DirectOut ACE (MILAN)

To purchase this product please:

Contact us

Customer Rating: (0)

Compact Smart Audio Platform
with MILAN (AVB) AoIP interface

Note: the DirectOut Ace is available to preorder. Shipping is expected Q3 2026.

Contact us for more information.

  •  Compact Smart Audio Platform from DirectOut
  •  Audio Interface, Converter, Signal Router with powerful on-board DSP-processing
  •  Purpose-built for professional live sound, PA processing and broadcast workflows
  •  Different device modes for Playback, PA tuning, or complete freedom (PRODIGY Mode)
  •  Audio networking via AVB/MILAN, plus analogue I/O, AES-3 and (optional) MADI connectivity
  •  Remote control via Globcon (Mac, PC & Linux)
  •  4 x front panel headphone outputs for monitoring any I/O
  •  4 x SFP slots for I/O and format expansion
  •  Dual redundant power supplies for reliability
  •  Audinate® Dante version also available

 

What's included:

  • 1 x ACE (DANTE)
  • 1 x External PSU with locking connector
  • 2 x 0.5m Breakout Cables:
    • 4ch In / 4ch Out (XLR, Analogue)
    • 4ch In / 4ch Out (XLR, Digital, AES3)
  • Initial Activation Mode to be selected by customer (PA and PLAYBACK)

 

Description


DirectOut ACE | My New Audio Platform

Introducing the DirectOut 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, the DirectOut ACE delivers the power of a full-scale live audio rig in a package that fits entirely in your backpack!

 

 

Connections

  • 4 x MIC/LINE input via DSUB-25
  • 4 x LINE output via DSUB-25
  • 4 x AES3 input/output via DSUB-25
  • 4 x 6.3 mm TRS jack, mono / stereo (+ 1 x 3.5 mm TRS jack, mono/stereo)
  • 1 x GPIO
  • 4 x SFP (empty cage without transceiver - see expansion options below)
  • 2 x RJ45 (1 Gbit/s), audio network
  • 1 x RJ45 (1 Gbit/s), management
  • 2 x USB for remote control (USB-C, USB-A)
  • 2 x USB-C redundant power supplies with locking connectors

 

Introducing ACE Modes

The DirectOut ACE comes with pre-designed modes controllable via DirectOut's globcon software. Each mode is purpose-built for different professional audio workflows - from vertically optimized configurations for common applications, to a fully open environment for custom signal path design. 

There are currently three modes available:

• Playback Mode

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 (FIR, IIR with All Pass), 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.

 

 

Licenses System

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

 

Hardware Overview


Front Panel

  • 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 Panel

  • Redundant USB-C Power Inputs:
    Dual USB-C connectors with locking screws, enabling redundant power supply or power backup 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:
    4 x SFP MADI ports delivering up to 64 channels of input and output per port at 48 kHz, fully compatible with DirectOut USB.MADI interface.


  • WORDCLOCK 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.


  • AES3 I/O DSUB:
    Four channels of AES3 digital input and output with SRC.


 


Control Software

GlobCon is DirectOut's customisable software platform, offering professional users a powerful and continually evolving tool able to manage any type or size of production environment in a contemporary, flexible, ergonomic and cost-effective way.

Specifically designed to support the professional entertainment and live music industries, GlobCon provides extensive management and control for both point-to-point (e.g. MADI) and audio-networked systems (Dante, Ravenna), with access to matrix mixers, summing busses, and effects like EQ, Dynamics and Delay.

Available for both Mac and PC, globcon is a ”plug and play” solution that allows multiple users to share control of devices using a standard Ethernet infrastructure, enabling large audio networks to be monitored from multiple positions within a venue, arena or any other large-scale production.

The software is available for download from the globCon website, providing integrated control and management of any number of DirectOut devices via an Ethernet network, USB and MIDI ports.

 

Expansion Options

The DirectOut ACE features 4 x SFP slots for further expansion.

Each SFP cage can house a DirectOut MADI module (for 64 x 64 MADI I/O), or a DirectOut MADI.USB module, turning the Ace into a traditional USB audio interface for direct connection with a Mac or PC.

Supported Modules:

  • DirectOut USB.MADI SFP Module (USB-C audio interface)
  • DirectOut MADI SFP Connector (Multimode)
  • DirectOut MADI SFP Connector (Singlemode)
  • DirectOut MADI SFP Connector HD-BNC

See the full range of DirectOut Accessories

 

SPECIFICATIONS

Interfaces

MADI Ports (I/O)4 x SFP (empty cage without transceiver)
Network2 x RJ45 (1 Gbit/s), audio network; 1 x RJ45 (1 Gbit/s), management
Analogue (I/O)4 x MIC/LINE input via DSUB-25; 4 x LINE output via DSUB-25
AES3 (I/O)4 x AES3 input/output via DSUB-25
Headphones Outputs4 x 6.3 mm TRS jack (mono/stereo); 1 x 3.5 mm TRS jack (mono/stereo)
Word Clock (I/O)2 x coaxial BNC (75 Ω termination switchable)
GPIOGPI: 2 x Voltage Input via DSUB-9; GPO: 2 x MOSFET switch via DSUB-9
USB1 x USB 2.0 (A); 1 x USB 3.1 (C, lockable)
Output Levelmax. +18 dBu
SNR-118 dB RMS (20 Hz - 20 kHz)
THD+N @ 0 dBFS-109 dB @ 600 Ω

 

Digital

Sample Rates44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz (+/- 12.5%)
MADI Formats48k / 96k Frame, 56 / 57 / 64 channel, S/MUX
Audio Network OptionsAVB / MILAN (64 I/O @ 1 FS)

 

Analogue

Input Sensitivity-55 dBu to +24 dBu
PAD-9 dB (switchable)
Phantom Power+48 V (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 (20 Hz - 20 kHz)
THD+N @ -0 dBFS-109 dB (@ 24 dBu)

 

Global

Power SupplyExternal (60 W, grounded)
Power Consumptionmax. 60 W
Display3.5” Backlight LED LCD, IPS Transmissive, 340 x 800 px
ButtonsTouch display; 1 x encoder knob (push); 2 x push-buttons
DimensionsWidth 310 mm; Height 1 RU (44 mm); Depth 210 mm
Weight2.5 kg approx.

 

 

Want to know more configuring the DirectOut ACE?

Contact Us to discuss your requirements.

Customer Reviews

This item currently has no reviews.

Purchased this product?

Please login to review this product