Overveiw
The PULSE16MX is the high-quality solution to connect a wide range of Analog, MADI and ADAT equipment to a mixer or a computer interface – with up to 192 kHz.
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.
The PULSE16 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 226-channel MX delivers an exceptional detailed sound.
On the digital side, the multi-format device provides an optical MADI I/O with 64 I/Os. 2 x 4 ADAT ports can convert all 16 analog I/Os – even with up to 96 kHz.
The Pulse16MX 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.
All in all the fan-less, small footprint device is a huge problem solver for studio and live sound applications.
Optical MADI I/O
The PULSE16 MX provides a MADI SFP module with optical LC connector. The MADI I/O supports daisy-chain delay compensation and carries MIDI-over-MADI. The default Multimode module can be exchanged with a Singlemode module
Dual TFT Display
Two high-resolution TFT displays provide detailed level information for all 2 x 16 analog signals – allowing the overview of the signal flow in and out of the unit. The innovative on-board contextual help, much loved by Ferrofish users, allows it to use the high-tech device, without reaching for the manual.
Internal Routing Matrix
The PULSE16 MX provides a sophisticated internal matrix for the free routing and splitting of all 112 Ins to all 112 Outs in blocks of 8 channels. The headphone output on the front allows it to monitor every mono or stereo I/O directly on the unit.
+24dBu I/O Option
This optional version raises the maximum input and output level of the 16 analog inputs and outputs from +20dBu to +24dBu, which then complies with the SMPTE standard.
CV Out Option
The CV version allows the output of DC voltage at the analog outputs of the Pulse16. This allows control voltages (CV) to be generated via a CV plugin in a DAW, allowing to control modular systems.
INPUTS & OUTPUTS
2 x 16 BALANCED TRS
-8 to +20 dBU (Gain in 1 dB steps).
Optional +24 dBU and/or CV
MADI SFP PORT
SFP MADI module with optical LC connector (Multimode).
2 x 4 TOSLINK
Each port transfers eight channels at a sample rate of 48 kHz (= 32 In + 32 Out).
WORD CLOCK I/O
BNC with 75 Ohm
internal termination.
On/Off via display.
MIDI I/O
For Remote Control and
MIDI-over-MADI
(with installed MADI module).
PHONES STEREO TRS (FRONT)
Monitoring of every PULSE stereo/mono I/O via an additional stereo DAC.
Analog I/O
The PULSE16 MX 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
ADAT I/O
The PULSE16 MX features 2 x 4 ADAT I/O ports (white doors: outputs, black doors: inputs). Each port can transfer eight channels at a sample rate of 48 kHz (= 32 In + 32 Out channels).
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. With 192kHz (SMUX/4) it is still possible, to transfer 8 input and 8 output channels in total, using all four interface pairs. Additionally it is 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 MX 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 MX 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 MX , simply enter the PIN in the display.
Every PULSE16 MX 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)
