NSB 32.16 Audio Dropout Troubleshooting Guide
By PreSonus | Wherever sound takes you. | Published: 2026-10-18
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to diagnose and fix audio dropouts with your PreSonus NSB 32.16 networked stage box. Step-by-step troubleshooting for AVB network issues.
Quick answer
Audio dropouts on the NSB 32.16 networked stage box almost always stem from AVB network congestion, loose Ethernet connections, or incompatible switch configurations. Start by checking your Ethernet cable and verifying that your AVB switch (like the PreSonus SW5E) is properly managing network traffic. If dropouts persist, isolate the NSB 32.16 from other network devices and confirm the AVB stream is locked.
Symptom: Intermittent audio dropouts or silence on specific channels
When using the NSB 32.16 networked stage box with your StudioLive Series III mixer, you may notice brief dropouts on one or more input channels. This can happen during rehearsals or live shows, often when the network load changes—for example, when another device connects or disconnects. The dropouts may affect all channels or only a few, depending on the root cause.
Likely cause: AVB network congestion or improper switch configuration
The NSB 32.16 streams 32 channels of digital audio over a single Ethernet cable using AVB (Audio Video Bridging). AVB relies on an intelligent switch to prioritize audio data. If you use a standard network switch instead of an AVB-compliant switch, or if the switch is not configured correctly, audio packets can be delayed or dropped. Additionally, running other high-bandwidth traffic (like video or file transfers) on the same network can cause congestion.
Corrective action: Verify your network chain
First, check all Ethernet connections between the NSB 32.16, the switch, and the mixer. Ensure cables are securely seated and not damaged. If you are using a standard switch, replace it with an AVB-compliant switch such as the PreSonus SW5E AVB Network Switch and Bridge. The SW5E fully complies with the AVB standard and provides Power over Ethernet (PoE) to devices that support it, reducing cabling complexity. If you already have an AVB switch, reboot it and the NSB 32.16 to clear any stale stream reservations. Finally, disconnect any non-audio devices from the AVB network to isolate the issue.
When to stop and choose another option
If dropouts persist after verifying all connections and using a dedicated AVB switch, the issue may lie with the NSB 32.16 unit itself or the StudioLive mixer. Try connecting the NSB 32.16 directly to the mixer with a single Ethernet cable (bypassing the switch) to test if the problem follows the stage box. If the dropout disappears, the switch or network topology is the culprit. If it remains, contact PreSonus technical support for further diagnosis.
Diagnosis checklist for NSB 32.16 audio dropouts
- Symptom: Intermittent audio dropouts on one or more channels of the NSB 32.16 when connected to a StudioLive Series III mixer. Check if dropouts affect all channels or a specific group—this can hint at a network stream issue versus a preamp problem.
- Likely cause: AVB network congestion due to a non-compliant switch, loose Ethernet cable, or other high-bandwidth traffic on the same network. If you are not using an AVB switch, this is the first thing to fix.
- Corrective action: Verify all Ethernet connections, replace any standard switch with an AVB-compliant switch (e.g., PreSonus SW5E), reboot the network devices, and isolate the NSB 32.16 from other traffic. After these steps, test with a direct cable to the mixer to confirm the issue is network-related.
- Stop / escalate: If dropouts persist after using a dedicated AVB switch and direct connection, the problem may be with the NSB 32.16 hardware or the mixer firmware. Contact PreSonus support for further assistance.
Products mentioned in this guide
- NSB 32.16 Networked Stage Box: The PreSonus NSB 32.16 networked stage box lets you put your analog I/O for your StudioLive Series III digital mixer wherever you need it. Equipped with 32 digitally controlled XMAX mic preamps, 32 balanced line-level inputs, 16 analog outputs, and 2 stereo AES3 digital outputs, the NSB 32.16 integrates seamlessly into StudioLive Series III digital mixers with a single Ethernet connection. Because the NSB 32.16 relies entirely on a single Ethernet cable for audio transport, any network issue directly affects your audio. Knowing its full I/O capacity helps you plan your network layout and identify if dropouts are limited to certain channels.
- SW5E AVB Network Switch and Bridge: The PreSonus SW5E AVB switch fully complies to the AVB standard while providing Power over Ethernet (PoE) to devices that can take advantage of it. Using a non-AVB switch is a common cause of audio dropouts. The SW5E is designed to prioritize audio traffic, ensuring low-latency, reliable streaming. Its PoE capability also simplifies powering compatible stage boxes like the NSB 32.16.
