Red 8Line

58x64 all-in-one interface, 32x32 Dante I/O 

Red 8Line is a 58-input, 64-output, Thunderbolt™ 3 audio interface that features 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 has professional-grade 24-bit/192kHz A-D and D-A conversion for no-compromise 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 Count: Up to 58 x 64

Thunderbolt Channel Count: Up to 58 In and 64 Out

Thunderbolt Ports: 2 x Thunderbolt 3 Ports (Primary Port 1 and Primary Port 2)

Pro Tools Channel Count: Up to 58 In and 64 Out (32 In and 32 Out per connection)

Primary Port: 2 x Mini DigiLink

Dante Channel Count: Up to 32 In and 32 Out

Dante Input And Output: 2 x ethernet standard RJ45 connectors (Compatible with Cat 5e and above).

 

System requirements

Computer: Apple 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 Range: 0-8dB 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)

Type: Electronically Balanced, Zin = 20kΩ

Frequency Response: 20Hz - 35kHz ±0.2dB

THD+N: -102dB (0.0008%) @ -1dBFS

Signal-To-Noise Ratio: 119dB 'A'-Weighted (typical)

Common-Mode Rejection Ratio: 50/60Hz CMRR: -70dB

Note: All measurements taken at 24dBu, Rs = 600Ω

 

Instrument inputs

Gain Range: 0-8dB to 63dB in 1dB steps

Type: Zin = 2.3MΩ

Max. Input Level: Greater than +15dBu, min gain

Frequency Response: 20Hz - 35kHz ±0.2dB, min gain

THD+N: -100dB (0.001%) @ -1dBFS (@ 11dB Gain)

Signal-To-Noise Ratio: 117dB 'A'-Weighted (typical), min gain

HPF: -3dB @ 80 ± 3Hz, 12dB/Octave, independently switchable per channel

Air Mode: 2dB boost at 10kHz and -2dB at 20Hz (ref 1kHz)

Instrument Inputs: 2 x 1/4" TS jack

Channel Count: 2 Channels In

 

Line outputs 1-8

0 DBFS Reference Levels: +18 or +24dBu (switchable)

Frequency Response: 20Hz - 35kHz ±0.2dB

THD+N: Less than -104dB (0.0006%) unweighted, 20Hz - 20kHz; -1dBFS input

Dynamic Range: 121dB 'A'-weighted (typical), 20Hz - 20kHz

Output Impedance: Nominal output impedance = 136Ω balanced (68Ω each phase)

 

Monitor outputs

0 DBFS Reference Levels: +18dBu

Frequency Response: 20Hz - 35kHz ±0.2dB

THD+N: -80dB (0.01%) unweighted, 20Hz - 20kHz; -1dBFS input

Dynamic Range: 120dB (A-Weighted)

Output Impedance: Nominal output impedance = 136Ω balanced (68Ω each phase)

Channel Count: 2 Out

Monitor Outputs: 2 x 1/4" TRS jack

 

Headphone outputs

0 DBFS Reference Levels: +16dBm ± 0.5dB

Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz ±0.2dB

THD+N: Less than -75dB (0.018%) unweighted, 20Hz - 20kHz

Dynamic Range: 114dB 'A'-weighted (typical), 20Hz - 20kHz

Output Impedance: 10Ω

Headphone Impedance: 32Ω - 600Ω

Channel Count: 2 Stereo Channels Out

Headphone Outputs: 2 x 1/4" TRS stereo jack

 

Digital performance

Supported Sample Rates: 44.1 / 48 / 88.2 / 96 / 176.4 / 192 kHz at 24 bit

Clock Sources: Internal, ADAT, S/PDIF, Word Clock, Loop Sync or from Dante Network Master

 

Line level

Channel Count: 8 In and 8 Out

Input: 2 x DB25 connectors (AES59)

Output: 2 x DB25 connectors (AES59)

 

ADAT

Channel Count: Up to 16 In and 16 Out

Input: 2 x TOSLINK connector

Output: 2 x TOSLINK connector

Channel Assignments @ 44.1 KHz, 48 KHz: Port 1 = Channels 1 - 8 , Port 2 = Channels 9 - 16

Channel Assignments @ 88.2 KHz, 96 KHz: SMUXI: Port 1 = Channels 1 - 4, Port 2 = Channels 5 - 8

Channel Assignments @ 176.4 KHz, 192 KHz: SMUXII: Port 1 = Channels 1 - 2 , Port 2 = Channels 3 - 4

 

S/PDIF

Channel Count: 2 In and 2 Out (Optical up to 96kHz)

Input: 1 x RCA phono socket (1 x TOSLINK up to 96kHz)

Output: 1 x RCA phono socket (1 x TOSLINK up to 96kHz)

58-In, 64-Out Thunderbolt™ 3 audio interface with two Red Evolution mic pres, analogue line-level, digiLink, Dante®, ADAT & S/PDIF connectivity

Red 8Line is a 58-input, 64-output, Thunderbolt™ 3 audio interface that features 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 has professional-grade 24-bit/192kHz A-D and D-A conversion for no-compromise 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.