Sound Devices CL-16 — Linear Fader Control Surface for 8-Series Mixer-Recorders
The CL-16 combines the simplicity of traditional analog consoles with the power and flexibility of digital consoles. Designed specifically for the 833, 888, and Scorpio, this bespoke control surface enhances cart-based mixing with intuitive operation, 16 silky-smooth Penny & Giles faders, 16 dedicated trim controls, and a panoramic sunlight-readable LCD — all elegantly engineered into a compact 16.3"-wide unit that fits in a cart and operates from 12 V DC.
Key Features
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Compatible with the 833, 888, and Scorpio via standard USB-B to USB-A cable — plug-and-play, no configuration required
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16 Penny & Giles 100mm linear faders — field-serviceable, replaceable individually from the bottom of the unit in seconds
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16 dedicated rotary trim controls with ring LEDs for signal level, PFL, mute, and arm status
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32 multi-function rotary controls for EQ, pan, channels 17-32 gains, bus gains, output gains, and more
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Intuitive design philosophy: channels 1-16 have dedicated, non-banking controls like a traditional analog console
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Large, sunlight-readable LCD screen folds down for easy and safe storage and transport
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10 user-assignable buttons split into two banks with Learn Mode for mapping controls
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High-reliability silent soft-touch buttons for record, stop, metadata, coms, returns, and more — sealed for long-term reliability
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Built-in 5-port USB hub (2× USB-C, 3× USB-A) for keyboards, SD-Remote tablet, and other USB peripherals
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Waveform display for advanced navigation and playback (with 8-Series v11+)
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Save and edit mix scenes, take numbers, and take notes for repeatable use
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Customizable channel color groups for visual organization
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Ten-pin remote input for custom wiring of LEDs and switches
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TRS footswitch input with included 1/4" cable
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Headphone outputs: 1/4" and 1/8"
Specifications
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Dimensions: 413 × 330 mm (16.3 × 13.0 in) — fits a standard 1RU rack sliding shelf
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LCD width: 17.1" (435 mm) — clears a standard rack opening
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Storage: 2RU vertical when LCD folded down
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Weight: 4.71 kg
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Power: 12 V DC via 4-pin XLR connector (10-18 V DC range)
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Current draw: 560 mA quiescent at 12 V DC; 2.93 A typical with 5 A USB load; 5.51 A max with 10 A USB load
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USB ports: USB-A 5 V/1.5 A each; USB-C 5 V/3 A each
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Connection to mixer: USB-B to USB-A cable (included)
Awards
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57th CAS Awards — Outstanding Product in Production (2021)
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AMPS — Excellence in a Production Audio Product
Note: The CL-16 works only with the 833, 888, and Scorpio. It is not compatible with the 6-Series, MixPre II, or any DAW.
2-year warranty when registered at sounddevices.com.