AudioFu Chart · October 2026

Best Stage Boxes for Digital Mixers 2026

The top pick is Allen & Heath AR-84 8-Channel AudioRack Expansion Interface ($899). Behringer S16 Digital Snake 16 Input 8 Output IO Box gives you the most for the money at $472. Allen & Heath DT168 Dante Stagebox leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 43 models across 10 brands, prices checked every night.

Last updated: October 18, 2026

43models in this chart
10brands
$1,686median price
2price drops since Aug

Top 10

Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.

  1. Allen & Heath AR-84 8-Channel AudioRack Expansion Interface

    AR84 · Allen & Heath

    16 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann

    • Size19"
    • Weight3 kg

    The AR84 is a solid, reliable expander for Allen & Heath's digital mixer ecosystem. It's a great solution for bands or sound engineers needing extra mic inputs without adding a full-sized mixer. If you're already invested in the A&H digital world, this rack is a seamless and professional extension of your system.

    Pros

    • Robust Dante protocol ensures rock-solid, low-latency audio transmission
    • Allen & Heath's signature preamps deliver clean, musical gain
    • Compact 1U rackmount saves valuable space on stage or in the studio

    Cons

    • Limited output count compared to larger format stage racks
    • Cat 5 connectivity might be a bottleneck for some setups
    78AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand83
    • Lineup63
    • Price50
    • Specs100
    • Maker100
    Stableno change since Aug 17
    Aug 17$899 now
    $899€799 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗
  2. Allen & Heath AB-168 16-Channel Portable AudioRack Stage Box

    AB168 · Allen & Heath

    26 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann

    The AB168 is a workhorse stagebox, expanding your GLD or Qu mixer's input count with Allen & Heath's signature preamp quality and Dante networking. It’s perfect for bands and touring acts needing reliable, high-quality remote mic preamps and signal routing – just be sure you’re already in the Allen & Heath digital ecosystem.

    Pros

    • Robust Dante networking provides rock-solid, low-latency connectivity.
    • Allen & Heath’s renowned preamps deliver clean, transparent gain.
    • Compact form factor simplifies stage setup and transport.

    Cons

    • Limited to GLD and Qu series mixers, restricting versatility.
    • Rack kit and case are optional, adding to the overall investment.
    76AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand96
    • Lineup100
    • Price50
    • Specs0
    • Maker100
    Stableno change since Aug 17
    Aug 17$1,338 now
    $1,338€1,189 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗
  3. Allen & Heath AR-2412 24-Channel AudioRack Expansion Interface

    AR2412 · Allen & Heath

    18 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann

    • Size19"
    • Weight5 kg

    This AR2412 is a workhorse for Qu console users needing more inputs and outputs. It’s a solid, reliable stage box that expands your system's capabilities significantly—ideal for bands, corporate events, and any situation needing a scalable, Dante-enabled solution.

    Pros

    • Robust Dante protocol ensures rock-solid, low-latency audio transmission.
    • Allen & Heath’s signature preamps deliver clean, punchy gain.
    • Compact 3U rackmount saves valuable space on stage or in the studio.

    Cons

    • Limited to Allen & Heath Qu-series consoles; not a standalone mixer.
    • The Cat 5 outputs restrict flexibility compared to more modern protocols.
    74AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand86
    • Lineup63
    • Price17
    • Specs100
    • Maker100
    ↑ 11.0%since Aug 17
    $1,518 · Aug 17$1,686 now
    $1,686€1,498 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗
  4. Allen & Heath DT168 Dante Stagebox

    DT168 · Allen & Heath

    5 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann

    • Size19"
    • Weight4.75 kg

    The DT168 is a seriously useful stagebox, especially if you're already in the Allen & Heath dLive or SQ ecosystem. It’s built like a tank for gigging, and the Dante connectivity makes it a breeze to expand your I/O without running tons of analog cables. Perfect for bands and touring engineers needing reliable, high-quality remote mic preamps.

    Pros

    • Robust rubber corners offer excellent road-worthiness for frequent travel.
    • Allen & Heath's preamps deliver a clean, musical gain with low noise.
    • Dante Primary/Secondary ports ensure reliable, redundant network connectivity.

