TASCAM SB-16D

Brian Long

Introduction

The TASCAM SB-16D is a professional 16-input/16-output Dante stage box designed for live sound, broadcast, recording, theater, houses of worship, installed AV, and other networked audio environments. Sixteen balanced XLR mic/line inputs combine TASCAM Class 1 HDIA microphone preamps with 32-bit A/D conversion, while sixteen balanced XLR line outputs provide local analog connectivity for monitors, amplifiers, processors, recording equipment, and other professional audio devices.

Designed for seamless integration with TASCAM Sonicview consoles while remaining usable as a standalone Dante interface, the SB-16D supports redundant Dante networking, AES67, SMPTE ST 2110, Dante Domain Manager, remote preamp control, and 8-in/8-out GPIO. Multiple units can be combined when more analog I/O is required, and the rugged enclosure can operate as a floor-mounted stage box or be installed in a standard 19-inch rack using the included 3U mounting hardware.

Features, Specifications, and Manuals

Features
  • 16-In / 16-Out Dante Stage Box: Provides sixteen professional analog inputs and sixteen analog outputs for Dante network audio systems.
  • 16 Balanced XLR Mic/Line Inputs: Connect microphones, DI boxes, wireless systems, consoles, playback equipment, and other professional analog sources.
  • 16 Balanced XLR Line Outputs: Route Dante audio to monitors, amplifiers, powered loudspeakers, processors, recording equipment, and other analog destinations.
  • TASCAM Class 1 HDIA Microphone Preamps: Each input uses TASCAM’s High Definition Instrumentation Architecture microphone preamp technology.
  • -128dBu EIN: Extremely low equivalent input noise supports demanding microphone and live-production applications.
  • 32-Bit A/D Conversion: High-resolution analog-to-digital conversion captures connected sources with substantial precision and headroom.
  • Up to 96kHz Operation: Supports high-resolution Dante systems operating at sampling frequencies up to 96kHz.
  • +32dBu Maximum Input Level: Switchable input pads provide substantial headroom for high-level professional sources.
  • +48V Phantom Power: Phantom power can be switched independently for each mic/line input.
  • Input Signal Indicators: Individual indicators provide quick visual confirmation of incoming audio.
  • Input Overload Indicators: Dedicated overload indication helps operators identify excessive input levels.
  • Phantom Power Indicators: Each input provides visual confirmation when +48V phantom power is active.
  • Output Signal Indicators: Individual output indicators provide visual confirmation of outgoing analog signals.
  • Selectable Analog Reference Levels: Multiple output reference configurations support different professional analog operating standards.
  • Up to +24dBu Maximum Output: Selectable reference settings allow connection to professional equipment requiring high analog output headroom.
  • 64-Channel Dante at 48kHz: The Dante interface supports up to 64 input and 64 output network channels at 48kHz.
  • 32-Channel Dante at 96kHz: Supports up to 32 Dante input and 32 output channels at 96kHz.
  • Dual Dante Network Ports: PRIMARY and SECONDARY etherCON-compatible connections provide robust professional network connectivity.
  • Redundant Dante Mode: Separate primary and secondary networks can be used to increase system reliability.
  • Switched Dante Mode: Network ports can alternatively operate in switched mode when redundancy is not required.
  • Gigabit Ethernet: Dante networking uses 1000BASE-T Ethernet.
  • AES67 Support: Enables interoperability with compatible AES67 network audio environments.
  • SMPTE ST 2110 Support: Supports professional IP-based broadcast audio workflows.
  • Dante Domain Manager Support: Compatible with managed Dante networks using Dante Domain Manager.
  • Seamless Sonicview Integration: TASCAM Sonicview consoles can discover and control connected SB-16D stage boxes.
  • Remote Microphone Gain Control: Input preamp settings can be controlled directly from compatible Sonicview consoles.
  • Remote Phantom Power Control: +48V settings can be managed remotely in supported Sonicview workflows.
  • TASCAM IO CONTROL Support: Free software provides remote operation and configuration from supported Windows, macOS, and iPadOS devices.
  • Standalone Remote Operation: TASCAM IO CONTROL can manage the SB-16D even when a Sonicview console is not part of the system.
  • Offline Editing: Supported software workflows allow configuration to be prepared away from the stage box.
  • 8-In / 8-Out GPIO: A 25-pin D-sub GPIO interface provides external control integration.
