Ferrofish Pulse 16MX Singlemode + 24dBu I/O

Ferrofish Pulse 16MX Singlemode + 24dBu I/O — a 16-channel AD/DA converter fitted with a long-range Singlemode MADI module and analog I/O raised to +24dBu.

This Pulse16 MX configuration targets installations where standard Multimode falls short — links between control rooms and tracking spaces, larger venues, or MADI networks stretched over several hundred meters. It's worth noting that Singlemode configuration is uncommon and requires the device on the other end of the MADI link to also run in single-mode — most gear on the market uses Multimode.

MADI Transmission Without Distance Limits

A standard Multimode optical module effectively limits MADI transmission to just a few hundred meters, which can fall short in larger studio or broadcast installations. The field-replaceable SFP module in Singlemode configuration removes that ceiling, carrying the signal over much longer distances without quality degradation, while keeping the full 64x64 MADI channel bandwidth (or 16x16 at 192kHz). Because the module is swappable, the receiving device on the other end must also have a matching Singlemode module installed for the link to function correctly.

Signal Headroom Matched to Broadcast Requirements

Working with very hot analog sources — broadcast equipment operating to SMPTE levels, for instance — needs more headroom than a typical +20dBu ceiling provides. The +24dBu option raises the maximum signal level across all 32 TRS jacks, adjustable in 1dB steps, removing the need to pad the signal down before it reaches the converter. Paired with Cirrus Logic converters and a temperature-compensated clock, the unit holds full conversion precision even at the higher operating level.

KEY FEATURES

• 16 balanced analog inputs and 16 balanced analog outputs on TRS connectors
• Signal level up to +24dBu, adjustable in 1dB steps, SMPTE-compliant
• Optical MADI SFP module in Singlemode configuration for long-range transmission
• 64x64 MADI channels (or 16x16 at 192kHz)
• 4 x 4 ADAT ports delivering full 16x16 channels at 96kHz
• Cross-routing between ADAT and MADI within the internal matrix
• Latest-generation Cirrus Logic converters with low latency
• TCXO clock with temperature compensation and PLL jitter reduction
• 2 TFT displays for setup without needing the manual
• Remote control via MIDI and the free RemoteFish app (PC/Mac)

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Analog inputs/outputs: 16 x 16, balanced, TRS
• Signal level: up to +24dBu, adjustable in 1dB steps
• ADAT: 4 x 4 optical ports, 16x16 channels at 96kHz, 32x32 at 48kHz
• MADI: Singlemode SFP module, 64x64 channels (32/44.1/48kHz), 32 channels (64/88.2/96kHz), 16 channels (128/176.4/192kHz)
• Word Clock: BNC, 75 Ohm termination, switchable on input
• MIDI: 2 x DIN5, MIDI-over-MADI (requires installed MADI MX option)
• Headphone output: configurable to any analog or digital input/output
• Displays: 2 x TFT
• Cooling: fanless
• Chassis format: 1U rack