ProAudio Range — Which Model Do I Need?

Modified on Mon, 27 Apr at 9:57 PM

The ProAudio range is a family of DSP audio matrix processors designed for whole-home and commercial audio distribution. All models share the same core DSP feature set — the differences between models are the number of input and output zones, physical size, 12V trigger count, and third-party driver availability. This article helps you select the right model for the installation.

ProAudio is a separate product line from ProAmp. ProAudio handles audio routing and DSP processing. ProAmp8 is a separate amplifier product. They are commonly used together but are not the same range and are sold separately.

Quick Reference — All Models

Model	SKU	Total Inputs	Output Zones	12V Triggers	Rack Size	Control Systems
ProAudio8	P8-PROAUDIO8	24 (8+8+8)	8	0	2U	C4, Crestron, ELAN, RTI, Savant
ProAudio16	P8-PROAUDIO16	48 (16+16+16)	16	0	2U	C4, Crestron, ELAN, RTI, Savant
ProAudio16RS	P8-PROAUDIO16RS-KIT	48 (16+8+16+8RS)	16	0	2U	C4, Crestron, ELAN, RTI, Savant
ProAudio32	P8-PROAUDIO32	80 (32+16+32)	32	12	5U	C4, ELAN, RTI, Savant
ProAudio1632	P8-PROAUDIO1632	40 (16+8+16)	32	12	5U	C4, Crestron, ELAN, RTI, Savant
ProAudio3248	P8-PROAUDIO3248	80 (32+16+32)	48	18	6U	C4, ELAN, RTI, Savant
ProAudio3264	P8-PROAUDIO3264	80 (32+16+32)	64	24	6U	Control4 only

All models support RS232 and TCP/IP control. Input counts shown as Stereo L/R + Optical + Coax. The ProAudio16RS replaces 8 optical inputs with 8 Remote Source (RJ45) inputs and includes 8 audio transmitters in the kit.

Understanding the Input and Output Naming

Each ProAudio input supports three connection types per channel — stereo L/R (analogue), optical (TOSLINK), and digital coax. These are alternative connections for the same input slot, not additive. The total input count on the datasheet represents the physical connectors, not independent sources.

For the larger models, the naming convention reflects inputs × outputs: the ProAudio1632 has 16-zone input capability and 32 output zones; the ProAudio3248 has 32-zone inputs and 48 output zones; the ProAudio3264 has 32-zone inputs and 64 output zones.

Shared DSP Features — All Models

Every ProAudio model includes the following DSP features, which are consistent across the range:

5-band EQ per output zone
Subwoofer control per zone
Treble adjustment: ±20dB in 0.5dB steps per zone
Volume adjustment: ±20dB in 0.5dB steps per zone
Input gain control: ±24dB
Output gain control: ±24dB
Lip sync delay: up to 170ms per zone
2x doorbell/paging inputs
Supported formats: PCM, Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS
Frequency response: 5Hz–20kHz ±0.1dB
Signal to noise ratio: >85dB
C4 SDDP support
RS232 and TCP/IP control

Model Profiles

ProAudio8

P8-PROAUDIO8  |  2U

The entry-level model. Suited to smaller residential installations with up to 8 audio zones. The only 2U model with digital coax outputs (not optical outputs on the output side). No 12V triggers.

24 inputs (8 stereo / 8 optical / 8 coax) | 8 output zones | Coax outputs only | C4, Crestron, ELAN, RTI, Savant

ProAudio16

P8-PROAUDIO16  |  2U

The mid-range 2U option. Doubles the zone count of the ProAudio8 in the same rack footprint. Adds optical outputs on the output side alongside coax. No 12V triggers. Well suited to medium-sized residential projects.

48 inputs (16 stereo / 16 optical / 16 coax) | 16 output zones | Optical and coax outputs | C4, Crestron, ELAN, RTI, Savant

ProAudio16RS

P8-PROAUDIO16RS-KIT  |  2U

A variant of the ProAudio16 designed for installations where audio sources need to be located remotely from the rack. Eight of the optical inputs are replaced with Remote Source (RJ45) inputs, and the kit includes 8 audio transmitters for distributing sources over Cat5e/6. Useful where sources are in rooms rather than the equipment rack.

