character found in flagship consoles — at a fraction of the cost.