Behringer SD16/SD8 Digital Stagebox
Quick Start Guide
Introduction
The Behringer SD16 and SD8 are digital stageboxes designed to expand audio networking capabilities in professional sound systems. They are part of the MUSIC Group portfolio, which includes brands like MIDAS, KLARK TEKNIK, TURBOSOUND, TC ELECTRONIC, TC HELICON, and BEHRINGER.
For warranty information, visit music-group.com/warranty.
System Overview
Diagram 1: System Overview depicts a typical audio setup. It illustrates the connection between a Behringer X32 Digital Mixer and Behringer SD16/SD8 stageboxes using shielded CAT5e cables. The diagram also shows connections to F1320D Active Monitors and a Bugera V22 amplifier. An optional P16-M personal monitor mixer is also depicted, connected to the stagebox. A Behringer XM8500 keyboard is shown as an input source.
Connections
Diagram 2: SD16/SD8 Rear Panel Layout identifies the essential connectors:
- (1) MIDAS/XLR Inputs: Balanced XLR/TRS combo jacks for microphone and line-level signals, designed by MIDAS.
- (2) XLR Outputs: Balanced XLR outputs for connecting to amplifiers or monitors.
- (3) LED Indicators: Status lights for various functions.
- (4) AES50 LED Indicators: Lights indicating the status of the AES50 network connection.
- (5) ULTRANET Outputs (RJ45): RJ45 connectors for ULTRANET personal monitoring systems, providing power for Behringer P16-M mixers.
- (6) USB Port (Type B): Used for system firmware updates.
- (7) AES50 A Port (Neutrik etherCON): The primary AES50 network connection port, utilizing a Neutrik etherCON connector.
- (8) Neutrik etherCON Connector: Another etherCON connector, typically for AES50 networking.
- (9) 1/4-inch Connectors: Additional connection options.
Networking and Signal Flow
Diagram 3: AES50 and ULTRANET Connection Diagram illustrates the digital audio signal routing and connectivity between digital mixers (like X32/M32), SD16, SD8, and other stageboxes (S16/DL16). It details the use of CAT-5e cables for AES50 A and B connections, ULTRANET, and MIDI. The diagram specifies how audio channels are mapped across AES50 ports, for example, AES50-A channels 1-8 correspond to XLR analog outputs 1-8 on the SD16. It also shows the local inputs and outputs for both SD16 and SD8 units, and their connections to P16 personal monitoring systems.
The table on this page outlines clock synchronization, output switching, and channel mapping for SD16 and SD8 units when used with AES50. It specifies that SD16 provides 16 XLR analog outputs (1-8 and 9-16) and 16 P-16 ULTRANET outputs, while SD8 provides 8 XLR analog outputs (1-8) and 8 P-16 ULTRANET outputs. Both support AES50-A and AES50-B connections.
MIDI Control for Head Amps
Diagram 4: MIDI Chart for Head Amp Control provides details on using MIDI messages to control the head amplifiers (gain and phantom power) on SD8/16 and S16/DL16 units. It differentiates between controlling the 'Local' head amps of a master unit and 'Remote' head amps of a slave unit. The chart specifies MIDI Control Change (CC) numbers, values, and channel assignments for controlling gain (e.g., -2.5 dB to +45 dB in 2.5 dB steps) and 48V phantom power (on/off) for inputs 1-16. It also notes that in slave mode, no MIDI preamp control is transmitted or received when controlled by another SN Master unit or an X32/M32 console.
