Description

Meet the Red 8Line

Red 8Line has a total of 58 inputs and 64 outputs, including 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 features professional-grade 24-bit/192kHz A-D and D-A conversion for no-compromise, mastering-quality 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 onboard 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 new Focusrite RedNet R1 desktop remote controller allows even greater flexibility and customized 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-focused 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.

Red, RedNet, and ISA customers get a free plug-in from Focusrite and Brainworx

Brainworx bx_console Focusrite recreates the analogue signal paths of Focusrite’s revered ISA 110 and ISA 130 modules which were a part of the Focusrite Studio Console.

Designed and coded by the DSP geniuses at acclaimed software house Brainworx, the new bx_console Focusrite VST/AU/AAX plugin for Mac and PC faithfully captures the sound, feel, and styling of their original iconic hardware.

With bx_console Focusrite retailing separately for $349, its inclusion for free with all Red, RedNet, and ISA purchases is a huge deal!

In addition, customers who previously purchased any Red, RedNet, or ISA solution since January 2020 will have the plug-in available in their Focusrite account as long as they’ve registered the product.

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.

The 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.

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.

Included Software

RedNet Control is our software mixer designed primarily for ease of use in quickly setting up both simple and complex monitoring and routing configurations, together with the ability to control your preamps remotely.

Every Red interface comes with our Red 2 and Red 3 EQ and compression plug-ins. AAX/AU/VST-compatible, these plug-ins faithfully reproduce the sonic qualities of the original hardware, allowing you to take advantage of the classic Red sound – the sound of professional recording studios all over the world – across your entire mix.

Hitmaker Expansion

• Antares Auto-Tune Access
  For everything from natural sounding, near-real-time pitch adjustment for getting the best vocal takes, to lightning-fast Hip-hop-inspired pitching for adding a whole new sound to your tracks.
• Brainworx Bx_console Focusrite SC
  The preamps that made Focusrite what we are today to your music. No other plug-in offers the unique character of the iconic large format console, with ISA 110 preamps – the origin of the famous ‘Air’ we still hear on Focusrite interfaces today. Bx_console Focusrite SC is a full channel strip, offering EQ, de-esser, compressor, limiter, gate and expander. 
• Native Instruments MASSIVE

Want to add some real drama to your track? MASSIVE from Native Instruments is all about the BIG synth sounds – from huge bass to scorching leads. This high-end engine delivers stunning quality and an expansive universe of sounds to power and inspire your music. If deep-diving into synthesis is not on your radar, there’s over 1300 production-ready that you can use as is, or fine-tune to perfection. 

• Focusrite Red 2 & 3 Plug-in Suite
  Featuring a pair of meticulously captured digital models of the truly iconic EQ and Compressors which have made the Focusrite name a staple in world-class facilities across the globe. If you’ve kept up with major releases over the last 30 years, you’ve heard Red 2 and 3.
• Softube Marshall Silver Jubilee 2555
  The modern evolution of the iconic JCM800, brought to you by analogue-modelling experts Softube. The Silver Jubilee offers everything from warm cleans, through classic crunch, and up to modern high gain tube amp sounds. 
• Relab LX480 Essentials
  Get four reverbs, modelled on The Hit Factory NYC’s reverb unit, and used on countless hits. LX480 Essentials gives you the sounds of a studio which has played host to names from Springsteen, the Stones and Kool and the Gang, to The Weeknd, Pharell, Katy Perry, and everyone in between.
• XLN Audio Addictive Keys
  Add beautifully captured piano to your tracks with the choice of one of four professional-sounding models from Steinway, Yamaha and the classic Rhodes. Plug in your MIDI controller and play; instantly be transported to a professional recording studio set up to capture one of these beautiful pianos – right from your studio. 
• XLN Audio Addictive Drums 2: Studio Rock
  Add the sounds of a pro drummer to your songs easily. Featuring expertly captured samples from a high-end Tama and Pearl drums, and Paiste and Sabian cymbals, recorded at Decibel Studios in Stockholm. 
• Landr Studio, plus five free masters

Produce and release your best work with two-month’s access to Landr Studio, as well as five free masters you can use even when your two month’s subscription is over. Landr Studio provides everything you need to mix and master your tracks, including unlimited MP3 mastering, and unlimited distribution on streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, TikTok, and many more.

• FAST Balancer

When you want the fast-track to a solid mix, FAST Balancer accelerates the mix process using powerful AI that listens to your instrument or vocal tracks and serves up three selectable options to enhance the track and help them shine in the mix. 

All other product names and brands cited herein are property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used on this page are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, logos, and brands does not imply endorsement.

What’s in the box

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