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For more than a decade, Focusrite’s RedNet ecosystem has been a top choice for studios using networked audio systems. Using Audinate’s Dante protocol over standard Ethernet cables, large networks of Focusrite RedNet interfaces can share hundreds of high-res audio streams with vanishingly low latency (and eliminate the need for expensive analog snakes and patchbays in the process).
Focusrite’s expansive line of RedNet interfaces, preamps, headphone amps, and controllers can be combined in endless configurations, and a RedNet network can easily scale up to handle any application. Whether you want to unify a multi-studio facility or simply connect an interface in your control room with preamps in your live room without cutting a massive hole in the wall, you can do it with RedNet. And for critical applications like broadcast and live recording, most of these products include secondary power supplies and Ethernet ports for fail-safe redundancy.
So, where do you begin when setting up a RedNet system? This guide will walk you through the process of planning your system, choosing the right products for your purposes, and setting it all up in a way that makes sense for your application.
RedNet systems provide near-instantaneous transport of high-fidelity digital audio, but the real beauty of networked audio lies in its versatility. Using different network topologies, you can daisy-chain multiple interfaces in a line or ring, connect many devices to a central Ethernet switch in a “star” or “tree” configuration, or even combine topologies for infinite possibilities and endless scaling.
The devices making up the network can be whatever you need: a rack of preamps and a few headphone amps for your live room, a line-level interface with a monitor controller in your control room, a desktop interface for a remote editing suite, and so on. Here are a few possible setups for some common networked audio applications:
But the possibilities don’t end there. Every studio is different, and you’ll probably end up creating a unique setup tailored to your specific needs. We recommend starting the planning phase by sketching out your network topology first, then determining which devices to populate it with.
The RedNet range includes a variety of rackmount and desktop devices covering pretty much all the features a studio could need. There are traditional interfaces combining preamps and monitor outputs, standalone mic preamp and converter units, a networked headphone amp, and even an Ethernet monitor controller capable of managing complex immersive audio workflows. Except for the controller, all of these solutions feature dual Ethernet jacks and most include dual power supplies for redundancy in critical applications. Mix and match any of the products below to build your ideal system.
The Focusrite MP8R gives you eight preamps in one network-connected device, with full remote control of the gain, phantom power, pad, high-pass filter, polarity, and switchable impedance via RedNet Control. All preamps provide two outputs to the network, including one with automatic gain compensation for a “safety track.” This feature, combined with the MP8R’s built-in redundancy, ensures you’ll never have to worry about losing tracks due to clipping, power supply issues, or faulty network cables.
If you have a console or a large outboard rack and simply need a way to connect all the ins and outs to your network, the A16R MKII gives you exactly what you need. This 1U interface features 16 analog inputs and 16 outputs on D-SUB connectors, plus AES3 and Word Clock connectivity for syncing with external devices. The dual Ethernet jacks allow you to easily expand your I/O up to 32x32, 48x48, 64x64, or more.
If your studio revolves around a Pro Tools | HD system, the RedNet HD32R is the ideal way to integrate it with a Dante Network. The HD32R connects to any Pro Tools | HDX or HD card with a Mini DigiLink port, and the dual ports on the HD32R provide a 64-channel (32 in, 32 out) bridge between your Pro Tools system and RedNet devices. Coaxial Word Clock and Loop Sync connections allow the HD32R to interface seamlessly with other devices.
For those who want to connect their computer directly to a Dante network without an external interface, the RedNet PCIeNX card slots right into any compatible PC or Mac to provide 256 channels of digital I/O over two Ethernet ports. This simple card is an economical way to add a computer to your network for remote recording, monitoring, or streaming.
Aside from lacking a USB or Thunderbolt connection, the Focusrite RedNet X2P looks and feels just like any other modern desktop interface. Dual XLR/TRS inputs feed a pair of linkable Red Evolution mic preamps with Air mode, and the outputs include stereo XLR line outs and a front-mounted headphone jack. The Input Mix knob adjusts the blend of signal from the network and local inputs, making the X2P a great choice for recording overdubs at your desk or giving talent a handy “more me” control in the booth.
That’s right; even your headphone amps can be on your network. The RedNet AM2 is a simple box with one headphone output and a stereo pair of monitor outputs, plus a large volume knob for each and a convenient mute switch. The AM2 eliminates the need for long headphone cable runs and can receive audio from any device on the network, making it a great solution for studios with isolation rooms, vocal and ADR booths, or Foley stages.
The RedNet R1 is a powerful network-connected monitor controller for RedNet interfaces. Capable of handling up to eight groups of twelve channels each, the R1 is perfect for managing complex immersive mixing setups, juggling multiple headphone mixes during large recording sessions, controlling RedNet preamps remotely, or all of the above at once. Large color displays with multifunction buttons give you complete visibility, and the main volume, mute, and dim controls are all easily accessible. The R1 also includes talkback functionality via internal or external mics, plus an assignable footswitch input.
Once you’ve planned out your network architecture and selected the devices you need, all that’s left is to configure the system for your specific situation. Focusrite’s RedNet Control platform acts as a virtual patch bay connecting every device on the network, allowing you to freely route any input to any output, label channels, create custom mixes, control RedNet devices remotely, and save presets for different situations.
Before anything else, you’ll need to connect all your devices together. In most cases, you’ll start by connecting your primary interface to your computer and completing basic setup such as setting the default sample rate and buffer size. Then, depending on your network topology, connect additional devices to your primary interface or a central network switch using Cat 6 or Cat 5e cables. Finally, connect any external equipment such as microphones, monitors, headphones, consoles, outboard gear, or clock sources.
Once the connections have been made, you’ll need to assign routing for all of the various inputs and outputs on your RedNet gear. In RedNet control, you can drag and drop devices into the Device List, organize them into Tabs, and label their inputs and outputs in a way that makes sense to you. Then, simply click to make virtual connections such as routing preamp inputs to your DAW and headphone amps, DAW outputs to your monitors and outboard gear, or entire multichannel audio streams between studios.
In addition to comprehensive routing, RedNet Control provides extensive mixing remote control features. The Custom Mixes tab lets you create independent headphone mixes for multiple performers or even provide pre-mixed stems for talent to adjust their own mix. In the settings menu for each device, you can adjust parameters like mic gain or access DSP effects such as limiters to protect your monitors or compression to control your talkback channels.
Most likely, you’ll want to have different presets set up for different situations. You might need different routing for tracking and mixing sessions, switchable monitor configurations for immersive and surround mixing, or recallable preamp gain and headphone settings to pick up where you left off in a previous session. Within RedNet Control, you can save dozens of presets for quick recall when you need them.
Even for competent audio engineers who are used to complex setups, installing a networked audio system can present new challenges. There are so many options within the RedNet range and so many ways to configure your studio that you might want a second opinion to make sure your system accomplishes exactly what you need.
If you’re planning a networked audio system or just curious about Focusrite’s RedNet products, get in touch with a Vintage King Audio Consultant or schedule a demo at one of our showrooms!
Want to learn more? Check out Focusrite's RedNet Control and Pro Tips video series.
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