The DAD Core 256 is a compact, high-channel-count digital audio interface engineered for broadcast, live production and post-production environments. Built on DAD’s Thunder|Core platform, it combines extensive digital connectivity, internal routing, Pro|Mon gain and summing functions, SPQ speaker processing and EUCON-compatible control within a half-rack unit.
Its integrated I/O includes Dante Audio over IP, 64-channel MADI via BNC and 16-channel ADAT through dual TosLink ports. An SFP option slot provides additional system flexibility, while macOS and Windows drivers allow the Core 256 to operate as a powerful interface for broadcast workstations, mobile production systems and professional audio facilities.
By combining networked audio, MADI, ADAT, monitoring control, summing and speaker equalisation in one platform, the DAD Core 256 can reduce the number of separate devices required in a modern broadcast signal chain while providing the routing flexibility and processing capability needed for complex production workflows.
Dante AoIP I/O
MADI 64 ch BNC I/O
16 ch ADAT dual TosLink I/O,
with Pro|Mon/Gain-Sum processing and SPQ with SFP module option slot.
$5,316.00
The DAD Core 256 is far more than a high-channel-count audio interface. It is a professional digital audio router, monitoring controller, format converter and Thunderbolt™ audio interface designed to become the centre of modern live sound, theatre, broadcast, post-production and recording workflows. Combining Thunderbolt 3, Dante®, MADI and ADAT connectivity with the renowned DAD Thunder|Core FPGA architecture, the Core 256 provides near-zero latency audio transport, deterministic routing and exceptional operational flexibility for the most demanding professional environments.
Whether deployed at Front of House, monitor world, playback, broadcast control, immersive post-production or as the central digital router in a recording facility, the Core 256 allows engineers to manage hundreds of audio channels with confidence. Its internal 1500 × 1500 routing matrix, 512 × 64 Pro|Mon summing engine, speaker processing and monitoring tools eliminate the need for multiple standalone devices, reducing system complexity while increasing reliability and workflow efficiency.
Modern live productions demand more than simply moving audio from one device to another. Engineers require dependable routing, ultra-low latency monitoring, flexible playback systems and the ability to integrate multiple digital audio formats without compromising reliability. The DAD Core 256 has been specifically engineered for these environments, providing native support for Dante®, MADI and Thunderbolt™ while delivering hardware latency measured in only a few audio samples. From touring productions and musical theatre to festivals, houses of worship and television events, the Core 256 provides the digital backbone that keeps complex productions running smoothly.
For playback engineers, the optional Control | Pack functionality transforms the Core 256 into a professional redundant playback and show-control platform. Automatic source switching, manual routing changes and seamless backup operation allow productions to continue even if a playback computer or processing source fails. This level of redundancy is invaluable for theatre productions, live concerts and broadcast events where uninterrupted operation is essential.
One of the Core 256’s greatest strengths is its ability to bridge multiple professional digital audio formats within a single compact unit. Thunderbolt™, Dante®, MADI and ADAT can all coexist simultaneously, allowing audio to be routed, distributed, converted and monitored without requiring additional external hardware. Engineers can effortlessly integrate legacy MADI equipment with modern Dante networks, connect digital consoles, stage racks, playback systems, recording workstations and broadcast infrastructures while maintaining sample-accurate synchronisation throughout the system.
The internal FPGA-based routing architecture ensures fixed, deterministic latency for every signal path while maintaining exceptional audio quality. Combined with DADman software, virtually any input can be routed to any output, duplicated across multiple destinations or integrated into complex monitor and speaker management configurations without compromising performance.
In recording studios and post-production facilities, the Core 256 provides an exceptionally flexible digital audio hub capable of supporting large-format recording, immersive audio production and advanced monitoring applications. Its Thunderbolt™ interface delivers up to 256 bidirectional audio channels with near-zero latency for professional DAWs including Pro Tools®, Nuendo®, Cubase®, Logic Pro®, Ableton Live® and Digital Performer®. Engineers can connect multiple digital systems while maintaining the low latency required for recording, overdubbing and virtual instrument performance.
The compact half-rack design also makes the Core 256 an ideal companion for Dolby Atmos® production systems, sharing a single rack shelf with a Mac mini running Dolby Atmos Renderer, Production Suite or Mastering Suite. At the same time, the same hardware remains equally capable of supporting conventional stereo production, broadcast workflows or live production systems, making it one of the most versatile digital audio interfaces available today.
Professional productions cannot tolerate unexpected failures or unpredictable latency. Built around DAD’s proven Thunder|Core FPGA technology, the Core 256 provides deterministic signal routing, 28-bit floating-point processing and exceptionally low hardware latency while supporting sample rates from 44.1 kHz to 384 kHz. Whether serving as a digital audio router, monitoring controller, playback interface or central production hub, the Core 256 delivers the reliability, flexibility and performance demanded by today’s broadcast, theatre, live sound and professional recording engineers.
• 720 Input and Output Channels
• Digital Router and Monitoring Interface
• Thunderbolt 3 I/O (256 Ch.)
• Dante AoIP I/O (256 Ch.)
• MADI BNC I/O (64 Ch.)
