The Pulse-Eight 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 — 5-band EQ per zone, volume and gain control, lip sync delay, RS232 and TCP/IP control. The differences between models are zone count, input capacity, rack size, 12V trigger count, and control system driver availability.
How ProAudio Fits Into an Installation
In a Pulse-Eight system, the Neo Matrix distributes HDMI video. As it does so, audio is extracted at the matrix's audio output ports (optical or coax per zone) and fed into ProAudio's inputs. ProAudio then routes that audio — together with any additional audio-only sources — independently to each room, with per-zone volume and source control.
This means a room can watch one video source while listening to a completely different audio source. The ProAudio is the component that makes this possible. When using a ProAudio alongside a neo:6a, neo:8a, neo:XSR, or neo:X+, set the matrix to Source Mode so audio zones are locked to HDMI inputs.
Understanding ProAudio Inputs
Each numbered ProAudio input supports three physical connection types: stereo L/R (analogue), optical (TOSLINK), and digital coax. These are alternative connections to the same input slot, not three independent sources. The total input count on the datasheet reflects all physical connectors combined.
For example, the ProAudio8 has 24 physical connectors: 8 stereo L/R + 8 optical + 8 coax — but these serve 8 input zones. Outputs are independent zones, each with stereo L/R and digital coax simultaneously.
Quick Reference — All Models
| Model | SKU | Input Zones | Output Zones | 12V Triggers | Rack Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ProAudio8 | P8-PROAUDIO8 | 24 (8 L/R + 8 opt + 8 coax) | 8 analogue + 8 digital | 0 | 2U |
| ProAudio16 | P8-PROAUDIO16 | 48 (16 L/R + 16 opt + 16 coax) | 16 analogue + 16 digital | 0 | 2U |
| ProAudio16RS | P8-PROAUDIO16RS-KIT | 48 (16 L/R + 8 opt + 16 coax + 8 RJ45 remote) | 16 analogue + 16 digital | 0 | 2U |
| ProAudio1632 | P8-PROAUDIO1632 | 40 (16 L/R + 8 opt + 16 coax) | 32 analogue + 32 digital | 12 | 5U |
| ProAudio32 | P8-PROAUDIO32 | 80 (32 L/R + 16 opt + 32 coax) | 32 analogue + 32 digital | 12 | 5U |
| ProAudio3248 | P8-PROAUDIO3248 | 80 (32 L/R + 16 opt + 32 coax) | 48 analogue + 48 digital | 18 | 6U |
| ProAudio3264 | P8-PROAUDIO3264 | 80 (32 L/R + 16 opt + 32 coax) | 48 analogue + 64 digital | 24 | 6U |
Model Profiles
Input zones: 64 analogue (L/R) + 16 optical + 64 digital coax
Driver Availability by Model
| Model | Control4 | Crestron | ELAN | RTI | Savant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ProAudio8 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| ProAudio16 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| ProAudio16RS | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| ProAudio1632 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| ProAudio32 | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| ProAudio3248 | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| ProAudio3264 | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| ProAudio64 | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
ProAudio and ProAmp8 Together
The ProAmp8 is an 8-zone power amplifier designed to partner with ProAudio. It delivers up to 100W per channel via ICEpower modules, with 8 stereo L/R inputs, 1 digital coax/optical input, and bridgeable output zones for flexible power configurations. It also supports Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound Mode alongside standard multi-zone operation. ProAudio handles routing and DSP; ProAmp8 handles amplification for passive speakers.
Choosing the Right Model
Configuration
All ProAudio models can be configured using the ProAudio Config Tool, available to registered installers at monitoring.pulse-eight.com. The Config Tool handles input assignment, volume limits, startup states, EQ presets, IP configuration and control system extended I/O mode. A registered Pulse-Eight Installer ID is required to download the tool.
UK: 01202 413 610 | US: (858) 748-8250 | sales@pulse-eight.com
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