DirectOut Unveils ACE: Portable Powerhouse with Smart "ACE Modes"

DirectOut has announced the launch of ACE, the latest entry in its Smart Audio Platform lineup, designed to deliver flagship-level performance in a highly portable form factor. Built on the same FPGA architecture as the PRODIGY and MAVEN series, ACE introduces specialized "ACE Modes"—globcon-based interfaces tailored for specific professional workflows. Users can choose between Playback Mode for redundant computer setups with EARS technology, PA Mode for drive rack applications with native Smaart® integration, or PRODIGY Mode for complete custom signal path design. This versatile device supports MADI, AoIP (Dante or Milan), AES3, and analog I/O, offering a scalable solution that grows with user requirements through additional licenses.

"ACE brings the power and reliability of our flagship PRODIGY Series into a device small enough to fit in your backpack," says Luca Giaroli, CEO of DirectOut. "It's designed to adapt instantly to different workflows while delivering the performance professionals expect from DirectOut."

This highly portable audio solution benefits from the intelligence of PRODIGY and MAVEN with functionality that can extend with every application. At the heart of ACE are dedicated ACE Modes: globcon interfaces purpose‑built for professional audio workflows, spanning from vertically optimized configurations for common applications to a fully open environment for custom signal path design. Three modes are available:
• Playback Mode — Quick configuration of primary and backup computers, vocal processing inserts, and streamlined output routing, with built‑in support for EARS (Enhanced Automatic Redundancy Switching).
• PA Mode — A complete drive rack solution providing immediate access to EQ, dynamics, delays, and native Smaart® integration, with pre‑configured signal flows and redundant input management for live sound and system tuning scenarios.
• PRODIGY Mode — Full access to the same globcon interface as the PRODIGY and MAVEN Series, offering complete freedom to design bespoke signal paths using advanced routing, mixing, summing, snapshot, and redundancy features.

Users select their preferred ACE Mode at activation and can freely switch between modes as requirements evolve, extending functionality through additional perpetual licenses.

"By combining the same FPGA core as our PRODIGY Series with purpose‑built ACE Modes, we give engineers instant access to optimized workflows for their specific application, while preserving the option to build fully custom signal paths when required," adds Claudio Becker Foss, CTO of DirectOut. "ACE is compact by design, but uncompromising in capability."

ACE supports MADI, Audio over IP (Dante® or Milan native versions), AES3, and high‑quality analog I/O. To simplify configuration and system design, ACE users have access to Ask.DirectOut, the AI‑based DirectOut proprietary assistance service available 24/7.

ACE adapts to your workflow - and grows with your ambitions!

www.directout.eu