Ferrofish
A16 Ultra MkII
Best high fidelity conversion for professional studio integration.
The Ferrofish A16 Ultra MkII is a 16-channel A-D/D-A converter that offers a cost-effective solution for adding extensive analog line-level I/O to audio interfaces equipped with MADI or dual ADAT ports. This compact 1U rackmount unit features versatile internal routing, allowing for flexible signal management. It boasts a robust steel construction and provides simultaneous MADI and ADAT outputs, making it ideal for expanding studio capabilities. The device is easily configured and controlled via its color TFT screens and offers remote control options via MIDI.
$1390.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
109
/ 663
#109 in Audio Converters
Price vs Category Average
-68%
Below average
Who it's for
- Professional studios and live sound engineers needing many channels.
- Audio professionals and audiophiles demanding uncompromised sonic accuracy.
- Touring musicians and engineers requiring dependable, long-lasting equipment.
Who should skip it
- Home studio owners and beginners seeking plug-and-play simplicity.
- Users expecting direct computer integration without additional hardware.
- Budget-conscious producers and hobbyists with limited financial resources.
Performance breakdown
Conversion fidelity
High-end AD/DA stages deliver transparent, clinical accuracy for critical studio monitoring.
I/O density
Sixteen channels of analog connectivity in a single rack space is impressive.
Clocking stability
Rock-solid internal clocking keeps complex digital setups perfectly synced and jitter-free.
Interface versatility
Seamless integration with ADAT and MADI makes it a true studio workhorse.
Front panel control
Intuitive TFT displays provide clear visual feedback for every channel at once.
Build integrity
Rugged metal chassis designed to withstand the rigors of daily professional use.
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the A16 Ultra MkII for its exceptional sound quality and unwavering reliability. Users frequently highlight the pristine audio conversion, noting a significant improvement in clarity and detail across their mixes. The robust build quality instills confidence, ensuring dependable performance in demanding studio environments. Many appreciate its seamless integration into existing setups, making it a cornerstone for professional audio workflows. The consensus points to a high performing device that delivers on its promises, making it a valued investment for serious audio engineers.
Know before you buy
The A16 Ultra MkII is a high-density A/D and D/A converter designed to bridge analog gear with digital audio systems. It is ideal for studio setups that require a large number of simultaneous I/O channels, such as integrating outboard processors or summing mixers into a DAW.
It features professional-grade word clock I/O, allowing it to act as either the master clock or a slave device in your digital chain. This ensures sample-accurate synchronization across all your connected digital interfaces and converters.
Yes, provided your current interface has ADAT optical ports. The A16 Ultra MkII utilizes ADAT connectivity to provide 16 channels of input and output, making it a straightforward way to increase your channel count without needing a new interface.
Absolutely. The A16 Ultra MkII is engineered for high-fidelity signal conversion with significant headroom, ensuring that your analog signals are captured cleanly without premature clipping or distortion.
The front panel features a clear display and a simple menu system that allows you to monitor signal levels and adjust routing settings quickly. While it is a deep device, the layout is designed for efficient navigation during a session.
As a dedicated converter, it introduces negligible latency to your signal path. When integrated correctly via ADAT, it functions as a transparent extension of your interface's existing I/O capabilities.
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