  • Expanded GPIO with Sonicview: GPIO capability can expand to 16 inputs and 16 outputs when used with a compatible Sonicview console.
  • Multiple-Unit Operation: Additional SB-16D units can be added to a Dante network when more analog I/O is required.
  • Redundant Power Capability: In addition to the internal AC supply, a DC input can accept an optional external power supply for redundancy.
  • Optional PS-P2450 AC Adapter: TASCAM’s optional 24V adapter can be used with the DC input for redundant power applications.
  • Floor-Box Operation: Large rubber feet provide stability when the SB-16D is positioned onstage.
  • Stackable Design: Multiple stage boxes can be stacked for transport and installation.
  • Integrated Carrying Handle: Makes the stage box easier to transport and position.
  • 3U Rackmount Installation: Included rack hardware allows installation in a standard 19-inch equipment rack.
  • Two Rackmount Angles: The mounting brackets support two installation angles for different rack and cabling requirements.
  • Integrated Cable-Routing Opening: Rack installation can route connected cables conveniently toward the rear of the rack.
  • Flexible Professional Applications: Suitable for stage I/O, broadcast facilities, recording studios, equipment rooms, installed AV, and remote production.
Specifications
Specification Details
Product Type 16-input / 16-output Dante stage box and AD/DA converter
Model SB-16D
Analog Mic/Line Inputs 16
Input Connectors 16 × balanced XLR-3-31
XLR Input Pinout Pin 1: GND / Pin 2: HOT / Pin 3: COLD
Input Impedance 5kΩ or greater
Maximum Input Level — Pad Off +12dBu, trim at minimum
Minimum Input Level — Pad Off -62dBu, trim at maximum
Maximum Input Level — Pad On +32dBu, trim at minimum
Minimum Input Level — Pad On -42dBu, trim at maximum
Phantom Power +48V, independently switchable per input
A/D Conversion 32-bit
Analog Line Outputs 16
Output Connectors 16 × balanced XLR-3-32
XLR Output Pinout Pin 1: GND / Pin 2: HOT / Pin 3: COLD
Output Impedance 100Ω or less
Selectable Nominal Output Levels +6dBu / +4dBu / 0dBu, depending on reference configuration
Selectable Maximum Output Levels +15 / +18 / +20 / +22 / +24dBu, depending on reference configuration
Network Audio Protocol Dante
Dante Network Connectors PRIMARY / SECONDARY etherCON-compatible
Network Standard Gigabit Ethernet, 1000BASE-T, IEEE 802.3ab
Recommended Network Cable Cat5e STP or better
Dante Channels at 48kHz Up to 64 input / 64 output
Dante Channels at 96kHz Up to 32 input / 32 output
Dante Operating Modes Redundant / Switched
AES67 Supported
Dante Domain Manager Supported
SMPTE ST 2110 Supported
GPIO Connector 25-pin D-sub female
GPIO Capacity 8 input / 8 output
GPIO Input Circuit 5V pull-up
GPIO Output Circuit Open collector
GPIO Output Impedance 10Ω
GPIO Voltage Resistance 20V
GPIO Maximum Output Current 35mA
GPIO Maximum +5V Supply Current 50mA
Mic Preamp EIN -128dBu or less
Frequency Response — 48kHz 20Hz–20kHz, +0/-0.5dB
Frequency Response — 96kHz 20Hz–40kHz, +0/-1.0dB
Dynamic Range — Mic/Line to Dante 110dB or greater
Dynamic Range — Dante to Line, 48kHz 111dB or greater
Dynamic Range — Dante to Line, 96kHz 112dB or greater
Distortion — Mic/Line to Dante 0.002% or less
Distortion — Dante to Line 0.002% or less
Crosstalk 100dB or greater
Primary Power Supply AC 100–240V, 50/60Hz
External DC Power DC 11V / 4A to 27V / 2A
Optional Redundant Power Adapter TASCAM PS-P2450
Power Consumption 44W
Dimensions — Floor Configuration 454 × 140 × 180mm (W × H × D)
Dimensions — Rack Configuration Approx. 483 × 132 × 120mm (W × H × D)
Rackmount Size 19-inch, 3U
Weight 4.5kg (9.9 lb)
Operating Temperature 0–40°C (32–104°F)
Remote-Control Software TASCAM IO CONTROL
Console Integration TASCAM Sonicview series
Typical Applications Live sound, stage I/O, broadcast, recording, installed AV, theater, houses of worship, remote production
Manuals and Documents
  • Owner’s Manual - Official TASCAM SB-16D manual covering installation, analog I/O, Dante networking, GPIO, power, rackmounting, operation, and technical specifications.
  • TASCAM IO CONTROL User’s Manual - Official guide to remote configuration and operation of SB-16D stage boxes using TASCAM IO CONTROL.
  • SB-16D Downloads - Current TASCAM manuals, Ethernet protocol documentation, firmware, Dante firmware, release notes, system-design information, and support resources.
  • TASCAM System Design Guide - Professional system-design examples for TASCAM Dante, Sonicview, stage-box, and installed-audio products.
  • TASCAM SB-16D Product Page - Official U.S. manufacturer product information, features, specifications, downloads, firmware, and support resources.