The TASCAM BO-16DX/IN is a passive 16-channel analogue breakout box designed to convert 16 balanced XLR input connections into two eight-channel 25-pin D-sub connections.

It provides convenient individual XLR inputs for professional audio equipment fitted with compatible DB25 analogue connections. The BO-16DX/IN is suitable for recording studios, broadcast facilities, live sound systems, post-production studios and permanent commercial audio installations.

Key Features

• 16 balanced analogue audio inputs
• 16 female three-pin XLR connectors
• Two female 25-pin D-sub connectors
• Eight audio channels carried by each DB25 connector
• TASCAM-standard DB25 pin configuration
• Compliant with the AES59-2012 pin assignment
• Completely passive operation
• No external power supply required
• Rugged metal enclosure
• Standard 19-inch rack mounting
• Occupies 1U of rack space
• Removable and reversible rack ears
• Supports front-facing or rear-facing installation
• Can be installed upside down
• Can be used on a tabletop
• Labelling space above the XLR connections
• Rackmount screw kit included
• Audio cables sold separately

Channel Configuration

Total audio channels:

• 16 balanced analogue input channels

Channel groups:

• Channels 1–8 through DB25 Connector 1
• Channels 9–16 through DB25 Connector 2

The two eight-channel groups can connect to a single 16-channel device or two separate eight-channel devices.

XLR Inputs

Number of connectors:

• 16

Connector type:

• XLR-3-31 female
• Balanced

The female XLR connectors accept balanced analogue signals from microphones, microphone preamplifiers, mixers, stage boxes and other professional audio equipment.

The BO-16DX/IN does not provide microphone preamplification or phantom power. Microphone signals must be connected to equipment capable of supplying the required gain and phantom power.

DB25 Connections

Number of connectors:

• Two

Connector type:

• 25-pin D-sub female

Channels per connector:

• Eight

Pin assignment:

• TASCAM standard
• AES59-2012 compliant

Attachment screws:

• Four No. 4-40 UNC screws

Equipment from another manufacturer should only be connected after confirming that its DB25 analogue connection follows the same TASCAM/AES59-2012 pin assignment.

Passive Operation

The BO-16DX/IN is a passive connection adapter. It does not require mains power, batteries or an external power adapter.

It does not provide:

• Microphone gain
• Phantom power
• Signal amplification
• Analogue-to-digital conversion
• Dante conversion
• Mixing
• DSP processing
• Level adjustment
• Audio recording

It only routes balanced analogue signals between the XLR and DB25 connectors.

Compatible Equipment

The BO-16DX/IN is designed for equipment such as:

• TASCAM ML-16D
• TASCAM ML-32D
• Compatible TASCAM multitrack recorders
• Professional mixers with compatible DB25 inputs
• Audio interfaces with compatible DB25 inputs
• Dante converters with compatible analogue DB25 inputs
• Equipment using the AES59-2012 TASCAM pin assignment

Relationship to BO-16DX/OUT

The BO-16DX/IN can be used alongside the related TASCAM BO-16DX/OUT:

• BO-16DX/IN: 16 female XLR inputs to two DB25 connections
• BO-16DX/OUT: Two DB25 connections to 16 male XLR outputs

Together, the two models provide individual XLR input and output connections for compatible DB25-equipped audio equipment.