    Cons

    • The unit's weight, while manageable, will be a consideration for solo operators.
    • Limited analog connectivity compared to some larger format mixers.
    73AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand52
    • Lineup100
    • Price50
    • Specs100
    • Maker100
    Stableno change since Aug 17
    Aug 17$2,351 now
    $2,351€2,089 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗
  5. Allen & Heath DX168 16-Channel Digital Stagebox

    DX168/X · Allen & Heath

    13 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann

    • Size19"

    The DX168/X is a serious workhorse for dLive users needing extensive input and output flexibility. It’s a game-changer for larger bands, touring rigs, or venues wanting to expand their dLive’s capabilities – just be aware it’s completely dependent on that dLive mixer for operation.

    Pros

    • Robust Dante protocol ensures rock-solid, low-latency audio transmission
    • 100m CAT5e cable length provides exceptional flexibility for stage setups
    • Allen & Heath’s renowned preamps deliver clean, punchy gain

    Cons

    • Relies entirely on dLive ecosystem; lacks standalone functionality
    • Requires a dLive mixer for operation, increasing overall system cost
    72AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand77
    • Lineup100
    • Price24
    • Specs50
    • Maker100
    ↑ 8.8%since Aug 17
    $1,653 · Aug 17$1,798 now
    $1,798€1,598 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗
  6. Behringer S32 Digital Snake IO Box 32 Preamps 16 Outputs

    S32 · Behringer

    17 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann

    • Size19"

    The S32 is a serious workhorse for larger bands and touring acts needing a flexible stagebox solution. Its AES50 networking is a game-changer for routing signals, and the Klark Teknik preamps deliver clean sound. It’s a great option for those needing serious input counts without the premium price tag of established brands.

    Pros

    • AES50 networking offers incredible routing flexibility and scalability.
    • Klark Teknik DSP provides clean preamps and routing options.
    • Robust 19 in rackmount chassis allows for secure stage deployment.

    Cons

    • Limited onboard processing compared to more premium stageboxes.
    • USB port is solely for firmware updates, no audio interface functionality.
    69AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand84
    • Lineup63
    • Price50
    • Specs50
    • Maker79
    Stableno change since Aug 17
    Aug 17$854 now
    $854€759 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗
  7. Midas DL32 32-Input 16-Output Stage Box

    DL32 · Midas

    15 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann

    • Size19"

    The DL32 is a fantastic stagebox for anyone already invested in the Klark Teknik ecosystem. It gives you a ton of inputs and outputs without a massive cable snake, and the Midas preamps are simply superb. Perfect for bands and touring engineers needing reliable, high-quality remote mic inputs.

    Pros

    • Rock-solid Midas mic preamps deliver transparent, clean gain.
    • AES50 networking dramatically reduces cabling complexity and cost.
    • Double ADAT output offers flexible routing and expansion options.

    Cons

    • Limited onboard processing compared to full-fledged digital mixers.
    • AES50 network requires compatible devices for full functionality.
    67AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand81
    • Lineup63
    • Price50
    • Specs50
    • Maker70
    Stableno change since Aug 17
    Aug 17$1,428 now
    $1,428€1,269 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗
  8. PreSonus NSB 32.16 32-Channel Stagebox

    NSB 32.16 · Presonus

    18 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann

    • Weight4.6 kg

    The NSB 32.16 is a serious piece of kit for those fully committed to the Presonus AVB ecosystem. It's a rock-solid stagebox delivering clean preamps and a ton of channels, ideal for bands or larger events needing remote mic inputs and reliable transport—just know you're locked into the Presonus world.

    Pros

    • XMAX preamps deliver exceptionally clean, low-noise gain for demanding applications.
    • AVB protocol offers incredibly low latency and robust signal transport.
    • Steel chassis provides excellent durability for live stage environments.

    Cons

    • Complete reliance on Presonus StudioLive AVB ecosystem severely limits flexibility.
    • The weight, while manageable, is substantial for a stagebox.
    66AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand86
    • Lineup63
    • Price50
    • Specs50
    • Maker40
    Stableno change since Aug 17
    Aug 17$1,248 now
    $1,248€1,109 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗
  9. Behringer S16 Digital Snake 16 Input 8 Output IO Box

    S16 · Behringer

    11 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann

    • Size19"

    The Behringer S16 is a surprisingly capable stagebox, especially for smaller to mid-sized gigs. Its AES50 networking keeps latency tight, and the ADAT outputs are a real bonus. This is a great option for bands and sound engineers on a budget who need to extend their mixer's inputs and outputs.

