Yamaha RUio1608SB-D

The Yamaha RUio1608SB-D is a compact Dante stage box with 16 analog microphone and line inputs and 8 analog outputs. Designed for professional live sound, theaters, corporate AV, places of worship, broadcast, and fixed installations, this stage box can be integrated directly with Yamaha digital mixers and processors. 

With the RUio1608SB-D, Yamaha brings its renowned R-series I/O to a stage box format that can be placed directly on stage. The unit weighs just 3.5 kg and features protective rubber parts and integrated handles. Additionally, two units can be stacked on top of each other.

Via Dante, up to 16 audio channels are transmitted from the stage box to the network, and up to 8 channels are received. The RUio1608SB-D supports sample rates up to 96 kHz and features separate Primary and Secondary Dante ports for a redundant Dante network.

16 Microphone and Line Inputs
The front panel of the RUio1608SB-D features 16 balanced XLR inputs for microphone and line signals. Each input features a Yamaha headamp with a gain range of up to +64 dB. This allows both low-output microphones and line-level equipment to be connected directly. The inputs support individually switchable +48V phantom power. This makes the stage box suitable for condenser microphones, active DI boxes, and other equipment that requires phantom power. The input stage has a nominal input impedance of 10 kOhm and is suitable for microphones with an impedance of 50 to 600 Ohm and for 600 Ohm line sources.

Transparent Yamaha sound
Yamaha developed the RUio1608SB-D based on the same design philosophy as its other professional R-series I/O systems: to transmit the audio signal from the stage to the mixer as accurately as possible. The stage box offers a typical dynamic range of 114 dB for the DA converter and 109 dB from analog input to analog output at 0 dB gain. The equivalent input noise is typically -128 dBu at +64 dB gain. This makes the RUio1608SB-D suitable for sources that require a high amount of preamplification. The frequency response ranges from 20 Hz to 20 kHz within +0.5 / -1.5 dB.

8 balanced analog outputs (
) In addition to the 16 inputs, the RUio1608SB-D features 8 balanced analog XLR outputs. The outputs operate at a nominal level of +4 dBu and provide a maximum output level of +24 dBu before clipping occurs. These connections can be used for, among other things, active PA systems, power amplifiers, active monitors, in-ear systems, delay zones, and other equipment fed from the mixer via Dante.

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16 x 8 Dante Audio
The RUio1608SB-D features an integrated Dante interface. Via Dante, 16 channels can be sent from the RUio1608SB-D to other network devices, and 8 channels can be sent from the Dante network to the stage box’s analog outputs. The Dante interface supports 24-bit and 32-bit audio and operates via Gigabit Ethernet. Available sample rates are 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, and 96 kHz. This allows the RUio1608SB-D to be integrated into professional Dante systems where various Yamaha mixers, processors, and other Dante devices work together.

Primary and Secondary Dante
Separate Primary andSecondary connections for Dante are available via etherCON. This allows for the creation of a redundant Dante network. In such a configuration, two separate network connections are used, ensuring that the audio network can continue to function if one connection fails. This is particularly relevant for live productions, theater, broadcast, and other systems where the continuity of the audio connection is critical. The ports support 1000BASE-T, and Yamaha recommends CAT5e or higher network cables.

Remote headamp control from Yamaha mixers
When the RUio1608SB-D is connected via Dante to a supported Yamaha digital mixer, the stage box can be mounted in the system as a Dante I/O device. The headamps can then be controlled from the mixer. This means the engineer does not need to go to the stage during soundcheck or the show to adjust gain or phantom power. Among other things, headamp gain and +48V phantom power can be set remotely. The RUio1608SB-D is designed for integration with the Yamaha DM5, DM7, and DM3 series, as well as the RIVAGE PM systems, among others.

Ideal Expansion for Yamaha DM5 and DM5C
The RUio1608SB-D is a logical pairing with the Yamaha DM5 and DM5 Compact. A single RUio1608SB-D adds 16 analog inputs and 8 analog outputs via Dante. The stage box can be placed on stage, while the mixer remains at FOH. This is particularly advantageous with the DM5C. The mixer itself features 16 local analog inputs and can easily be equipped with additional stage I/O via Dante using a single RUio1608SB-D. Because the DM5 series supports Dante patching and remote headamp control from the console, this creates an integrated Yamaha system in which routing and input gain can be managed directly from the mixer.

Local Control Without a Mixer or Computer
A key difference from basic Dante stage boxes is that the RUio1608SB-D can also be controlled locally. The front panel features an LCD screen that allows you to check settings and status information. Among other things, the display lets you view and adjust Dante I/O settings, headamp gain, and phantom power. This means that no connected digital mixer or computer is required for basic settings. The meters for the individual channels can also be monitored directly on the unit. This makes it possible to check on stage during setup whether signals are coming in correctly before the FOH configuration is fully ready.

Clear Status Indication in Case of Problems
The RUio1608SB-D uses the front display, buttons, and LED indicators to display system information. When the unit detects an error, relevant controls and LEDs light up. This allows a technician to quickly identify where attention is needed. For use during a production, the stagebox also features a Panel Lock function. This allows the controls to be locked to prevent unintended changes on stage.

