STAGE BOX Mic Pre/A to D Converter Package

Genex Audio and Tonelux Designs, Ltd have teamed up to offer an advanced mic pre A to D converter package. The basic unit houses 48 mic preamps, 48 A to D converters and front panel indication, all in A 4U RACK BOX.

There will be several different mic pre designs available in the package, and each card holds 8 channels. This allows mixing of different mic pre types in one box. STAGE BOX is controlled via ethernet and the application running it allows complete control of every feature, including Gain, Polarity, input -20dB PAD, output -6dB PAD, MIC/LINE input switching, 48volt PHANTOM, remote VU metering, a unique "auto gain set" feature, a "Performance Pad™" and the ability to monitor the actual 48 volt phantom power level on each channel with the remote controller as a volt meter for advanced troubleshooting.

The obvious features of gain, pad, and 48v are like any mic pre, but the difference stops there. The STAGE BOX has several features that make it one of the most useful dual-purpose products in the industry.

The unique "auto gain set" feature allows specific channels to watch for the signal level peaks, and adjust the gain to a user preset level. This can be used in many ways, but imagine when there is no time for a sound check and the show begins. You can select auto gain set and within seconds, each mic pre will be set to a safe level. Once that level has been stored, when the band actually comes out to play the show, you can press the "Performance Pad™" and reduce all preamps a few dB (user selectable) to compensate for the crowd noise and "excitement" of the band.

The A to D conversion is done with the already famous Genex converters, allowing 44.1 to DSD out of the unit through MADI, Super Mac, Opto and AES outputs. The STAGE BOX is the perfect solution for A to D conversion with mic pres built in, and with the current design, Genex will be offering a D to A card and format converters for the system, so the unit could house 24 mic pres and A to Ds, and 24 D to As.

Both companies will also be offering a 1U, 8 channel box for a smaller package and less channels.

The complete Tonelux line can be seen (and heard) at the Winter NAMM in the Wave Distribution booth, #6525.