Waves IONIC 16
MPN #USW379-700C-383
16 mic/line ins, 12 analog outs, AES I/O, dual headphone outs, +/-0.1 dB response, 44.1-96kHz, 2kohms/7kohms impedance, harmonic enhancer, 2U rack, SoundGrid ready
The Waves IONIC 16 is a premium 16-in / 12-out SoundGrid stagebox designed to bring high-fidelity audio to any live sound setup, particularly when paired with the eMotion LV1 mixer. Housed in a sturdy 2U rack-mount chassis, IONIC 16 delivers ultra-clean sound thanks to its custom-engineered Waves Signature Preamps, which offer ultra-low noise, fast response, and rich headroom. Each mic/line input includes selectable impedance settings (classic or modern) and optional harmonic enhancement for added analog warmth-ideal for tailoring sound to different voices and instruments.
With seamless integration into SoundGrid systems, IONIC 16 features 16 mic/line inputs, 12 analog outputs, AES3 digital I/O, and 2 independent headphone outs. You can select output headroom levels, control each channel's gain in precise steps, and monitor signal presence and clipping per input-all from the front panel. Built to tour, it offers both internal and optional redundant power, Ethernet connectivity up to 100 meters, and support for sample rates up to 96 kHz. Whether you're running FOH, monitors, or recording, IONIC 16 delivers the sound quality and control pro engineers rely on.
Features
High-performance 16 in / 12 out SoundGrid stageboxDesigned for seamless integration with Waves eMotion LV1 mixer16 mic/line inputs with original Waves Signature Preamps12 balanced analog line outputs (XLR)Stereo AES digital input and output (XLR)2 independent headphone outputs with adjustable gainSwitchable analog-modeled harmonic enhancement per inputInput impedance selector: classic 2000 ohms or modern 7000 ohmsAll-mic inputs feature selectable phantom power and transformer simulationHigh-resolution preamps with fast transient response and ultra-low noise floorSupports sample rates of 44.1, 48, 88.2, and 96 kilohertzSoundGrid-compatible via 1 gigabit EthernetDual power: internal AC and optional external DC (with redundancy)Rugged 2U road-ready rack-mountable design
Specifications
Key Features
High-performance 16 in / 12 out SoundGrid stageboxDesigned for seamless integration with Waves eMotion LV1 mixer16 mic/line inputs with original Waves Signature Preamps12 balanced analog line outputs (XLR)Stereo AES digital input and output (XLR)2 independent headphone outputs with adjustable gainSwitchable analog-modeled harmonic enhancement per inputInput impedance selector: classic 2000 ohms or modern 7000 ohmsAll-mic inputs feature selectable phantom power and transformer simulationHigh-resolution preamps with fast transient response and ultra-low noise floorSupports sample rates of 44.1, 48, 88.2, and 96 kilohertzSoundGrid-compatible via 1 gigabit EthernetDual power: internal AC and optional external DC (with redundancy)Rugged 2U road-ready rack-mountable design
Analog Inputs
Type: XLR/TRS combo mic or lineInput gain: adjustable from minus 3 dB to plus 60 dB in 1 dB stepsInput impedance: XLR: 2000 or 7000 ohms, selectable per input, TRS: 14600 ohmsInput sensitivity: XLR: minus 33 dBu to plus 27 dBu, TRS: minus 27 dBu to plus 33 dBuFrequency response: plus minus 0.1 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, plus 0.1 / minus 1 dB from 10 Hz to 40 kHzDynamic range: greater than 110 dB (20 kHz bandwidth, 0 dB gain)Equivalent input noise: minus 130 dBu (60 dB gain, 0 ohms, A-weighted)Total harmonic distortion and noise: minus 100 dB (997 Hz, 18 dBu, 20 kHz BW)Common mode rejection ratio: 50 dB (20 Hz to 1 kHz, 0 dB gain)Crosstalk: greater than 90 dB (20 Hz to 20 kHz, 27 dBu input, 0 dB gain)Per-channel signal and clip indicatorsPhantom power: 48 volts, switchable per inputInput transformer simulation: switchable per inputHarmonic enhancer: switchable per input
Analog Outputs
Type: Balanced XLROutput level: 18 dBu or 24 dBu, selectable per outputOutput impedance: 150 ohmsFrequency response: plus minus 0.1 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz at 48 kHz, plus 0.1 / minus 1 dB from 10 Hz to 40 kHz at 96 kHzTHD plus noise: minus 100 dB at 24 dBu, minus 105 dB at 18 dBuCrosstalk: greater than 90 dBResidual output noise: minus 87 dBu (A-weighted)
Headphone Outputs
Adjustable output gain up to 6 voltsOutput impedance: 20 ohmsFrequency response: plus minus 0.1 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz at 48 kHz, plus 0.1 / minus 1 dB from 10 Hz to 40 kHz at 96 kHzTHD plus noise: minus 80 dB (3 volts, 30 ohms load, 997 Hz, 20 kHz BW)
Digital I/O (AES3)
Stereo AES input and output (XLR)Input and output impedance: 110 ohmsInput supports automatic sample rate conversionOutput sample rates supported: 44.1, 48, 88.2, and 96 kilohertz
Connectivity & Control
Ethernet: 1 gigabit EtherCON port (SoundGrid)Status LEDs for signal, clip, and networkCompatible with SoundGrid network and Waves eMotion LV1Control panel access via LV1 inventory or local driver interface
Power & Physical
Power input: 100 to 240 volts AC (auto-switching, internal), 24 volts DC (redundant, via 4-pin XLR external input)Power consumption: 0.5 amp at 100 volts AC / 0.25 amp at 240 volts ACOperating temperature: 0 to 35 degrees CelsiusDimensions: 482.1 mm (W) x 305.9 mm (D) x 87 mm (H)Weight: 5.3 kilograms (11.7 pounds)
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