Focusrite Red 8Line 58-In / 64-Out Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface, Dante Chipset

Manufacturer's Description

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 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 and other DAW applications without the need to reconfigure your audio settings. Simply change the host mode either in RedNet Control software, or using the Red 8Line 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.

On-board Dante connectivity 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 7.1.2. Compatibility with the new Focusrite RedNet R1 desktop remote controller allows even greater flexibility, and customised presets for immersive monitoring environments including Dolby Atmos®.

Hitmaker Expansion

Improve your sound with studio quality vocals, powerful guitars, rich keys and huge drums, then mix and master with iconic Focusrite studio hardware — all in the box. Every new Red interface comes with an unbeatable range of tried-and-tested studio tools from some of the biggest names in the business.

Hitmaker Expansion — available with every newly registered Red interface — is built to get you mixing and mastering release-ready music immediately. These are all the plug-ins you need to take your studio-quality tracks to the next level and achieve professional results.

Key Features

• 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 enables switching 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 as standard enable daisy-chaining of devices such as plug-in accelerators, hard drives and external 4K displays
• Twin mini-DigiLink ports provide connectivity directly to Pro Tools | HD cards, with no need for device expansion
• Dual Dante ports enable connection to the industry standard Audio-over-IP protocol, for easy expansion and interoperability with other digital devices
• Monitor control supports mono, stereo and multi- channel monitoring environments up to 10 channels, including 7.1.2
• Extensive analogue I/O provided by eight line inputs and outputs on DB25; independent L/R monitor outputs; independent Red Evolution mic preamps, plus two stereo headphones outputs
• Three LCDs provide highly accurate level metering for any input or output block, as well as for main monitor and headphone outputs
• RedNet Control allows quick setup of complex monitoring and routing configurations, and control of the preamps remotely
• High-fidelity dual headphone outputs are powerful enough to deliver loud audio on high-impedance headphones
• Dual front-panel instrument connections ensure immediate access to instrument inputs, even when racked
• New Windows 10 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. Focusrite Plug-in Collective membership provides access to frequent free downloads from the most innovative music software brands

Specifications

What's in the box:

• Red 8Line unit
• IEC AC mains cable
• Thunderbolt 3 cable - 2 Metres
• Focusrite Pro Important Information Guide

System Requirements:

• 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).

Simultaneous Inputs & Outputs

• Channel Count Up to 58 x 64

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 on Thunderbolt 3 port (Thunderbolt 1 / 2 Windows systems are not supported)."
• Other: Internet connection for downloading and installing software and driver

Microphone Inputs
All measurements taken at maximum gain unless otherwise stated, Rs = 150Ω

• Gain Range: 0-8dB to 63dB in 1dB steps
• Type: Electronically Balanced, Zin = 6.2kΩ
• Max. Input Level: >+19dBu, min gain
• 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: -90dB
• 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

Line Inputs 1-8
All measurements taken at 24dBu, Rs = 600Ω

• 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

Instrument Inputs
All measurements taken at maximum gain unless otherwise stated, Rs = 600Ω

• Gain Range: 0-8dB to 63dB in 1dB steps
• Type: Zin = 2.3MΩ
• Max. Input Level: >+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)

Line Outputs 1-8
All measurements taken at maximum output level, Rs = 100kΩ

• 0 dBFS Reference Levels: +18 or +24dBu (switchable)
• Frequency Response: 20Hz - 35kHz ±0.2dB
• THD + N: <-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
All measurements taken at maximum output level, Rs = 100kΩ

• 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)

Headphone Outputs
All measurements taken at maximum output level, Rs = 600Ω

• 0 dBFS Reference Levels: +16dBm ± 0.5dB
• Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz ±0.2dB
• THD + N: <-75dB (0.018%) unweighted, 20Hz - 20kHz
• Dynamic Range: 114dB 'A'-weighted (typical), 20Hz - 20kHz
• Output Impedance: 10Ω
• Headphone Impedance: 32Ω - 600Ω

Crosstalk
Microphone Crosstalk

• Mic Input to Input: < -80dB; 20Hz - 20kHz (driven channel at -20dBFS)
• Mic Input to Output: < -130dB; 20Hz - 20kHz (driven channel at -20dBFS)
• Output to Mic Input: < -165dB; 20Hz - 20kHz (driven channel at -20dBFS)

Line Crosstalk

• Line Input to Line Input: < -100dB; 20Hz - 20kHz (driven channel at -20dBFS)
• Line Input to Output: < -150dB; 20Hz - 20kHz (driven channel at -20dBFS)
• Output to Line Input: < -150dB; 20Hz - 20kHz (driven channel at -20dBFS)

Output Crosstalk

• Output to Output: < -95dB; 20Hz - 20kHz (driven channel at -20dBFS)

Headphone Crosstalk

• Headphone to Headphone: < -95dB; 20Hz - 20kHz (driven channel at -20dBFS)

Digital Performance

• Supported Sample Rates: 44.1 / 48 / 88.2 / 96 / 176.4 / 192 kHz (-4% / -0.1% / +0.1% / +4.167%) at 24 bit
• Clock Sources: Internal, ADAT 1, ADAT 2, S/PDIF, Word Clock, Loop Sync or from Dante Network Master

Front Panel Connectivity
Instrument Inputs

• Channel Count: 2 Channels In
• Instrument Inputs: 2 x 1/4" TS jack

Headphone Outputs

• Channel Count: 2 Stereo Channels Out
• Headphone Outputs: 2 x 1/4" TRS stereo jack

Rear Panel Connectivity
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|HD

• 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
• Input and Output: 2 x Ethernet standard RJ45 connectors (Compatible with Cat 5e and above).

Mic Inputs

• Channel Count: 2 In
• Input: 2 x Female XLR

Line Level

• Channel Count: 8 In and 8 Out
• Input: 2 x DB-25 connectors (AES59)
• Output: 2 x DB-25 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)

Monitor Outputs

• Channel Count: 2 Out
• Montor Outputs: 2 x 1/4" TRS jack

Loop Sync

• Loop Sync Input: 1 x BNC 75Ω port
• Loop Sync Output: 1 x BNC 75Ω port

Word Clock

• Word Clock Input: 1 x BNC 75Ω port
• Word Clock Output: 1 x BNC 75Ω port

PSU

• PSU: 1 x IEC Input

Front Panel Indicators

• Screens: 3 x Screens (menus and metering)
• Control Functions: 2 x Encoders (menu navigation, channel functions (Gain, +48V, Phase, HPF, Air and Mic/Line/Inst) monitor and headphone outputs (Level, Mute and Dim)). 4 x Switches (control over menus & metering)

Power

• PSU: 1 x Internal, 100-240V, 50/60Hz, consumption 120W.

Heat Performance

• Operating Temperature: Operates at an ambient temperature of up to 40 degrees Celsius
• Fan: Dual fan

Product Dimensions

• 482mm (18.98") width x 343mm (13.50") depth x 44mm (1.73") height
• Weight: 4.84kg