+44 20 8445 2446
This B-Stock unit comes in original packaging, as new.
A full warranty of one year will be issued with this purchase.
Condition: EXCELLENT
At a glance
- 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
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
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Delivers ultra-clear conversion with ESS converters for transparent audio
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Offers full 32-channel ADAT operation for digital studio integration
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Provides real-time metering with high-resolution displays
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Enables flexible single-channel routing for complex setups
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Supports remote control and MIDI for efficient workflow
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Future-ready with optional DSP processing capabilities
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Compact and reliable 1U rackmount design for professional use