Behringer’s StageConnect: Expanding Digital Audio Architectures with a Single Cable

StageConnect is introduced as a protocol that pushes the boundaries of what a single cable can do in a digital audio environment. According to Behringer, it enables up to 32 channels of audio, MIDI data, and even phantom power to travel simultaneously over a standard XLR or DMX cable. This approach aims to simplify complex setups by consolidating multiple signal types into one streamlined connection.

The video emphasizes that this isn’t just about raw channel count; it’s about flexibility and efficiency for live sound, studio, and hybrid rigs. By leveraging existing cabling infrastructure, StageConnect presents itself as a practical upgrade path for users who want to expand their system’s capabilities without a complete overhaul. The protocol’s integration with the WING mixer is highlighted as a core use case, but the potential applications clearly extend further.

Behringer showcases a range of StageConnect-compatible products, each designed to address different I/O needs. The hardware lineup includes dedicated output boxes, configurable 8-in/8-out units, and all-input modules, allowing users to tailor their setups for more outputs, more inputs, or a balanced mix of both. The modularity is intentional: users can mix and match these devices to cover the full 32-channel bandwidth that StageConnect provides.

This flexibility means that whether you need 32 outputs, 32 inputs, or any combination in between, you can build a system that fits your workflow. The video makes it clear that these devices are rack-mountable and can be combined as needed, reinforcing the protocol’s role as a backbone for scalable, user-defined digital audio architectures.

Personal monitoring is given special attention with the introduction of the P24 system. Unlike previous solutions like the P16 (which relied on UltraNet for 16 channels), the P24 leverages StageConnect to provide up to 24 mono or 12 stereo channels for individual musicians. This opens up more detailed and flexible monitoring mixes, which can be crucial for both live and studio environments.

The P24 can operate as a standalone unit or be daisy-chained for larger setups, and the addition of the P24HUB allows up to eight units to be integrated for full-band monitoring. The video demonstrates how StageConnect’s bandwidth and power delivery make these configurations possible, streamlining what would otherwise be a tangle of cables and converters.

Given the sheer number of possible configurations, Behringer introduces the StageConnect Configurator app for Mac and Windows. This tool helps users calculate cable lengths, input/output requirements, and device combinations, providing clear guidance on what’s possible within the protocol’s limits. It’s a practical move, acknowledging that digital audio routing can quickly become labyrinthine without the right planning tools.

The video closes with a teaser: more StageConnect-compatible products are in development, promising further expansion of the ecosystem. While specifics aren’t revealed, the direction is clear—Behringer is positioning StageConnect as a scalable, future-ready backbone for digital audio connectivity, with the WING mixer at its core but plenty of room for growth.