Ferrofish
Ferrofish Pulse16
Best professional converter for expanding studio channel counts with high-fidelity audio.
Expand your audio system's connectivity with the Ferrofish Pulse16 MX, a versatile AD/DA converter designed for professional setups. It offers 16 balanced analog inputs and outputs, alongside robust digital integration through four ADAT I/Os and MADI support, handling up to 32 channels at 96 kHz. This 1U rack unit features dual TFT displays for clear monitoring, adjustable gain control, and essential MIDI and Wordclock connections. Its fanless design ensures quiet, reliable operation, making it a seamless addition to any studio environment.
$915.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
99
/ 489
#99 in Audio Converters
Price vs Category Average
-79%
Below average
Conversion Resolution
24
/ -bit
Who it's for
- Studio owners maximizing limited rack space
- Engineers building complex, high-channel-count professional systems
- Mixing and mastering professionals demanding transparent audio fidelity
Who should skip it
- Users without an existing ADAT or MADI interface
- Engineers preferring intuitive software-based routing controls
- Rack builders seeking streamlined, internal power solutions
Performance breakdown
Conversion Fidelity
High-resolution 24-bit processing delivers pristine, transparent audio capture and playback.
Connectivity Versatility
MADI and ADAT integration provide seamless routing for complex studio setups.
Monitoring Clarity
Dual TFT displays offer precise, at-a-glance visual feedback for all channels.
Operational Noise
Fanless architecture ensures silent performance in critical recording environments.
Gain Precision
Step-based gain control allows for accurate, repeatable level matching across inputs.
Rack Integration
Standard 1U form factor fits perfectly into any professional studio rack.
Key Specs
Conversion Resolution
24-bit
Max Sample Rate
96 kHz (ADAT), 192 kHz (MADI)
Analog I/O
16 Inputs, 16 Outputs (6.3 mm jack, balanced)
Digital Connectivity
4x ADAT I/O, MADI, MIDI I/O, Wordclock I/O
Form Factor
19", 1U rackmount
Analog Level Control
Switchable from -8 dBu to +20 dBu
Power Supply
12 V DC / 3A
Release Year
2018
Features
- 16 balanced analog I/O channels
- High-resolution audio up to 192 kHz via MADI
- Dual TFT displays for clear monitoring
- Switchable input/output gain in 1 dB steps
- Active jitter reduction for clean conversion
- Fanless design for quiet operation
- Standard 1U rackmount form factor
- Dedicated headphone output
What customers say
The Ferrofish Pulse16 earns high praise as a reliable digital audio workhorse, excelling in both professional and project studios due to its high channel density. Users consistently highlight the pristine and transparent sound quality, noting the AD DA conversion is clean and accurate, rivaling much costlier units. Its ability to deliver 16 channels of balanced analog I/O in a single rack space, supported by robust MADI and ADAT connectivity, offers exceptional flexibility for complex setups. Reliability is a key strength; once configured, the unit performs dependably. While initial setup requires patience due to the small display, the overall consensus is that the Pulse16 provides outstanding value, delivering professional grade performance essential for expanding studio I/O without sacrificing audio integrity.
Know before you buy
Yes, the Pulse16 supports high-resolution audio up to 192 kHz, but this is exclusively available when using the MADI connection. If you are using the ADAT optical connections, the maximum sample rate is limited to 96 kHz.
The Pulse16 is designed for efficient heat dissipation without the need for internal fans, which keeps your studio environment quiet. While it will generate some warmth during operation, it is perfectly safe for standard 1U rackmount installations as long as there is adequate ventilation space around the unit.
You can precisely calibrate your levels using the front panel controls. The unit allows you to switch input and output gain in 1 dB steps, ranging from -8 dBu to +20 dBu, making it easy to match the levels of your specific analog hardware.
Yes, the Pulse16 features a dedicated headphone output on the front panel. This allows you to monitor any of the analog or digital input and output signals directly from the device, which is helpful for quick troubleshooting or signal verification.
Absolutely. With four ADAT optical inputs and outputs, the Pulse16 is designed to integrate seamlessly with most professional audio interfaces that feature ADAT connectivity, effectively expanding your system by 16 channels.
The Wordclock I/O is essential for synchronizing the Pulse16 with your other digital audio equipment. By using a master clock, you ensure that all devices in your signal chain share the same timing, which helps prevent digital clicks, pops, and jitter-related artifacts.
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$915