Waves IONIC 24

The Waves IONIC 24 is a high-performance 24-in / 18-out SoundGrid stagebox built to deliver unmatched sound clarity and control in live environments. It integrates tightly with the eMotion LV1 mixer, offering a full suite of mic/line inputs and outputs that bring precision, punch, and flexibility to any setup. At its core are Waves Signature Preamps, designed with fully discrete analog circuits to provide fast response, high headroom, and ultra-low noise. Each input includes switchable harmonic enhancement, allowing you to choose between clean and warm, analog-style sound.

IONIC 24 features 24 mic/line inputs, 18 analog outputs, stereo AES digital I/O, and two headphone outputs, all housed in a road-ready 3U rackmount chassis. Inputs offer selectable impedance (classic or modern), and output levels are user-selectable for system flexibility. The unit supports sample rates up to 96 kHz and connects via standard 1 gig Ethernet for seamless SoundGrid integration. Designed for reliability, it also includes both internal and optional external redundant power options. With simple setup, extensive control, and pristine audio quality, IONIC 24 is made for live sound professionals who demand the best.

• 24 in / 18 out SoundGrid stagebox with superior audio quality

• Seamless integration with Waves eMotion LV1 live mixer

• 24 mic or line inputs with original-design Waves Signature Preamps

• 18 balanced analog outputs (selectable between 18 dBu and 24 dBu)

• Stereo AES digital input and two AES digital outputs (XLR)

• Two independent headphone outputs with adjustable output gain

• Switchable analog-modeled harmonic enhancement per input

• Input impedance selection per input: classic 2000 ohms or modern 7000 ohms

• Built-in signal presence and clip indicators per channel

• Powered via internal AC and optional external DC with auto-switching redundancy

• Compatible with Waves SoundGrid networks over 1 gigabit Ethernet

• Supports sample rates of 44.1, 48, 88.2, and 96 kilohertz

• Rugged 3U rack-mountable chassis with front panel I/O

• Perfect for high-end stage use with LV1 or other SoundGrid-based systems

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS:

24 analog mic or line inputs

18 analog line outputs

1 stereo AES input and 2 stereo AES outputs

2 stereo headphone outputs

Sample rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96 kHz

SoundGrid network compatible (1 gigabit Ethernet)

Compatible with eMotion LV1 mixer

Fully discrete analog preamps with harmonic enhancement option

Rack-mountable 3U chassis

Dimensions: 482.1 mm width x 310.8 mm depth x 131.4 mm height

Weight: 6.7 kg (14.8 lbs)

Operating temperature: 0 to 35 Celsius

Power: 100 to 240 V auto-switching, 0.5 A / 0.25 A, external 24 VDC redundant input

ANALOG MIC/LINE INPUTS:

Gain range: adjustable from -3 dB to 60 dB in 1 dB steps

Frequency response: flat within 0.1 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, within 1 dB from 10 Hz to 40 kHz

Dynamic range: greater than 110 dB

Equivalent input noise: -130 dBu at 60 dB gain, A-weighted

Total harmonic distortion plus noise: -100 dB at 997 Hz, 18 dBu input, 0 dB gain

Input impedance: XLR: selectable 2000 or 7000, TRS: 14600

Sensitivity: XLR: -33 dBu to +27 dBu, TRS: -27 dBu to +33 dBu

Common mode rejection: 50 dB (20 Hz to 1 kHz, 0 dB gain)

Crosstalk: greater than 90 dB (20 Hz to 20 kHz)

Phantom power: 48V, switchable per input

Harmonic enhancement (HMX): switchable per input

LED indicators for signal and clipping on front panel

ANALOG LINE OUTPUTS:

Max output level: selectable +18 dBu or +24 dBu

Frequency response: flat within 0.1 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz at 48 kHz sample rate; within 1 dB from 10 Hz to 40 kHz at 96 kHz

Total harmonic distortion plus noise: -100 dB at +24 dBu, -105 dB at +18 dBu

Crosstalk: greater than 90 dB

Residual output noise: -87 dBu, A-weighted

Output impedance: 150

HEADPHONE OUTPUTS:

Output gain: adjustable up to 6V

Frequency response: flat within 0.1 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz at 48 kHz; within 1 dB from 10 Hz to 40 kHz at 96 kHz

Total harmonic distortion plus noise: -80 dB at 3V on 30 load

Output impedance: 20

AES DIGITAL I/O:

Input and output impedance: 110

Input sample rate auto-conversion

Output sample rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96 kHz

CONNECTIVITY AND CONTROLS:

Front panel: combo XLR/TRS inputs, XLR outputs, headphone jacks

Rear panel: power switch, firmware reset, network port, AES I/O, analog outputs 15"18

LEDs for network and power status

Control panel for gain, impedance, harmonic enhancement, clock, presets, and ID indicators