• MADI SFP I/O Module Option Available (128 Ch. – SFP not included)
• ADAT dual TosLink I/O (16 Ch.)
• 512×64 ch. Pro|Mon Summing and Speaker EQ Processing
Even though it is a tiny Dolby Atmos® hero, Core 256 is of course ready to take on a wealth of other tasks in the Post Production, Studio and Installed Audio spheres.
With Dante, MADI and ADAT ports onboard and versatile and flexible DADman routing control available, it is also a stellar D/D converter that can grab any digital audio channel – convert it if needed – and route it anywhere.
Another application would be as a dedicated audio interface for your DAW. Whether you run Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Nuendo, Cubase, Ableton Live, Digital Performer or any other DAW, Core 256 is your super low-latency entrance.
And with the ADAT, MADI and Dante connectivity, you can easily add analog preamps or insert points to the mix.
The basic I/O configuration for the Core 256 interface is:
• 2 Thunderbolt 3 Ports (each w. 15W power)
• 256 Bidirectional Channels at 48 & 96 kHz
• ASIO / Core Audio Thunderbolt PCIe drivers
• MADI/BNC-Optional 2 x SFP (LC fiber or HD/BNC coax)
• ADAT /Lightpipe (16 Ch.)
• DANTE: 256 Ch. at 48 kHz, 128 Ch. at 96 kHz, 64 Ch. at 192 kHz (IP Core)
• WC I/O
• SPQ: 64 Ch. with 16 Filters
• Pro|Mon Support
• Summing Processor 64 Output / 512 Input Busses
• Internal Router: 1500 x 1500
• 32bit Floating Point Processing
• Avid Eucon Enabled Devices via DADman
• APPLE Silicon M1 and Intel Compatible Software
• Control via Ethernet or Thunderbolt Connection
• 12V DC External Power (Max 60W)
• ½ Rack Unit 1U Height
Further, the mini module slot can be mounted with an optional dual bidirectional MADI module with optical SFP or mini coax connectors:
• SFP/LC – Opt module multi mode 1300 nm low output LED / 647-110
• SFP/LC – Opt module single/multi mode 1300 nm, laser / 647-200
• SFP – Coax MADI tranceiver with HD/mini-BNC / 647-400
DADman and Firmware functionality for all Thunder | Core products.
The Thunder|Core Audio interface is controlled via the DADman software. DADman can connect to the Thunder|Core interface either via Ethernet or via a communication channel in the Thunderbolt connection.
More units can be daisy chained via the Thunderbolt ports, and each unit will appear in DADman control software.
Using control over Ethernet the two RJ45 connectors acts as a switch for connection to more units. The Dante /AES67 audio is also passed on the two RJ45 connectors.
The DAD Thunder |Core Technology provides a Thunderbolt 3 connection with near-zero latency for interfacing between audio applications on macOS or Windows computers and the Thunder|Core audio hardware.
The interface provides a fast Thunderbolt 3/PCIe connection and data transfer with 2 samples latency on the connection and a total of 9 samples in the digital interface, as total also includes EQ and summing processing within the unit.
The channel capacity is up to 256 audio channels at 48 and 96 kHz, and the latency at 96kHz is 95 microseconds. The total round-trip latency with an audio software application will depend on the buffer size set for the application. With a buffer size of 32 samples, the latency is 670 microseconds at 96 kHz.
• 2 x Thunderbolt 3 Ports w. 15W Power Source Each
• 256 Bidirectional Channels at 44.1/48 kHz
• 256 Channels at 88.2/96 kHz
• 128 Channels at 176.4/192 kHz
• 64 Channels at 352.8/384kHz
Core 256 can be mounted in a 19” rack using the special DAD bracket, which has a shelf and mounting system for an Apple Mac Mini computer, which once again plays right into the immersive Dolby Atmos® application.
Quite simply, this mounting system provides a powerful – yet compact – audio solution, combining the computer and the Core 256 audio interface on a single sleek shelf.
• The Core Audio Thunder|Core Audio Driver
• Compatible with Intel and Apple Silicon (M1) processors, as well as Big Sur macOS and forward
• Core Audio Aggregates for More Applications I/O Control Connection for DADman
• ASIO Thunder|Core Audio Driver Compatible with Windows 10 and forward
• One Application Can Connect to the Driver
• Control Connection for DADman
The Thunder | Core products have been designed with a unique router core based on 32bit floating point processing and a low-latency and highly reliable FPGA based matrix structure. A timestamp mechanism provides equal latency for all signals routed through the core.
In total, Core 256 has a capacity of 4,096×4,096 non-blocking cross points, which provides a capacity of 1,500×1,500 cross points on the I/O and processing level.
The matrix provides fixed latency routing of all inputs to one or more outputs with a latency of only 5 audio samples and supports sample rates from 44.1 to 384 kHz.
The channel processor provides a signal detection logic for all input and output channels, PPM level measurement as well as level control.
All inputs and outputs have processing for level adjustment and in addition, the core has a summing/mixing processer with 64 output busses and 512 inputs, which can be allocated to sets of input and output signals managed by the Pro|Mon monitor control functionality in DADman.
SPQ speaker EQ management is available natively in the core with access to 1,024 filters combined into 64 channels with 16 filters, each with adjustable delay.
