AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Stage Boxes for Digital Mixers for Intermediate 2026
The top pick is Allen & Heath AR-2412 24-Channel AudioRack Expansion Interface ($1,673). Midas DL16 16-Input 8-Output Stage Box gives you the most for the money at $830. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 48 models across 10 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 8, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Allen & Heath AR-2412 24-Channel AudioRack Expansion Interface
AR2412 · Allen & Heath
17 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size19"
- Weight5 kg
If you run an Allen & Heath Qu console, this unit gives you 24 XLR mic and line inputs in a single 3 U rack space. You also get Cat 5 outputs and an Aviom monitor output, so you can send signal over network cable and feed personal monitor systems. It suits a band or venue already set up around a Qu console.
Pros
- 24 XLR mic and line inputs on one rack unit
- 12 XLR line outputs in left and right pairs
- Cat 5 outputs for running signal over network cable
Cons
- Works only with Allen & Heath Qu consoles
- At 5 kg and 3 U, it takes up real rack space and weight
74AudioFu
Index↑ 11.0%since Aug 17$1,506 · Aug 17$1,673 now$1,673€1,498 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Allen & Heath AR-84 8-Channel AudioRack Expansion Interface
AR84 · Allen & Heath
19 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size19"
- Weight3 kg
If you run an Allen & Heath QU console and need more inputs and outputs, the AR84 gives you 8 XLR mic or line inputs and 4 XLR line outputs in a small 1U rack box. It is made to work as an expander with your QU mixer, so it suits a setup that is already built on that platform.
Pros
- Has 8 XLR mic/line inputs for bringing sources into your console
- Includes 4 XLR line outputs in left and right pairs
- Works with Allen & Heath QU consoles as an expander
Cons
- Does not list any on-unit controls or display, so setup is done from the console
72AudioFu
Index↑ 18.8%since Aug 17$892 · Aug 17$1,060 now$1,060€949 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Allen & Heath DX168 16-Channel Digital Stagebox
DX168/X · Allen & Heath
14 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Size19"
If you run a dLive, SQ, QU, or AHM mixer, this stage box gives you sixteen mic inputs and eight line outputs in one spot. It is plug-and-play, so you connect it with a CAT5e cable and start working. It suits you if you need a remote box near the stage and want it to mount in a 19-inch rack.
Pros
- Sixteen mic and XLR inputs handle a full set of microphones on one box
- Eight XLR line outputs send signal to other gear or speakers
- Plug-and-play setup with compatible dLive, SQ, QU, and AHM digital mixers
Cons
- Rack kit and case are sold separately, so mounting costs extra
70AudioFu
Index↑ 12.9%since Aug 17$1,640 · Aug 17$1,852 now$1,852€1,659 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size19"
If you want lots of inputs on stage, this box gives you 32 inputs and 16 outputs. It connects to your mixer over AES50, and you can run a single CAT-5e cable up to 100 m. It mounts in a standard 19-inch rack, so it fits into a rack setup with room to spare.
Pros
- 32 inputs and 16 outputs in one stagebox
- AES50 network link runs up to 100 m over CAT-5e cable
- Dual ADAT outputs add extra channels
Cons
- Takes 3U of rack space and 21 cm of installation depth
68AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,417 now$1,417€1,269 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Allen & Heath AB-168 16-Channel Portable AudioRack Stage Box
AB168 · Allen & Heath
24 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
If you run a GLD or Qu digital mixer and need more mic inputs on stage, this box is built for that. It gives you 16 mic inputs and 8 line outputs, and it connects to your mixer over Ethernet. If you want a rack mount or a case, you'll need to buy those separately.
Pros
- 16 mic XLR preamps give you plenty of inputs for a stage setup
- 8 XLR line outputs send your signal on to other gear
- Ethernet input and output connections let you run it over a network
Cons
- The rack kit (#344400) and the carry case (#504877) are sold separately
68AudioFu
Index↑ 15.1%since Aug 17$1,328 · Aug 17$1,528 now$1,528€1,369 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size19"
If you run a digital mixer and need more inputs and outputs away from the desk, this stage box can help. It takes sixteen inputs and eight outputs over a long CAT-5e cable, so you can place it closer to the performers and keep your cable runs shorter. It mounts in a standard 19 inch rack, which makes it easy to fit into a rack setup.
