Focusrite AMS-RED-8LINE

Focusrite AMS-RED-8LINE

Focusrite AMS-RED-8LINE

Focusrite AMS-RED-8LINE

Red 8Line

SKU: FOC-AMS-RED-8LINE
MSRP: $3,899.99
MAP: $2,999.99

Overveiw

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 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.

Lastly, Red 8Line comes with a bundle of software 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 the faithfully captures the sound, feel and styling of the original Focusrite Studio Console. Red 2 and Red 3 EQ and Compression plug-ins are AAX/AU/VST-compatible recreations of the original and much-loved Red Range analogue hardware, which is still relied on heavily in professional studios today.

Key Features

  • Extremely high-quality audio conversion - High-performance 24-bit/192kHz A-D and D-A conversion with 119dB dynamic range A-D and 121dB dynamic range D-A (A-Weighted).
  • Seamless multi-platform workflow - Switch between different DAWs in seconds, using the front panel or control software.
  • Two Red Evolution remote-controllable mic preamps - Provide up to 63dB of ultra-clean gain, with phantom power, high-pass filter, phase reverse and Air mode.
  • Latest implementation of Thunderbolt 3 - Ultra-low-latency drivers for Mac and PC provide the flexibility to use DAW plug-ins in real-time. Dual Thunderbolt ports enable daisy-chaining of devices.
  • Pro Tools | HD connectivity as standard - Twin mini-DigiLink ports provide connectivity directly to Pro Tools | HD cards, with no need for device expansion.
  • Dante connectivity as standard - Dual Dante ports enable connection to the industry standard Audio-over-IP protocol, for easy expansion and interoperability with other digital devices.
  • Dedicated L/R monitor outputs and comprehensive control - Monitor control supports mono, stereo and multi-channel monitoring environments up to 7.1.2.
  • Extensive analogue I/O - Eight line inputs and outputs on DB25; independent L/R monitor outputs; independent Red Evolution mic preamps, plus two stereo headphones outputs.
  • Precision metering and display - Three LCDs provide highly accurate level metering for any input or output block, as well as for main monitor and headphone outputs.
  • Complete software/hardware control environment - RedNet Control allows quick setup of complex monitoring and routing configurations, and control of the preamps remotely.
  • Dual headphone outputs - High-fidelity headphone outputs are powerful enough to deliver loud audio on high-impedance headphones.
  • Dual front-panel instrument inputs - Front-panel connections ensure immediate access to instrument inputs, even when racked.
  • Windows 10 compatibility - Windows Thunderbolt drivers make Red 8Line compatible with PC-based audio systems.
  • Focusrite software bundle - 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, which accurately reproduce the sonic qualities of the original Red hardware. Also included is membership to the Focusrite Plug-in Collective.

Specifications

Simultaneous inputs & outputs

  • Channel CountUp to 58 x 64
  • Thunderbolt Channel CountUp to 58 In and 64 Out
  • Thunderbolt Ports2 x Thunderbolt 3 Ports (Primary Port 1 and Primary Port 2)
  • Pro Tools Channel CountUp to 58 In and 64 Out (32 In and 32 Out per connection)
  • Primary Port2 x Mini DigiLink
  • Dante Channel CountUp to 32 In and 32 Out
  • Dante Input And Output2 x ethernet standard RJ45 connectors (Compatible with Cat 5e and above).

System requirements

  • ComputerApple Mac with at least one Thunderbolt 3 port (or Thunderbolt 1 / 2 port and Apple Thunderbolt 3 adapter) running supported OS. Windows 10 system with at least one Thunderbolt 3 port (Thunderbolt 1 / 2 Windows systems are not supported)
  • Other Internet connection for downloading and installing software and driver

Microphone inputs

  • Gain Range0-8dB to 63dB in 1dB steps
  • Type Electronically Balanced, Zin = 6.2kΩ
  • Frequency Response 20Hz - 35kHz ±0.2dB, min gain
  • THD + N -101dB (0.0009%) @ -1dBFS (@ 11dB Gain)
  • EIN -129dBu 'A'-Weighted (typical)
  • Signal-To-Noise Ratio 119dB 'A'-Weighted (typical), min gain
  • 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 2dB boost at 10kHz and -2dB at 20Hz (ref 1kHz). Input impedance drop to 2.2kΩ
  • Max. Input Level +19dBu ±0.5, min gain
  • Mic Inputs Channel Count 2 In
  • Mic Inputs 2 x Female XLR

