- 16 inputs and 12 outputs in a compact mixer, with 10 mic preamps and 3 stereo line inputs.
- An interface designed for immediate operation: a 7-inch color screen, 10 push encoders, and physical controls assigned to the functions displayed.
- 7 100 mm capacitive faders with LED indicators for instantly recalling level positions when switching banks.
- Built-in EQ, compression, effects, and output processing, plus a 2 x 2 USB audio interface and remote control from iOS or Android.
Digital mixers have one obvious advantage: they can pack a huge number of functions into a small space. The downside is that even a simple adjustment such as an aux send, compression, or EQ can sometimes require navigating through several screens.
With the Alto Professional TMD16, the approach is different. The brand set out to retain the versatility of digital while making it feel more like a traditional mixer: the key controls stay at your fingertips, while the screen is primarily there to show what you are adjusting.
The result is a 16-input / 12-output mixer aimed equally at bands handling their own sound and engineers working in rehearsal spaces, small venues, or with a mobile rig.
A digital mixer without menu diving
This is probably the feature that best defines the TMD16. At the center of the mixer, a 7-inch color screen displays mix parameters. It is surrounded by 10 push rotary encoders whose functions directly correspond to what appears on the screen.
Rather than requiring you to work through a succession of menus and submenus, Alto links digital parameters to physical controls. When you select a channel, you can quickly adjust its EQ, dynamics, panning, or routing while maintaining a clear view of what you are changing.
The Select, Solo, and Mute buttons are also located directly on the control surface and are backlit. On a dark stage or during a soundcheck when you need to react quickly, those details matter.
Touch faders that get straight to the point
The TMD16 does away with traditional motorized faders in favor of 7 100 mm capacitive faders. Each fader is accompanied by an LED scale that indicates its current position.
When you switch from one channel bank to another, the illuminated indicator lets you immediately find the level stored by the mixer. You simply touch and slide your finger along the fader to change the value.
Their operation also limits accidental changes: merely brushing against another part of the fader does not instantly make the level jump to that new position. A welcome safeguard when the mixer is being operated quickly during a performance.
The TMD16âs faders are not motorized. The LED indicator associated with each touch surface displays the stored position when you switch channels or banks. This design keeps the surface compact while allowing you to control more channels than there are physical faders.
16 inputs to build a real stage setup
On paper, the TMD16 offers 16 input channels. In practice, it notably provides 10 mic preamps, including 8 XLR/TRS combo inputs, along with stereo inputs for line-level sources.
For a band, that already gives you enough connections for several vocal mics, a partially micâd drum kit, instruments, a stereo keyboard, and a few additional sources. For a venue or sound provider, this format also covers many small- and medium-sized setups without moving up to a much bulkier mixer.
The routing follows the same philosophy. The main output is available on XLR, and the mixer also offers 4 subgroups, 3 aux outputs, and an FX output. Two monitor outputs and a headphone output complete the setup.
Compact 16-input / 12-output digital mixer with capacitive faders, a 7-inch color screen, built-in effects, Bluetooth, and a USB audio interface.
EQ, compression, and effects: the essentials are already built in
The appeal of a digital mixer is obviously not limited to saving a few inches at the mixing position. It also makes it possible to replace some of the processing that once had to be added as external gear.
On the TMD16, every input features a 3-band parametric EQ, a compressor, and a high-pass filter. Enough to clean up a vocal, control an overly dynamic bass, or quickly make room between several instruments during soundchecks.
The outputs, meanwhile, feature a 7-band graphic EQ and a compressor/limiter. This is especially useful for adapting the sound system to the room and protecting the level sent to the PA system.
Finally, the internal effects engine offers 16 reverb, delay, and chorus programs. A Tap button lets you quickly set a delay tempo directly from the mixer.
During a soundcheck, start by building your mix without effects: gain, high-pass filter, EQ, and compression. Then add reverb or delay. You will find it much easier to identify what is actually coming from the source and what is being added by the processing.
Control the mix without staying behind the mixer
A mixing position is not always located where you would ideally listen to the mix. The TMD16 can therefore communicate with the Alto Pro Mix Control app, available on iOS and Android.
