TASCAM BO-16DX/IN

Brian Long

Introduction

The TASCAM BO-16DX/IN is a professional 16-channel analog input breakout box that converts sixteen balanced XLR connections to two 25-pin D-sub connectors. It provides a convenient way to connect microphones, wireless receiver systems, mixing consoles, outboard equipment, and other balanced analog sources to TASCAM equipment that uses high-density D-sub analog inputs.

Designed as an ideal companion for products such as the TASCAM ML-16D and ML-32D analog/Dante converters, the BO-16DX/IN is also compatible with other equipment using the standard TASCAM D-sub pin assignment conforming to AES59-2012. Its passive design requires no power, while the rugged 1U metal chassis, removable and reversible rack ears, XLR connectivity, and upside-down-readable labeling make it equally useful in broadcast facilities, recording and post-production studios, equipment racks, mobile systems, and live production environments.

Features, Specifications, and Manuals

Features
  • 16 Balanced Analog Inputs: Provides sixteen professional balanced analog input connections in a compact 1U rackmount enclosure.
  • 16 Female XLR Connectors: Front-panel XLR-3-31 connectors provide familiar connections for professional analog audio sources.
  • Two DB-25 Output Connectors: Sixteen analog channels are carried to connected equipment through two rear-panel 25-pin D-sub connectors.
  • Eight Channels per DB-25 Connector: Each D-sub connection carries eight balanced analog audio channels for efficient high-density cabling.
  • TASCAM Standard D-Sub Pin Assignment: Designed for equipment using the standard TASCAM analog D-sub wiring convention.
  • AES59-2012 Compatibility: The D-sub audio connection follows the standardized professional analog multichannel pin assignment used by compatible equipment.
  • Ideal Companion for ML-16D: Provides sixteen convenient XLR inputs for the TASCAM 16-channel analog/Dante converter.
  • Ideal Companion for ML-32D: Two BO-16DX/IN units can provide XLR connectivity for all 32 analog inputs of an ML-32D.
  • Compatible with Other D-Sub Equipment: Can be used with other professional products whose DB-25 connections use compatible TASCAM/AES59-2012 analog pin assignments.
  • Passive Signal Path: No A/D conversion, amplification, DSP, or other active processing is introduced into the analog signal path.
  • No Power Required: The BO-16DX/IN is a passive breakout box and does not require AC, DC, PoE, batteries, or USB power.
  • Professional XLR Connectivity: Standard XLR connectors make patching and equipment changes convenient in studios, broadcast facilities, and live systems.
  • Simplifies Rack Wiring: Converts high-density D-sub analog connections into individually accessible XLR connectors at the equipment rack.
  • Reduces Cable Clutter: Two multichannel D-sub cables can carry sixteen balanced analog channels between the breakout box and connected equipment.
  • Useful for Wireless Microphone Systems: Multiple wireless receiver outputs can be connected to the XLR inputs and routed efficiently to compatible multichannel equipment.
  • Broadcast Applications: Well suited to broadcast environments where standard XLR connections and dense rack wiring are commonly required.
  • Recording Studio Applications: Provides accessible XLR inputs for multichannel converters, recorders, and other studio equipment.
  • Post-Production Applications: Supports high-channel-count analog connectivity while keeping rack wiring organized.
  • Live Sound Applications: XLR connectivity makes the unit suitable for stage racks, mobile systems, and other applications where sources are frequently connected or changed.
  • Rugged Metal Chassis: Durable construction is designed for professional rack installations and repeated use.
  • Standard 1U Rackmount Format: Occupies a single rack space in standard 19-inch equipment racks.
  • Reversible Rack Ears: Rackmount brackets can be reversed to accommodate different installation orientations.
  • Removable Rack Ears: Rack ears can be removed when conventional rack installation is not required.
  • Reversible-Orientation Labeling: Panel labeling is designed to remain readable when the breakout box is mounted upside down.
  • Shallow Chassis: The compact depth helps simplify installation in crowded equipment racks and other space-constrained environments.
Specifications
Specification Details
Product Type 16-channel balanced analog input breakout box
Model BO-16DX/IN
Signal Type Balanced analog audio
Number of Channels 16
Front-Panel Connections 16 × balanced XLR input
XLR Connector Type XLR-3-31 female
XLR Pin 1 GND
XLR Pin 2 HOT
XLR Pin 3 COLD
Rear-Panel Connections 2 × 25-pin D-sub female
Channels per D-Sub Connector 8
D-Sub Connector Type DB-25 female
D-Sub Fixing Screws No. 4-40 UNC
D-Sub Pin Assignment TASCAM standard, compatible with AES59-2012
Signal Conversion Passive XLR-to-D-sub breakout
Active Electronics None
A/D or D/A Conversion None
DSP Processing None
Power Requirement None
Rack Format 19-inch, 1U
Rack Ears Removable and reversible
Chassis Construction Metal
Dimensions (W × H × D) 482.6 × 44.1 × 54.5mm (19.0 × 1.7 × 2.1 in), including protrusions
Weight 0.9kg (2.0 lb)
Primary TASCAM Compatibility ML-16D / ML-32D
Additional Compatibility Equipment with compatible TASCAM/AES59-2012 DB-25 analog audio pin assignment
Typical Applications Broadcast, recording, post-production, live sound, wireless microphone systems, Dante conversion systems
Manuals and Documents
  • Owner’s Manual - Official TASCAM manual covering the BO-16DX/IN, BO-16DX/OUT, and BO-32DE, including connector information, specifications, installation guidance, and dimensional drawings.
  • BO-16DX/IN Downloads - Official TASCAM support page providing the owner’s manual, technical drawing, DXF file, system design guide, and product images.
  • TASCAM System Design Guide - Professional system-design examples showing the BO-16DX/IN in multichannel analog and Dante installations.
  • TASCAM BO-16DX/IN Product Page - Official U.S. manufacturer product information, specifications, documentation, and support resources.