FOCUSRITE HITS THE RED LINE… AGAIN

15 September 2017

Focusrite’s RedNet series brought the flexibility of Dante networked audio to the studio recording environment. Apparently the brand hit a sweet-spot, evidenced by its ongoing focus on the digital audio side that’s ever so clear in its latest Red16Line interface. It’s a 64 x 64 channel 1U rack unit, 16 x 16 comprise analogue I/O. Red16Line fully supports Pro Tools HD and Thunderbolt 3 workflows and offers 32 x 32 channels of Dante audio-over-IP connectivity. Two onboard Red Evolution pres provide 63dB of gain and ISA-modelling Air mode. Conversion specs are stated as 118dB on the way in and 121dB D-A. Dual-port Dante connections mean you can expand your studio over Ethernet for more channels at higher sample rates anywhere in your network. A side-serve of software includes Focusrite Control mixer for routing and monitoring, plus the Red 2 and Red 3 EQ and compression plug-in suite in AAX/VST/AU formats.

Also in audio-over-IP territory, Focusrite introduced the slick little X2P Dante interface with two Red Evolution mic pres and a stereo headphone amp. It’s a good way of adding some I/O to Red interfaces or any other Dante system, say, as an input and monitoring device for artists in the recording room. Physical controls include input gain and settings for both preamps, line out and headphones level knobs, and a network/local input mix knob.

Focusrite: www.focusrite.com
Australian Distributor: www.innovativemusic.com.au