FerroFish PULSE 16

Description

Overveiw

The PULSE16 is the high-quality solution to connect a wide range of external analog and ADAT studio equipment to a mixer or a computer interface. The high-density converter provides 16 x 16 balanced analoge TRS-I/Os and can handle pro studio levels up to +20dBu – adjustable in 1 dB steps. Optional +24 dBU I/Os and/or CV outputs are available.

2 x 4 ADAT ports provide full 16 x 16 channel operation – even with up to 96 kHz. The optical ADAT ‘Lightpipe’ interface is still the most affordable way to transfer a variety of audio channels. Originally designed for the Alesis Digital Audio Tape machine – hence the name – in 1991 ADAT is reliable, standardized and still everywhere.

The PULSE series 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 fan-less, 98-channel PULSE16 delivers an exceptional detailed sound.

The Pulse16 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.

Internal Routing Matrix

The PULSE16 provides an internal matrix for the free routing and splitting of all 48 Ins to all 48 Outs in blocks of 8 channels. The integrated headphone output on the front allows it to monitor every mono or stereo I/O directly on the unit.

Dual TFT Display

Two high-resolution TFT displays provide detailed level information for all 2 x 16 signals at a glance. The innovative on-board contextual help, much loved by Ferrofish users, allows it to use the high-tech device, without reaching for the manual.

Optional MADI Upgrade

The PULSE16 can be upgraded with an optical MADI I/O module via the SFP port, turning it into a full-advanced PULSE16 MX. It not only adds 64 x 64 MADI channels, but allows sample rates of up to 192 kHz for all I/O, incl. ADAT (SMUX/4).

Analog I/O

The PULSE16 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 features 2 x 4 ADAT I/O ports (white doors: outputs, black doors: inputs). 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.

ADAT conversion with up to 192kHz (SMUX/4) will be enabled with an installed MADI SFP module. In this mode it is still possible, to transfer 8 input and 8 output channels in total, using all four interface pairs. Additionally with the MADI SFP it will be 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 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.
Wether the PULSE16 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 embedd or de-embedd 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, simply enter the PIN in the display.

Every PULSE 16 has a fixed number (printed on the downside of the unit).

Specifications

MADI I/O (AES10)

PULSE 16 MX (Multimode included)

PULSE 16 optional via SFP
SFP port for MADI optical Multimode/Singlemode or Coaxial SFP module

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

Support of MIDI over MADI.
Latency: 2 samples

Analog Inputs (AD)

2 x CS5368 (Cirrus Logic)

16 x TRS ¼” (6.3mm), female

Analog switches: +20dBu, +13dBu, +4dBu
Digital gain: +20dBu … -8dBu, 1dB steps

Latency

@48kHz: 7.8/fs, 0.16ms
@96kHz: 5.4/fs, 0.06ms
@192kHz: 6.6/fs, 0.03ms

OpAmps

RC4580

Level indicator

TFT screen, 28 levels

Analog Outputs (DA)

2 x CS4365 (Cirrus Logic)
16 x TRS ¼” (6.3mm), female
Digital gain: +20dBu … -8 dBu, 1dB steps
Latency
@48kHz: 12/fs, 0.25ms
@96kHz: 9/fs, 0.09ms
@192kHz: 5/fs, 0.03ms
OpAmps
RC4580

Headphones Out

1 x ¼” (6.3mm) TRS jack, stereo.
Selectable mono or stereo source.
Digitally controlled volume level.

ADAT I/O

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

32 channels @32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz
16 channels @64kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz
8 channels @128kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz (SMUX4 – only with installed MADI MX option)

Latency: 2 samples

MIDI I/O

2 x DIN5 connector for remote control of the unit
Conversion MIDI <> MIDI over MADI possible (MADI MX option required.)

Wordclock I/O

BNC: 1 x input, 1 x output
75 Ohm Termination switchable for input

Power Supply

12V, 3A
1 x input jack with screw lock.
Power required: 12VA in operation, 0,1VA in standby mode
(Efficiency Level VI)
Internal resettable polyfuse
1 x power supply included

Additional Features

SMUX4 with 192 kHz operation (requires installed MADI option).
Delay-compensation for MADI chain (requires installed MADI option).
MIDI over MADI Preset Management (requires installed MADI option)

Internal Clock

TCXO (temp. compensated oscillator) with high accuracy.
Initial accuracy: +/-1.5ppm
Over temperature range: +/-2.5ppm
Aging: +/-1ppm

PLL

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

LCD Displays

2 x TFT Color Screens for the complete control of all analog I/O levels and all settings of the unit
One Key Control provides an easy control of all functions.
Multi language help pages guides available (No need to study the manual.)

Dimensions

1HU
Depth: 19cm (7.5”) (including connectors)

Weight

2 kg (4.4lbs)

Ambient temperature

41°F up to 113°F (+5°C up to +45°C)