Focusrite Pro has announced four new products, including updates to the Red range of Thunderbolt interfaces, a new desktop monitor controller, and two updated RedNet audio interfaces.
Red 8Line is a new addition to the Red range of Pro Tools | HD, Thunderbolt and Dante audio interfaces, working with both Mac and PC, due to new Windows 10 drivers for Thunderbolt 3-equipped PC users. With mini-DigiLink, Thunderbolt 3 and Dante connections, it’s possible to quickly switch between Pro Tools, other DAW applications, and other Audio-over-IP (AoIP) without the need to reconfigure audio settings. It will be available November 2020.
Meanwhile, the new RedNet R1 is a desktop remote controller that 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 loudspeaker configurations.
RedNet R1 can be used to control groups of outputs from a Red interface’s multitude of sources and destinations, including Pro Tools | HD and other DAWs, analog inputs and outputs, ADAT and S/PDIF connections, and from Dante AoIP ecosystems, simultaneously and interchangeably. Top-panel control includes level, reference level preset selection, cut, dim, mute and a variety of solo modes. There’s also an A/B functionality for switching between numerous monitoring presets, and up to four fold-down presets that allow for checking downmixes.
It also includes Dante-enabled talkback, an internal microphone and an XLR input for connecting an external mic, and a headphones output so users can interact with their Dante system. 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 has two LCD displays designed to provide accurate level metering of the outputs, sources and headphone outputs, and for giving visual cues for navigating menus.
The unit is configured using RedNet Control software manager. Other functions of RedNet R1 include a quarter-inch jack socket that 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. It too will be available November 2020.
Finally, the RedNet A16R and RedNet D16R Dante interfaces, now offered as new MkII models — RedNet A16R MkII and RedNet D16R MkII — provide added functionality. They’re upgraded with individual level controls for input and output channels to allow more precise calibration of all inputs and outputs, inteded to make the process of accurate alignment of connected equipment more straightforward.
RedNet A16R MkII is a 16 x 16 line-level analog interface, suited for getting 16 channels of analog audio on or off a Dante AoIP network. RedNet D16R MkII is 16 x 16 AES3 interface that can be used for interfacing between digital audio equipment such as consoles and power amplifiers and a Dante network. Both units are outfitted with dual PSUs and primary and secondary networks, for redundant operations, with audio switchover in case of power loss or network failure. They’re available now..
Also new from Focusrite is the announcement of the upcoming availability of Windows 10 drivers for Thunderbolt 3-equipped PC users.
