I know this information is super basic for most experienced audio professionals, but I must say it is one of the best videos I have ever watched on RUclips. The information was simple and clear, and there was just enough information to be neither boring or complicated. Huge thumbs up for you. Oh, and your accent is awesome!
Thanks a lot! Really simple was essentially what I was going for so great that I hit the mark. As for the accent, I have no control over that so thank you haha
You're very welcome, I'm really glad it's helpful. Let me know if there's anything else you'd like me to cover and I can probably get to it fairly quickly.
What a fantastic and clear video. I have a question in the topic of digital stage box. Could I simply get the signal from this Midas into a Mac, without using a mixer? So mixing in the box essentially, with Ableton live daw for example. Would this work?
Good question. Short answer:Not really. You should be able to do it theoretically but then you would need a usb dongle or software or something to translate the digital audio signal (AES50) to wav for Ableton. You would also probably not have control of the preamps since that's what the mixer does. But I could be wrong, there might be a plug in for this. There's certainly a lot of people that ask these questions
@@OffshoreAudio understand….Because it really sounds like an opportunity to simplify both on logistic, cutting out a device, and also keeping costs down, avoiding a 3k mixer (or a mixer anyway). Thanks for your help anyway! I start to see the light.
@@matteomelfa It's probably doable but I'm afraid I'm not very helpful with this stuff. This is exclusively a live sound channel and I haven't worked in a studio in many years. You could try asking Kyle at the Audio University RUclips channel.
Hey, check out these videos: ruclips.net/video/gpX9fU9mvPg/видео.html ruclips.net/video/_NGmXH7WBvg/видео.html They're on an X32 but the software and process is the same. If you want longer videos and more detail about setting up and mixing on an X32 I have a course: www.offshoreaudio.no/unlock-live-sound
Wonderful video. One thing that is very important is that some of these stageboxes are a point to point connection. So, stagebox directly to the mixing console. Do not use ethercon barrels to extend a cable! It causes a major degradation in audio quality!!!!!!
Hey, thanks so much for the comment! Couldn't agree more, there's lots to unpack in digital stageboxes. I hope to get into more detail in a future video :)
thnx for making this video it helped me understand stage boxes. I assume you would just use a long ethernet cable for the digital models right? haha :)
Please redo this video using the manufacturer spec’d cable ( AND CONNECTORS) for the stagebox... it has to have a bonded and shielded ethercon cable cat 5 E cable....
Manufactures put in the manual the right way to the most generic user cases. As long it works and don't damage the equipment, what's the big deal? Just take into account the conditions, distances, desired speed and possible interferences such as light conduits. Then you can find the ideal cable for each situation. You don't need a shielded cable to run for just 30cm. But maybe you're close to a RF transmitter, so now the shield its necessary.
Very good question. It depends what standard you're using to transmit the audio data. A Midas dl32, shown in this video, is good up to 100m according to the manual. I'd definitely test it if you're going over 80 though. 100m is what most digital stageboxes are rated for but always check the manual.
Hey, good question. The Mackie pro fx12 is an analogue mixer so you won't be about to use a digital stagebox with it. You would need to get an analogue one. I've got a video that explains a bit about this here: ruclips.net/video/yJ-DxCdRzs4/видео.html
Thanks! Good question. You do still need power amps for passive stage speakers, if I understood your question correctly. I've never come across a stagebox with a power amp built in at any rate. The power in your digital stagebox powers the AD/DA converter as well as providing things like phantom power. The signal level that comes out of the outputs is line level, at least in every stagebox I've ever used. I've come across mixers that have a power amp stage built in but they've always had a speakon cable as an output. I'll make a video covering the signal levels if you'd like? I thought I had one but it seems I've not made one yet.
Hi, good question. The short answer is no. The S32 stagebox communicates using a different language (AES 50) than the studio live iii mixer (AVB). The long answer is that you could send 2 channels of digital audio using the AES/EBU connection between the mixer and the stagebox. Did that answer your question?. I could make a video on how to know if you can use a digital stage box with a mixer and the different standards that are used if that would be helpful
@@OffshoreAudio thanks for the reply. Yeah a video would be helpful. Also did some reading cos we wanted to eventually expand into using personal mixers and IEM for the 5 member band we have. So we were looking at the Behringer P16 since it’s the most affordable. But our hands are tied cos we have a Studiolive board. But behringer has a converter that can take 16 analogue inputs and convert them into digital for use with the P16 mixers. So perhaps we might explore that option
I have an alto 1604 ..finding hard with out snake😃....shld i upgrade to soundcraft u16 or studiolive or presonus ...its extra money..but i am looking for a fail proof one..thank u
I'm trying to work out what the AES output on RME audio interfaces like the UCX II can be used for and how many inputs/outputs I can get. Can it be used like an ADAT expander to give you more physical analogue connections but via digital?
