Ferrofish Pulse8 AE - Compact Eight Channel AD/DA Converter The Ferrofish Pulse 8 AE is a versatile and compact AD/DA converter designed for seamless integration into studio or live setups. With 8 analogue inputs and 8 analogue outputs on balanced TRS connections (line-level), the Ferrofish Pulse 8 AE is perfect for expanding audio interfaces and mixers with additional channels via ADAT. A vibrant front-panel display offers level information for all channels at a glance, simplifying real-time monitoring and configuration, whilst front panel and software remote control (RemoteFish) make controlling the device a breeze. Keep everything permanently connected in your studio so you’re ready to record as soon as inspiration strikes! Record your keyboards, synthesizers, drum machines and mixing consoles; or connect additional pairs of studio monitors, and route out (and back in) to hardware FX boxes like EQs, Reverbs and Compressors. All captured via Ferrofish’s transparent AD and DA conversion, relied on by professional studios and live engineers the world over. Analogue I/O The Ferrofish Pulse 8 AE offer 8 x balanced line-level inputs and 8 x balanced line-level outputs. The analogue inputs are individually adjustable in 1 dB steps from +20dBu to -8dBu (which corresponds approximately to the level of -10dBV for use with consumer devices). Multiple input gains can be adjusted at the same time (mono, stereo, 4ch or all). Analogue outputs are also individually adjustable in 1 dB steps from +20dBu to -8dBu. Note that the level metering will not change, as output levels are shown pre-attenuation. Front Panel Level Metering The front panel TFT display shows the levels of the 8 analogue inputs and outputs as well as the status of the device. Pressing the MENU button takes you to the main menu from where the device can be set up. Controls Control of the device is offered via the front panel, which consists of a MENU button (three horizontal bars), an ESC button (X symbol), the rotary knob for headphone control and menu navigation, and the POWER button. To prevent switching off the device accidentally, the POWER button must be pressed for approximately 3 seconds. Headphone output The Pulse 8 AE’s headphone output is powered by a high-quality DAC and amplifier chip, controllable via the large encoder on the front panel. Any of the devices incoming and outgoing signals can be monitored, including both mono and stereo pairs. Rear Panel POWER Input Power is provided via the included ‘line-lump’ power supply. To secure the connection, be sure to lock it in place to prevent against accidentally disconnecting the device when in use. USB-C PORT The USB port serves as USB MIDI connection. After you connect the device to your PC/MAC, you can control it remotely using the RemoteFish software or update the firmware with the Update loo software. You can find both in the download area of the Ferrofish website. Please note that audio transmission via USB is not provided. DSP STICK This DSP STICK slot is intended for future updates. A protection cap is included to protect the slot when it’s not in use. ADAT 1 IN/OUT and ADAT 2 IN/OUT The PULSE8 AE has two ADAT input and output pairs (TOSLINK optical). This allows transmission of 16+16 audio channels at up to 48kHz. At higher frequencies, the number of channels is reduced: 8+8 @ 96kHz, or 4+4 @ 192 kHz. MIDI IN/OUT (type A) Modern and space-saving 3.5mm jacks can also be used for MIDI control, as an alternative to the MIDI-USB connection. Conventional 5 pin DIN cables can be connected via an adapter cable, which you can purchase from your favourite supplier, or also from our online shop. WORDCLOCK IN/OUT The Ferrofish Pulse 8 AE’s WordClock can be set to Internal, ADAT or BNC. The Wordclock I/O is used to receive and synchronise the clock from other digital devices via BNC. Set the clock source to BNC in the CLOCK view via the menu. The current clock is output to the WORDCLOCK OUT jack. Presets The Ferrofish Pulse 8 AE can store up to eight presets. For saving, use the knob to navigate to SAVE PRESET. Loading a preset is done simply by selecting one of the preset numbers. When loading a preset, you can also choose which parts of the selected preset should actually be loaded. Navigate between the options with the rotary knob, use the MENU button to make a selection, and select Load! to execute. Rack-mountable The Pulse 8 AE can be rack-mounted using the Ferrofish Rack Mount KIT1 (sold separately). Software Control - REMOTEFISH Remote control your Ferrofish Pulse 8 AE via MIDI / USB-MIDI with the RemoteFish software, available as a free download for both Mac and PC. RemoteFish provides an extended user interface, for control over all input and output gains, channel routing, adjusting settings, and saving and loading presets. Ferrofish Pulse 8 AE Specifications: Analogue I/O 8 x balanced TRS inputs (¼-inch) 8 x balanced TRS outputs (¼-inch) ADAT Connectivity 2 x ADAT input ports 2 x ADAT output ports Supports SMUX for higher sample rates (up to 96 kHz with 8 channels via SMUX/2 or 48 kHz with 16 channels) Clocking Word Clock input and output (BNC connectors) Internal clock with high stability or external sync via ADAT or Word Clock Signal Monitoring High-resolution front display for signal level monitoring (both input and output) Clear visual feedback with multi-coloured LED meters Controls Front-panel control knob and buttons for quick navigation and configuration Connectivity USB-C for remote configuration using Ferrofish RemoteFish software MIDI input/output for firmware updates or potential future features Power External 12V/1A power supply Form Factor Compact design, suitable for rack-mounted or desktop use Official Ferrofish rack mounts are available to purchase here