Separate network port for control
In addition to the Dante Primary and Secondary ports, the RUio1608SB-D has a separate NETWORK port. This RJ45 port is specifically intended for control and communication with the device and supports 1000BASE-T and 100BASE-TX. This allows for the setup of a separate control network in larger systems. As a result, control data does not need to travel over the same network as the Dante audio traffic. This makes it possible to separate the audio and control infrastructures when an installation requires it.

R Remote Support
The Yamaha RUio1608SB-D can also be controlled using Yamaha R Remote. Using R Remote, stagebox settings—including headamp gain and other I/O parameters—can be managed from a computer. This allows the RUio1608SB-D to be used even without a Yamaha digital mixer. For example, the unit can be used as a compact Dante interface for recording, broadcasting, or an installation, with the headamps configured via R Remote.

ProVisionaire Integration
When the RUio1608SB-D is combined with supported Yamaha processors, parameters can be controlled via Yamaha’s ProVisionaire platform. This makes the stagebox particularly suitable for permanent AV installations and systems that do not include a traditional digital mixing console. ProVisionaire allows you to build a control environment tailored to the application and the equipment within the system.

Built for Stage Use
The RUio1608SB-D’s enclosure is specifically designed for use as a standalone stage box. Rubber bumpers help protect the enclosure from impacts while also preventing the unit from damaging the stage floor. The integrated carrying handles make it easier to position and move the stage box. Thanks to its compact footprint, the RUio1608SB-D takes up very little stage space, even when placed close to a drum kit, backline, or monitor position.

Two units stackable
When more connections are needed, up to two RUio1608SB-D stage boxes can be stacked on top of each other. This allows, for example, for a compact stage setup with 32 analog inputs and 16 analog outputs without requiring a traditional 19-inch I/O rack next to the stage. The protective housing is designed to accommodate this stacked configuration.

Optional 19-inch Rack Mount
Although the RUio1608SB-D is designed as a portable stage box, it can also be mounted in a 19-inch rack or flight case. The optional Yamaha RK-RUio1608SB Rack Mount Kit is available for this purpose. The rack mount kit features a special cable opening that allows connected cables to be routed toward the rear of the rack. This ensures a neat installation and prevents the connection cables from hanging unnecessarily at the front of the flight case. As a result, the same RUio1608SB-D can be used both as a standalone stage box and as part of a fixed or mobile rack installation.

Low-latency
The RUio1608SB-D is designed for live audio systems where low latency is critical. At 96 kHz, the specified signal delay is less than 1.7 ms from an RUio1608SB-D input to an RUio1608SB-D output via a DM5 and Dante, with the Dante Receive Latency set to 0.25 ms. At 48 kHz, this measured signal delay is less than 2.0 ms under the same conditions. This makes the stage box suitable for FOH, monitor, and other live applications where the audio signal must be processed in real time over the network.

Compact and Light
The RUio1608SB-D is 37.4 cm wide, 17 cm high, and 14.5 cm deep. Weighing 3.5 kg, the unit is significantly easier to transport and set up on stage than a traditional large rack with I/O. The power supply is integrated into the stage box and supports 100 to 240 volts, 50/60 Hz. An external power adapter is therefore not required. Power consumption is 40 watts.

The Yamaha RUio1608SB-D comes with a power cord and documentation for initial setup. The Yamaha RK-RUio1608SB is available separately for rack mounting.

Yamaha RUio1608SB-D features:

• 16 analog mic/line inputs
• 8 analog line outputs
• 16 Dante transmit channels
• 8 Dante receive channels
• Dante via Primary and Secondary etherCON
• Support for redundant Dante network
• Dante 24-bit / 32-bit
• sample rates of 44.1, 48, 88.2, and 96 kHz
• 16 balanced XLR inputs
• 8 balanced XLR outputs
• Headamp gain up to +64 dB
• Individually switchable +48V phantom power per input
• Local headamp control
• LCD display for status and settings
• Local channel metering
• Dante settings via the front panel
• Panel Lock function
• Remote headamp control from supported Yamaha digital mixers
• Compatible with, among others, the Yamaha DM5 series, DM7 series, DM3 series, and RIVAGE PM systems
• Support for Yamaha R Remote
• Support for control via ProVisionaire on compatible systems
• Dedicated RJ45 NETWORK port for control
• Dynamic range of DA converter: 114 dB typical
• Dynamic range from input to output: 109 dB typical at 0 dB gain
• Equivalent input noise: -128 dBu typical at +64 dB gain
• Frequency response: +0.5 / -1.5 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz
• THD: less than 0.05% at +4 dBu and 0 dB gain
• Nominal output level: +4 dBu
• Maximum output level before clipping: +24 dBu
• Signal delay: less than 1.7 ms at 96 kHz in Yamaha’s DM5/Dante test configuration
• Signal delay: less than 2.0 ms at 48 kHz in Yamaha’s DM5/Dante test configuration
• Rubber protective parts
• Integrated carrying handles
• Stackable up to 2 units
• Optionally rack-mountable with the RK-RUio1608SB Rack Mount Kit
• Integrated 100–240 V power supply
• power consumption: 40 W
• Dimensions: 37.4 x 17 x 14.5 cm (W x H x D)
• Weight: 3.5 kg
• includes power cord