I/O Interfaces

Focusrite – Red 8Line

Red 8Line has a total of 58 inputs and 64 outputs, including two Red Evolution mic pres, independent L/R monitor outs, eight balanced line inputs and outputs on DB25 connectors; 32 channels of Dante I/O; 16-channel ADAT input and output (at 48kHz), and stereo S/PDIF input and output. As with other Red interfaces, it features professional-grade 24-bit/192kHz A-D and D-A conversion for no-compromise, mastering-quality recording and audio playback. With 119dB dynamic range A-D and 121dB dynamic range D-A (A-Weighted), the converters have been expertly selected and calibrated by Focusrite to provide the best balance of sound quality, dynamic range and conversion latency.

The two digitally controlled Red Evolution mic preamps are the product of decades of Focusrite’s impeccable attention to detail in designing audio hardware. Each preamp provides up to 63dB of ultra-clean gain, with individual phantom power, high-pass filter and phase reverse, and an option to stereo-link the two channels. The switchable Air mode mimics the sonic profile of the famous Focusrite ISA 110 input module and breathes life into any signal it touches.

The Focusrite Red Range is the best choice for professionals who work in Pro Tools | HD and other DAWs — on both Mac and PC. With both mini-DigiLink and Thunderbolt 3 connections, it’s possible to instantly switch between Pro Tools | HD and other DAWs without the need to reconfigure your audio settings. Simply change the host mode either in RedNet Control software, or using the front panel, to change DAWs in seconds. This ability to quickly switch between production environments means you’ll never lose that moment of inspiration, or leave your clients waiting.

Red 8Line features the latest implementation of Thunderbolt 3, with Focusrite’s session-proven, ultra-low-latency, rock-solid Thunderbolt drivers. This speed provides the flexibility to use DAW plug-ins in real time, so you can harness the processing power of your DAW to track through plug-ins and record virtual instruments. With two Thunderbolt 3 ports as standard, it’s also possible to daisy-chain Thunderbolt devices, such as third-party plug-in accelerators, hard drives, external 4K displays, processing units and Thunderbolt hubs.

In addition to Thunderbolt 3 and Pro Tools HD connectivity, the on-board Dante connection enables Red 8Line to communicate with industry-standard Audio-over-IP equipment from hundreds of manufacturers. Dante makes it easy to expand your system, embrace new ways of working, and discover rapid system expansion using Focusrite RedNet interfaces or devices from third parties such as Neve, Yamaha and DigiCo.

Red 8Line has built-in monitor control for mono, stereo and multi-channel monitoring environments up to 7.1. Compatibility with the new Focusrite RedNet R1 desktop remote controller allows even greater flexibility, and customised presents for immersive monitoring environments including Dolby Atmos®.

Other features of the Red 8Line include precision metering and display: the interface has three LCD displays for highly accurate level metering for any input or output block, as well as main monitor and headphone outputs. Two discrete high-fidelity headphone outputs are powerful enough to deliver loud and clear audio on high impedance headphones and are controlled from the interface front panel. Dual instrument inputs on the front panel ensure you always have immediate access to quickly plug in a guitar, for example, even when racked.

The RedNet Control 2 is a software mixer with a hardware-focussed workflow, which is designed to allow quick setup of both simple and complex monitoring and routing configurations, together with controlling Red Evolution preamps remotely. This allows tighter integration with RedNet equipment over Dante.