Red 16Line

Description

The Red 16Line is a high-performance 64-in/64-out Pro Tools | HD and dual Thunderbolt 3 audio interface featuring ultra-low-latency A-D/D-A conversion, Red Evolution mic preamps, up to 121 dB dynamic range, ultra-low round-trip latency, and Ethernet expansion for networked audio. With both DigiLink connectors and Thunderbolt connections, switching between Pro Tools | HD and another DAW has never been easier—no need to reconfigure optional interface cards. Simply switch the host mode in the remote-control software or via the front panel and change DAWs in seconds.

High-performance audio converters offer over 118 dB A/D dynamic range and 121 dB D/A dynamic range (A-weighted), expertly selected and calibrated to deliver the best balance of sound quality, dynamic range, and conversion latency in Focusrite's top-tier audio interface. The ultra-low round-trip latency of the Red 16Line transforms workflow efficiency. If you're used to creating two separate mixes—one using input monitoring for overdubbing and another using the DAW for playback—the good news is that now, one mix is enough. Simply create your mix in the DAW and use it seamlessly for both overdubbing and playback, with all your plug-ins in place at all times.

The Red 16Line features 16 line inputs on D-sub, along with 16 line outputs and two main monitor outputs. Its two digitally controlled Red Evolution mic preamps provide up to 63 dB of ultra-clean gain, with stereo linking, independent phantom power, high-pass filter, phase inversion, and Air mode—Focusrite’s signature analog sound inspired by the classic transformer-based ISA preamp. Equipped with a dual-port Dante card, the Red 16Line allows for studio expansion via Ethernet, increasing channel count at higher sample rates anywhere on your network, with lower latency and reduced cost.

Key Features

• Seamless Pro Tools | HD and DAW integration - Connect to Pro Tools | HD, Thunderbolt computers, and Dante simultaneously without optional cards.
• High-performance audio conversion - Over 118 dB A/D dynamic range and 121 dB D/A dynamic range (A-weighted) for superior sound quality.
• Ultra-low round-trip latency - Track with plug-ins and record virtual instruments in real-time with minimal latency.
• Comprehensive analog I/O - 16 line inputs on D-sub, 16 line outputs, and two main monitor outputs.
• Two digitally controlled Red Evolution mic preamps - Provide up to 63 dB of ultra-clean gain, with stereo link, independent phantom power, high-pass filter, and phase inversion.
• Air mode - Adds the clarity of a transformer-based ISA preamp to recordings.
• Dual Thunderbolt 3 ports - Connect additional Thunderbolt devices for flexible workflow configurations.
• Built-in dual-port Dante card - Enables more channels at higher sample rates with low latency over Ethernet.
• Precision metering - Three LCD screens provide highly accurate level monitoring.
• Dual high-fidelity headphone outputs - Discrete headphone outputs deliver powerful and accurate monitoring.
• Flexible digital connectivity - Word clock I/O and loop sync I/O for seamless synchronization.
• Front-panel instrument inputs - Two direct instrument inputs for quick and easy access.
• Red 2 and Red 3 plug-ins included - AAX/AU/VST-compatible EQ and compression plug-ins modeled after the legendary Focusrite hardware.

Detailed Specifications

Simultaneous Inputs and Outputs

• Number of Channels: Up to 64 x 64
• Line Level Channel Count: 16 Inputs and 16 Outputs
• Line Level Input: 2 x DB-25 connectors (AES59)
• Line Level Output: 2 x DB-25 connectors (AES59)
• Thunderbolt Channel Count: Up to 64 Inputs and 64 Outputs
• Thunderbolt Ports: 2 x Thunderbolt 3 ports (Primary Port 1 and Primary Port 2)
• Pro Tools Channel Count: Up to 64 Inputs and 64 Outputs (32 Inputs and 32 Outputs per connection)
• Main Port: 2 x Mini DigiLink
• Dante Channel Count: Up to 32 Inputs and 32 Outputs
• Dante Input and Output: 2 x Standard RJ45 Ethernet connectors (compatible with Cat 5e and higher)

