PreSonus NSB 32.16

PreSonus NSB 32.16 – an AVB-networked stage box with 32 remotely controllable XMAX preamps, 32 line-level inputs, 16 locking XLR outputs, 2 stereo AES3 digital outputs and a built-in 2-port AVB switch. 3U rack format, 4.6 kg. Compatible with StudioLive Series III consoles and rack mixers.

The NSB 32.16 is a dedicated I/O node built for one purpose: removing the analog snake between stage and FOH by replacing it with a single Ethernet cable (CAT5e/CAT6). One cable carries 32 channels of audio in both directions, remote preamp control, per-channel phantom power and signals for the EarMix personal monitor system – with no signal degradation over long runs and no additional bridging hardware.

Remote preamp control and gain compensation

All 32 Class-A XMAX preamps are controlled remotely from a Series III console or via UC Surface software on a tablet or laptop – no one needs to walk to the stage box to make adjustments. Gain range is 0–60 dB with ±1 dB resolution. The NSB 32.16's defining feature in multi-mixer scenarios is its onboard DSP gain compensation: when multiple mixers share the same stage box (FOH, monitors, broadcast), each mixer on the network can adjust input levels independently relative to the master mixer's setting, without affecting other mixers on the same stream. Phantom power is 48 V with per-channel switching.

Network topologies and system expansion

The built-in 2-port AVB switch with locking XLR Ethernet connectors supports both direct point-to-point connection to a single mixer and daisy-chained configurations with multiple stage boxes – no external switch required for smaller setups. For larger installations, the optional SW5E AVB switch provides five locking XLR Ethernet ports. A single NSB 32.16 can feed multiple mixers on the same AVB network simultaneously – FOH, monitor position and broadcast booth each receive the same stream with independent local level adjustment. The steel 3U chassis features adjustable rack ears that support flush or recessed mounting with I/O accessible from either the front or rear of the rack, and is compatible with most standard stage pocket formats for permanent installations.

KEY FEATURES

• 32 combo XLR/1/4" TRS locking inputs with Class-A XMAX preamps, remote gain 0–60 dB
• Onboard DSP gain compensation for multi-mixer shared-stream scenarios
• 16 locking XLR outputs, max level +24 dBu, output impedance 100 Ω
• 2 stereo AES3 digital outputs (XLR, balanced)
• Phantom power: 48 V, switchable per channel
• Built-in 2-port AVB switch with locking XLR Ethernet – direct connect and daisy-chain
• Remote gain and phantom control from Series III console and UC Surface
• ADC and DAC dynamic range: 115 dB (A-weighted, 48 kHz)
• THD (mic/line → output, unity gain): <0.005%
• SNR: >94 dB (ref +4 dBu, 20 kHz BW, unity gain, A-weighted)
• Steel 3U chassis, adjustable rack ears (flush/recessed, front/rear I/O)
• Compatible with most standard 19" stage pocket formats
• Power: 90–230 VAC (±10%), locking IEC connector

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Mic inputs: 32× XLR (locking combo), impedance 1 kΩ, gain 0–60 dB (±1 dB), max +12 dBu at unity
• Line inputs: 32× 1/4" TRS (locking combo), impedance 10 kΩ, max +18 dBu
• XLR outputs: 16× XLR (locking), max +24 dBu (±0.5 dBu), impedance 100 Ω
• Digital outputs: 2× AES3 (XLR, stereo, balanced)
• Phantom power: 48 VDC (±2 V), per channel
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz, ±0.5 dBu
• THD (unity gain, +4 dBu, 20 Hz–20 kHz): <0.005%
• SNR (ref +4 dBu, A-weighted): >94 dB
• CMRR (1 kHz, unity gain): 65 dB
• ADC and DAC dynamic range: 115 dB (A-weighted, 48 kHz)
• Sample rate: 48 kHz
• AVB network ports: 2× locking XLR Ethernet
• Power supply: 90–230 VAC (±10%), locking IEC connector
• Dimensions (H × W × D): 133 × 483 × 140 mm (5.25" × 19" × 5.5")
• Rack format: 3U
• Weight: 4.6 kg (10.2 lb)