Ferrofish A32pro/A32pro Dante

Following its A32 Series of AD/DA and format converters for recording studio, live sound and broadcast audio applications, Ferrofish has announced their next-generation successors – the A32pro and A32pro Dante.

Ferrofish A32pro Dante Based on a new modular hardware platform and featuring the latest generation of AD/DA converters from ESS Tech, the A32pro and A32pro Dante continue Ferrofish’s line of reliable, transparent audio devices with high-channel counts, operating at up to 192kHz sample rates and 24-bit depth. Accompanying a new all-black finish, the Ferrofish A32pro and A32pro Dante feature updated front panels with touchscreen controls, easing navigation and control. The addition of a main TRS output and dual headphone connections offers maximum monitoring and recording flexibility, whilst a new GPIO connection provides extended remote control functionality. A dual QSFP slot bay is also provided for future DSP expansions, powered via the A32pro and A32pro Dante’s Sharc DSP processor.

Packing extensive connectivity options into a 1U-high frame, both the A32pro and A32pro Dante each feature 32 analogue inputs and 32 analogue outputs on fully balanced DSub25 connectors. On the digital side, both devices have support for up to 64 channels of Madi I/O via dual SFP slots, which can accommodate either optical or coaxial Madi SFPs, and can be run in tandem for added redundancy. Up to 32 channels of Adat optical I/O is provided in each direction, with the option to alternatively use one of the connections for S/PDIF optical I/O.

The A32pro Dante also supports an additional 64 channels of I/O via Audinate’s Dante networking format, making it easy to integrate it with any existing Dante network, and providing another layer of fail-safe protection (alongside the included Madi and power switchover capabilities) using a redundant Dante network. Word clock I/O is provided on BNC, with clocking also available via Adat, Madi or Dante (A32pro Dante only), while Midi I/O is provided on 3.5mm TRS connectors.

With its wealth of I/O choices, the new Ferrofish A32pro Series can also operate as a highly flexible digital audio format converter and signal router. Audio signals can be freely converted between all analogue and digital formats – and simultaneously routed to multiple destinations in blocks of eight channels – allowing use in a wide range of professional audio applications.

Multiple units can be connected in series – providing a large number of audio channels in a comparatively minimal amount of rack space – while redundant power supplies ensure the reliability necessary for ‘mission-critical’ applications. As with its predecessors, the new A32pro Series features a high-quality front-panel TFT display, providing onboard level metering for all 32 input channels and 32 outputs channels simultaneously.

Front-panel control is both intuitive and user-friendly, with the illuminated, touch-sensitive encoder providing control over all aspects of the device, such as gains, output levels, routing, monitoring and clock settings, alongside the (also-touch-sensitive) display. Any incoming or outgoing audio signal can be monitored directly from the front of the device, via either of the two independent onboard headphone outputs.

Remote control is possible via Midi; Midi-over-Madi; USB (also used for firmware updates); Dante (A32pro Dante only); or the GPIO, including alert messages.

Remotefish – a free software companion app available from the Ferrofish website – allows complete control over single or multiple Ferrofish devices, including all inputs, outputs, monitoring, routing and settings.

The Ferrofish A32pro and A32pro Dante are expected to begin shipping in Q2 2022, distributed exclusively in the UK by Synthax Audio UK.