Description

Eight line-level analog channels of master-quality  24-bit/192 AD/DA conversion with redundant Dante Audio-over-IP network and power-supplies

Taking its familiar and sleek, red anodized face plate as a nod to the top-of-the-line Focusrite Red Range (a hallmark of world class studios for decades), the RedNet A8R interface adds eight remote-controlled channels of analog line-level I/O to any Dante audio-over-IP network. Designed and built specifically for applications that require rock-solid, long-term reliability, Focusrite’s RedNet A8R features redundant Dante network ports and power supplies to ensure the show must go on in live sound and broadcast environments, as well as educational and recording studio operation. As audio professionals have come to expect from Focusrite, the RedNet A8R delivers impeccable audio quality thanks to the superb performance of Focusrite’s unique, dual-path, mastering-quality conversion.

 Focusrite RedNet A8R in one take:

• Eight channels of high-quality, 24-bit/192kHz conversion, 119dB dynamic range, flat analog I/O frequency response (±0.05dB)
• Redundant universal PSUs and dual Switched or Redundant network ports
• Internally balanced signals, ultra quiet input I/O
• Word Clock or DARS (digital audio reference signal) sync, input sample rate conversion

INSIDE THE BOX—Focusrite RedNet A8R

High-quality, 24-bit/192kHz conversion

RedNet A8R offers high-quality 192kHz/24-bit A/D and D/A conversion with up to 119dB dynamic range (A weighted, -60dBFS method) that’s flat from 20Hz to 20kHz (±0.15dB), plus two channels of AES/EBU digital I/O, to and from the Dante network. RedNet A8R provides 24-bit conversion at 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 192kHz sample rates (remotely selectable) and includes pull-up/down capability.  The RedNet A8R uses Jet PLL technology to minimize jitter. All analog inputs and outputs feature a flat frequency response of 20Hz-20kHz ±0.05dB, with a dynamic range of 119dB A-weighted (-60dBFS signal with 20kHz LP filter). The Focusrite RedNet A8R also features software-based routing and control, with no hardware patching necessary.

Redundant network and PSU (power supply)

RedNet A8R can operate in either Switched or Redundant mode. In Switched mode, the AR8 can be used with a single Ethernet connection while additional devices can be chained from the secondary connector. These ports can be remotely configured between Switched (daisy-chain) and Redundant modes. In Redundant mode, the A8R switches between Primary and Secondary network ports automatically without signal loss. The RedNet A8R also includes dual independent universal (100–240V) power supplies. In the event of a failure, the unit will automatically switch between supplies to prevent any signal interruption..

Internally balanced signals

Electronically balanced analog inputs and outputs are provided on DB25 connectors, and are remotely configurable for 0dBFS= +18dBu or +24dBu signal levels. The A8R’s ultra low-noise input is further supported and enhanced by Focusrite’s unique dual-path, mastering-quality conversion, which maintains a balanced signal throughout the chain. The A8R parallel path summing conversion lowers noise and improves output level, resulting in an overall improvement in signal-to-noise ratio of 3dB.

Word Clock or DARS synchronization

In addition to the analog I/O, two channels of AES/EBU I/O are provided on XLR connectors, with sample rate conversion on the input. The clock source for the unit may be internal, or external via Word Clock or DARS (Digital Audio Reference Signal) (via the XLR input). DARS is particularly useful in scenarios where separate word clock signals are not available or practical, and outputs digital black, making it useful for synchronizing audio and video. RedNet A8R also outputs Word Clock. Word Clock I/O allows devices
to synchronize with the network, or alternatively, the Dante network to an external clock.

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.

OUTSIDE THE BOX— Focusrite RedNet A8R

Front Panel display

LED front panel indicators display the status of PSU A/B and Network Primary/Secondary connections, Sync Source, Pull Up/Down and Lock status, Sample Rate, AES/EBU I/O, and input/output signal levels.

 Rear-panel I/O

RedNet A8R comes with two separate PSUs, which include dual IEC connectors with retaining clips, dual etherCON locking Ethernet ports accepting standard RJ45 connectors, DB-25 analog input and output connectors wired to AES59 standard, BNC in and out Word Clock connectors, and XLR M/F AES/EBU connectors.

Focusrite RedNet A8R key features:

• Eight channels of high-quality line-level analog I/O
• 24-bit precision Focusrite conversion up to 192kHz
• 119dB dynamic range, flat from 20Hz–20kHz, +/-0.15dB
• Internally balanced throughout for ultra low-noise operation
• Dante-based remote-controlled audio-over-IP connectivity
• Dual power supplies and network connections with full power and network redundancy, including latching connectors for maximum reliability
• Word Clock I/O and DARS for increased syncing flexibility, plus an additional two channels of AES/EBU I/O
• Analog I/O to AES59 standard on DB-25 connectors
• Comprehensive front-panel indicators
• Software-based routing and control—no hardware patching required

If you’re looking to capture and transmit the highest quality audio, you need to cast a wide RedNet. For more information, call or chat with your Westlake Pro sales consultant or system integrator today.

Focusrite RedNet A8R Specifications:

Inputs:

• Analog line inputs: 8
• Connector: 25-way female DB25 wired to AES59
• 0dBFS reference levels: +18 or +24dBu (switchable)
• Frequency response 20Hz – 20kHz ±0.05dB
• THD+N < 0.001% un-weighted; -1dBFS input, 20 Hz – 22 kHz
• Dynamic range: 119dB; A-weighted with -60dBFS signal, 20kHz low-pass filter Converter dynamic range: 120dB
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 119dB; A-weighted, 20Hz – 20kHz

Outputs:

• Analog line outputs: 8
• Connector 25-way female DB25 wired to AES59
• 0dBFS reference levels: +18 or +24dBu (switchable)
• Frequency response: 20Hz – 20kHz, ±0.15 dB
• THD+N: < 0.001% un-weighted; -1dBFS input, 20Hz – 22kHz
• Dynamic range: 119dB; A-weighted (-60dBFS method)
• Converter dynamic range: 120dB
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 119dB; A-weighted, 20Hz – 20kHz

Crosstalk:

• Input or Output to Input: < -90 dB (all other channels at 0dBFS)
• Input or Output to Output: < -100 dB (all other channels at 0dBFS)

WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.