48 inputs (16 stereo / 8 optical / 16 coax / 8 remote source RJ45) | 16 output zones | 8 audio transmitters included | C4, Crestron, ELAN, RTI, Savant

ProAudio32

P8-PROAUDIO32  |  5U

The first model to include 12V triggers (12 total) and the first to step up to 5U. Suited to larger residential or light commercial installations requiring 32 independent zones. Note: Crestron driver not available for this model.

80 inputs (32 stereo / 16 optical / 32 coax) | 32 output zones | 12x 12V triggers | C4, ELAN, RTI, Savant (no Crestron)

ProAudio1632

P8-PROAUDIO1632  |  5U

An asymmetric model — fewer inputs than the ProAudio32 but the same 32 output zones. Useful where the installation has a modest number of sources but needs wide zone distribution. Returns Crestron support that the ProAudio32 lacks.

40 inputs (16 stereo / 8 optical / 16 coax) | 32 output zones | 12x 12V triggers | C4, Crestron, ELAN, RTI, Savant

ProAudio3248

P8-PROAUDIO3248  |  6U

Large residential or commercial installations requiring up to 48 output zones with a full complement of 80 inputs and 18 x 12V triggers. Steps up to 6U. Note: Crestron not available.

80 inputs (32 stereo / 16 optical / 32 coax) | 48 output zones | 18x 12V triggers | C4, ELAN, RTI, Savant (no Crestron)

ProAudio3264

P8-PROAUDIO3264  |  6U

The top of the range — 64 output zones with 80 inputs and 24 x 12V triggers. Control4 driver only. Specify this model only where a Control4 system is confirmed. Not compatible with Crestron, ELAN, RTI or Savant.

80 inputs (32 stereo / 16 optical / 32 coax) | 64 output zones | 24x 12V triggers | Control4 only

Driver Availability by Model

Model	Control4	Crestron	ELAN	RTI	Savant
ProAudio8	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
ProAudio16	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
ProAudio16RS	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
ProAudio32	✓	✗	✓	✓	✓
ProAudio1632	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
ProAudio3248	✓	✗	✓	✓	✓
ProAudio3264	✓	✗	✗	✗	✗

ProAudio3264 is Control4 only. Do not specify this model for Crestron, ELAN, RTI or Savant projects. If 64 zones are required under another control system, contact Pulse-Eight sales to discuss options.

Selecting the Right Model

Start with output zones

Count the number of independent audio zones the project requires. This is the primary selection criterion. The ProAudio8 covers up to 8 zones, ProAudio16 and 16RS cover 16 zones, the 32, 1632 and 3248 cover 32 and 48 zones respectively, and the 3264 covers up to 64 zones.

Then check inputs

If the project has a modest number of sources but many zones, the ProAudio1632 (40 inputs / 32 zones) may be a better fit than the ProAudio32 (80 inputs / 32 zones). Conversely, if there are many sources, the full 80-input models give more flexibility.

Check the control system early

Confirm the control system before specifying. Crestron rules out the ProAudio32, 3248 and 3264. The ProAudio3264 is Control4 only — if the control system is anything else, it cannot be used.

Remote sources

If audio sources need to be located in rooms rather than at the rack, consider the ProAudio16RS. The included audio transmitters distribute sources over Cat5e/6 to the matrix's Remote Source inputs.

12V triggers

If the installation requires 12V trigger outputs — for example to control power amplifiers zone by zone — the ProAudio32 and above are required. The 2U models (ProAudio8, 16 and 16RS) have no 12V trigger outputs.

Need help specifying the right model?
Contact Pulse-Eight with your zone count, source count, control system and any trigger requirements.

UK: 01202 413 610 | US: (858) 748-8250 | sales@pulse-eight.com