The Ferrofish A32pro Dante is based on a new modular hardware platform and packed with analog and digital interfaces. In addition to the 32x32 balanced studio-quality analog inputs and outputs and the stereo main out up to 192 kHz, the A32pro offers ADAT and MADI connections—probably the most widely used digital audio interfaces available—along with Dante digital audio networking.

Two RJ-45 ports provide a 64x64 Dante digital audio network connection with redundancy. In addition to the optical first MADI module, another SFP MADI module can be added. Different modes allow redundant operation of both interfaces: If one fails, the other one is activated automatically. Speaking of redundancy: If desired, two power supplies can be connected to the device. All power supplies and interfaces are permanently monitored: In the event of a failure, an error message is output on the TFT screens and on the General Purpose Output (GPO) to connect it to additional hardware.

Packed into a compact 1 RU space, the highly integrated converter is equipped with 32x32 balanced analog channels, brought out on four D-SUB connectors. They deliver studio levels up to +20 dBu, individually adjustable in 1 dB steps.

The sophisticated design, using the latest generation of ESS converters, accompanied with a temperature-compensated clock and jitter reduction PLL, guarantees crystal-clear sound up to 192 kHz. The A32pro is not just a converter but thanks to its flexibility, using a sophisticated routing matrix, it is also a digital format converter for integrating your existing and future Dante, MADI, and ADAT equipment.

32 Analog Inputs, 32 Analog Outputs    Up to 192 kHz    4 D-Sub Connectors    Dante Digital Audio Networking    ADAT and MADI Digital Support    Flexible Internal Routing Matrix    4 High-Resolution TFT Displays    Redundant Power Supply    Remote Control via USB and MIDI

Integrating the A32pro Dante seamlessly into your Dante network has never been easier. Just plug it in and the device is visible on the network and ready to be routed freely using the Dante Controller software. Together with the Dante PCIe Card or DVS (Dante Virtual Soundcard), the A32pro Dante turns into a universal audio interface. Two RJ-45 ports are provided. Simply connect a LAN Ethernet cable (CAT5/CAT6) to the primary port. The secondary port takes over automatically in case of a network error (Dante port redundancy).

Four high-resolution pin-sharp TFT displays provide detailed level information for all 32 analog input and output signals, allowing the overview of the signal flow in and out of the unit. Also the status of all digital interfaces, including the clocking and GPIO status and the loaded preset is visible all the time.

The MADI I/O system of the A32pro Dante is provided as dual SFP ports for MADI modules. So a variety of different configurations (single or double (redundant) in single- or multimode or coaxial) is possible. 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.

The A32pro Dante provides a sophisticated internal matrix for the free routing and splitting of all 192 inputs to all 192 outputs in blocks of 8 channels. The headphone output allows it to monitor every mono or stereo (or even in M/S, mid/side) I/O channel from the front of the unit.

For reliability, the A32pro can be powered by two power supplies. Both power supplies are permanently monitored, and switched without interruption in case of failure.  A warning message is shown on the screen and/or sent by MIDI to be able to react on this failure.

A comprehensive remote software, called RemoteFish, for PC and Mac is available to control the A32pro series. In addition to USB, the A32pro Dante can also be connected via MIDI (by simple MIDI commands) or MIDI-over-MADI. All Ferrofish devices are automatically detected and listed in the software.

The modular platform is ready for expansion: Two slots for optional DSP sticks open a whole new world for multichannel audio processing. From a single module configuration to redundant dual SFP Modes (Single/Multimode or Coaxial), everything is possible.

Each ADAT port transfers eight channels at a sample rate of 48 kHz (32 inputs + 32 outputs). A SMUX/2 mode up to 96 kHz is also possible.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Is the DSD in this model a Quad-DSD (DSD256)?

A: This device can handle DSD256 playback.

Q: 2. Could I use the line outputs with active studio monitors?

A: The LINE outputs of the RME ADI-2/4 Pro SE 2-AD/4-DA 768 kHz, High-Performance Converter (Black Edition),BH # RMDI24PROSE, may be used to drive most active (powered) studio monitors.

Q: 3. What are the XLR inputs for? Microphone?

A: The XLR inputs on the RME ADI-2/4 Pro SE are analog line inputs, not mic inputs -- so you can connect a device that outputs line level directly into it, like a mixer for example.

Q: 4. Can the adi-2 pro FS be used as an audio interface to record analog input to Adobe audition and other DAW?

A: Yes this will act as an interface for direct input into your computer.

Q: 5. Can you recommend a PoE injector to use with this adapter?

A: The Audinate Dante AVIO 1-Channel Analog Input Adapter for Dante Audio Network (BH # AUADPDAIAU1) may be powered by the TP-Link TL-POE150S Power Over Ethernet Injector B&H # TPTLPOE150S: https://bhpho.to/3NQ8lon.

Q: 6. I have three, independent stereo systems in my home, and ethernet ports near each of them. Can I use this equipment so I can play the same music on each of these systems at the same time? I.e. output from one system and input to the other two systems, using each separate pre-amp/power amp (or receiver) to power each separate pair of speakers?

A: No because the Audinate Dante AVIO 2-Channel Analog Input Adapter for Dante Audio Network is only compatible with other devices that have Dante connectivity.

Q: 7. Can this be hooked up to my RME UFX Plus to add 16 more input channels at 96Khz?

A: Yes it can.

Q: 8. Can you digitize vinyl records from an analog turntable or would baby face be better choice since it has a pre-amp?

A: The Babyface has microphone preamps. It would be helpful to know whether the turntable you will be using has phono level output or line level output. If the output is line level, then you can use any USB audio interface that accepts line level input to digitize vinyl. If the output level from the turntable is phono level, then you will need a phono preamp specifically for use with turntables such as the Rolls VP29 Phono Preamp (B&H # ROVP29), Bellari VP549 Phono Preamp (B&H # BEVP549), or ART Precision Phono Preamp for Turntables (B&H # ARPRECPHN). The ART USB Phono Plus Phono Preamp with USB (B&H # ARUSBPPPS) also features a built-in USB audio interface.

Q: 9. Is it possible to route an input to two inputs? (e.g. analog 1-8 to MADI 1-8 as well as Dante 1-8 at the same time)

A: According to Ferrofish, the internal matrix allows the free routing and splitting of all 176 Inputs to all 176 Outputs in blocks of 8 channels, so you would be able to split out analog inputs to MADI and Dante.

Q: 10. Can I play an analog source and have it digital out via coaxial in real time?

A: Yes, the RME ADI-2 Pro FSR BE Reference AD/DA Converter with Extreme Power Headphone Amplifiers and Remote is able to route an analog audio source to its digital outputs in this manner.