New Focusrite Red 16Line 64x64 Pro Tools HD and Dual Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface

British brand Focusrite continues to expand its range of audio interfaces and I/O solutions for all types of workflows, while the market is transitioning increasingly to Audio-over-IP (AoIP). While Focusrite is at the forefront of that conversion process with its RedNet range of Dante-based solutions, the company now introduced a new Red interface that simplifies switching from Pro Tools HD to a second DAW, effectively creating a bridge to Ethernet-based network systems.
 
The new Focusrite Red 16Line is a 64x64 Pro Tools HD and dual Thunderbolt 3 audio interface with ultra-low latency A-D/D-A conversion, Red Evolution mic preamps, up to 121 dB dynamic range, ultra-low round trip latency, and expansion over Ethernet for networked audio. The new interface provides both DigiLink connectors and Thunderbolt connections, making it easier than ever to switch from Pro Tools HD to a second DAW, without the need to reconfigure option cards in the interface. The host mode can be simply changed either in the remote control software, or on the device front panel to change DAWs in seconds.

High-performance audio converters with over 118 dB dynamic range A/D and 121 dB dynamic range D/A (A-weighted) have been expertly selected and calibrated to provide the best balance of sound quality, dynamic range and conversion latency in what Focusrite calls its “best-quality audio interface.” 

“Red’s ultra-low round trip latency completely transforms workflows. For those used to having to build two different mixes – one using input monitoring to overdub, the other using the DAW for playback – the good news is that now, one is enough. Mixes can be built on the DAW and used whether overdubbing (monitoring the input being recording with the Focusrite Control software mixer) or playing back, with all plug-ins in place, all the time,” the company explains.
 
Red 16Line features 16 line inputs on D-sub, coupled with 16 line outputs and two main monitor outputs. The two digitally controlled Red Evolution mic preamps provide up to 63dB of ultra-clean gain along with stereo linking, individual phantom power, high-pass filter, phase reverse and Air mode - the Focusrite name for the sonic signature of its classic transformer ISA preamp. With a dual-port Dante card, studios will also be able to be expanded over Ethernet for more channels at higher sample rates, anywhere in the network, at lower latency and lower cost.

The new Focusrite Red 16Line interface also makes use of the company’s software tools, like the Focusrite Control software mixer, providing quick setup of both simple and complex monitoring and routing configurations, together with the ability to control preamps remotely. Also, every Red interface comes with the Red 2 and Red 3 EQ and compression AAX/AU/VST-compatible plug-ins.
focusrite.com