From a smartphone or tablet, you can access levels, Mutes, level meters, and mixer presets. This lets you, for example, leave the mixing position during soundchecks and listen directly to what is happening in the middle of the room.
The Bluetooth connection can also receive an audio source. Handy for quickly playing background music or a reference track from a smartphone without using up an additional wired input.
A USB interface for recording or streaming
A computer can also be integrated directly into the setup thanks to the TMD16âs USB audio interface. It operates at 24-bit / 48 kHz and provides 2 input channels and 2 output channels.
That is enough to record the stereo mix of a concert, bring in a source from a computer, or send the mixerâs sound to a streaming application.
However, it is important to have the right expectations: the TMD16âs USB connection is not a 16-channel multitrack interface. If your goal is to record every mic individually and remix the concert later in a DAW, you will need another solution.
A mixer built to leave the mixing position
The TMD16 remains compact at approximately 38.1 x 42.9 x 10.9 cm and with a weight specified by Alto of 4.67 kg. Its metal chassis is designed to withstand regular use in rehearsals, performances, or a mobile mixing rig.
The touch fader concept also contributes to this approach: less moving mechanical hardware and a control surface that remains instantly easy to read thanks to the LED indicators.
Add the ability to save 9 user presets, and the mixer becomes especially appealing when you regularly use the same configurations. A band can prepare its stage setup in rehearsal and then recall its settings at the next show without starting from scratch.
Specifications - Alto TMD16
| Type | Digital mixer |
|---|---|
| Inputs / outputs | 16 inputs / 12 outputs |
| Mic preamps | 10 |
| Stereo line inputs | 3 |
| Faders | 7 100 mm capacitive touch faders with LED indicators |
| Screen | 7-inch color |
| Controls | 10 360° push rotary encoders |
| Input processing | 3-band parametric EQ, compressor, high-pass filter |
| Output processing | 7-band graphic EQ and compressor/limiter |
| Effects | 16 programs: reverb, delay, and chorus |
| Audio interface | USB 2 inputs / 2 outputs, 24-bit / 48 kHz |
| Wireless | Bluetooth |
| App | Alto Pro Mix Control â iOS / Android |
| User presets | 9 |
| Dimensions | Approximately 381 x 429 x 109 mm |
| Weight | 4.67 kg |
FAQ - Alto Professional TMD16
How many microphones can be connected to the TMD16?
The mixer features 10 mic preamps. Eight use XLR/TRS combo connectors and two use XLR inputs. The other inputs are notably intended for stereo line-level sources.
Are the TMD16âs faders motorized?
No. They are capacitive touch faders. An LED scale indicates the position corresponding to the stored level when you switch channels or banks.
Can you record all 16 tracks separately via USB?
No. The built-in USB interface operates as 2 inputs / 2 outputs. It is therefore suitable for capturing a stereo mix, streaming, and playback from a computer, but not for 16-channel multitrack recording.
Can the mixer be controlled from a smartphone?
Yes. The Alto Pro Mix Control app is available for iOS and Android and lets you remotely control levels, Mutes, level meters, and presets.
Does the TMD16 have built-in effects?
Yes. Its effects engine includes 16 reverb, delay, and chorus programs. Each input also benefits from its own EQ and compression.
Can you save a mix configuration?
Yes. The TMD16 lets you save 9 user presets. Each preset stores the mixerâs parameters so you can quickly recall a previously prepared configuration.
Who Is the Alto TMD16 For?
The TMD16 is not trying to become a huge miniature digital console. Instead, it brings together the functions that are genuinely useful for a wide range of gigs in a mixer you can get to grips with quickly.
For a band handling its own mix, a rehearsal space, a music café, a small venue, or a mobile sound provider, its 16 inputs, subgroups, aux sends, and onboard processing already cover a wide range of situations.
And it is above all its interface that makes the difference: a screen to see, physical controls to act. A fairly simple philosophy, but one that is particularly relevant when soundcheck is underway and nobody wants to hunt for a setting in the fourth submenu of a console.
