Red 8 Line

Description

Red 8Line features a total of 58 inputs and 64 outputs, including two Red Evolution mic preamps, independent L/R monitoring outputs, eight balanced line inputs and outputs on DB25 connectors; 32 channels of Dante I/O; 16-channel ADAT input and output (at 48 kHz), and stereo S/PDIF input and output. Like other Red interfaces, it incorporates professional-grade 24-bit/192 kHz A-D and D-A conversion for uncompromising, mastering-quality audio recording and playback. With an A-D dynamic range of 119 dB and a D-A dynamic range of 121 dB (A-weighted), the converters have been expertly selected and calibrated by Focusrite to offer the best balance between sound quality, dynamic range, and conversion latency.

The two digitally controlled Red Evolution mic preamps are the result of decades of meticulous attention to detail in Focusrite’s audio hardware design. Each preamp provides up to 63 dB of ultra-clean gain, with individual phantom power, high-pass filter, and phase inversion, as well as the option to link both channels in stereo. The switchable Air mode emulates the sonic profile of the renowned Focusrite ISA 110 input module, bringing any signal to life.

The Focusrite Red range is the best choice for professionals working with Pro Tools | HD and other DAWs, both on Mac and PC. With mini-DigiLink and Thunderbolt 3 connections, you can instantly switch between Pro Tools | HD and other DAWs without reconfiguring your audio settings. Simply change the host mode in RedNet Control software or via the front panel to switch DAWs in seconds. This ability to quickly change between production environments ensures you never miss a moment of inspiration or keep your clients waiting.

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

In addition to Thunderbolt 3 and Pro Tools HD connectivity, the built-in Dante connection allows Red 8Line to communicate with industry-standard audio-over-IP equipment from hundreds of manufacturers. Dante facilitates system expansion, new workflows, and rapid system expansion via Focusrite RedNet interfaces or third-party devices such as Neve, Yamaha, and DigiCo.

Red 8Line has integrated monitoring control for mono, stereo, and multichannel monitoring environments up to 7.1. Support for the Focusrite RedNet R1 desktop remote controller provides even greater flexibility and custom gifts for immersive monitoring environments, including Dolby Atmos®.

Other features of the Red 8Line include precision metering and visualization: the interface has three LCD screens for highly accurate level metering for any input or output block, as well as main monitor and headphone outputs. The two high-fidelity discrete headphone outputs are powerful enough to deliver loud and clear audio for high-impedance headphones and are controlled from the interface’s front panel. The dual instrument inputs on the front panel ensure immediate access for quickly connecting a guitar, for example, even when rack-mounted.

RedNet Control 2 is a software mixer with a hardware-focused workflow, designed to enable quick setup of both simple and complex monitoring and routing configurations, along with remote control of the Red Evolution preamps. This allows for closer integration with RedNet equipment via Dante.

Finally, Red 8Line comes with a software package that celebrates Focusrite’s legacy and brings the classic Focusrite sound to your DAW. Brainworx bx_console Focusrite SC is a plug-in for Mac and PC that faithfully captures the sound, feel, and style of the original Focusrite Studio Console. The Red 2 and Red 3 EQ and compression plug-ins are AAX/AU/VST-compatible recreations of the original and highly regarded Red range analog hardware, which remains trusted in professional studios today.

Key Features

• High-quality audio conversion - High-performance 24-bit/192 kHz A-D and D-A conversion with an A-D dynamic range of 119 dB and a D-A dynamic range of 121 dB (A-weighted).
• Seamless cross-platform workflow - Switch between different DAWs in seconds using the front panel or control software.
• Two remote-controlled Red Evolution mic preamps - Provide up to 63 dB of ultra-clean gain, with phantom power, high-pass filter, phase inversion, and Air mode.
• Latest Thunderbolt 3 implementation - Ultra-low latency drivers for Mac and PC provide the flexibility to use DAW plug-ins in real time. Dual Thunderbolt ports allow for daisy-chaining devices.
• Built-in Pro Tools | HD connectivity - Dual mini-DigiLink ports provide direct connectivity to Pro Tools | HD cards without requiring an expansion device.
• Built-in Dante connectivity - Dual Dante ports allow connection to industry-standard Audio-over-IP protocol, facilitating expansion and interoperability with other digital devices.
• Dedicated L/R monitoring outputs and extensive control - Monitoring control supports mono, stereo, and multichannel monitoring environments up to 7.1.2.
• Extensive analog I/O - Eight line inputs and outputs on DB25; independent L/R monitoring outputs; independent Red Evolution mic preamps, plus two stereo headphone outputs.
• Precision metering and visualization - Three LCD screens provide highly accurate level metering for any input or output block, as well as for the main monitor and headphone outputs.
• Complete software/hardware control environment - RedNet Control enables rapid setup of complex monitoring and routing configurations and remote preamp control.
• Dual headphone outputs - High-fidelity headphone outputs are powerful enough to deliver loud audio for high-impedance headphones.
• Dual instrument inputs on the front panel - Front panel connections ensure immediate access to instrument inputs, even when rack-mounted.
• Windows 10 compatibility - Windows Thunderbolt drivers make Red 8Line compatible with PC-based audio systems.
• Focusrite software package - Includes the Brainworx bx_console Focusrite SC channel strip from the original Focusrite Studio Console, plus Red 2 and Red 3 EQ and compression plug-ins that accurately reproduce the sonic qualities of the original Red hardware. Membership to the Focusrite Plug-in Collective is also included.
  

