Best Stage Boxes for Digital Mixers 2026

Top-rated stage boxes for digital mixers 2026 - expert picks for every budget and skill level

Last updated: February 4, 2026 • Next update: February 11, 2026

Allen & Heath DX012 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Allen & Heath DX012

Professional Quality
Key Feature:
• Professional grade

Allen & Heath DX012Audio Expander with 12 XLR Outputs and AES FunctionalityCompatible with SQ and dLive systems...

4.9/5 (51 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Allen & Heath AB168 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Allen & Heath AB168

Professional Quality
Key Feature:
• Professional grade

Allen & Heath AB168Digital Stagebox for GLD and Qu16 Mic XLR preamps8 XLR line outputsPhantom power LEDEthernet...

4.6/5 (2 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Presonus NSB 32.16 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Presonus NSB 32.16

Professional Quality
Key Feature:
• Professional grade

Presonus NSB 32.1632x16 AVB Stagebox32 Mic/line inputs: combo jacksXLR/jack32 Remote-controllable XMAX Class-A...

4.5/5 (12 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
DiGiCo D2-Rack BNC 48/16 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

DiGiCo D2-Rack BNC 48/16

Professional Quality
Key Feature:
• Professional grade

DiGiCo D2-Rack BNC 48/16Digital MulticoreBNC (Main / AUX)Sample rate: 96 kHz48 Mic / Line in16 Line outWith two...

5.0/5 (53 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Allen & Heath GX4816 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Allen & Heath GX4816

Professional Quality
Key Feature:
• Professional grade

Allen & Heath GX4816Audio Expander with 48 XLR Inputs / 16 XLR Outputs and DX andME Connectivity48 XLR preamps with...

4.8/5 (50 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Allen & Heath AR84 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Allen & Heath AR84

Professional Quality
Key Feature:
• Professional grade

Allen & Heath AR84Expander Audio RackAlso suitable for Allen & Heath QU consoles8 XLR mic / line inputs4 XLR...

4.6/5 (18 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Waves Ionic 24 Stagebox - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Waves Ionic 24 Stagebox

Professional Quality
Key Feature:
• Professional grade

Waves Ionic 24 StageboxStagebox24 In / 18 Out SoundGrid stagebox with high audio quality24 mic/line inputs with Waves...

4.5/5 (10 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Yamaha RIO3224-D3 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Yamaha RIO3224-D3

Professional Quality
Key Feature:
• Professional grade

Yamaha RIO3224-D3Digital Dante StageboxAnalogue I/O: 32 inputs / 16 outputsAES/EBU: Eight outputsDante network: 26...

5.0/5 (40 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Tascam SB-16D - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Tascam SB-16D

Professional Quality
Key Feature:
• Professional grade

Tascam DP-16 SDDante StageboxDante-capable stagebox and audio interface with 16 analogue inputs and outputsUp to 96 kHz...

4.9/5 (26 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Midas DL8 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Midas DL8

Professional Quality
Key Feature:
• Professional grade

Midas DL8Digital StageboxWith 8 inputs and 8 outputs with Midas Pro Mic PreampsOperation also possible via Power over...

4.4/5 (51 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Allen & Heath DT22 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Allen & Heath DT22

Professional Quality
Key Feature:
• Professional grade

Allen & Heath DT22Dante InterfaceCompact Dante interface for installationsResolution: 96 kHz / 48 kHzInputs: 2...

5.0/5 (44 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Waves Ionic 16 Stagebox - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Waves Ionic 16 Stagebox

Professional Quality
Key Feature:
• Professional grade

Waves Ionic 16 StageboxSoundGrid StageboxHigh audio quality16 Mic/line inputs with Waves Signature preamps1 Stereo AES...

5.0/5 (39 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Allen & Heath DT168 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Allen & Heath DT168

Professional Quality
Key Feature:
• Professional grade

Allen & Heath DT168Dante Audio Expander96 kHz / 48 kHzIn the design of a portable stagebox16 Mic preamps with XLR...

4.9/5 (44 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Soundcraft Stagebox Mini 32i - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Soundcraft Stagebox Mini 32i

Professional Quality
Key Feature:
• Professional grade

Soundcraft Stagebox Mini 32iStageboxWith 32 Mic/Line inputsStuder preamp design12 Analogue line outputsDigital...

4.9/5 (51 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Yamaha RIO1608-D2 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Yamaha RIO1608-D2

Professional Quality
Key Feature:
• Professional grade

Yamaha RIO1608-D2Digital 19" Stagebox16 Inputs8 Outputs100-240VFrequency range: 20 - 20000 HzDynamic Range: 112...

4.5/5 (29 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10

How to Choose the Best Stage Boxes for Digital Mixers

Budget Planning

  • • Under $200: Entry-level
  • • $200-$500: Intermediate
  • • $500-$1000: Advanced
  • • $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

  • • Sound clarity & tone
  • • Build materials & finish
  • • Hardware durability
  • • Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

  • • Your musical style
  • • Skill level match
  • • Intended use case
  • • Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.
Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.
Higher-priced stage boxes for digital mixers typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.
Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.
Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

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