The Compact Stagebox adds a cost effective expansion option, offering a high density of I/O connections in only 4U of rack space. The modular unit is fully configurable but is offered with a standard configuration of 32 mic/line inputs and 16 line outputs. It is possible to equip the Compact Stagebox with an additional 16 mic/line input module instead of the output module, then providing 48 inputs. In this case, analogue or AES/ EBU outputs can still be obtained on D-Type connectors via D21m cards fitted to the expansion slots.

The expansion slots for standard  D21m I/O cards may be used for interfaces connecting to most popular digital formats, including Aviom A-Net® 16, SDI (SD/HD/3G), Dolby® E and Dolby® Digital. A MADI recording interface can be fitted to the expansion slots as well.

The Compact Stagebox is connected to the host console using either Cat5/7 or Optical-fibre MADI, the same way as the larger 64 mic/line input Vi Stagebox is hooked up, and it shares the same redundant MADI cable capability. The unit comes complete with twin redundant power supplies, thermostatically-controlled fan cooling and full LED status monitoring. An 8-channel GPIO interface is also provided.