Ferrofish PULSE16 MX 16-Channel Rackmount AD/DA, MADI and ADAT Converter

The PULSE16 MX is the high-quality solution to connect a wide range of Analog, MADI and ADAT equipment to a mixer or a computer interface - with up to 192 kHz. The high-density converter provides 16 x 16 balanced analogue TRS-I/Os and can handle pro studio levels up to +20dBu - adjustable in 1 dB steps. The PULSE16 is using the recent high-performance low-latency converter generation from Cirrus Logic. Combined with a temperature-compensated high-precision clock and an active jitter reduction hardware design, the 226-channel MX delivers an exceptional detailed sound.On the digital side, the multi-format device provides an optical MADI I/O with 64 I/Os. 2 x 4 ADAT ports can convert all 16 analog I/Os - even with up to 96 kHz. The PULSE16 MX incorporates a Word Clock I/O and a MIDI I/O for embedding signals and remote control of the unit. Many popular features from the flagship A32 have been added as well: Preset Management, Panel Lock and the sophisticated routing matrix. All in all the fan-less, small footprint device is a huge problem solver for studio and live sound applications. Optical MADI I/O The PULSE16 MX provides a MADI SFP module with optical LC connector. The MADI I/O supports daisy-chain delay compensation and carries MIDI-over-MADI. The default Multimode module can be exchanged with a Singlemode module. Dual TFT Display Two high-resolution TFT displays provide detailed level information for all 2 x 16 analog signals - allowing the overview of the signal flow in and out of the unit. The innovative on-board contextual help, much loved by Ferrofish users, allows it to use the high-tech device, without reaching for the manual. Internal Routing Matrix The PULSE16 MX provides a sophisticated internal matrix for the free routing and splitting of all 112 Ins to all 112 Outs in blocks of 8 channels. The headphone output on the front allows it to monitor every mono or stereo I/O directly on the unit. Inputs & Outputs 2 x 16 BALANCED TRS -8 to +20 dBu (Gain in 1 dB steps). MADI SFP Port SFP MADI module with optical LC connector (Multimode). 2 x 4 TOSLINK Each port transfers eight channels at a sample rate of 48 kHz (= 32 In + 32 Out). Phones Stereo TRS (Front) Monitoring of every PULSE stereo/mono I/O via an additional stereo DAC. Analog I/O The PULSE16 MX provides a unique flexible level setup for all analog inputs and outputs. Every I/O can be set to a different sensitivity in a mixer like screen, directly on the display. The level setup ranges from -8 dBu up to +20 dBu in single steps of 1dB. When the fader is set to 20, the output of a digital signal with 0dBFS will be +20dBu on the analog input or output. -8 dBu on the lower end is close to the level of analog consumer gear (-10dBV = -7.78dBu). ADAT I/O The PULSE16 MX features 2 x 4 ADAT I/O ports (white doors: outputs, black doors: inputs). Each port can transfer eight channels at a sample rate of 48 kHz (= 32 In + 32 Out channels). With the reduction to four channels per port at 96 kHz (SMUX/2), it is still possible, to convert all 16 I/O to ADAT. With 192kHz (SMUX/4) it is still possible, to transfer 8 input and 8 output channels in total, using all four interface pairs. Additionally it is possible, to route 32 channels of ADAT from/to MADI at 48 kHz.Thanks to the optical connection, ADAT-linked equipment avoids ground-loops and will not transfer harmful electrical spikes from one device to the next. Word Clock I/O The PULSE16 MX can generate its own high precision clock. It can send this clock or receive a master clock via the BNC I/O using a coaxial cable with 75 Ohm. Whether the PULSE16 MX runs in Master or Slave mode or termination on/off can be set via the display. MIDI I/O The integrated 5pin standard MIDI I/O ports can be used for controlling the unit over a MIDI cable from a host computer. With installed MADI option, it is possible, to c or de-c MIDI signals into the MADI stream (MIDI-over-MADI ). A very useful feature, to remotely control MIDI Equipment in the studio rack or on stage from the FOH. The kind of MIDI routing can be adjusted via the display. Device Lock The front panel control - except the headphone screen - can be locked with a PIN number. To lock the PULSE16 MX , simply enter the PIN in the display. Every PULSE16 MX has a fixed number (printed on the downside of the unit). Quality of Sound High Quality AD & DA The PULSE16 MX uses the most recent low-latency AD & DA generation from Cirrus Logic. The high performance converters capture and restore audio signals with all details, a highly neutral frequency response and low distortion. All analog inputs and output are using balanced TRS jacks and can be set independently to levels between -8dBu and +20dBu. High Resolution Sound The PULSE16 MX converts all 16 analog I/O with sample rates of up to 192 kHz from/to MADI and ADAT (8 Channels at 192 kHz - SMUX/4). The pristine sound quality is perfectly suited for high-quality recording and playback of critical material with high dynamics, like classical music or jazz. High Precision Clock The PULSE16 MX is driven by a high-accurate, internal low jitter clock. The sophisticated design combines an advanced jitter reduction circuit with a stable, temperature compensated oscillator. All digital data from the MADI, ADAT and BNC ports are automatically processed, resulting in the an ultra-low output jitter on all digital channels of 50 to 100 ps. PULSE16 MX MADI Format Digital Multicore MADI is the industry standard for multi-channel audio at modern concert tours around the globe, classical music recordings, theatres and music studios. Setups with several hundred channels in a complex setup, including recording interfaces, mixing consoles and converters to all existing audio formats, are easy to realize.Ferrofish consequently supports MADI and offers industry-leading products, like the PULSE16 MX and the high-density converters of the A-Series with seamless integration to other formats. MADI - Made by Ferrofish provides a set of advanced MADI features - integrated into the PULSE16 MX. Switch to MADI Singlemode at any time The SFP port is equipped with an optical MADI Multimode module. Ferrofish offers a Singlemode module for long range transmissions, which can be easily exchanged. Routing Matrix The internal matrix allows the free routing and splitting of all 112 Inputs to all 112 Outputs in blocks of 8 channels. This matrix is shown as a grid inside the ROUTING menu. The inputs are shown in the columns, while the rows represent the outputs. A solid square between these lines indicates a connection. The matrix is saved within the device presets and can be recalled at any time. Direct Headphone Monitoring The headphone output on the front allows it to monitor every mono or stereo I/O directly from the unit - no additional device or DAW interface is necessary. The headphones signal can be easily selected via a dedicated source control on the TFT display. Fully. Guided. Control Two high-resolution TFT displays provide complete control of all features:• Detailed level information for all 2 x 16 signals at a glance• Analog Gains• Routing matrix• Headphone control, including source selection.• Settings (e. g. Clock, Termination, TFT Brightness, Device Lock)• Preset control (Save, Load)The innovative on-board contextual help, much loved by Ferrofish users, allows it to use this high-tech device, without reaching for the manual.