Microphone Inputs

• Gain Range: 0-8dB to 63dB in 1dB steps
• Type: Electronically balanced, Zin = 20kΩ
• Max. Input Level: >+19dBu, minimum gain
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 35 kHz ±0.2 dB
• THD + N: -102dB (0.0008%) @ -1dBFS
• EIN: <-129dBu 'A'-Weighted (typical)
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 119 dB 'A'-Weighted (typical)
• Common Mode Rejection Ratio: 50/60Hz CMRR: -70dB
• Phantom Power: +48V, independently switchable per channel
• HPF: High-pass filter (HPF): -3dB @ 80 ± 3Hz, 12dB/Octave, independently switchable per channel
• Air Mode: +2 dB boost at 10 kHz and -2 dB cut at 20 Hz (ref 1 kHz). Input impedance drop to 2.2kΩ
• Number of Microphone Input Channels: 2 Inputs
• Microphone Input: 2 x Female XLR

Line Inputs 1-16

• 0 dBFS Reference Level: +18 or +24dBu (switchable)
• Type: Electronically balanced, Zin = 20kΩ
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 35 kHz ±0.2 dB
• THD + N: -102dB (0.0008%) @ -1dBFS
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 119 dB 'A'-Weighted (typical)
• Common Mode Rejection Ratio: 50/60Hz CMRR: -70dB
• Line Level Input: 2 x DB-25 connectors (AES59)

Instrument Inputs

• Gain Range: 0-8dB to 63dB in 1dB steps
• Type: Zin = 2.3MΩ
• Max. Input Level: >+15dBu, minimum gain
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 35 kHz ±0.2 dB, minimum gain
• THD + N: -100dB (0.001%) @ -1dBFS (@ 11dB Gain)
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 117 dB 'A'-Weighted (typical), minimum gain
• HPF: -3dB @ 80 ± 3Hz, 12dB/Octave, independently switchable per channel
• Air Mode: +2 dB boost at 10 kHz and -2 dB cut at 20 Hz (ref 1 kHz)
• Number of Channels: 2 Input Channels
• Instrument Inputs: 2 x 1/4" TS Stereo Jack

Line Outputs 1-16

• 0 dBFS Reference Levels: +18 or +24 dBu (switchable)
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 35 kHz ±0.2 dB
• THD + N: <-104dB (0.0006%) unweighted, 20Hz - 20kHz; -1dBFS input
• Dynamic Range: 121 dB 'A'-Weighted (typical), 20Hz - 20kHz
• Output Impedance: Nominal output impedance = 136Ω balanced (68Ω per phase)
• Line Level Output: 2 x DB-25 connectors (AES59)

Monitor Outputs

• 0 dBFS Reference Levels: +18dBu
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 35 kHz ±0.2 dB
• THD + N: -80dB (0.01%) unweighted, 20Hz - 20kHz; -1dBFS input
• Dynamic Range: 120 dB 'A'-Weighted
• Output Impedance: Nominal output impedance = 136Ω balanced (68Ω per phase)
• Number of Channels: 2 Outputs
• Monitor Outputs: 2 x 1/4" TRS Stereo

Headphone Outputs

• 0 dBFS Reference Levels: +16dBm ±0.5dB
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz ±0.2 dB
• THD + N: <-75dB (0.018%) unweighted, 20Hz - 20kHz
• Dynamic Range: 114 dB 'A'-Weighted (typical), 20 Hz - 20 kHz
• Output Impedance: 10Ω
• Headphone Impedance: 32Ω - 600Ω
• Number of Channels: 2 Stereo Output Channels
• Headphone Outputs: 2 x 1/4" TRS Stereo

Digital Performance

• Supported Sample Rates: 44.1 / 48 / 88.2 / 96 / 176.4 / 192 kHz (-4% / -0.1% / +0.1% / +4.167%) at 24-bit
• Clock Sources: Internal, ADAT 1, ADAT 2, S/PDIF, Word Clock, Loop Sync, or from the Dante Network Master

ADAT

• Number of ADAT Channels: Up to 16 Inputs and 16 Outputs
• ADAT Input: 2 x TOSLINK Connector
• ADAT Output: 2 x TOSLINK Connector
• ADAT Channel Mapping at 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz: Port 1 = Channels 1 - 8, Port 2 = Channels 9 - 16
• ADAT Channel Mapping at 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz: SMUXI: Port 1 = Channels 1 - 4, Port 2 = Channels 5 - 8
• ADAT Channel Mapping at 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz: SMUXII: Port 1 = Channels 1 - 2, Port 2 = Channels 3 - 4

S/PDIF

• Number of S/PDIF Channels: 2 Input and 2 Output (Optical up to 96 kHz)
• S/PDIF Input: 1 x RCA Phono Jack (1 x TOSLINK up to 96 kHz)
• S/PDIF Output: 1 x RCA Phono Jack (1 x TOSLINK up to 96 kHz)