Detailed Specifications

Simultaneous Inputs and Outputs

• Number of Channels: Up to 58 x 64
• Thunderbolt Channels: Up to 58 inputs and 64 outputs
• Thunderbolt Ports: 2 Thunderbolt 3 ports (Primary Port 1 and Primary Port 2)
• Pro Tools Channel Count: Up to 58 Inputs and 64 Outputs (32 Inputs and 32 Outputs per connection)
• Primary Port: 2 x Mini DigiLink
• Dante Channels: Up to 32 Inputs and 32 Outputs
• Dante Input and Output: 2 standard RJ45 Ethernet connectors (compatible with Cat 5e and above)

System Requirements

• Computer:
  • Apple Mac with at least one Thunderbolt 3 port (or Thunderbolt 1/2 port with an Apple Thunderbolt 3 adapter) running a compatible OS
  • Windows 10 system with at least one Thunderbolt 3 port (Windows systems with Thunderbolt 1/2 are not supported)
• Other Requirements: Internet connection for downloading and installing software and drivers

Microphone Inputs

• Gain Range: 0-8dB to 63dB in 1dB steps
• Type: Electronically balanced, Zin = 6.2kΩ
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 35 kHz ±0.2 dB, minimum gain
• THD+N: -101dB (0.0009%) @ -1dBFS (@ 11dB Gain)
• EIN: -129dBu 'A'-weighted (typical)
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 119 dB 'A'-weighted (typical), minimum gain
• Common Mode Rejection Ratio (CMRR): 50/60Hz CMRR: -70dB
• Phantom Power: +48V, independently switchable per channel
• High-Pass Filter (HPF): -3dB @ 80 ± 3Hz, 12dB/Octave, independently switchable per channel
• Air Mode: 2 dB boost at 10 kHz and -2 dB at 20 Hz (ref 1 kHz), input impedance drop to 2.2kΩ
• Max Input Level: +19dBu ±0.5, minimum gain
• Microphone Input Channels: 2 Inputs
• Microphone Inputs: 2 x Female XLR

Line Inputs (1-8)

• 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 (CMRR): 50/60Hz CMRR: -70dB
• Note: All measurements performed at 24dBu, Rs = 600Ω

Instrument Inputs

• Gain Range: 0-8dB to 63dB in 1dB steps
• Type: Zin = 2.3MΩ
• Max Input Level: Greater than +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
• High-Pass Filter (HPF): -3dB @ 80 ± 3Hz, 12dB/Octave, independently switchable per channel
• Air Mode: 2 dB boost at 10 kHz and -2 dB at 20 Hz (ref 1 kHz)
• Instrument Inputs: 2 x 1/4" TS Jacks
• Number of Channels: 2 Input Channels

Line Outputs (1-8)

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

Monitor Outputs

• 0 dBFS Reference Levels: +18dBu
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 35 kHz ±0.2 dB
• THD+N: -80dB (0.01%) unweighted, 20Hz - 20kHz; input -1dBFS
• 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 Jacks

Headphone Outputs

• 0 dBFS Reference Levels: +16dBm ± 0.5dB
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz ±0.2 dB
• THD+N: Lower than -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 at 24-bit
• Clock Sources: Internal, ADAT, S/PDIF, Word Clock, Loop Sync, or Dante Network Master

Line Level

• Number of Channels: 8 Inputs and 8 Outputs
• Input: 2 x DB25 Connectors (AES59)
• Output: 2 x DB25 Connectors (AES59)

ADAT

• Number of Channels: Up to 16 Inputs and 16 Outputs
• Input: 2 x TOSLINK Connector
• Output: 2 x TOSLINK Connector
• Channel Assignment @ 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz:
  • Port 1 = Channels 1 - 8
  • Port 2 = Channels 9 - 16
• Channel Assignment @ 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz: (SMUX I)
  • Port 1 = Channels 1 - 4
  • Port 2 = Channels 5 - 8
• Channel Assignment @ 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz: (SMUX II)
  • Port 1 = Channels 1 - 2
  • Port 2 = Channels 3 - 4

S/PDIF

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