CL-16
Linear Fader Control Surface for 8-Series
Gallery
Overview
The CL-16 Linear Fader Control Surface for 8-Series combines the simplicity of traditional analog consoles with the power and flexibility of digital consoles. This bespoke control surface enhances the experience of cart-based mixing with its intuitive operation, 16 silky-smooth faders, 16 dedicated trims, and a glorious panoramic LCD. All of this is elegantly engineered into a 16.3”-wide compact unit which fits in a cart and operates from 12 V DC.
In 2021, the CL-16 won 57th CAS Outstanding Product in Production and AMPS Excellence in a Production Audio Product.
- Compatible with the 833, 888, and Scorpio
- 16 dedicated rotary trim controls
- 16 dedicated faders
- Intuitive design philosophy where channels 1-16 have dedicated, non-banking controls like a traditional analog console, and other important features may be quickly accessed
- 32 multi-function rotary controls for EQ, pan, channels 17-32 gains, bus gains, output gains, and more
- Large, sunlight-readable LCD screen folds down for easy and safe storage and transport
- New high-reliability, silent, soft-touch buttons for key functions like record, stop, metadata, coms, returns, and more
- Five user-assignable buttons
- Built-in 5-port USB hub with (two USB-C and three USB-A) for keyboards, SD-Remote tablet, and other USB peripherals
- 1/4” and 1/8” headphone jacks
- Remote 10-Pin connector for custom wiring of LEDs and switches, along with 1/4” foot pedal input
- Connects via USB-B
- 12 V DC-powered via 4-pin XLR (not included)
- 16 ultra-smooth gliding Penny & Giles 100 mm linear faders – best feeling faders on the market
- Quick bottom panel access for field servicing of faders
- Ships with USB-A to -B cable, 1/4″ to 1/4″ TRS, and 10-pin Phoenix Screw Terminal Block
Specifications
Power
Voltage
- 10-18 V DC at XLR-4. Pin 4 = +, pin 1 = ground.
Current Draw
- (Min) 560 mA quiescent at 12 V DC in, all USB ports left open
- (Mid) 2.93 A, USB ports total load 5 A
- (Max) 5.51 A, USB ports total load 10 A
USB
- USB-A Ports 5 V, 1.5 A each
- USB-C Ports 5 V, 3 A each
Remote Ports
Power
- 5 V, 1 A available on pin 10
Input
- 60k ohm typical input Z. Vih = 3.5 V min, Vil = 1.5 V max
Output
- 100 ohm output Z. Sink current = 10 mA.
Foot Switch
- 1k ohm typical input Z. Connect to ground to operate (active low).
Dimensions
Screen Folded Down
- 8.01 cm X 43.52 cm X 32.913 cm
- 3.15 in. X 17.13 in. X 12.96 in.
Screen Folded Up
- 14.64 cm X 43.52 cm X 35.90 cm
- 5.76 in. X 17.13 in. X 14.13 in.
Weight
- 4.71 kg
- 10 lbs 6 oz
FAQ
How does the CL-16 connect to the 833, 888, and Scorpio?
The CL-16 connects via a standard USB-B to USB-A cable to the 8-Series Mixer-Recorder. Headphone audio connects via any of the 8-Series headphone jacks to the CL-16’s ¼” headphone jack. Connectivity of the 8-Series is expanded via the CL-16’s built in 5-port USB hub: 5 USB ports on the back of the CL-16.
How is the CL-16 powered?
The CL-16 is powered with 12 V DC via a 4-pin XLR connector on the rear panel. USB bus powering the CL-16 is not possible.
Are the 16 faders motorized?
They are not. The overwhelming feedback from many customers was that they wanted very good feel, and also wanted an intuitive mixing experience. At Sound Devices, we tried virtually every fader we could get our hands on. Even the very best motorized faders feel “OK”, but not great: the motor and belt adds too much drag and cogging. Additionally, one of the most common failure mechanisms of motorized faders is “ghost dancing” of the motor (and fader) when the fader gets worn – this simply isn’t an issue with these faders. Additionally, there is no point to motorizing the faders, as bank switching is not needed — all of the 8-Series functions are easily accessible with other controls.
Are the 16 faders sealed?
The Penny & Giles faders are designed such that it is very difficult for dust and dirt to settle into the fader, as is the case with cheaper faders, but they are not entirely sealed. Just like motorized faders, there are no sealed faders which feel very good, and we did not want to compromise on the feel of the faders. However, since we all know that faders are a ‘wear item’ and may need occasional servicing, we’ve designed the CL-16 so that each fader can be removed from the bottom of the unit one at a time in a matter of seconds. Each fader has their own plug for very easy removal.
Additionally, the 8-Series supports many other lower-cost 3rd party controllers. When operating in extremely harsh and dusty environments, we recommend using one of these more cost-effective control surfaces.
I thought Penny & Giles faders were obsolete?
No, we have no reason to suspect that these faders will be obsolete anytime soon. Penny & Giles was founded in 1956 and acquired by Curtiss-Wright in 2002. The highly acclaimed faders have remained steadily available for many years, and we continue to actively buy these.
The buttons look similar to those used on the CL-12. Are they the same?
The buttons used on the CL-16 look very similar to the CL-12’s buttons and feature the same look, feel, and silent operation. However, we’ve redesigned the buttons’ internals and sealed them, which dramatically improve the long-term reliability of the new buttons on the CL-16.
Can the LEDs and LCD be dimmed?
Yes, the overall brightness of the LEDs and LCD can be dimmed to your liking.
What are the dimensions?
The footprint of the unit is 16.3 x 13.0 inches (413 x 330 mm), which fits into a standard 1RU rack sliding shelf. The LCD is 17.1” (435 mm) wide, which clears a standard rack opening. When the LCD is folded down for storage the entire unit only consumes 2RU vertically.
When will the CL-16 ship?
The CL-16 is now shipping to resellers worldwide!
How much does the CL-16 cost?
Contact your preferred reseller for pricing.
What is the warranty period for the CL-16?
Like all of our products, the CL-16 is guaranteed under our warranty for 2 years when you register at sounddevices.com
Will the CL-16 work as a standalone control surface for a DAW?
The CL-16 is only for use with the 833, 888, and Scorpio. The CL-16 cannot be used as a control surface for your DAW or any other device.
Does the CL-16 work with the 833?
In response to popular demand, 833 support of the CL-16 was added in firmware v8.80.
Will the CL-16 work with the 6-Series or MixPre II?
The CL-16 is designed to work with the 8-Series only.
Can I use a control surface besides the CL-16?
Discover other supported control surfaces for 8-Series mixer-recorders on the 8-Series FAQ.
