Engineered to deliver more cost-effective connectivity for touring, fly pack and installed systems, Solid State Logic’s (SSL’s) new plug-and-play IP-native MPL 16-8 stagebox will make its global debut with System T at IBC2025.

Designed to meet the diverse needs of a range of compact and scalable systems, the MPL 16-8 is a Dante-enabled stagebox that delivers streamlined audio connectivity for the SSL System T platform.

It features 16 mic/line inputs and eight line outputs in a compact 2U format. With both primary and secondary Dante ports using robust etherCON RJ45 connectors, it is said to deliver stress-free performance and redundant network support in mission-critical environments. High-density SSL mic preamps give it a gain range of +5dB to +60dB in precise 1dB steps, and it can be adapted to either 48 or 96kHz operation for integration into a wide range of installations.

“The MPL 16-8 stagebox broadens access to SSL digital consoles and is a perfect fit for setups that require the sound quality of SSL but not necessarily the full comprehensive feature set other SSL I/O boxes offer,” said SSL director of product management Tom Knowles. “Its single-console control support simplifies operation for dedicated systems and means the MPL 16-8 is hyper-focused on more cost-efficient and specific applications.”

“The simplified MPL 16-8 sits apart from SSL’s Network range of I/O stageboxes,” he added. “It makes it a great option for live sound engineers and broadcast teams working with the TCA system who want a more economical and straightforward way to expand their I/O.”

​Delivering more flexible audio workflows and simplifying IP connectivity with automated signal discovery and management, SSL’s native ST 2110 card will also make its IBC debut.

Designed to streamline ST 2110 workflows and simplify the management of flexible and remote infrastructures, the card enables SSL’s customers to exploit the respective benefits of ST 2110-based environments as well as hybrid ST 2110/Dante setups, with minimal investment in hardware. SSL’s native implementation also simplifies integration, leveraging NMOS IS-04 and IS-05 for automated discovery and signal management, and making it easier for SSL customers to integrate all their signals directly into the System T Tempest engine, irrespective of audio and video production workflows and without any need for conversion.

SSL is also showcasing its System T Cloud NDI update at IBC for the first time. The update supplements System T Cloud’s established Dante Connect audio transport with native support for NDI to enhance agility in virtualised production, introducing cost savings and increasing flexibility. It allows broadcasters to natively process audio from a range of NDI-enabled devices such as cameras and replay sources, lowering deployment costs and expanding the range of connectivity options available to SSL customers operating in the cloud.

Furthermore, enhanced support for NDI simplifies signal acquisition by adopting an array of NDI-enabled devices, as well as enabling broadcasters to service content tiers that may have previously been cost-prohibitive.

​Visitors to SSL’s stand will also be the first to experience System T’s comprehensive v4.2 upgrade, which introduces a raft of technology updates, including new integrations with Jünger Audio, Dolby, New Audio Technology and TiMax. With these developments, SSL is combining its established System T user interface with external processing platforms to simplify a variety of complex Next Generation Audio production tasks. Meanwhile, new Open Sound Control (OSC) support promotes easy integration for external pan control with third-party systems. The development means users can define OSC commands to communicate with a particular piece of equipment so it will work with any compatible system right out of the box.

Other updates include improved Channel and Detail View GUI performance and support for the new MPL 16-8 stagebox.

Elsewhere on the stand, the company will showcase the wider System T range, including the S500m and S400 consoles, as well as showcasing integration with SSL’s cloud-native Virtual Tempest Engine (VTE). A new range of ‘Plus’ desktop fader tiles that expand the control functionality of the System T Cloud environment also make their IBC debut.