    Pros

    • Klark Teknik AES50 networking offers remarkably low latency.
    • Solid metal chassis feels surprisingly robust for the price point.
    • Dual ADAT outputs expand flexibility for recording or effects sends.

    Cons

    • AES50 protocol requires compatible digital mixers or interfaces.
    • Limited routing options compared to higher-end digital snakes.
    64AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand72
    • Lineup63
    • Price50
    • Specs50
    • Maker79
    Stableno change since Aug 17
    Aug 17$472 now
    $472€419 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗
  10. Midas DL16 16-Input 8-Output Stage Box

    DL16 · Midas

    11 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann

    • Size19"

    The DL16 is a seriously useful stagebox for monitor engineers and bands needing flexible I/O. It’s a fantastic way to expand a digital mixer’s input count without a ton of extra cabling, especially for live sound or recording situations where you need remote mic preamps and AES50 connectivity.

    Pros

    • Robust metal chassis inspires confidence on stage.
    • AES50 network offers exceptionally low latency for monitors.
    • Midas preamps deliver clean, detailed sound with headroom.

    Cons

    • Limited EQ compared to fully-fledged digital mixers.
    • USB port solely for firmware updates, not audio interface.
    64AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand72
    • Lineup63
    • Price50
    • Specs50
    • Maker70
    Stableno change since Aug 17
    Aug 17$836 now
    $836€743 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗

All 43 stage boxes for digital mixers

Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.

