Waves IONIC16 16-In / 12-Out SoundGrid Stagebox w/ Waves Signature

The Waves IONIC 16 delivers exceptional audio quality for live sound, combining clarity, punch, and reliability. At the core of its performance are the newly designed Waves Signature Preamps—fully discrete, high-end analog circuits engineered to handle any input signal with confidence. The meticulously designed gain structure provides wide dynamic range, ample headroom, and ultra-low noise, ensuring transients remain clean and uncolored.

Get True Studio Sound on Stage:

IONIC 16’s Signature Preamps bring rich, full-bodied sound usually found only in premium mixing consoles. Each input can be enhanced with Waves’ analog-modeled HMX harmonic enhancer, adding warmth and depth while retaining clarity. The enhancer can also be bypassed per channel, offering neutral, uncolored sound when needed, giving you ultimate tonal flexibility.

Crystal Clear Outputs with Seamless Integration:

Equipped with 12-line outputs and two independent headphone outputs, IONIC 16 delivers high-headroom, transparent audio for stage wedges, in-ear monitors, or full PA systems. Integration with the eMotion LV1 live mixer is quick and effortless, with all preamp and output parameters accessible directly from the LV1’s device rack, streamlining setup and workflow so you can focus on mixing rather than configuration.

Versatile Connectivity and Reliable Build:

IONIC 16 provides 16 mic/line inputs, stereo AES I/O, selectable line output levels (18/24 dBu), and sample rates up to 96 kHz. Its analog input impedance selector (2 kΩ classic / 7 kΩ modern) allows precise control over mic response, while the rugged 2U rack-mountable chassis ensures road-ready durability. Optional external power supply and a 2-year warranty make IONIC 16 a reliable, flexible solution for professional live sound setups.

Product Specifications:

Sample Rates: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz

Microphone/Line Inputs:

Input Gain: adjustable from -3 dB to 60 dB in steps of 1dB

Frequency response: (+18 dBu input)

+/- 0.1 dB, 20 Hz to 20 kHz

+/ -1.0 dB, 10 Hz to 40 kHz

Dynamic range: >110 dB (20 kHz BW, 0 dB Gain)

EIN -130 dBu (gain 60 dB, 0 ohms source, A-weighted)

THD+N -100 dB (997 Hz, +18dBu source, 0 dB Gain, 20kHz BW)

Input impedance:

XLR: 2k ohms / 7k ohms, selectable per input

TRS: 14.6K ohms

Input Sensitivity:

XLR: -33 dBu to +27 dBu, adjustable in 1 dB steps

TRS: -27 dBu to +33 dBu, adjustable in 1 dB steps

CMRR: 50 dB (20 Hz to 1 kHz, 0 dB gain)

Crosstalk: > 90 dB (20 Hz to 20 kHz, +27 dBu input, 0 dB gain)

48V phantom power switchable per input

Input transformer simulation, switchable per input

Front panel signal presence and clip indicator, per channel

Line Output:

Maximum output level: +18 dBu or + 24 dBu, switchable per output

Frequency Response:

+/- 0.1 dB, 20 Hz to 20 kHz @ 48 kHz SR

+0.1 / -1.0 dB, 10 Hz to 40 kHz @ 96 kHz SR

THD+N: -100 dB @ +24 dBu, -105 dB @ +18 dBu (997 Hz, 20 kHz BW)

Crosstalk: > 90 dB (20 Hz to 20 kHz)

Residual output noise: -87 dBu (A-Weighted)

Output impedance: 150 ohms

Headphones Output: Adjustable output-gain up to 6V

Frequency Response:

+/- 0.1 dB, 20 Hz to 20 kHz @ 48 kHz SR

+0.1 / -1.0 dB, 10 Hz to 40 kHz @ 96 kHz SR

THD+N: -80 dB (3V @ 30-ohm load, 997 Hz, 20 kHz BW)

Output impedance: 20 ohms

Power: 100 V–240 V auto-switching PSU 0.5A / 0.25A, Redundant PSU external input

Operating Temperature: 0 to 35 degrees Celsius (32 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit)

Product Weight: 11.7 lbs. (5.3 kg)

Product Dimensions (L x W x H): 19 x 12 x 3.42 inches