Overview

A32pro Dante - Clever Conversion And Routing

The A32pro Dante is our flagship connecting digital and analog audio to the world of Dante: All interfaces, whether analog, MADI or ADAT, are brought using the integrated routing matrix into the Dante network. Of course, all features of the A32pro are still available.

The A32pro Dante is not just a converter – it’s also the ultimate problem solver thanks to its incredible flexibility, thanks to its modular hardware platform. Overall, the A32pro Dante processes 386 channels, all highly integrated into a 1 slim rack unit. Enumerating all the configurations of the A32pro Dante is almost impossible: in addition to the 32 x 32 studio-grade balanced analog inputs and outputs up to 192kHz, there are a stereo main out, four ADAT I/O, two MADI I/O ports (SFP slots) and of course Dante, brought out redundant on two RJ45 jacks. Everything is routable in groups of 8 channels each.

Clarity and operational reliability has first priority: Both Dante and MADI are laid out redundant, an essential feature for live operation! Of course, a second power supply can be connected, and thanks to the four multitouch TFT screens, the user always has full control.

Packed into a compact 1RU, the highly integrated converter is equipped with 32 x 32 balanced analog channels, brought out on eight D-SUB connectors. They deliver studio levels up to +20dBu, individually adjustable in 1dB steps. The sophisticated design, using latest generation ESS converters, accompanied with a temperature-compensated clock and jitter reduction PLL guarantees best crystal clear sound up to 192kHz.

Even operation of the A32pro Dante is done without any compromise, almost self explaining, as with all our products: A total of four multitouch TFT screens show the levels of all 64 channels, it can’t be done better. Controlling the unit also benefits from the touch screens: Operating the unit has never been more a pleasure. The A32pro units can also be controlled by the RemoteFish App (PC and Mac) via USB (USB-over-MIDI), MIDI, MIDI-over-MADI and Remote-over-Dante.

The two HQ headphone outputs can monitor any analog or digital input or output: Ideal for control or monitoring. As a monitoring format mono, stereo and even M/S is possible. In addition to the dual stereo operation a fully balanced mode using both outputs for even more output power is available.

Dante Plug & Play

Integrate the A32pro Dante seamlessly into your Dante network has never been easier. Just plug it in and the device is visible on the network and ready to be routed freely using the Dante Controller software. Together with the Dante PCIe Card or DVS (Dante Virtual Soundcard), the A32 Dante turns into a universal audio interface.

4 x Multitouch TFT User Interface

Keep track of all 64 analog input and output channels at any time: Everything is shown clearly on the four TFT screens. The screens also show the status of all digital interfaces, as well as the status of GPIO and loaded preset, easy to always keep track of whats happening. Status information and all functions are presented clearly and intuitively, so no need to consult the manual anymore. The multitouch sensitive user interface makes the unit a pleasure to operate.

Internal Routing Matrix

All 192 x 192 analog and digital channels of the A32pro Dante are brought together in groups of 8 using the internal routing matrix. For easy monitoring, any channel, no matter if input or output can be monitored in mono, stereo and even in M/S (mid/side) by one of the two independent headphone outputs. For audiophile scenarios a full balanced output mode using two stereo outputs for balanced wired headphones is available as well.

Dual Slots for DSP Sticks

The modular platform is ready for expansion: Two slots for optional DSP sticks open a whole new world for multichannel audio processing.

Flexible Remote Control

The comprehensive remote software RemoteFish for PC and MAC is available to control the A32pro series. In addition to USB, the A32pro Dante can also be connected via MIDI, MIDI-over-MADI and Remote-over-Dante. All Ferrofish devices are automatically detected and listed in the software.

Redundant Power Supply

For reliability, the A32pro Dante can be powered by two power supplies. Both power supplies are permanently monitored, and switched without interruption in case of failure. Warning message is shown on the screen or send via MIDI to be able to react on this failure.

Dante INPUTS & OUTPUTS

4 x 4 D-Sub25

8 analog channels on each D-Sub25 TASCAM pin-format, max 192kHz Gain/Levels: -8dBu…+20 dBu (1dB steps).

MADI I/O: Dual SFP Slots

The two SFP slots allow a variety of configurations: From a single module configuration to redundant dual SFP Modes (Single-/Multimode or Coaxial) – everything is possible.

USB Type-B

For firmware updates, plugin installation and remote control from a host computer. The A32pro Dante appears as a MIDI device.

4 x 4 ADAT TOSLINK

Each ADAT port transfers eight channels at a sample rate of 48kHz (= 32 In + 32 Out). A SMUX/2 mode up to 96k is also possible.

