The Ferrofish PULSE16 AE is a professional 16-channel AD/DA converter designed for studios and live environments, delivering pristine signal conversion through high-end ESS ES9017 digital-to-analogue and ESS ES9840Q analogue-to-digital converters with ultra-low distortion and enhanced dynamic range. Connectivity and I/O The unit features sixteen balanced quarter-inch TRS inputs and sixteen balanced quarter-inch TRS outputs, ensuring clean and reliable integration with professional analogue equipment. Four ADAT input and four ADAT output ports provide full 32-channel digital connectivity at 48 kHz or 16 channels at 96 kHz using SMUX/2. Word Clock input and output on BNC connectors maintain sample-accurate synchronisation, supported by Ferrofish’s high-stability 125 MHz oscillator with jitter reduction. Signal Monitoring and Routing High-resolution colour displays with multi-coloured LED meters allow engineers to monitor input and output levels with precision. The system enables single-channel routing for flexible signal management, a significant advancement over the group-based routing of earlier models. Navigation is intuitive with a rotary control and dedicated buttons, supported by a modern UI based on the Pulse8 AE platform. Control and Remote Operation USB-C connectivity enables remote configuration via Ferrofish’s RemoteFish software. The PULSE16 AE responds to MIDI controller messages and supports firmware updates via MIDI I/O, offering seamless integration with advanced workflows. Clocking and Conversion Stability The internal Word Clock maintains exceptional precision, with ±1.5 ppm accuracy, ±2.5 ppm drift across temperature variations, and ±1 ppm annual ageing. A digitally controlled PLL further reduces jitter, guaranteeing stable synchronisation whether locked internally or to external sources. DSP and Expansion The PULSE16 AE supports optional DSP expansion via a dedicated slot, enabling advanced audio processing and future plug-in support. This ensures the unit can evolve with changing studio requirements. Headphone and Monitoring A dedicated headphone output with adjustable amplification across four stages and digital volume control in 1 dB steps provides critical monitoring. This is powered by a separate ESS DAC for uncompromised listening accuracy. Power and Build The converter operates from an external 12 V supply with low power consumption, featuring a self-resetting polyfuse for protection. Its robust design fits a 19-inch, 1U rackmount form factor, making it suitable for mobile and fixed installations. Why Choose the Ferrofish PULSE16 AE Delivers ultra-clear conversion with ESS converters for transparent audio Offers full 32-channel ADAT operation for digital studio integration Provides real-time metering with high-resolution displays Enables flexible single-channel routing for complex setups Supports remote control and MIDI for efficient workflow Future-ready with optional DSP processing capabilities Compact and reliable 1U rackmount design for professional use
