Focusrite has announced its Red 8Line, a 58-input, 64-output Thunderbolt 3 audio interface.
The Red 8Line features two Red Evolution mic preamps, independent LR monitor outs, eight balanced line analogue inputs and outputs, up to 58-in/64-out DigiLink I/O, 32 channels of Dante I/O, 16-channel Adat input and output (48kHz), and stereo SPDIF I/O. As with other Red interfaces, Red 8Line features 192kHz, 24-bit A-D and D-A conversion.
With both mini-DigiLink and Thunderbolt 3 connections, it is possible to switch between Pro Tools and other DAW applications without the need to reconfigure audio settings – the host mode can be changed either in RedNet Control software or with Red 8Line’s front panel controls.
Red 8Line features the latest implementation of Thunderbolt 3, with Focusrite’s ultra-low-latency Thunderbolt drivers. This speed provides the flexibility to use DAW plug-ins in real time. With two Thunderbolt 3 ports as standard, it is also possible to daisy-chain Thunderbolt devices, such as third-party plug-in accelerators, hard drives, external 4K displays, processing units and Thunderbolt hubs. New Windows 10 Thunderbolt drivers make Red 8Line compatible with PC-based audio systems equipped with Thunderbolt 3.
Onboard Dual Dante ports enable connection using the Audio-over-IP protocol, for easy expansion and interoperability with the Focusrite RedNet family of interfaces, and AoIP equipment from manufacturers including Neve, Yamaha and DiGiCo. Twin mini-DigiLink ports provide connectivity directly to Pro Tools HD cards, with no need for device expansion. Digital synchronisation is facilitated by Loop Sync and Word Clock I/O. The two Red Evolution remote-controllable mic preamps provide up to 63dB of gain, with phantom power, high-pass filter, phase reverse and Air mode lending the sonic signature of Focusrite’s transformer-based ISA Preamp. Dual front-panel instrument connections ensure immediate access for DI input, even when racked.
Along with its eight line inputs and outputs on DB25, Red 8Line’s analogue I/O features independent LR monitor outputs plus two stereo headphone outputs powerful enough to drive high-impedance headphones. Red 8Line has built-in monitor control for mono, stereo and multichannel monitoring up to ten channels, including 7.1.2. Compatibility with the new Focusrite RedNet R1 desktop remote controller allows greater flexibility, and custom presets for immersive monitoring environments including Dolby Atmos RedNet Control software allows quick setup of complex monitoring and routing configurations, and control of the preamps remotely. Three colour LCDs provide accurate level metering for any input or output block, as well as for main monitor and headphone outputs in addition to parameter display.
Red 8Line is accompanied by a software bundle that 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.
More: www.focusrite.com
