TASCAM SB-16D

Product overview

The TASCAM SB-16D is a 16-in / 16-out Dante stage box with TASCAM Class 1 HDIA mic preamps and 32-bit converters, offering the same performance and hardware quality as the TASCAM Sonicview recording and live mixers.

Sixteen XLR mic/line inputs and sixteen XLR line outputs bring all the advantages of Dante networking to the stage, the studio or an installation. Connected to a TASCAM Sonicview 16XP or 24XP, the SB-16D's mic gain is controlled from the console and all its I/O appears on the Sonicview touch screens. On its own, the free TASCAM IO CONTROL app for macOS, Windows and iPadOS gives full remote control and offline editing. Use it as a floor stage box or mount it in a 3U rack, and network several units for more I/O.

Key features

• 16 XLR mic/line inputs with individual +48V phantom power and SIG / OL indicators
• 16 XLR line outputs with SIG indicators
• Class 1 HDIA mic preamps (High Definition Instrumentation Architecture): -128 dBu EIN, up to +32 dBu input
• 32-bit AD/DA conversion at 48 or 96 kHz
• Redundant Dante on PRIMARY and SECONDARY locking network connectors
• Dante Domain Manager support; AES67 and SMPTE ST 2110 interoperability
• Redundant power: AC IN plus EXT DC IN (11-27 V); DC supply not included
• 8-in / 8-out GPIO, expandable to 16-in / 16-out with a TASCAM Sonicview mixer
• Remote gain control from TASCAM Sonicview 16XP and 24XP mixers
• TASCAM IO CONTROL app for macOS, Windows and iPadOS with presets and offline editing
• Switchable analogue and digital reference levels
• Floor or 3U rack: large rubber feet, stackable, carry handle, rackmount ears included

Class 1 HDIA preamps and 32-bit converters

Each mic input feeds a TASCAM Class 1 HDIA preamp, the finest mic preamp TASCAM has made. An instrumentation amplifier with extremely good noise characteristics in the first stage gives excellent EIN, signal-to-noise ratio, distortion and frequency response, and the inputs accept up to +32 dBu for plenty of headroom. As in the Sonicview mixers, the SB-16D converts at 32 bits and 96 kHz, fine-tuned through repeated internal and external evaluations.

Seamless Sonicview integration

Connect the SB-16D to the Dante port of a TASCAM Sonicview mixer and mount it from the console: Dante routing, sampling rate, reference level and latency are set automatically, mic gain is controlled from the console and the SB-16D inputs work like the console's own. A Sonicview can mount up to four SB-16D units, and the GPIO expands to 16-in / 16-out.

Reliable Dante networking

Two Dante ports with locking connectors carry redundant streams on two independent networks, or daisy-chain to the next device. Dante Domain Manager is supported, along with AES67 and SMPTE ST 2110 interoperability. For extra reliability, the EXT DC IN connector accepts a redundant DC supply: if the AC supply is cut, the unit switches to DC without interrupting the sound.

Floor box or rack-mounted

Large rubber feet keep the SB-16D stable on the floor even with cables connected, units can be stacked for transport, and a handle makes it easy to carry. For recording and broadcast studios and commercial installations, the included ears mount it in a 3U rack space with the jack panel flush or recessed by 20, 40 or 60 mm, and a cable hole routes cables safely at the back.

In the box

• TASCAM SB-16D
• Power cords for Japan / USA, Europe and Oceania (x 3)
• Rackmount ear set with installation screws
• Rackmount screw kit
• TASCAM ID registration guide
• Owner's Manual (including warranty)

DC power supply for redundant power is not included.

TASCAM SB-16D: frequently asked questions

Can the SB-16D be used without a TASCAM Sonicview mixer?

Yes. It works on any Dante network, with routing set in Dante Controller and gain, PAD, phantom power and other settings made in the free TASCAM IO CONTROL app for macOS, Windows and iPadOS.

How many SB-16D units can a Sonicview control?

A TASCAM Sonicview can mount up to four SB-16D units. Each one needs its own device ID, set with the ID button, from the Sonicview or in TASCAM IO CONTROL.

Does it support redundancy?

Yes. PRIMARY and SECONDARY Dante connectors support redundant networks, and AC IN plus EXT DC IN support a redundant power supply.

Can it be rack-mounted?

Yes. Replace the feet with the included rackmount ears to mount it in a 3U rack space, flush or recessed by 20, 40 or 60 mm.

Where can I buy the TASCAM SB-16D in India?

The TASCAM SB-16D is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Stage box for a TASCAM Sonicview mixer

Put 16 mic inputs and 16 outputs on stage, controlled from the Sonicview console.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the SB-16D on stage and connect AC power.
2. Connect PRIMARY to the Sonicview's Dante port with a category 5e or better STP cable.
3. Mount the SB-16D from the Sonicview: routing, sampling rate, reference level and latency are set automatically.
4. Set mic gain and phantom power from the console.

Tip: A Sonicview can mount up to four SB-16D units; give each one its own device ID.

Workflow 2: Redundant live recording

Record a performance where retakes are not possible, on two independent Dante networks.

Connections

Setup

1. Build two separate Dante networks, each with its own gigabit switch.
2. Connect PRIMARY and SECONDARY to the two networks and set redundant mode in Dante Controller.
3. Connect AC and DC power for redundant supply.
4. Route the 16 inputs to the recording system.

Tip: Never connect the primary and secondary networks to each other.

Workflow 3: Standalone stage box with TASCAM IO CONTROL

Use the SB-16D on any Dante network and manage it from a computer or iPad.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the SB-16D and the computer or iPad to the same network.
2. Launch TASCAM IO CONTROL and log in to the SB-16D in Remote Mode.
3. Set gain, PAD, phantom power and channel names on the INPUT page.
4. Store the set-up as a preset for the next event.

Tip: Prepare presets in advance in Offline Editor mode on Windows or Mac.

Workflow 4: Rack-mounted inputs for studios

Install the SB-16D in a recording or broadcast studio rack.

Connections

Setup

1. Remove the four feet and fit the rackmount ears.
2. Choose a flush or recessed (20, 40 or 60 mm) position and mount the unit in a 3U space.
3. Route cables through the cable hole at the back.
4. Set the reference levels to match the studio.

Workflow 5: Commercial installation with GPIO

Add networked I/O to an installed Dante system with external control.

Connections

Setup

1. Wire the external controller to the GPIO connector.
2. In TASCAM IO CONTROL set GPIO-IN for input/output muting and GPIO-OUT for tally output.
3. Route the Dante channels in Dante Controller.
4. Check signal with the SIG indicators.

Workflow 6: Expanding I/O for large ensembles

Network several SB-16D units for more inputs and outputs.

Connections

Setup

1. Give every SB-16D a different device ID with the ID button or the app.
2. Connect all units to the Dante switch.
3. Mount them from the Sonicview or route them in Dante Controller.
4. Label channels in TASCAM IO CONTROL for clear operation.

Tip: Stack the units for transport; the carry handle makes them easy to move.