  1. 11
    PreSonus NSB 16.8 16x8 AVB Network StageboxNSB 16.8 · Presonus
    Index 64Stable
    64
    Stable$915€813
    $915€813Check ↗
  2. 12
    Behringer SC16-OBehringer · 2 finishes
    Index 62Stable
    62
    Stable$235€209
    $235€209Check ↗
  3. 13
    Allen & Heath GX4816 Expander ModuleGX4816 · Allen & Heath
    Index 62↑ 1.8%
    62
    ↑ 1.8%$5,029€4,469
    $5,029€4,469Check ↗
  4. 14
    Allen & Heath DT02Allen & Heath
    Index 57Stable
    57
    Stable$336€299
    $336€299Check ↗
  5. 15
    Midas DN4816-IMidas · 2 finishes
    Index 54Stable
    54
    Stable$335€298
    $335€298Check ↗
  6. 16
    Behringer SD16 I O Box 16-Preamps 8-OutputsSD16 · Behringer
    Index 54Stable
    54
    Stable$662€588
    $662€588Check ↗
  7. 17
    DiGiCo A168 Stage I/ODiGiCo · 2 finishes
    Index 54Stable
    54
    Stable$2,136€1,898
    $2,136€1,898Check ↗
  8. 18
    Midas DN4888 8-Channel UltraNet InterfaceDN4888 · Midas
    Index 53Stable
    53
    Stable$336€299
    $336€299Check ↗
  9. 19
    Waves DSPRO StageGrid 4000Waves
    Index 52Stable
    52
    Stable$6,750€5,998
    $6,750€5,998Check ↗
  10. 20
    Behringer SD8 I O Box 8-Preamps 8-OutputsSD8 · Behringer
    Index 51Stable
    51
    Stable$360€320
    $360€320Check ↗
  11. 21
    Allen & Heath DT20Allen & Heath
    Index 50Stable
    50
    Stable$336€299
    $336€299Check ↗
  12. 22
    Allen & Heath DT22Allen & Heath
    Index 50Stable
    50
    Stable$449€399
    $449€399Check ↗
  13. 23
    Allen & Heath DX88-PAllen & Heath
    Index 50↓ 1.1%
    50
    ↓ 1.1%$1,023€909
    $1,023€909Check ↗
  14. 24
    Allen & Heath DX164-WAllen & Heath
    Index 50Stable
    50
    Stable$2,396€2,129
    $2,396€2,129Check ↗
  15. 25
    Yamaha RIO1608-D3Yamaha
    Index 50↓ 6.7%
    50
    ↓ 6.7%$6,717€5,969
    $6,717€5,969Check ↗
  16. 26
    Allen & Heath AH-DX012 12-Channel Output ExpanderDX012 · Allen & Heath
    Index 49Stable
    49
    Stable$1,586€1,409
    $1,586€1,409Check ↗
  17. 27
    Behringer SC-UBehringer
    Index 48Stable
    48
    Stable$134€119
    $134€119Check ↗
  18. 28
    Behringer SC88Behringer
    Index 48Stable
    48
    Stable$314€279
    $314€279Check ↗
  19. 29
    Yamaha RUio0804-DYamaha
    Index 47Stable
    47
    Stable$1,968€1,749
    $1,968€1,749Check ↗
  20. 30
    Yamaha Tio 1608-D2Yamaha
    Index 47Stable
    47
    Stable$1,968€1,749
    $1,968€1,749Check ↗
  21. 31
    Yamaha RUio1608SB-DYamaha
    Index 47Stable
    47
    Stable$2,924€2,598
    $2,924€2,598Check ↗
  22. 32
    Yamaha RIO3224-D3Yamaha
    Index 47Stable
    47
    Stable$12,704€11,289
    $12,704€11,289Check ↗
  23. 33
    DiGiCo MQ RackDiGiCo
    Index 47Stable
    47
    Stable$12,930€11,490
    $12,930€11,490Check ↗
  24. 34
    DiGiCo DQ RackDiGiCo
    Index 47Stable
    47
    Stable$13,942€12,390
    $13,942€12,390Check ↗
  25. 35
    Waves Ionic 16 StageboxWaves
    Index 45Stable
    45
    Stable$3,261€2,898
    $3,261€2,898Check ↗
  26. 36
    Waves Ionic 24 StageboxWaves
    Index 45Stable
    45
    Stable$4,161€3,698
    $4,161€3,698Check ↗
  27. 37
    Yamaha RUio16-D Dante USB Audio InterfaceRUio16FLX-D · Yamaha
    Index 43Stable
    43
    Stable$2,924€2,598
    $2,924€2,598Check ↗
  28. 38
    Soundcraft Stagebox Mini 32iSoundcraft
    Index 42Stable
    42
    Stable$2,340€2,079
    $2,340€2,079Check ↗
  29. 39
    Klark Teknik DN9680Klark Teknik
    Index 42Stable
    42
    Stable$3,036€2,698
    $3,036€2,698Check ↗
  30. 40
    Midas DL8Midas
    Index 39Stable
    39
    Stable$550€489
    $550€489Check ↗
  31. 41
    DiGiCo D-Rack 2PDiGiCo
    Index 39Stable
    39
    Stable$6,403€5,690
    $6,403€5,690Check ↗
  32. 42
    DiGiCo D2-Rack BNC 48/16DiGiCo
    Index 39Stable
    39
    Stable$9,000€7,998
    $9,000€7,998Check ↗
  33. 43
    TASCAM BO-16DX/IN 16-Channel D-Sub XLR Breakout BoxSB-16D · Tascam
    Index 38Stable
    38
    Stable$3,262€2,899
    $3,262€2,899Check ↗

Stage Boxes for Digital Mixers by the numbers

Measured across all 49 models we track, not a sample.

Price distribution

Median $1,686 — half of all stage boxes for digital mixers here cost less.

1
1
10
6
11
12
5
3
<$150$150–300$300–500$500–1k$1k–2k$2k–5k$5k–10k$10k+
Size19"

median of 17 models · 19"–19"

Weight4.54 kg

median of 31 models · 0.8 kg–11 kg

How the AudioFu Index works

Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.

This chart covers 49 stage boxes for digital mixers from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.

AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.

  • Demand40%

    How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.

  • Lineup20%

    How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.

  • Price15%

    Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.

  • Specs15%

    How completely the maker documents it.

  • Maker10%

    How deep the brand’s range is in this category.

Questions

What should I look for when buying stage boxes for digital mixers?

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.

How much should I spend on stage boxes for digital mixers?

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.

Are expensive stage boxes for digital mixers worth the investment?

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.

What are the best brands for stage boxes for digital mixers?

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.

Should I buy stage boxes for digital mixers online or in-store?

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.

Related charts

#1 · AudioFu Index 78Allen & Heath AR-84 8-Channel AudioRack Expansion Interface · $899€799
Check price ↗
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