Pros
- Sixteen inputs and eight outputs in one 2U unit
- AES50 network connection links it with Klark Teknik gear
- Runs up to 100 m over standard CAT-5e cabling
Cons
- Installation depth of 21 cm needs enough space behind the rack
67AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$830 now$830€743 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Behringer S32 Digital Snake IO Box 32 Preamps 16 Outputs
S32 · Behringer
14 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size19"
If you run a digital mixer and need more inputs and outputs on stage, this is worth a look. You get 32 inputs and 16 outputs in a 19 inch rack unit, and it connects back to the mixer over AES50 cabling up to 100m long. It suits sound engineers who want to move their stage connections away from the mixer without running a lot of extra cable.
Pros
- 32 inputs and 16 outputs in one compact 19 inch, 3 HE unit
- AES50 network connection (Klark Teknik) carries signals over long cable runs
- Supports up to 100m of CAT-5e cabling
Cons
- Needs a digital mixer with AES50 support to work
67AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$847 now$847€759 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight4.6 kg
You get a 32-input, 16-output stage box that connects to your console over one CAT5e or CAT6 cable. It has a steel body, phantom power, and remote control through UC Surface software. It suits you if you already run a Presonus StudioLive console or AVB rack mixer and need lots of mic inputs on stage.
Pros
- Thirty-two remote-controllable XMAX Class-A microphone preamps for many inputs
- 48-Volt phantom power on the mic inputs for condenser microphones
- Robust steel housing built to sit in a 19-inch rack
Cons
- Works only with Presonus StudioLive consoles and rack mixers using AVB
- Cannot operate stand-alone; a compatible console is required
65AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,238 now$1,238€1,109 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
PreSonus NSB 16.8 16x8 AVB Network Stagebox
NSB 16.8 · Presonus
31 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
If you run a PreSonus StudioLive console and need more mic inputs on stage, this box can help you. You connect it to the console with one CAT5e or CAT6 cable, and you can control the preamps right from the mixer. It will not work on its own, so skip it if you do not already own a compatible StudioLive or AVB mixer.
Pros
- Sixteen XMAX Class A mic preamps, each remote-controllable from the console or software
- Sixteen combo jacks accept both XLR and jack connectors for mic or line sources
- Eight XLR line outputs give you plenty of routing for a stage setup
Cons
- Works only with PreSonus StudioLive consoles and AVB rack mixers, with no stand-alone use
- Needs 48 Volt phantom power from the console to run its mic preamps
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$908 now$908€813 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size19"
The DL151 is a serious workhorse for bands and sound engineers who need pristine Midas mic preamps and flexible routing capabilities. Its Dante connectivity makes it ideal for larger stages and venues needing reliable, long-distance signal transmission, and its compact size is a real bonus. It’s a solid choice for professionals who’ve already invested in a Dante ecosystem.
