The full DirectOut processing architecture is still available underneath for anyone who wants it.
Guided and Custom Modes
ACE ships with application-specific modes, including Playback and PA Tuning, each walked through by a setup wizard so a system is running in a handful of steps. For engineers who want to build custom signal flows, PRODIGY Mode opens the full processing architecture via globcon: 64 Flex Channels, a 64x64 matrix mixer, FIR and IIR filtering, dynamics, delays and automixing.
I/O and Connectivity
The 1RU chassis carries analogue, AES3 and MADI I/O alongside Dante and AVB/MILAN network audio. Four SFP cages handle MADI connectivity and are compatible with DirectOut's USB.MADI transceiver, turning any MADI slot into a USB computer audio interface. Analogue I/O runs through DSUB-25 connectors with switchable +48V phantom power and a 9 dB pad, and AES3 ports carry dedicated sample rate conversion.
Scalability and Control
ACE grows through software licences rather than hardware swaps. Extended DSP packs, sample rate conversion and EARS redundancy switching can all be added later, letting a unit scale from a simple playback rig to a full multifunction processor. Control runs through globcon over the network or a 3.5-inch front-panel touchscreen for local operation.
Applications
Portable playback rigs, drive racks, PA tuning and multifunction audio processing for live sound, installation and touring.
Key Specifications
- MADI ports: 4x SFP cage (transceiver not included)
- Network: 2x RJ45 (1 Gbit/s, audio network), 1x RJ45 (1 Gbit/s, management)
- Analogue I/O: 4x mic/line input, 4x line output, via DSUB-25
- AES3 I/O: 4x AES3 stereo ports, 8 ch in / 8 ch out via DSUB-25, dedicated SRC
- Headphone outputs: 4x 6.3 mm TRS, 1x 3.5 mm TRS
- Word clock: 2x coaxial BNC (75 ohm switchable)
- GPIO: 2x GPI (voltage input), 2x GPO (MOSFET switch), via DSUB-9
- USB: 1x USB 2.0 (A), 1x USB 3.1 (C, lockable), for control
- Sample rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz (plus/minus 12.5%)
- MADI formats: 48k/96k frame, 56/57/64 channel, S/MUX or Native, High Speed or Legacy
- Network audio: Dante and AVB/MILAN, up to 64 ch at 1FS, 32 at 2FS, 16 at 4FS
- Analogue input sensitivity: -55 dBu to +24 dBu, switchable +48V phantom power
- Power supply: External, 60 W, grounded, 2x USB-C lockable
- Display: 3.5-inch backlit LED LCD touch display, 340 x 800 px
- Dimensions: 310 mm (W) x 44 mm (H, 1RU) x 210 mm (D)
- Weight: approx. 2.5 kg