Thats AES/EBU, also known as AES 3, which is quite different from AES50 which the stagebox in this video uses. It's 2 channels of digital audio. Since it's a digital signal you would need a mic preamp and then an converter stage before you could feed audio into the RME unit. You could use it for example to record a stereo output of a live console like an m32. It's normally on an XLR connector in the live environment so you'd need some kind of cable for that. Maybe RME have some equipment that interfaces with it? I mention AES3 a little more in this video: ruclips.net/video/_aDJzUpHekQ/видео.html
No you don't need to use them both. Depending on what mixer you're using you could use either one.. I've got a few more videos about stage boxes here: ruclips.net/p/PLwvkPlNXGXW6xDASuGVWfS092KCAu180z
I’m only confused about which one to get and is it worth the EXTRA money. I have always heard MIDAS has the BEST . So I have an X32 and I’m considering a MIDAS Stagebox. Is this a good idea ? Or should I save some money and buy the Behringer Stagebox ? Is there a significant difference that makes it worth the added expense ?
Hey, good question! The difference is in the preamps as far as I'm aware with the Midas ones being considered better though I would say that unless you've made that decision yourself, based on what you hear, then you won't really notice a difference. Long story short it's common to find midas stage boxes with X32s but a behringher will work just fine. Hope that helped!
Good video!!! I have a challenge with one S32 stagebox now, the mute button is permanently on (red) once it's switched on. With this, there is no output. It was replaced with a new one which we are using now but I need to repair this one. What do I need to do please?
Thanks! It's not a problem I've come myself. Try switching the AES cable or port. My other advice would be to get in touch with the place that sold you the box or try music tribe support.
Great video! Though one question. As a drummer, would I be able to use a digital stage box to connect all of my drum mics to record straight into my computer with different tracks for each mic?
short answer: no. Longer answer: you might be able to make a dante stagebox work but they're designed to work with mixers and it would probably end up being more hassle than it's worth. I've got a few other videos on the channel that explain why if you're interested. ruclips.net/video/yJ-DxCdRzs4/видео.html
No, as far as I'm aware presonus mixers use AVB instead of AES as a standard for transferring the digital audio. I made another video on how to know what stagebox you can use: ruclips.net/video/yJ-DxCdRzs4/видео.html broadly speaking you pretty much have to use one manufactured by the same manufacturer as the mixer, though there are exceptions.
Hey, I had a look at the manual for the QSC Touchmix 30 pro - 32 channel mixer. It doesn't have any digital connectivity (the ethernet port on the back is just for wifi) so you would need to use an analogue stage box. Usually, these are labelled w-according to how many inputs and outputs are needed. For example, a 24/8 stage box would allow you to connect 24 channels of audio from the stage to your mixer and return 8 mixes from your mixer to the stage for the main LR mix, monitors etc. Did that answer your question?
Hey! How can you send a line level signal from a keyboard to your line level inputs (1/4) on your mixer through a snake? Do I use the TRS inputs and male on the snake?
It depends. I'd probably recommend just using a di box but if you don't have one then you could just use whatever adapters you need to make it work. E.g. Jack to xlr adapter- stagebox input - xlr to Jack adapter- Jack input on the mixer.
Yeah, I should've been clearer. Into a di box then into a mic input on the mixer. I think that would be the solution 95% of the time. So the answer to the question is " usually you don't, usually you use a di box" If you need to use a jack input because you don't have any xlr inputs left on the mixer then you use whatever adapters you need to get the signal there. The most important thing then is that the output is balanced, and all the cables and adapters are balanced. Otherwise you'll get noise.
@@OffshoreAudio can you use a TRS 1/4 Into the out of a keyboard though? I suppose I'll test this all when I get back home haha. Cause yes exactly, we ran out of XLR ports
We have the yamaha ql5 (I really like the yamaha preamps). If we use a midas digital stagebox. Which preamp will be used? The yamaha ql5 preamps or the midas?
Unfortunately the midas stagebox in this video will not work with yamaha mixers. It uses a proprietary protocol that can only be used with behringer and midas products. Hope this helps.