Pros
- Exceptional Midas preamps deliver pristine, low-noise audio
- Robust Dante protocol ensures rock-solid, long-distance connectivity
- Compact 2U rack height maximizes space efficiency on stage
Cons
- Limited output flexibility compared to larger digital mixers
- Dante infrastructure required; adds complexity and cost
56AudioFu
Index↓ 27.7%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$2,980 · Aug 17$2,154 now$2,154€1,929 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 48 stage boxes for digital mixers
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
DiGiCo A168 Stage I/ODiGiCo · 2 finishes54Stable$2,119€1,898$2,119€1,898Check ↗
- 12
Behringer SD16 I O Box 16-Preamps 8-OutputsSD16 · Behringer58Stable$657€588$657€588Check ↗
- 13
Allen & Heath DX88-PAllen & Heath50↓ 1.1%$1,015€909$1,015€909Check ↗
- 14
Midas DL152Midas49Stable$1,506€1,349$1,506€1,349Check ↗
- 15
Allen & Heath AH-DX012 12-Channel Output ExpanderDX012 · Allen & Heath49Stable$1,573€1,409$1,573€1,409Check ↗
- 16
Yamaha RUio0804-DYamaha47Stable$1,953€1,749$1,953€1,749Check ↗
- 17
Yamaha Tio 1608-D2Yamaha47Stable$1,953€1,749$1,953€1,749Check ↗
- 18
Behringer S16 Digital Snake 16 Input 8 Output IO BoxS16 · Behringer63Stable$468€419$468€419Check ↗
- 19
Soundcraft Stagebox Mini 32iSoundcraft42Stable$2,321€2,079$2,321€2,079Check ↗
- 20
Midas DL154Midas41Stable$1,784€1,598$1,784€1,598Check ↗
- 21
Midas DN4816-OMidas · 2 finishes56Stable$372€333$372€333Check ↗
- 22
Allen & Heath DT22Allen & Heath50Stable$445€399$445€399Check ↗
- 23
Allen & Heath DT168 Dante StageboxDT168 · Allen & Heath · 2 finishes73Stable$2,332€2,089$2,332€2,089Check ↗
- 24
Midas DL8Midas41Stable$546€489$546€489Check ↗
- 25
Allen & Heath DT02Allen & Heath57Stable$334€299$334€299Check ↗
- 26
Behringer SC16-OBehringer · 2 finishes62Stable$233€209$233€209Check ↗
- 27
Midas DN4888 8-Channel UltraNet InterfaceDN4888 · Midas53Stable$334€299$334€299Check ↗
- 28
Behringer SD8 I O Box 8-Preamps 8-OutputsSD8 · Behringer49Stable$357€320$357€320Check ↗
- 29
Allen & Heath DT20Allen & Heath50Stable$334€299$334€299Check ↗
- 30
Behringer SC88Behringer48Stable$312€279$312€279Check ↗
- 31
Allen & Heath GX4816 Expander ModuleGX4816 · Allen & Heath61↑ 1.8%$4,990€4,469$4,990€4,469Check ↗
- 32
Waves DSPRO StageGrid 4000Waves52Stable$6,697€5,998$6,697€5,998Check ↗
- 33
Allen & Heath DX164-WAllen & Heath50Stable$2,377€2,129$2,377€2,129Check ↗
- 34
Yamaha RIO1608-D3Yamaha50↓ 6.7%$6,664€5,969$6,664€5,969Check ↗
- 35
Midas DL155Midas49Stable$2,557€2,290$2,557€2,290Check ↗
- 36
Midas DL231Midas49Stable$5,325€4,769$5,325€4,769Check ↗
- 37
Behringer SC-UBehringer48Stable$133€119$133€119Check ↗
- 38
Yamaha RUio1608SB-DYamaha47Stable$2,901€2,598$2,901€2,598Check ↗
- 39
Yamaha RIO3224-D3Yamaha47Stable$12,604€11,289$12,604€11,289Check ↗
- 40
DiGiCo MQ RackDiGiCo47Stable$12,829€11,490$12,829€11,490Check ↗
- 41
DiGiCo DQ RackDiGiCo47Stable$13,833€12,390$13,833€12,390Check ↗
- 42
Waves Ionic 16 StageboxWaves45Stable$3,236€2,898$3,236€2,898Check ↗
- 43
Waves Ionic 24 StageboxWaves45Stable$4,129€3,698$4,129€3,698Check ↗
- 44
Yamaha RUio16-D Dante USB Audio InterfaceRUio16FLX-D · Yamaha43Stable$2,901€2,598$2,901€2,598Check ↗
- 45
Klark Teknik DN9680Klark Teknik42Stable$3,012€2,698$3,012€2,698Check ↗
- 46
DiGiCo D-Rack 2PDiGiCo39Stable$6,353€5,690$6,353€5,690Check ↗
- 47
DiGiCo D2-Rack BNC 48/16DiGiCo39Stable$8,930€7,998$8,930€7,998Check ↗
- 48
TASCAM BO-16DX/IN 16-Channel D-Sub XLR Breakout BoxSB-16D · Tascam38Stable$3,237€2,899$3,237€2,899Check ↗
Stage Boxes for Digital Mixers by the numbers
Measured across all 54 models we track, not a sample.
Median $1,852 — half of all stage boxes for digital mixers here cost less.
median of 21 models · 19"–19"
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 54 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.