Specifications
The SD16 and SD8 stageboxes feature advanced processing and connectivity:
| Feature | SD16 | SD8 |
|---|---|---|
| Processing A/D-D/A conversion | 24-bit @ 44.1 / 48 kHz, 114 dB dynamic range | |
| Networked I/O latency (stagebox in > console processing* > stagebox out) | 1.1 ms | |
| Connectors | ||
| Programmable mic preamps | 16 (designed by MIDAS) | 8 (designed by MIDAS) |
| Line outputs | 8 balanced XLR | 4 balanced XLR |
| ULTRANET outputs | 2 RJ45 (power supplied for BEHRINGER P16-M) | 1 RJ45 (power supplied for BEHRINGER P16-M) |
| AES50 SuperMac networking | Neutrik etherCON | |
| USB port | Type B for system updates | |
| Mic Input Characteristics | ||
| Preamp design | MIDAS | |
| THD + noise (20 dB gain, 0 dBu out) | < 0.005%, A-weighted | |
| Phantom power | 48 V, switchable per input | |
| Equivalent input noise level (XLR, input shorted) | -128 dBu, A-weighted | |
| CMRR (XLR, @ 20 dB gain, typical) | >60 dB | |
| CMRR (XLR, @ 40 dB gain, typical) | >65 dB | |
| Input/Output Characteristics | ||
| Frequency range (@ 48 kHz sample rate) | 10 Hz - 22 kHz, 0 dB to -1 dB | |
| Dynamic range (analog mic in to analog out, typical) | 105 dB | |
| A/D dynamic range (mic preamp to converter, typical) | 109 dB | |
| D/A dynamic range (converter and output) | 108 dB | |
| Cross talk rejection (@ 1 kHz, adjacent channels) | 90 dB | |
| Mic input impedance (XLR jack, unbal. / bal.) | 5 kΩ / 10 kΩ | |
| Non clip maximum input level (XLR) | +23 dBu | |
| Hi-Z input impedance (TRS jack, unbal. / bal.) | 1 MΩ / 2 MΩ | |
| Line input impedance (TRS jack, unbal. / bal.) | 20 kΩ / 40 kΩ | |
| Non clip maximum input level (TRS) | +21 dBu | |
| Output Characteristics | ||
| Output impedance (XLR, unbal. / bal.) | 50 Ω / 50 Ω | |
| Output level (XLR, nom. / max.) | +4 dBu / +21 dBu | |
| Residual noise level (XLR) | -88 dBu, A-weighted | |
| Feature | SD16 | SD8 |
|---|---|---|
| Digital In/Out | ||
| AES50 SuperMac networking (@ 48 or 44.1 kHz, 24-bit PCM) | 2 x 48 channels, bidirectional | |
| AES50 SuperMac cable length (CAT5 shielded**) | Recommended up to 80 m | |
| ULTRANET networking (@ 48 or 44.1 kHz, 22-bit PCM) | 1 x 16 channels, unidirectional | 1 x 8 channels, unidirectional |
| ULTRANET cable length (CAT5 shielded) | Up to 75 m | |
| ULTRANET phantom power for P16-M | 2 powered outputs | |
| Power | ||
| Power supply | Switch-mode autorange power supply | |
| Power consumption | 45 W | 35 W |
| Physical | ||
| Standard operating temperature range | 5°C – 40°C (41°F – 104°F) | |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 333 x 149 x 140 mm (13.1 x 5.9 x 5.5 in) | 333 x 149 x 95 mm (13.1 x 5.9 x 3.7 in) |
| Weight | 3.2 kg (7.1 lbs) | 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs) |
* Includes all channel and bus processing, excludes insert effects and line delays.
** KLARK TEKNIK NCAT5E-50M recommended.
Note on AES50 Connections: Users should verify stable operation of AES50 connections before live use. The maximum recommended distance for AES50 CAT5 connections is 100 m / 330 ft. Shorter connections are advised for safety margins. Combining multiple cables with extension connectors can reduce reliability. Unshielded UTP cable may pose an ESD risk. KLARK TEKNIK recommends using cables of similar quality to their NCAT5E-50M, and offers DN9610 AES50 Repeaters or DN9620 AES50 Extenders for longer runs.
Setup and Support
For setup, users can refer to the diagrams and specifications provided. The units support voltage ranges of 100-240 V (50/60 Hz).
For online support and product information, Behringer provides resources at behringer.com/Support.