Dante Network I/O (redundant)

Two RJ-45 ports connect to any Dante audio network. Simply connect a LAN Ethernet cable (CAT5/CAT6) to the primary port. The secondary port takes automatically over in case of a network error (Dante Port Redundancy).

2x PHONES STEREO TRS (FRONT)

Monitoring of every stereo/mono or even M/S (Mid/Side) I/O channel by an dedicated DAC path.

Word Clock I/O

BNC with 75 Ohm internal termination.
On/Off via display.

Redundant Power Supply

Ground-loop free, coaxial DC connector with secure, stable and relaible screw-lock. One PSU is included. The affordable replacement power supplies are available from any Ferrofish distributor.

MIDI I/O

Dual 1/8″ (3.5mm) TRS I/O (MIDI 2.0 layout) for remote Control and MIDI-over-MADI

SPECIFICATIONS

MADI I/O (AES10)

Dual SFP Slots for MADI: Multimode or Singlemode SFP module as
default configuration, optional second SFP module optional

• 64 channels @32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz
• 32 channels @64kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz
• 32 channels @128kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz*

* both MADI ports are used to achieve full 32+32 channel transmission

Support of MIDI over MADI.
Latency: 3 samples
Redundancy: Automatic switching between optical <-> coax MADI when signal lost.

Analog Inputs (A/D)

32Bit ESS A/D Converter

4 x DSub25  (Tascam format)

• Digital gain: +20dBu … -8 dBu, 1dB steps

OpAmps
OPA1604 / OPA1664

Level indicator
TFT screen, 28 levels

Analog Outputs (D/A)

32 Bit ESS D/A Converter

4 x DSub25  (Tascam format)

• Digital gain: +20dBu … -8dBu, 1dB steps

OpAmps
OPA1604 / OPA1664

Level indicator
TFT screen, 28 levels

Headphones Out

• 2 x ¼” (6.3mm) TRS jack, stereo with HQ amp section and dedicated DAC path.
• Provides two independent stereo channels.
• Selectable mono/stereo or M/S of all inputs and outputs.
• Digitally controlled volume level.

ADAT I/O

4+4 optical interfaces (8 channels each with 48 kHz)

• 32 channels @32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz
• 16 channels @64kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz
• 08 channels @128kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz

Latency: 3 samples

GPIO Port

• 4x General Purpose Inputs for switching Presets #1-4.
• 4x General Purpose Outputs for monitoring Lock/Power/MADI/Temp alerts.

MIDI I/O

• 2 x 1/8″ (3.5mm) TRS connector for remote control
• Conversion MIDI <> MIDI-over-MADI possible
• MIDI 2.0 pinout

Wordclock I/O

• BNC: 1 x input, 1 x output
• Input 75 Ohm Termination switchable by menu button

Power Supply

12V, 3A

• 2 x input jacks with screw lock for redundant power.
• Input monitoring, warning on screen when PSU input fails
• Internal self-resettable polyfuse
• 1 x Power Supply included, second PSU optional available

USB Port

1 x USB 2.0 for Remote/Updates

Additional Features

• 192 kHz operation (S/MUX up to 192kHz)
• DSP Stick Expansions ready
• A/D and D/A converters with switchable filters
• Dual Headphone output for easy monitoring
• MIDI over MADI Preset Management
• Extensive routing possibilities
• Redundancy (MADI I/O, Dante I/O, Power Supplies)
• MAINS OUT: Dual balanced TRS Out, mirrors red HP ouput

Internal Clock

• Temperature compensated oscillator, with high accuracy.
• Initial accuracy: +/-1.5ppm
• Over temperature range: +/-2.5ppm
• Aging: +/-1ppm

PLL Wordclock

• Digitally controlled PLL / Jitter reduction system
• Output jitter: 50ps … 100ps typ.

GPIO (General Purpose Input & Output)

• 4x Inputs: Switching between Presets#1-4
• 4x Outputs: Alert Outputs for MADI, Temp, Sync and Power

LCD Displays

• 4 x TFT Multitouch Screen User Interface
• Two-layer illuminated touch-sensitive high resoltution encoder
• Highly intuitive control of the unit

AudioCore Processor

• SHARC ADSP-2148x series DSP
• Routing and processing of of all 390 audio channels.
• Source to headphone output.

Dimensions

• 1RU, fanless design
• Dimensions net: 25,3 x 44,4 x 4,4cm (DxWxH)
• Dimensions full: 29 x 48,3 x 4,4cm (DxWxH)
  including connectors, knobs and rack ears

Weight

7,72lbs (3,5kg)

Ambient temperature

41°F up to 113°F (+5°C up to +45°C)