NSB 16.8 vs EarMix 16M: Which Stage Box Fits Your IEM Rig?
By PreSonus | Wherever sound takes you. | Published: 2026-10-23
Category: Comparisons
Compare the PreSonus NSB 16.8 stage box and EarMix 16M personal monitor mixer for your IEM rig. Learn the key differences, trade-offs, and which one fits your setup best.
Quick answer
Choose the NSB 16.8 if you need to expand input capacity and route audio to your mixer; choose the EarMix 16M if your musicians need independent, hands-on monitor mixing from the stage.
Understanding the different roles in your IEM rig
Both the NSB 16.8 and EarMix 16M connect over AVB to PreSonus StudioLive Series III mixers, but they serve opposite sides of the signal chain. The NSB 16.8 is a networked stage box that sends mic-level inputs to your console. The EarMix 16M is a personal monitor mixer that lets performers control their own ear mix from stage. Knowing which function you need is the first step.
If you already have enough inputs on your mixer and just want to give your band members better monitor control, the EarMix 16M is the direct answer. If you need more input channels at stage front and already have a monitor solution, the NSB 16.8 fills that gap.
Trade-offs at a glance
- NSB 16.8: Input expansion vs. monitor control: Provides 16 remote-controlled mic/line inputs with XMAX preamps. It does not give performers independent monitor mixing—that requires a separate monitor mixer or console returns. Use the NSB 16.8 when your mixer needs more stage inputs, not when musicians need personal monitor control.
- EarMix 16M: Hands-on monitor mixing vs. input expansion: Delivers 16 mono channels of personal monitor mixing with EQ and limiting. It does not add any microphone or line inputs to your system—it only processes the AVB audio stream already on the network. Choose the EarMix 16M when each performer wants their own mix, but not if you need additional input channels.
- Shared AVB network, different endpoints: Both units connect over the same Milan-certified AVB network and work with StudioLive Series III mixers, but they cannot replace each other. The NSB 16.8 is an input source; the EarMix 16M is a monitor output device. For a complete IEM rig, you may need both: the NSB 16.8 to get audio in, and the EarMix 16M to let performers control what they hear.
Product facts
- NSB 16.8 Networked Stage Box: The NSB 16.8 offers 16 locking combo mic/line inputs with remote-controlled XMAX preamps and gain compensation for shared input scenarios. All inputs can be controlled from a StudioLive Series III console and PreSonus Universal Control software. This means you can place inputs at the stage where the action is, and adjust gain remotely without walking back to the console—ideal for fast-paced live sets.
NSB 16.8 Networked Stage Box - EarMix 16M Personal Monitor Mixer: The EarMix 16M gives musicians 16 mono channels over a Milan-certified AVB network, with channel linking, grouping, onboard pan control, a 3-band EQ, and a limiter for every channel. Performers get tactile, real-time control over their own monitor mix without needing to call the front-of-house engineer, reducing soundcheck time and improving stage confidence.
EarMix 16M Personal Monitor Mixer
Which one is right for you?
Best for
- NSB 16.8: Engineers who need to add 16 remote-controlled inputs to their StudioLive Series III setup without running long analog snakes.
- EarMix 16M: Bands or houses of worship where multiple musicians want to dial in their own in-ear mix from the stage.
Not for
- NSB 16.8: Performers looking for personal monitor control—the NSB 16.8 does not provide any monitor mixing features.
- EarMix 16M: Engineers needing additional stage inputs—the EarMix 16M only processes existing AVB streams and adds no mic/line inputs.
