We take a look at how Ferrofish converters can be used with RME audio interfaces for adding additional analogue I/O to any home, studio or live recording setup.

Most contemporary recording setups require some form of connection to a Mac or PC. Consequently, most studios and live setups incorporate an audio interface, whether it’s a standalone unit (such as those from RME Audio) or integrated into a mixing console.

These interfaces generally include various analog inputs and outputs (analog I/O), which enable the connection of microphones and instruments for recording (inputs) and studio monitors or headphones for playback and monitoring (outputs).

However, you might have noticed that an audio interface’s specification often list more channels than the available analog connections suggest. How do manufacturers account for these extra channels?

The answer lies in the inclusion of digital I/O options, which can expand the analog channel count by using additional multi-channel AD/DA converters, microphone preamps, or a mixing console.

RME Digiface USB and Ferrofish Pulse 16

The RME Digiface USB is 4 in/out ADAT interface connects to your Mac or PC via USB. Teaming the Digiface USB with a Ferrofish Pulse 16 via TS or TRS cables using optcial ADAT cables, makes for a simple yet powerful (and somewhat portable) solution, providing access to all 16 input and output connections without breaking the bank.

This combination offers a cost-effective way of adding additional I/O to a recording setup. It’s a simple, reliable solution for users of studio outboard and/or hardware instruments as well as for getting an analogue mixing desk into the digital realm.

All of your routing can be controlled via RME’s TotalMix FX, giving you full control over where all of your audio signals are being sent to and received from, with a headphone output for direct monitoring from TotalMix.

TotalMix is RME’s DSP-based digital mixer and software controller, included free with all RME audio interfaces and soundcards.

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Ferrofish Pulse 16

Features

• 16 x 16 analogue I/O channels 
• 32 x 32 ADAT I/O channels in 4 x 4 TOSLINK ports (16 x 16 @ 96 kHz) 
• Full 16 x 16 analogue channel count even at double sample rates (SMUX @ 96 kHz) 
• 2 x TFT screens giving complete control over all levels and system settings 
• Wordclock I/O (BNC) 
• MIDI I/O for remote control 
• Proprietary circuit for active jitter reduction 
• Headphone Output 
• Fan-less design – no noise 
• 1HE, 19“ solid metal chassis
• Software Control (Mac & PC)

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What is an AD/DA Converter?

As the name would suggest, an AD/DA converter is an analogue to digital and digital to analogue converter. An AD/DA converter allows you to connect multiple line-level devices (such as synthesizers, drum machines and other external audio hardware) to its analogue inputs – the audio signal is then converted to a digital signal, and can be fed to an audio interface via one of the converter’s digital outputs.

Alternatively, the DA side is used for converting a digital audio signal into an analogue one, so that it can be played back via headphones, speakers or studio monitors, as well as routed out to additional devices for processing, such as a dedicated hardware EQ for example.

What is ADAT?

Also known as ‘ADAT Lightpipe’, ADAT is a digital format that allows the transfer of up to 8 individual channels of audio via a single cable, when working at 44.1 or 48 kHz sample rates / 24-Bit resolution.

When you connect a line-level connection (such as the audio output of a hardware synthesizer) to one of the Pulse 16’s analogue inputs, the synthesizer’s output signal is converted into a digital one via the Pulse 16’s on-board converter. Once convertered, this digital signal can be sent on to your audio interface via the ADAT connection, for recording into your DAW.

In order to hear this signal back through your speakers or headphones, the signal is then converted back to an analogue signal. When monitoring straight from your interface, the interface itself applies the conversion – if passed back to the Pulse 16 over ADAT, the Ferrofish carries out the DA conversion instead.

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RME Digiface USB

Features

• 66 channels: 32 in / 34 out
• 4 x ADAT/SPDIF Input
• 4 x ADAT/SPDIF Output
• 1 x Phones TRS Stereo Output
• TotalMix
• No external power supply required

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So, who’s it for?

RME Digiface USB is a fantastic interface for producers/engineers who use hardware synths and outboard. Ideal for composers and producers who rely on a large number of hardware instruments who are looking to create a simple, high-end recording set up.  If you are a composer or producer who uses a lot of analogue synthesizers, drum machines or studio outboard, the Ferrofish Pulse 16 is the perfect device for you. It’s got 16 TRS inputs and 16 TRS Outputs and this pairs perfectly with the small size of the Digiface USB to slide into any set up perfectly. With so many line-level inputs its perfect for those who have a lot of instruments they need to plug into their computer and interface all at once.

(Note: If you use microphone pre-amps there are none available on this set up so you would need to look at some of the other options from RME.)

Why combine the two?

• It’s cost-effective way of getting additional I/O
• Only needs 2 devices.
• 64 digital I/O plus stereo headphones
• Takes away the need to unplug and replug continually – especially good for those with a small studio environment
• Uses a WorldClock frequency to synchronise each device in the system
• Can be used for Studio FX Outboard Gear as well as if you have an analogue mixer, for example, you could use it as the front end to get this into your computer recording set up.
• Not just about getting hardware instruments into your DAW and computer, It can also be useful for getting old analogue gear into the digital age.
• All-digital I/O gives room for expansion down the line. 

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Alternatively, the MADIface USB and Pulse 16MX offers similar benefits with an enlarged channel count:

– Pulse 16 MX features same I/O as Pulse 16 with the addition of MADI
– MADI I/O allows for 64 I/O to and from the MADIface, with the Pulse 16 MX featuring the same 16 x analogue inputs and outputs as the Pulse 16

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The ideal solution

As above, this combination is ideal for those with lots of hardware they want to get into their DAW/computer. So synthesizers, hardware effects and other instruments. The two work seamlessly together, combined with RME’s TotalMix FX, guaranteeing high quality recording set up with super low-latency. The ideal solution, for not only your professional users ((recording studios, live tours and broadcast rigs) but also for hobbyists looking for a reliable and cost-effective upgrade to their home setup.

So if you’re looking for a powerful recording set up for synthesizers and drum machines, then this is the set up for you.

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See our full range of Ferrofish and RME on our website. ESV offer next working day delivery* FREE over £249!

If you require further information or assistance you can do so, either through our ‘chat’ function, email: [email protected] or by phone: 0203 137 2901; we’re always here and happy to help.

*UK Mainland only.