Packed into a compact 1HU, the highly integrated converter is equipped with 32 x 32 balanced analog channels, brought out on 8 D-SUB connectors. They deliver studio levels up to +20dBu, individually adjustable in 1dB steps.
The sophisticated design, using low latency Cirrus Logic converters, accompanied with a temperature-compensated clock and jitter reduction PLL, guarantees best crystal clear sound up to 192kHz. The A32 is not just a converter, but thanks to its flexibility, using a sophisticated routing matrix, it is also a digital format converter for integrating the MADI and ADAT equipment.
Even operation of the A32 is done without any compromise, almost self explaining, as with all our products: A total of four TFT screens show the levels of all 64 channels, it can’t be done better. Controlling the unit also benefits from the screens: a sophisticated help system built into the device provides context-sensitive help for the selected function at all times. Control on the PC is of course also possible via USB, MIDI or MIDI over MADI.
The headphone can be connected to any analog or digital input or output: ideal for control or monitoring. For complex tasks, a mix especially for the headphones can be created using all available channels, and stored in up to seven mix presets.
The A32 Dante – a version with an additional 64 x 64 Dante channels – is also available.
The flagship A32 brings our 10 years of experience in converter technology to the point, uncompromising to the last detail. All packed in only 1HU rack housing, of course fanless!
A32: compact, flexible, affordable.
Redundant MADI I/O
The MADI I/O of the A32 is provided as optical fiber ports (SC Multimode connector) and coaxial BNC. The I/O support MADI delay compensation, 64- and 56-channel formats and port redundancy. MADI streams can be used to send and receive embedded MIDI messages.
4 x TFT Display with Smart Control
Four high-resolution pin-sharp TFT displays provide detailed level information for all 2 x 32 analog signals – allowing the overview of the signal flow in and out of the unit. The innovative on-board contextual help allows it to use the high-tech device, without reaching for the manual
Internal Routing Matrix
The A32 provides a sophisticated internal matrix for the free routing and splitting of all 128 Ins to all 128 Outs in blocks of 8 channels. The headphone output allows it to monitor every mono or stereo I/O plus one of 7 submixes directly from the front of the unit.
High Performance DSP
The Analog Devices Sharc DSP processor is optimized for audio processing. In the A32 Dante it is used for routing, mixing and effects of all channels. The architecture with 2 cores at 400MHz and floating-point unit allows the parallel processing of all audio data in highest precision.
Redundant Power Supply
For reliability, the A32 can be powered by two power supplies. Both power supplies are permanently monitored, and switched without interruption in case of failure. Warning message is shown on the screen to be able to react on this failure.
Flexible Remote Control
A comprehensive remote software for PC and MAC is available to control the A32 Dante. In addition to USB, the A32 can also be connected via MIDI and MIDI over MADI. All Ferrofish devices are automatically detected and listed in the software.
4 x 4 D-Sub25
8 analog channels on each D-Sub25
TASCAM pin-format, max 192kHz
Gain/Levels: -8dBu…+20 dBu (1dB steps)
MADI I/O: Optical SC
The optical I/O features a Multimode Fiber SC connector.
A Singlemode version is available.
MADI I/O: Coaxial BNC
The BNC I/O is redundant to the optical MADI I/O and allows cable lengths of up to 100 m.
4 x 4 ADAT TOSLINK
Each ADAT port transfers eight channels at a sample rate of 48kHz (= 32 In + 32 Out). ADAT port 4 is switchable to optical S/PDIF format.
USB Type-B
For firmware updates, plugin installation and remote control from a host computer. The A32 appears as a MIDI device.
PHONES STEREO TRS (FRONT)
Monitoring of every stereo/mono I/O
or one of 7 submixes via an additional stereo DAC.
Word Clock I/O
BNC with 75 Ohm
internal termination.
On/Off via display.
MIDI I/O
For Remote Control and
MIDI-over-MADI
Redundant Power Supply
Ground-loop free, coaxial DC connector with secure, stable and relaible screw-lock. One PSU is included. The affordable replacement power supplies are available from any Ferrofish distributor.
MADI I/O (AES10)
Optical (multimode) + Coaxial interface
- 64 channels @32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz
- 32 channels @64kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz
- 32 channels @128kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz*
* both MADI ports work independently to achieve full 32+32 channel transmission
Support of MIDI over MADI.
Latency: 3 samples
Redundancy: Automatic switching between optical <-> coax MADI when signal lost.
Analog Inputs (AD)
4 x CS5368 (Cirrus Logic)
4 x DSub25 / Tascam
- Analog switches: +20dBu, +13dBu, +4dBu
- 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 + OPA1664
Level indicator
TFT screen, 28 levels
Analog Outputs (DA)
4 x CS4365 (Cirrus Logic)
4 x DSub25 / Tascam
- 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 + OPA1664
Level indicator
TFT screen, 28 levels
Headphones Out
- 1 x ¼” (6.3mm) TRS jack, stereo.
- Provides an independent stereo channel.
- Selectable mono/stereo source or one of 5 mixes of all inputs and outputs.
- Digitally controlled volume level.
ADAT I/O
4+4 optical interfaces (8 channels each with 48 kHz)
- 32 channels @32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz
- 16 channels @64kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz
- n/a @128kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz
Latency: 3 samples
SPDIF I/O
ADAT 4 I/O can be reconfigured as S/PDIF I/O.
The input includes a sample rate converter (performance of SRC: -128dB)
The output follows the sample frequency of the A32.
MIDI I/O
- 2 x DIN5 connector for remote control of the unit
- Conversion MIDI <> MIDI over MADI possible
Wordclock I/O
- BNC: 1 x input, 1 x output
- 75 Ohm Termination switchable for input
Power Supply
12V, 3A
- 2 x input jacks with screw lock for redundant power.
- Voltage supervision, warning message on screen when PSU input fails
- Internal resettable polyfuse
- 1 x power supply included
USB Port
1 x USB 2.0 for Remote/Updates
Additional Features
- 192 kHz operation (S/MUX up to 192kHz).
- Individual delay-compensation of all analogue outputs.
- DSP Plugin-ready
- MIDI in/out plugs Headphone /submix output for easy control.
- MIDI over MADI Preset Management
- Extensive routing/mixing possibilities.
- Redundancy (MADI I/O, Dante I/O, Power Supplies).
Internal Clock
- Temperature 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
- 4 x TFT 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.)
Audio Core Processor
- Sharc DSP ADSP-21489 / 400MHz.
- Routing and processing of of all 128+128 audio channels.
- Mixing to headphone output.
- Independent mixing to selectable analog output pair.
- Calculation of DSP plugins.
Dimensions
- 1HU
- Depth: 27cm (10.6”) (including connectors)
Ambient temperature
41°F up to 113°F (+5°C up to +45°C)