If you get a compatible stagebox, you should be able to select what input/output goes to what channel. That's the cool thing, they are completely customizable.
Thank you. Yeah. But what I don’t like is that I have these amazing preamps in the ql5 (20k console) and when I use it with cheaper digital stageboxes I can’t use these preamps from the Yamaha ql5 but I have to use the cheaper preamps
@@forisraelforever yeah, I feel like if you want to use the good preamps, you may be better off either buying a higher end stagebox that will work with your console, or just run a big analog stagebox from your console to the stage, that way you are using the better preamps.
I'm afraid I couldn't say. Are you able to monitor the signal at the box before it goes up the mixer? Is gain too high? That's about the only way you could somewhat compress the signal before it reaches the mixer. But it would just be distortion
Hey, thanks for the comment. Yes, that's right. Stagebox, snake, multicore and loom are often words used interchangeably for more or less the same thing.
That video was extremely concise and simple. No waffling about over needless information, excellent work.
Awesome to hear you liked it. If there's anything else you're wondering about just let me know and I'll take a dive into it
I know this information is super basic for most experienced audio professionals, but I must say it is one of the best videos I have ever watched on RUclips. The information was simple and clear, and there was just enough information to be neither boring or complicated. Huge thumbs up for you. Oh, and your accent is awesome!
Thanks a lot! Really simple was essentially what I was going for so great that I hit the mark. As for the accent, I have no control over that so thank you haha
Thank you for simplicity. You made this so easy to understand.
Aw thanks, I'm so very glad to hear that :)
This has been so helpful, sorted me right out! Thank you, i've subscribed and can't wait for more content!
Thank you very much for giving me light about this subject. Blessings
You are so welcome
Appreciate you sharing this knowledge. Very helpful.
You're very welcome, I'm really glad it's helpful. Let me know if there's anything else you'd like me to cover and I can probably get to it fairly quickly.
Thank you so much sir for your packaged information.
You are most welcome
What a fantastic and clear video. I have a question in the topic of digital stage box. Could I simply get the signal from this Midas into a Mac, without using a mixer? So mixing in the box essentially, with Ableton live daw for example. Would this work?
Good question. Short answer:Not really. You should be able to do it theoretically but then you would need a usb dongle or software or something to translate the digital audio signal (AES50) to wav for Ableton. You would also probably not have control of the preamps since that's what the mixer does. But I could be wrong, there might be a plug in for this. There's certainly a lot of people that ask these questions
@@OffshoreAudio understand….Because it really sounds like an opportunity to simplify both on logistic, cutting out a device, and also keeping costs down, avoiding a 3k mixer (or a mixer anyway).
Thanks for your help anyway! I start to see the light.
@@matteomelfa It's probably doable but I'm afraid I'm not very helpful with this stuff. This is exclusively a live sound channel and I haven't worked in a studio in many years. You could try asking Kyle at the Audio University RUclips channel.
Good job! Especially for a novice like me!🙂
Thanks! Glad it was helpful
Thank you it's very educative but I want know more about how to do the connections for Midas m32 live to a stage box and how to do it mixing.
Hey, check out these videos:
ruclips.net/video/gpX9fU9mvPg/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/_NGmXH7WBvg/видео.html
They're on an X32 but the software and process is the same.
If you want longer videos and more detail about setting up and mixing on an X32 I have a course:
www.offshoreaudio.no/unlock-live-sound
Wonderful video.
One thing that is very important is that some of these stageboxes are a point to point connection. So, stagebox directly to the mixing console. Do not use ethercon barrels to extend a cable! It causes a major degradation in audio quality!!!!!!
Hey, thanks so much for the comment! Couldn't agree more, there's lots to unpack in digital stageboxes. I hope to get into more detail in a future video :)
thnx for making this video it helped me understand stage boxes. I assume you would just use a long ethernet cable for the digital models right? haha :)
Great video
Thanks!
Thank you so much
Good video!
Glad you enjoyed it
Please redo this video using the manufacturer spec’d cable ( AND CONNECTORS) for the stagebox... it has to have a bonded and shielded ethercon cable cat 5 E cable....
Manufactures put in the manual the right way to the most generic user cases. As long it works and don't damage the equipment, what's the big deal? Just take into account the conditions, distances, desired speed and possible interferences such as light conduits. Then you can find the ideal cable for each situation. You don't need a shielded cable to run for just 30cm. But maybe you're close to a RF transmitter, so now the shield its necessary.
