Ferrofish Pulse 16 AE

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

• 16 balanced TRS analogue inputs and 16 balanced TRS analogue outputs
• 4 ADAT inputs and 4 ADAT outputs supporting up to 32 channels at 48 kHz or 16 channels at 96 kHz with SMUX/2
• ESS ES9017 D/A and ESS ES9840Q A/D converters for superior dynamic range and low THD+N
• Word Clock input and output with 125 MHz high-precision oscillator
• Digitally controlled PLL with jitter reduction
• High-resolution front-panel colour displays with LED metering
• Single-channel routing for flexible signal management
• USB-C connection for RemoteFish software control
• MIDI I/O with support for firmware updates and MIDI CC
• Optional DSP expansion via dedicated stick
• Dedicated headphone output with ESS DAC, digital volume, and four-stage amplification
• Compact 19-inch 1U rackmount chassis
• External 12 V power supply with polyfuse protection

This item, like everything we supply, comes with the complete support of our expert team. Our excellent technicians have been specifying, building and supporting studios for over twenty years. If you have any problems with installation, setup or everyday use, they’re never more than a click away, and always happy to help.

You can contact them here.