RedNet MP8R

Description

The RedNet MP8R is an 8-channel remotely controlled microphone preamplifier and A/D converter for the Dante audio-over-IP network. Developed from the RedNet 4 studio remote-controlled microphone preamp and incorporating feedback from leading live sound professionals during its development, the MP8R offers a wealth of features that make it particularly well-suited for live sound, recording, and broadcast environments where reliability is paramount. It features two Ethernet ports with multiple operating modes, including daisy-chaining and redundancy, confirmed by indicators on the front panel.

Two independent power supplies with fault detection capability are included, with separate power input sockets on the rear panel. Power failures are indicated both remotely and on the front panel. The MP8R features a rugged, road-ready exterior and top-tier internal build quality. Additionally, it offers a compact 1U rack-mount format.

The MP8R preamps represent the latest iteration of Focusrite's award-winning microphone preamp designs, with a heritage dating back to Focusrite's original products from the mid-1980s. Keeping up with the latest advancements in audio technology, today's Focusrite preamps provide lower noise and greater dynamic range than ever before. The MP8R preamps offer an increased maximum input level of 28 dBu, along with a 20 dB pad, high-pass filter, polarity inversion, and phantom power. Each preamp features a dual input impedance of 10 kΩ or 2.4 kΩ, allowing flexibility when running multiple microphone preamps in parallel.

A particular feature of the MP8R, designed for the live sound field, is its gain tracking capability. The unit appears as a 16-channel device on the network, with the first eight channels serving as direct preamp feeds, while the remaining eight are automatically DSP level-compensated outputs derived from the first eight. This architecture enables digital domain "splits"—such as monitor/FOH—allowing one engineer to control the analog mic gain, while another receives an output level that remains constant regardless of the analog mic gain setting.

The preamps can be controlled in multiple ways, including RedNet Control software, Pro Tools, MIDI, and OCA (Open Control Architecture). Additionally, they can be operated directly from the MP8R front panel, where 6-segment level metering, numerical gain display, and other indicators provide full monitoring of the unit’s operation.

Following the mic preamps, the MP8R features eight channels of Focusrite's legendary high-precision A/D converters, operating at up to 192 kHz/24-bit with minimal latency, offering class-leading dynamic range and overall performance.

Like the entire RedNet range, the MP8R integrates seamlessly and fully with any other Dante audio-over-IP network components and infrastructure. Pairing and interconnection can be managed using Dante Controller software, while RedNet Control provides comprehensive remote operation of the microphone preamp.

Key Features:

• 8-Channel Mic Preamp with Remote Control, A/D, and Dante Audio-over-IP Networking - Eight Focusrite remote-controlled mic preamps with precision A/D conversion up to 192 kHz provide a compact and rugged interface, compatible with any Dante hardware and network infrastructure.

• Power and Ethernet Redundancy - MP8R is ideal for critical-path applications, with dual power supplies that include local and remote status indication, and dual Ethernet ports.

• Optimized for Live Sound Environments - MP8R features a road-ready rugged construction, high build quality, and integrated redundancy for power and network connections.

• Flexible Input Capability - With a new enhanced input level capability, the MP8R mic pres include dual input impedance to deliver maximum performance across a wide range of setups.

• Remote or Local Control of Mic Preamp Parameters - In addition to mic gain, the MP8R mic preamps offer a 20 dB pad, a high-pass filter, and polarity inversion, all of which can be controlled remotely or from the front panel.

• Multiple Remote Control Options - MP8R has full control from the front panel but can be managed more efficiently via RedNet Control software on a central computer, or directly through Pro Tools, MIDI, or OCA (Open Control Architecture). RedNet Control software allows total routing and control from your audio system via a software control panel, without hardware patching.

• Focusrite’s Best A/D Conversion - The eight mic preamps are followed by precision, low-latency conversion up to 24-bit and 192 kHz, offering the best dynamic range in its class.

• Two power LEDs (one per power supply), along with remote power status indication. The 6-segment metering provides a useful level indication for each channel, and function indicators show individual preamp settings. An OLED display indicates input gain and system information.

• Separate Outputs with Automatic Gain Compensation - Each preamp provides two outputs: one direct and another that is automatically compensated to offer a consistent level. This gain-tracking capability enables "splits," such as FOH/monitor, in the digital domain, allowing one engineer to control the analog mic gain while a second receives a compensated output.

• Excellent Road-Ready Build Quality - Designed for life on the road, the MP8R incorporates locking etherCON Ethernet connectors, high-quality Neutrik XLR connectors, and locking power input sockets. The compact 1U metal chassis features robust construction, and redundant power and Ethernet installations maximize reliability in the field.

Detailed Specifications:

Microphone Inputs

• Gain Range: 10 dB to 65 dB in 1 dB steps
• Type: Electronically balanced, Zin = 2.4kΩ/10kΩ (switchable); default input at 2.4kΩ without power
• Max. Input Level: 29 dBu ±0.5; minimum gain with pad for 0 dBFS, Rs = 150Ω
• Min. Input Level: -46 dBu ±0.5; maximum gain without pad for 0 dBFS, Rs = 150Ω
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 40 kHz ±0.1 dB
• THD+N: -98 dB (0.0012) @ -1 dBFS, Rs = 150Ω
• EIN: -129 dBu A-weighted (typical), Rs = 150Ω
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 118 dB A-weighted (typical), Rs = 150Ω
• Phantom Power: 48 V, independently switchable per channel
• Pad: -20 dB, independently switchable per channel
• HPF: -6 dB @ 65 ± 3 Hz, 12 dB/Octave, independently switchable per channel

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 or from the Dante Network Master

Rear Panel Connectivity

• Microphone Inputs: 8 x Female XLR

• Power Inputs: 2 x IEC inputs with retaining clamps

• Ports: 2 x etherCON NE8FBH-S, also compatible with standard RJ45 connectors

Network Modes

• Redundant Mode: Allows the unit to connect to two independent networks
• Switched Mode: Connects both ports to the integrated network switch, enabling device daisy-chaining