How far can the stagebox be from the mixer and do I need anything extra to get more meters?
Very good question. It depends what standard you're using to transmit the audio data. A Midas dl32, shown in this video, is good up to 100m according to the manual. I'd definitely test it if you're going over 80 though. 100m is what most digital stageboxes are rated for but always check the manual.
2,300 USD budget for stage box and digital mixer (DL32+M32C). but it is convenient and powerfull
I have a Mackie pro fx12 . I would like to add a wireless snake, what would you recommend, is it possible. Thanks for your very informative videos.
Hey, good question. The Mackie pro fx12 is an analogue mixer so you won't be about to use a digital stagebox with it. You would need to get an analogue one. I've got a video that explains a bit about this here:
ruclips.net/video/yJ-DxCdRzs4/видео.html
Great video, very informative, do you still need power (amps) to run passive stage speaker if you have a powered stage box?
Thanks! Good question. You do still need power amps for passive stage speakers, if I understood your question correctly. I've never come across a stagebox with a power amp built in at any rate. The power in your digital stagebox powers the AD/DA converter as well as providing things like phantom power. The signal level that comes out of the outputs is line level, at least in every stagebox I've ever used. I've come across mixers that have a power amp stage built in but they've always had a speakon cable as an output. I'll make a video covering the signal levels if you'd like? I thought I had one but it seems I've not made one yet.
Can I use a studiolive 32 iii mixer with a behringer S32 stagebox ?
Hi, good question. The short answer is no. The S32 stagebox communicates using a different language (AES 50) than the studio live iii mixer (AVB). The long answer is that you could send 2 channels of digital audio using the AES/EBU connection between the mixer and the stagebox. Did that answer your question?. I could make a video on how to know if you can use a digital stage box with a mixer and the different standards that are used if that would be helpful
@@OffshoreAudio thanks for the reply. Yeah a video would be helpful. Also did some reading cos we wanted to eventually expand into using personal mixers and IEM for the 5 member band we have. So we were looking at the Behringer P16 since it’s the most affordable. But our hands are tied cos we have a Studiolive board. But behringer has a converter that can take 16 analogue inputs and convert them into digital for use with the P16 mixers. So perhaps we might explore that option
It’s the Behringer Powerplay P16-I Module
Bisa untuk mixer top pro ga bos
I have an alto 1604 ..finding hard with out snake😃....shld i upgrade to soundcraft u16 or studiolive or presonus ...its extra money..but i am looking for a fail proof one..thank u
love this !! will my wireless in-ears work if i plug its transmitter into one of those xlr outs? thanks
Thanks! Yeah you could totally send an iem mix out them
I'm trying to work out what the AES output on RME audio interfaces like the UCX II can be used for and how many inputs/outputs I can get. Can it be used like an ADAT expander to give you more physical analogue connections but via digital?
Thats AES/EBU, also known as AES 3, which is quite different from AES50 which the stagebox in this video uses. It's 2 channels of digital audio. Since it's a digital signal you would need a mic preamp and then an converter stage before you could feed audio into the RME unit. You could use it for example to record a stereo output of a live console like an m32. It's normally on an XLR connector in the live environment so you'd need some kind of cable for that. Maybe RME have some equipment that interfaces with it?
I mention AES3 a little more in this video:
ruclips.net/video/_aDJzUpHekQ/видео.html
Is it necessary to you use them both .
So how is connected to the mixer
No you don't need to use them both. Depending on what mixer you're using you could use either one.. I've got a few more videos about stage boxes here:
ruclips.net/p/PLwvkPlNXGXW6xDASuGVWfS092KCAu180z
i need one line in 4 lineouts is it possible
Great
Thanks!
I’m only confused about which one to get and is it worth the EXTRA money. I have always heard MIDAS has the BEST . So I have an X32 and I’m considering a MIDAS Stagebox. Is this a good idea ? Or should I save some money and buy the Behringer Stagebox ? Is there a significant difference that makes it worth the added expense ?
Hey, good question! The difference is in the preamps as far as I'm aware with the Midas ones being considered better though I would say that unless you've made that decision yourself, based on what you hear, then you won't really notice a difference. Long story short it's common to find midas stage boxes with X32s but a behringher will work just fine. Hope that helped!
Good video!!! I have a challenge with one S32 stagebox now, the mute button is permanently on (red) once it's switched on. With this, there is no output. It was replaced with a new one which we are using now but I need to repair this one. What do I need to do please?
