Four new Reds from Focusrite Pro
Posted on: Tuesday 3rd of November 2020
Focusrite Pro has introduced a new Red 8Line interface, RedNet R1 desktop remote controller, and MkII editions of its RedNet A16R and RedNet D16R Dante interfaces.
Red 8Line is a completely new addition to the hugely powerful Red range of Pro Tools | HD, Thunderbolt 3 and Dante audio interfaces for Mac and PC. Red 8Line is a good choice for professionals who work in Pro Tools | HD and other DAWs — on both Mac and PC, thanks to the Windows 10 drivers for Thunderbolt 3-equipped PC users. With mini-DigiLink, Thunderbolt 3 and Dante connections, it’s possible to instantly switch between Pro Tools, other DAW applications, and a world of Audio-over-IP devices. Simply change the host mode either in RedNet Control software, or using a button on the Red 8Line front panel, to swap DAWs in seconds. Pair it with the new RedNet R1 desktop remote controller for an incredibly powerful user experience.
RedNet R1 is a desktop remote controller that opens up any Red range interface, by enabling audio professionals to interact with their hardware in an intuitive manner. It can control a range of different monitor output setups, ranging from mono through to 7.1.4 surround, including Dolby Atmos and other immersive audio workflows. Alternatively, completely custom setups of up to 12 outputs can be configured for bespoke speaker configurations.
RedNet R1 can be used to control groups of outputs from a Red interface’s multitude of sources and destinations, including from Pro Tools | HD and other DAWs, analogue inputs and outputs, ADAT and S/PDIF connections, and from entire Dante Audio-over-IP ecosystems, simultaneously and interchangeably. Top-panel control includes level, reference level preset selection, dim, mute and a variety of solo modes. There’s an A/B switch for switching between numerous monitoring presets, and up to four fold-down presets allow fast switching for checking downmixes.
RedNet R1 also features a Dante-enabled talkback section, an internal mic and an XLR input for connecting your own, and a high-powered headphones output, so you can interact with your Dante system like never before. Up to four talkback destination groups are available when used with a Red interface. (When used with other Dante devices, a single talkback group is available.) RedNet R1 features two LCD displays for highly accurate level metering of the outputs, sources and headphone outputs, and for giving visual cues for navigating around menus.
The unit is configured using RedNet Control, the software manager designed primarily for ease of use in quickly setting up both simple and complex monitoring and routing configurations. Other features of the RedNet R1 include a quarter-inch jack socket, which accepts a footswitch for talkback management, LFE muting and more. It can be powered via Ethernet to reduce cabling complexity (using the PoE standard), or by the supplied DC power supply.
