Behringer S32

Behringer S32 Digital Stage Box — 32 Midas Preamps Over a Single Cat 5e Cable

The Behringer S32 bridges stage and FOH with 32 remote-controllable Midas preamps and 16 balanced XLR returns, transmitting 24-bit audio at 44.1/48 kHz. This model is essential for live engineers and touring productions needing to replace heavy analog snakes with a digital, rackmount solution. Klark Teknik SuperMAC AES50 networking enables 48 bidirectional channels, clock, and auxiliary data over a single cable. Expansion is simple, thanks to dual AES50 ports.

Klark Teknik SuperMAC AES50 and ULTRANET Integration

What stands out in its category is the Klark Teknik SuperMAC AES50 system, delivering 48 bidirectional channels of 24-bit PCM audio up to 100 m on a Cat 5e cable. System designers can cascade two S32 units for up to 64 remote mic inputs and 32 outputs, and onboard ULTRANET sends 16 channels to P16 personal mixers. With dual ADAT and dual AES-3 outputs, the S32 provides digital split and multicore capability.

Massive I/O and Flexible Networking

Connection density takes center stage, offering 32 analog ins, 16 analog outs, and multiple digital sends for versatile system integration.

• Mic preamps: 32 Midas-designed, balanced XLR, remote-controllable — the same topology as the X32 console, ensuring FOH and stage consistency
• Analog outputs: 16 balanced XLR, servo-balanced — plenty of headroom for full monitor mixes
• AES50 ports: 2 NEUTRIK etherCON, SuperMAC — 2 × 48 bidirectional channels at 48 kHz, single Cat 5e up to 100 m
• Direct P16 personal monitoring is available via ULTRANET RJ45 output, eliminating the need for extra hardware on stage.

Conversion Quality and Dynamic Range

Cirrus Logic CS5368 and CS4385 converters anchor the S32’s audio performance, matching the X32 family for transparency and low noise.

• A/D-D/A conversion: 24-bit @ 44.1/48 kHz, Cirrus Logic CS5368 / CS4385 — 114 dB dynamic range for clean capture
• Networked I/O latency: 1.1 ms (stagebox in → console → stagebox out) — fast enough for in-ear use with no audible delay
• Dynamic range, mic in to analog out: 104 dB (typical) — retains detail of vocals and acoustic instruments
• Equivalent input noise (EIN): -128 dBu — exceptionally quiet preamp stage

Tour-Ready 3U Chassis and Power

Engineered for touring, the S32 features an all-steel 3U rackmount chassis and autorange power supply accepting 100–240 V worldwide.

• Dimensions: 483 × 241 × 137 mm (3U)
• Weight: 5.6 kg — easy for single-person transport
• Power supply: Switch-mode autorange, 100–240 V (50/60 Hz), 55 W
• Additional I/O includes ADAT Toslink, AES/EBU XLR, MIDI in/out, and USB Type-B (firmware updates only).

Who Uses the S32

Live-sound engineers, houses of worship, touring acts, and broadcast teams who require 32 remote mic channels and seamless integration with AES50 digital consoles choose this model. Compatibility includes Behringer X32, M32, and Wing, plus third-party mixers with AES50. Remote preamp control benefits fixed installs, while dual AES50 ports offer redundancy and expansion on the road. Note: the USB port is for firmware updates only.

Midas, Klark Teknik, and Music Tribe Engineering

S32 belongs to the Music Tribe family, drawing on Midas preamp design legacy and Klark Teknik’s AES50 innovation. These technologies bring high-end digital audio to venues, churches, and touring professionals.