Line inputs 1-8

  • 0 DBFS Reference Level+18 or +24dBu (switchable)
  • TypeElectronically Balanced, Zin = 20kΩ
  • Frequency Response20Hz - 35kHz ±0.2dB
  • THD+N-102dB (0.0008%) @ -1dBFS
  • Signal-To-Noise Ratio119dB 'A'-Weighted (typical)
  • Common-Mode Rejection Ratio50/60Hz CMRR: -70dB
  • NoteAll measurements taken at 24dBu, Rs = 600Ω

Instrument inputs

  • Gain Range0-8dB to 63dB in 1dB steps
  • TypeZin = 2.3MΩ
  • Max. Input LevelGreater than +15dBu, min gain
  • Frequency Response20Hz - 35kHz ±0.2dB, min gain
  • THD+N-100dB (0.001%) @ -1dBFS (@ 11dB Gain)
  • Signal-To-Noise Ratio117dB 'A'-Weighted (typical), min gain
  • HPF-3dB @ 80 ± 3Hz, 12dB/Octave, independently switchable per channel
  • Air Mode2dB boost at 10kHz and -2dB at 20Hz (ref 1kHz)
  • Instrument Inputs2 x 1/4" TS jack
  • Channel Count2 Channels In

Line outputs 1-8

  • 0 DBFS Reference Levels+18 or +24dBu (switchable)
  • Frequency Response20Hz - 35kHz ±0.2dB
  • THD+NLess than -104dB (0.0006%) unweighted, 20Hz - 20kHz; -1dBFS input
  • Dynamic Range121dB 'A'-weighted (typical), 20Hz - 20kHz
  • Output ImpedanceNominal output impedance = 136Ω balanced (68Ω each phase)

Monitor outputs

  • 0 DBFS Reference Levels+18dBu
  • Frequency Response20Hz - 35kHz ±0.2dB
  • THD+N-80dB (0.01%) unweighted, 20Hz - 20kHz; -1dBFS input
  • Dynamic Range120dB (A-Weighted)
  • Output ImpedanceNominal output impedance = 136Ω balanced (68Ω each phase)
  • Channel Count2 Out
  • Monitor Outputs2 x 1/4" TRS jack

Headphone outputs

  • 0 DBFS Reference Levels+16dBm ± 0.5dB
  • Frequency Response20Hz - 20kHz ±0.2dB
  • THD+NLess than -75dB (0.018%) unweighted, 20Hz - 20kHz
  • Dynamic Range114dB 'A'-weighted (typical), 20Hz - 20kHz
  • Output Impedance10Ω
  • Headphone Impedance32Ω - 600Ω
  • Channel Count2 Stereo Channels Out
  • Headphone Outputs2 x 1/4" TRS stereo jack

Digital performance

  • Supported Sample Rates44.1 / 48 / 88.2 / 96 / 176.4 / 192 kHz at 24 bit
  • Clock Sourcesspan>Internal, ADAT, S/PDIF, Word Clock, Loop Sync or from Dante Network Master

Line level

  • Channel Count8 In and 8 Out
  • Input2 x DB25 connectors (AES59)
  • Output2 x DB25 connectors (AES59)

ADAT

  • Channel CountUp to 16 In and 16 Out
  • Input2 x TOSLINK connector
  • Output2 x TOSLINK connector
  • Channel Assignments @ 44.1 KHz, 48 KHzPort 1 = Channels 1 - 8 , Port 2 = Channels 9 - 16
  • Channel Assignments @ 88.2 KHz, 96 KHz: SMUXIPort 1 = Channels 1 - 4, Port 2 = Channels 5 - 8
  • Channel Assignments @ 176.4 KHz, 192 KHzSMUXII: Port 1 = Channels 1 - 2 , Port 2 = Channels 3 - 4

S/PDIF

  • Channel Count2 In and 2 Out (Optical up to 96kHz)
  • Input1 x RCA phono socket (1 x TOSLINK up to 96kHz)
  • Output1 x RCA phono socket (1 x TOSLINK up to 96kHz)