Thanks! It's not a problem I've come myself. Try switching the AES cable or port. My other advice would be to get in touch with the place that sold you the box or try music tribe support.
You need to press the mute button twice or once or long press to deactivate it on the S32 stagebox
Great video! Though one question. As a drummer, would I be able to use a digital stage box to connect all of my drum mics to record straight into my computer with different tracks for each mic?
ruclips.net/video/ScMcpCVEgoI/видео.html
This might help you
short answer: no. Longer answer: you might be able to make a dante stagebox work but they're designed to work with mixers and it would probably end up being more hassle than it's worth. I've got a few other videos on the channel that explain why if you're interested. ruclips.net/video/yJ-DxCdRzs4/видео.html
So, could Midas boxes be used with PreSonus mixers?
No, as far as I'm aware presonus mixers use AVB instead of AES as a standard for transferring the digital audio. I made another video on how to know what stagebox you can use:
ruclips.net/video/yJ-DxCdRzs4/видео.html
broadly speaking you pretty much have to use one manufactured by the same manufacturer as the mixer, though there are exceptions.
What stage Box can I use with the QSC 32 pro mix?
Hey, I had a look at the manual for the QSC Touchmix 30 pro - 32 channel mixer. It doesn't have any digital connectivity (the ethernet port on the back is just for wifi) so you would need to use an analogue stage box. Usually, these are labelled w-according to how many inputs and outputs are needed. For example, a 24/8 stage box would allow you to connect 24 channels of audio from the stage to your mixer and return 8 mixes from your mixer to the stage for the main LR mix, monitors etc. Did that answer your question?
Yes thank you
Hey! How can you send a line level signal from a keyboard to your line level inputs (1/4) on your mixer through a snake? Do I use the TRS inputs and male on the snake?
It depends. I'd probably recommend just using a di box but if you don't have one then you could just use whatever adapters you need to make it work. E.g. Jack to xlr adapter- stagebox input - xlr to Jack adapter- Jack input on the mixer.
@@OffshoreAudio di box won't swap line to mic level?
@@OffshoreAudio i have a bunch of TRS to XLR adaptor but this would need a straight up
1/4 to XLR (Not trs) then the opposite at the other end yes?
Yeah, I should've been clearer. Into a di box then into a mic input on the mixer. I think that would be the solution 95% of the time. So the answer to the question is " usually you don't, usually you use a di box" If you need to use a jack input because you don't have any xlr inputs left on the mixer then you use whatever adapters you need to get the signal there. The most important thing then is that the output is balanced, and all the cables and adapters are balanced. Otherwise you'll get noise.
@@OffshoreAudio can you use a TRS 1/4 Into the out of a keyboard though?
I suppose I'll test this all when I get back home haha. Cause yes exactly, we ran out of XLR ports
yeah Please, I am interested, send me the link.
Hey, thanks for the comment. www.offshoreaudio.no/free-workshop
apa bisa DIO24 CONNEC KE DM24.12
We have the yamaha ql5 (I really like the yamaha preamps). If we use a midas digital stagebox. Which preamp will be used? The yamaha ql5 preamps or the midas?
Unfortunately the midas stagebox in this video will not work with yamaha mixers. It uses a proprietary protocol that can only be used with behringer and midas products. Hope this helps.
If you get a compatible stagebox, you should be able to select what input/output goes to what channel. That's the cool thing, they are completely customizable.
Thank you. Yeah. But what I don’t like is that I have these amazing preamps in the ql5 (20k console) and when I use it with cheaper digital stageboxes I can’t use these preamps from the Yamaha ql5 but I have to use the cheaper preamps
@@forisraelforever yeah, I feel like if you want to use the good preamps, you may be better off either buying a higher end stagebox that will work with your console, or just run a big analog stagebox from your console to the stage, that way you are using the better preamps.
A drink of water was badly needed
why does the digital box sounds compressed before it gets to the mixer? please advise
I'm afraid I couldn't say. Are you able to monitor the signal at the box before it goes up the mixer? Is gain too high? That's about the only way you could somewhat compress the signal before it reaches the mixer. But it would just be distortion
Do you need internet access to use the digital box
Hey, You do not. It just uses a network cable to communicate directly with the mixer
So it’s basically a snake ?
Hey, thanks for the comment. Yes, that's right. Stagebox, snake, multicore and loom are often words used interchangeably for more or less the same thing.
Power? Really? These need power?