DirectOut ACE
DirectOut ACE
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ACE. Audio Infrastructure Without the Infrastructure.
ACE is a new kind of audio platform. Built on the same FPGA engine that powers DirectOut's flagship PRODIGY systems, it delivers professional-grade routing, processing and redundancy in a format that travels as easily as the engineers who use it.
Whether it's playback, system drive, broadcast, or a completely custom signal workflow, ACE strips away complexity without sacrificing capability. It’s not a smaller solution. It’s a smarter starting point.
One Platform. Multiple Personalities.
Most audio systems are designed around a single task. ACE is designed around the reality that no two productions are the same. Through dedicated ACE Modes, the platform can transform from a playback rig to a PA processing environment or a fully open signal-processing engine in minutes.
Playback Mode streamlines primary and backup playback workflows with integrated redundancy management.
PA Mode provides immediate access to EQ, dynamics, delay processing and system tuning tools. PRODIGY Mode unlocks the complete
DirectOut architecture, giving engineers full control over routing, matrix mixing, snapshots, DSP and failover strategies. The workflow changes. The hardware doesn't.
Built for Engineers Who Refuse Compromise.
ACE may fit in a backpack, but it was engineered for environments where failure isn't an option. Native support for MADI, Dante, Milan, AES3 and analogue I/O allows it to sit comfortably within existing infrastructures while acting as the central point of control.
Intelligent redundancy, automatic failover capabilities, sample rate conversion and extensive DSP processing ensure signal integrity remains intact under pressure.
From touring systems and live events to broadcast facilities and mission-critical installations, ACE brings enterprise-level resilience into a highly portable form factor.
Designed to Grow With the Job.
Not every production requires a fully loaded processing environment on day one. ACE adopts a scalable licensing model that allows users to activate the functionality they need today and expand capabilities as requirements evolve.
Additional DSP resources, advanced redundancy features and workflow-specific functionality can be added without replacing hardware or redesigning systems.
The result is a platform that adapts alongside engineers, productions and businesses—protecting investment while remaining ready for whatever comes next.
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Technical Specs
Interfaces
MADI Ports (I/O)
4 × SFP ports (empty cages supplied without transceivers)
Network
2 × RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet ports for audio networking
1 × RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet port for management
Analogue I/O
4 × MIC/LINE inputs via D-Sub 25
4 × LINE outputs via D-Sub 25
AES3 I/O
4 × AES3 inputs and outputs via D-Sub 25
Headphone Outputs
4 × 6.3 mm TRS jack outputs (mono/stereo)
1 × 3.5 mm TRS jack output (mono/stereo)
Word Clock
2 × BNC connectors with switchable 75 Ω termination
GPIO
2 × GPI voltage inputs via D-Sub 9
2 × GPO MOSFET switch outputs via D-Sub 9
USB Connectivity
1 × USB 2.0 Type-A
1 × USB 3.1 Type-C (lockable)
Audio Performance
Maximum Output Level
+18 dBu
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR)
-118 dB RMS (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
THD+N @ 0 dBFS
-109 dB @ 600 Ω
Digital Audio
Supported Sample Rates
44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz and 192 kHz (±12.5%)
MADI Compatibility
48 kHz and 96 kHz frame formats
56, 57 and 64-channel operation
S/MUX support
Audio Network Options
AVB / MILAN
64 × 64 channels at base sample rates
Analogue Input Stage
Input Sensitivity
-55 dBu to +24 dBu
Input Pad
-9 dB, switchable
Phantom Power
+48 V, switchable
A/D Conversion
Signal-to-Noise Ratio @ 0 dB Gain
-118 dBFS RMS (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
THD @ -1 dBFS
-113 dB
Equivalent Input Noise (EIN) @ 60 dB Gain
-118 dBu (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
Frequency Response
±0.5 dB (10 Hz to FS/2)
D/A Conversion
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
-119 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
THD+N @ 0 dBFS
-109 dB (@ 24 dBu)
General
Power Supply
External grounded power supply (60 W)
Maximum Power Consumption
60 W
Display
3.5-inch IPS backlit LED display
340 × 800 pixel resolution
Controls
Capacitive touch display
1 × push encoder
2 × programmable push buttons
Dimensions
Width: 310 mm
Height: 44 mm (1 RU)
Depth: 210 mm
Weight
Approximately 2.5 kg
Case Studies
FAQ
What can DirectOut ACE be used for?
