Ferrofish Pulse16 AE 16-Channel AD/DA Converter with ADAT

The Ferrofish Pulse16 AE is a professional 16 channel analog to ADAT converter designed for high end studio and production environments. It delivers premium AD and DA conversion in a compact 1RU form factor, making it ideal for recording, mixing, and post production workflows.

Built on Ferrofish premium conversion architecture, the Pulse16 AE features balanced analog I/O, comprehensive ADAT connectivity, and 32 bit converter technology with support up to 192 kHz. Its internal routing matrix and high resolution front panel displays provide precise control and real time monitoring.

Designed for reliability and long term flexibility, the Pulse16 AE includes headphone monitoring, MIDI and USB control, word clock I/O, and optional DSP expansion. This combination of sound quality, control, and scalability makes it an excellent choice for modern professional studios.

Key Features

• 16 Channel AD and DA Conversion: Provides 16 balanced TRS inputs and 16 balanced TRS outputs
• ADAT Connectivity: Supports multi channel digital audio via optical ADAT I/O
• High Resolution Conversion: Utilizes 32 bit converters with sample rates up to 192 kHz
• Internal Routing Matrix: Enables flexible routing and signal splitting across all inputs and outputs
• DSP Expansion Ready: Supports optional DSP stick for future processing upgrades

Technical Specifications

Analog I/O
16 balanced TRS inputs (jack)
16 balanced TRS outputs (jack)

Headphone Out
1 x 1/4" (6.3mm) TRS jack, stereo
Selectable mono or stereo source
Amplification power adjustable in four stages
Digital volume control with 1 dB resolution
Dedicated monitoring path via a separate ESS DAC

ADAT I/O
4x optical ports (16 channels each with 48 kHz)
32 channels @96 kHz (SMUX2)
16 channels @192 kHz (SMUX4)

MIDI I/O
2 x Mini TRS connector for firmware updates and future features
Adapter to 5 Pin standard MIDI port available

Wordclock I/O
BNC 1 x input, 1 x output
75 Ohm termination switchable via input
125 MHz oscillator with high precision
Initial accuracy ±1.5 ppm
Drift over temperature range ±2.5 ppm
Aging ±1 ppm

Remote Control
via USB port for Ferrofish RemoteFish software

Converter Info
analog outputs SNR 120 dB (typ.)
THD+N -115 dB (1 kHz, 48 kHz SR, A-weighted, typ.)
analog inputs SNR 112 dB (typ.)
THD+N -108 dB (1 kHz, 48 kHz SR, A-weighted, typ.)

DSP
Expandable via optional DSP stick

Clock
PLL with active jitter reduction

Operating Temperature Range
+5 °C to +45 °C

Humidity
Maximum +75 percent, non-condensing

Power Supply
Voltage 12 V at a maximum of 1 A
Connector 2.5 mm barrel jack with locking screw
Power adapter 12 V, 3 A or 12 V, 1 A, positive pin, included with the device
Nominal 12 V, standby below 1 VA

Weight
1 kg
2.2 lbs

Dimensions
13.5 cm (D) x 22 cm (W) x 4.4 cm (H) (1RU)
5.31" (D) x 8.66" (W) x 1.73" (H)

Dimensions exclude knobs and connectors