DirectOut ACE Smart Audio Platform w/ Dante Audio Network Interface

About: DirectOut ACE Smart Audio Platform w/ Dante Audio Network Interface

DirectOut announces ACE, a compact smart audio platform designed to adapt seamlessly to a wide range of professional workflows — from playback and drive rack applications to fully custom processing rigs — combining high-end performance, intelligent redundancy, and comprehensive connectivity in a portable, travel-ready format.

Make Your PRODIGY Happen

ACE uses the same FPGA as the PRODIGY and MAVEN series, delivering the professional-grade processing power trusted on major tours and broadcasts worldwide.

Backpack Size With No Compromise

All that processing capability now fits in a compact, portable form factor. ACE is designed to travel with you. Small enough for your backpack, ready for any gig.

ACE MODES - Easy Interface, Powerful Operation

ACE MODES are dedicated, simplified GUIs that turn your platform into exactly the rig you need, when you need it. Switching between modes is fast and easy.

• Playback Mode - In just a few steps, assign your main and backup computers, set vocal processing inserts, and define your output channels.
  • Works with EARS and BLDS, the best-in-class switchover technology
  • Full routing flexibility to distribute signals exactly where they need to go
  • Handle analog and digital signals from external vocal processing
• PA Mode - With a pre-configured signal flow, connecting your console, PA system, and tuning tools has never been faster.
  • PA4 MODE for 4 processed PA feeds, PA8 MODE for 8 PA feeds
  • Built-in EQ (FIR, IIR with All Pass), Dynamics, Delays, and native Smaart integration
  • Input Manager to handle redundant input signals from your consoles
• Prodigy Mode - Using the same dedicated interface as the PRODIGY and MAVEN series, you can build fully custom signal flow and processing chain.
  • Full control over Flex Channels, MatMix, Summing Buses, and Automix
  • Advanced Snapshots for Partial or Total Recall
  • Complete configuration of switchover features including EARS and Input Manager

Any Format You Like

ACE handles MADI, Audio Network (Dante / Milan), AES3, and analog connections. It can host up to 4 USB.MADI modules, allowing straightforward plug-and-play operation with multiple computers.

Multi-Function by Design

High-quality sample rate conversion and comprehensive DSP processing, backed by intelligent redundancy with automatic failover and flexible control for any production scenario.

Expand Features, Expand Sound

ACE's perpetual licensing system lets you configure the features you need now and add capabilities as your requirements evolve. Start with what works for you today, unlock more as your productions grow.

Hardware Overview

• FRONT
  • Phones Outputs: Four 6.3 mm jacks and one 3.5 mm jack with alternate assignment for Phone 1, providing flexible monitoring options for any workflow.
  • Menu Button: Dedicated control to access the main system menu.
  • Back Button: Navigation control to return to the previous menu level.
  • Touch-Display: High resolution touchscreen delivering fast, intuitive control, real time monitoring and smooth menu navigation.
  • Control Encoder: Rotary encoder with push function for precise value adjustment and confirmation.
  • Power Status LEDs: Visual indication of the operating state of power supply 1 and power supply 2.
• REAR
  • Redundant USB-C Power Inputs: Dual USB-C connectors with locking screws, enabling redundant power supply for maximum reliability.
  • USB Ports: Data connection for optional device control and configuration.
  • MGMT Ethernet Port: Network interface for remote management and control.
  • Audio Network Interface: Two RJ45 ports supporting Dante or AVB/Milan with 64 channels at 48 kHz.
  • MADI I/O SFP: Four SFP MADI ports delivering up to 64 channels of input and output per port at 48 kHz, fully compatible with USB.MADI.
  • Word Clock I/O BNC: Professional clocking interface ensuring rock solid synchronization and pristine audio performance.
  • GPIO Control Interface: DSUB 9 connector for flexible integration with external control and automation systems.
  • MIC/LINE I/O DSUB: Four channels of high quality microphone and line level input and output featuring premium AD/DA conversion. Dedicated breakout included.
  • AES3 I/O DSUB: 8 channels (4 stereo ports) of AES3 digital input and output with SRC. Dedicated breakout included.

Specifications

• INTERFACES
  • MADI PORTS (I/O): 4 x SFP (empty cage without transceiver)
  • NETWORK
    • 2 x RJ45 (1 Gbit/s), audio network
    • 1 x RJ45 (1 Gbit/s), management
  • ANALOG (I/O)
    • 4 x MIC/LINE input via DSUB-25
    • 4 x LINE output via DSUB-25
  • AES3 (I/O): 4 x AES3 stereo ports, 8 ch in / 8 ch out via DSUB-25, with dedicated SRC
  • HEADPHONES OUTPUTS
    • 4 x 6.3 mm TRS jack, mono / stereo
    • 1 x 3.5 mm TRS jack, mono/stereo
      • Output level: max. +18 dBu
      • SNR: -118 dB RMS (20 Hz - 20 kHz)
      • THD+N @ 0 dBFS: -109 dB @ 600 Ω
  • WORD CLOCK (I/O): 2 x coaxial BNC (75 Ω termination switchable)
  • GPIO
    • GPI 2 x Voltage Input via DSUB-9 GPO
    • 2 x MOSFET switch via DSUB-9
  • USB
    • 1 x USB 2.0 (A) for control
    • 1 x USB 3.1 (C, lockable) for control
• DIGITAL
  • SAMPLE RATES: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz (+/- 12,5%)
  • MADI FORMATS: 48k / 96k Frame, 56 / 57 / 64 channel, S/MUX
  • AUDIO NETWORK OPTIONS
    • Dante I/O channels: 64 @ 44.1/48 kHz, 32 @ 88.2/96 kHz, 16 @ 176.4/192 kHz
    • AVB / MILAN I/O channels: 64 @ 44.1/48 kHz, 32 @ 88.2/96 kHz, 16 @ 176.4/192 kHz
• ANALOG
  • INPUT SENSITIVITY: -55 dBu to +24 dBu
  • PAD: -9 dB (switchable)
  • PHANTOM POWER: +48 V phantom power (switchable)
• A/D
  • SNR @ 0 DB GAIN: -118 dBFS RMS (20 Hz - 20 kHz)
  • THD @ -1 DBFS: -113 dB
  • EIN @ 60 DB GAIN: -118 dBu (20 Hz - 20 kHz)
  • FREQUENCY RESPONSE: -0.5 dB (10 Hz to FS/2)
• D/A
  • SNR: -119 dB (20Hz - 20kHz)
  • THD+N @ -0 DBFS: -109 dB (@ 24 dBu)
• GLOBAL
  • POWER SUPPLY
    • External (60 W, grounded)
    • 2 x USB-C lockable
  • POWER CONSUMPTION: max. 60 W
  • DISPLAY
    • 3.5” Backlight LED LCD, IPS Transmissive
    • Resolution: 340 x 800 px
    • Touch display
  • BUTTONS
    • 1 x Encoder knob with push functionality
    • 2 x Push-Buttons
  • DIMENSIONS (WxHxD): 12.21 x 1.73 x 8.27 inch (310 x 44 x 210 mm)
  • WEIGHT: 5.51 lbs (2.5 kg)

What's Included

• 1x external PSU incl. locking power cable
• 2x 0.5m Breakout Cables (4ch I/O Analog + 4 ch I/O AES3)
• Initial Activation to be selected by the customer between "PA" and "PLAYBACK"