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PULSE16 AE AD/DA Converter

16 x 16 AD/DA <> 32 x 32 ADAT Converter

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PULSE16 Front

The Center of Your Audio Universe

The Ferrofish PULSE16 AE is a versatile and compact AD/DA converter designed for seamless integration into studio or live setups. With 16 high-quality balanced analog inputs and outputs, it ensures precise and clean signal conversion. The PULSE16 AE offers full visual control via its vibrant front-panel displays, simplifying real-time monitoring and configuration. 

Built to accommodate professional workflows, its robust clocking options and compatibility with standard studio connections make it an essential tool for engineers seeking reliable performance in a 19″ 1HU rack form factor.

Studio-Grade Audio

Intuitive Visual Monitoring

The high-resolution front panel display provides immediate visual feedback of all input and output signals, offering professional-grade metering and system status at a glance. Multi-colored level meters ensure precise level monitoring in any environment.

Premium Conversion Architecture

Experience pristine audio quality through carefully selected ESS converters and temperature-compensated clock design. The PULSE16 AE maintains Ferrofish's reputation for exceptional sound quality, delivering crystal-clear conversion up to 192kHz with professional +20dBu headroom.

Professional Remote Control

Take command of your audio routing and settings through the comprehensive RemoteFish software for Mac and PC. The USB-C connection provides instant access to all parameters, while MIDI I/O enables integration into larger systems and ensures easy firmware updates for continued improvement.

Flexible Integration Hub

Beyond simple conversion, the PULSE16 AE serves as a versatile routing solution with its comprehensive ADAT connectivity and word clock synchronization options. The unit seamlessly bridges analog and digital domains, making it an ideal centerpiece for both studio and live applications.

Advanced Headphone Monitoring

The dedicated headphone output, powered by a separate ESS DAC, delivers exceptional monitoring capabilities with precise 1dB-step volume control. Four-stage amplification ensures compatibility with any headphone impedance, making it perfect for critical listening and tracking sessions.

Future-Proof Expandability

Thanks to its modular design, the PULSE16 AE is ready for tomorrow's challenges with DSP expansion capability. The optional DSP stick slot allows for future processing power upgrades, protecting your investment while offering a path to enhanced functionality.

PULSE16 AE INPUTS & OUTPUTS

ANALOG I/O ¼-inch
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ADAT I/O
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HEADPHONE OUT
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PULSE16 ff
PULSE16 bf

PULSE16 AE SPECIFICATIONS

Analog I/O

  • 16 balanced TRS inputs (¼-inch / 6.3 mm)
  • 16 balanced TRS outputs (¼-inch / 6.3 mm)
  • Headphone Output (¼-inch / 6.3 mm)

 

ADAT Connectivity 

  • 4 ADAT input ports
  • 4 ADAT output ports
  • Supports SMUX for higher sample rates:
    32 channels at 48 kHz, 16 channels at 96 kHz, 8 channels at 192 kHz

Clocking 

  • Word Clock input and output (BNC connectors) 
  • Internal high-stability clock or external sync via ADAT or Word Clock 

 

Routing

  • Per-channel routing 

 

Signal Monitoring

  • High-resolution front-panel displays for input and output level monitoring 
  • Multi-colored LED meters for clear visual feedback 

 

Controls & User Interface

  • Front-panel control knob and buttons for quick navigation and setup 

Connectivity

  • USB-C and TRS-MIDI Type A for remote control via Ferrofish RemoteFish software, remote control via MIDI CC and for firmware updates
  • Remote control via MIDI controller commands (MIDI CC)
  • MIDI port for firmware updates and future features

Headphone Output:

  • 6.3mm jack output
  • Amplification power adjustable in four stages
  • Digital volume control with 1 dB resolution
  • Dedicated monitoring path via a separate ESS DAC

DSP Processing

  • Expandable via optional DSP stick

Digital-to-Analog Conversion

  • DAC: ESS ES9017
  • 32-bit / 192 kHz
  • DNR: 120 dB
  • THD+N: –110 dB
  • Output impedance: 110 Ω

 

Analog-to-Digital Conversion

  • ADC: ESS ES9840Q
  • 32-bit / 192 kHz
  • DNR: 116 dB
  • THD+N: –108 dB
  • Input impedance: 6 kΩ

 

Headphone Output

  • ¼-inch / 6.3 mm jack output
  • Amplification adjustable in four stages
  • Digital volume control with 1 dB resolution
  • Supported impedance range: 15 – 600 Ω

 

Dedicated monitoring path via separate DAC ES9023

Internal Word Clock 

  • 125 MHz high-precision oscillator 
  • Initial accuracy: ±1.5 ppm 
  • Temperature drift: ±2.5 ppm 
  • Aging: ±1 ppm

 

PLL (Phase-Locked Loop) 

  • Digitally controlled PLL with active jitter reduction 

 

Power Supply 

  • Voltage: 12 V DC / 3 A
  • Power consumption: 12 VA (nominal), <1 VA (standby) 
  • Connector: 2.54 mm barrel jack with locking screw
  • Center-positive connector
  • Included in the package

 

Fuse 

  • Internal polyfuse, self-resetting 

 

Operating Conditions 

  • Temperature range: +5 °C to +45 °C
  • Humidity: <75 %, non-condensing 

 

Form Factor

  • Rack-mountable 19“/1HU
  • Dimensions: 50 × 4.4 x 19 cm
  • Weight 2 kg

PULSE16 AE AD/DA Converter

The Center of Your Audio Universe

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