TASCAM BO-32DE

Brian Long

Introduction

The TASCAM BO-32DE is a professional 32-channel balanced analog breakout box designed to simplify connections between high-density DB-25 audio equipment and fixed-installation wiring. Sixteen balanced Euroblock connectors provide access to 32 analog audio channels, while four rear-panel 25-pin D-sub connectors carry eight channels each to compatible converters, recorders, interfaces, and other professional audio equipment.

Unlike a breakout box dedicated exclusively to inputs or outputs, each eight-channel section of the BO-32DE can be used in either direction. This allows the unit to be configured for 32 inputs, 32 outputs, or combinations such as 16 inputs and 16 outputs. Designed as an ideal companion for the TASCAM ML-16D and ML-32D analog/Dante converters, its passive architecture, AES59-2012-compatible D-sub wiring, compact 1U chassis, and secure Euroblock connections make it particularly well suited to installed AV, broadcast facilities, studios, equipment rooms, houses of worship, education, and other permanent professional audio systems.

Features, Specifications, and Manuals

Features
  • 32 Balanced Analog Audio Channels: Provides breakout connectivity for up to 32 channels of professional balanced analog audio.
  • Bidirectional Analog Connections: Channels can be used as inputs or outputs because the BO-32DE provides a passive connection between its Euroblock and D-sub terminals.
  • Flexible Eight-Channel Groups: Each group of eight channels can independently be assigned as analog inputs or outputs.
  • 32-Input Configuration: All four eight-channel groups can be used as inputs when connecting analog sources to compatible multichannel equipment.
  • 32-Output Configuration: All four groups can be used as outputs when distributing signals from compatible multichannel equipment.
  • Mixed Input/Output Configurations: Supports arrangements such as 8 inputs / 24 outputs, 16 inputs / 16 outputs, or 24 inputs / 8 outputs.
  • 16 Balanced Euroblock Connectors: Front-panel 3.81mm-pitch Euroblock connections provide 32 channels of balanced analog audio.
  • Two Audio Channels per Euroblock Connector: Each front-panel Euroblock connector carries two balanced analog channels.
  • 32 Euroblock Plugs Included: Supplied Euroblock plugs support permanent system wiring without requiring the installer to source compatible plugs separately.
  • Strain-Relief Hardware Included: The supplied Euroblock plugs include tabs for securing connected wiring.
  • Cable Bands Included: Supplied cable bands can be used with the strain-relief tabs to help secure installation wiring.
  • Four DB-25 Connectors: Four rear-panel 25-pin D-sub connectors provide high-density connections to compatible professional audio equipment.
  • Eight Channels per DB-25: Each D-sub connector carries eight balanced analog audio channels.
  • TASCAM Standard D-Sub Pin Assignment: Uses the established TASCAM professional analog DB-25 wiring convention.
  • AES59-2012 Compatibility: The D-sub pin assignment complies with AES59-2012 for compatibility with appropriately wired professional audio equipment.
  • Ideal Companion for ML-32D: A single BO-32DE can provide breakout connectivity for all 32 analog channels of a TASCAM ML-32D.
  • Flexible ML-16D Integration: A BO-32DE can support both the analog inputs and outputs of an ML-16D, including a 16-input / 16-output configuration.
  • Compatible with Other DB-25 Equipment: Can be used with professional audio devices that follow the compatible TASCAM/AES59-2012 D-sub analog pin assignment.
  • Legacy TASCAM Recorder Applications: Compatible wiring allows use with suitable TASCAM multitrack equipment such as the DA-98HR and DA-78HR.
  • Designed for Fixed Installations: Euroblock connections are particularly suitable for permanent wiring in installed professional AV systems.
  • Passive Signal Path: Provides direct analog connectivity without active amplification, signal conversion, or digital processing.
  • No A/D or D/A Conversion: Audio remains in the analog domain throughout the breakout box.
  • No DSP Processing: The BO-32DE does not alter, mix, process, or digitally route connected audio.
  • No Power Required: Passive operation eliminates the need for an AC adapter, DC supply, batteries, USB power, or PoE.
  • Simplifies High-Channel-Count Wiring: Four DB-25 cables can carry all 32 analog channels between the breakout box and compatible equipment.
  • Reduces Rack Cable Clutter: High-density D-sub connections help minimize individual cable runs around multichannel converters and recorders.
  • Installed AV Applications: Suitable for conference facilities, education, houses of worship, theaters, commercial AV, and other permanently wired systems.
  • Broadcast Applications: Provides an organized analog breakout solution for high-channel-count broadcast equipment racks.
  • Recording and Post-Production Applications: Supports multichannel converters, recorders, interfaces, consoles, and patching systems using compatible DB-25 wiring.
  • Rugged Metal Chassis: Designed for professional rack installations and long-term system use.
  • Standard 19-Inch Rackmount Format: Occupies a single rack unit.
  • Removable Rack Ears: Mounting brackets can be removed when rack installation is not required.
  • Reversible Rack Ears: Rackmount brackets can be installed for front- or rear-facing mounting.
  • Reversible-Orientation Labeling: Panel labeling remains usable when the breakout box is installed upside down.
  • Shallow Chassis: The compact depth makes rear-rack installation practical and helps keep analog cable runs short.
Specifications
Specification Details
Product Type 32-channel balanced analog breakout box
Model BO-32DE
Signal Type Balanced analog audio
Total Audio Channels 32
Channel Direction Bidirectional; input or output
Channel Grouping 4 groups × 8 channels
Group Configuration Each 8-channel group can independently be used as input or output
Front-Panel Connectors 16 × balanced Euroblock
Euroblock Pitch 3.81mm
Audio Channels per Front Connector 2
Rear-Panel Connectors 4 × 25-pin D-sub female
Audio Channels per D-Sub 8
D-Sub Fixing Screws 8 × No. 4-40 UNC
D-Sub Pin Assignment TASCAM standard, compliant with AES59-2012
Signal Conversion Passive Euroblock-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
Rack Installation Front- or rear-facing installation supported
Chassis Construction Metal
Dimensions (W × H × D) 482.6 × 44.1 × 50.8mm (19.0 × 1.7 × 2.0 in), including protrusions
Weight 0.9kg (2.0 lb)
Primary TASCAM Compatibility ML-16D / ML-32D
Additional TASCAM Applications Compatible TASCAM multitrack recorders and other equipment using the same DB-25 analog pin assignment
Additional Compatibility Professional equipment with compatible AES59-2012/TASCAM DB-25 analog audio wiring
Typical Applications Installed AV, broadcast, recording, post-production, multichannel analog conversion, equipment rooms
Included Euroblock Plugs 32
Included Cable Management Euroblock strain-relief tabs and cable band kit
Included Rack Hardware Rackmount screw kit
Audio Cables Included No
Manuals and Documents
  • Owner’s Manual - Official TASCAM manual covering the BO-32DE, BO-16DX/IN, and BO-16DX/OUT, including connector information, Euroblock wiring, specifications, installation guidance, and dimensional drawings.
  • BO-32DE Downloads - Official TASCAM support page providing the owner’s manual, technical drawing, DXF file, system-design documentation, and product images.
  • TASCAM System Design Guide - Professional system-design examples and installation information for TASCAM analog, Dante, and connection products.
  • TASCAM BO-32DE Product Page - Official U.S. manufacturer product information, specifications, documentation, and support resources.