DirectOut ACE can be deployed as a playback system, audio network bridge, PA processing engine, signal router, protocol converter or standalone DSP platform. Its flexible architecture allows engineers to adapt the system for touring productions, festivals, theatres, broadcast environments, houses of worship and corporate events.
Does DirectOut ACE support Dante audio networking?
Yes. DirectOut ACE supports Dante audio networking, enabling seamless integration with existing Dante-based audio infrastructures. It can route, distribute and manage audio signals across complex networked environments while maintaining low latency and high reliability.
Is DirectOut ACE compatible with MADI?
DirectOut ACE provides native MADI connectivity, making it suitable for broadcast, live sound and production environments that rely on MADI workflows. The platform can bridge MADI with other audio protocols while providing advanced signal management and routing capabilities.
What audio protocols does DirectOut ACE support?
Depending on configuration and licensing, DirectOut ACE supports multiple professional audio formats including Dante, MADI, Milan, AES3 and analogue audio connections. This allows the platform to function as a versatile hub between different audio ecosystems.
Can DirectOut ACE replace a dedicated playback system?
Yes. ACE Playback Mode is specifically designed to support professional playback workflows with integrated redundancy and failover protection. This makes it suitable for live productions where playback reliability is critical and downtime is not an option.
What is ACE Playback Mode?
Playback Mode is a dedicated operating environment within DirectOut ACE that streamlines show playback workflows. It provides simplified control, playback management and redundancy handling while leveraging the platform's underlying FPGA processing architecture.
What is ACE PA Mode?
ACE PA Mode transforms the platform into a dedicated loudspeaker management and system processing solution. Engineers gain access to EQ, dynamics processing, delay management and signal optimisation tools for live sound reinforcement applications.
What is ACE PRODIGY Mode?
PRODIGY Mode unlocks the full capabilities of DirectOut's powerful audio processing architecture. Users can access advanced routing, matrix mixing, DSP processing, protocol conversion, snapshots, automation and redundancy features commonly associated with larger audio infrastructure systems.
Does DirectOut ACE include DSP processing?
Yes. DirectOut ACE includes professional DSP processing capabilities that can be used for equalisation, dynamics control, delay management, matrix routing and signal optimisation. Available DSP resources may vary depending on the selected operating mode and licensing configuration.
How does DirectOut ACE handle audio redundancy?
ACE is designed for mission-critical environments and includes advanced redundancy features that help protect against network failures, hardware issues and signal interruptions. Automatic failover functionality ensures audio continuity in demanding live and broadcast applications.
Is DirectOut ACE suitable for live touring?
Absolutely. ACE combines enterprise-level audio infrastructure capabilities with a compact and portable form factor, making it ideal for touring engineers, production companies and rental providers who require flexibility, reliability and rapid deployment.
Can DirectOut ACE be used in broadcast environments?
Yes. The platform's support for professional audio protocols, redundancy management, signal processing and routing makes it well suited for broadcast production, outside broadcast vehicles, studio facilities and live event broadcasting.
What makes DirectOut ACE different from other audio processors?
Unlike traditional audio processors that focus on a single application, DirectOut ACE combines routing, networking, DSP, playback, protocol conversion and redundancy management within a single platform. Its mode-based architecture allows users to adapt the hardware to different workflows without changing equipment.
Is DirectOut ACE scalable?
Yes. ACE features a flexible licensing structure that allows users to unlock additional functionality as requirements evolve. This enables organisations to invest in a platform that can grow alongside future production, touring or installation demands.
Who is DirectOut ACE designed for?
DirectOut ACE is designed for professional audio engineers, system technicians, broadcast specialists, rental companies, production providers, integrators and venue operators who require a powerful yet portable audio infrastructure solution.
If you wish to chat more about how to build a system around the DirectOut ACE or integrate this into your current system, give us a call or email at: