About the MIDAS PRO SERIES DL155 16 Input, 16 Output Stage Box with 8 Midas Microphone Preamplifiers and AES3 Digital Interface
The MIDAS PRO SERIES DL155 is a high-performance digital stagebox designed as a remote input/output expander for the PRO Series live digital mixing systems, such as the PRO1, PRO2, and PRO6. Its primary function is to place high-quality analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion directly on stage, minimizing the length of analog cable runs and preserving signal integrity. The unit is equipped with 16 analog inputs, featuring eight renowned MIDAS discrete microphone preamplifiers known for their ultra-low noise, high headroom, and musical transparency. The remaining eight inputs are line-level, providing flexibility for connecting instruments, playback devices, or additional microphones. Complementing the inputs are 16 analog outputs, allowing for comprehensive monitor sends, auxiliary feeds, or system processing loops directly from the stage location.
The stagebox connects to the main mixing console via a single Cat5e cable using MIDAS's proprietary DL Plus protocol, which carries bidirectional digital audio, control data, and clocking. This digital snake approach drastically reduces stage clutter and setup complexity. The included AES3 digital input and output ports provide additional connectivity for integrating external digital devices, such as a digital recorder or another console, directly into the system's digital audio path without additional conversion. All parameters, including preamp gain, phantom power, and high-pass filters for the eight mic channels, are fully remote-controllable from the surface of the connected PRO Series console, giving the front-of-house engineer complete control over the stage sound from their mix position.
Built to withstand the rigors of touring, the DL155 is housed in a robust 2U rack-mountable steel chassis. It features a clear backlit LCD screen for local setup and status monitoring, redundant power supply inputs, and comprehensive fault reporting. The unit can be clocked internally or slaved to the console via the DL Plus link. By combining premium MIDAS preamps, extensive I/O, and a reliable digital transport in a compact stagebox, the DL155 provides a critical link in the PRO Series ecosystem, enabling engineers to achieve the celebrated MIDAS sound quality with the operational advantages of a modern digital split and signal distribution system.