Focusrite Red 8Line Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface

Overview

The Focusrite Red 8Line is a professional 58-in/64-out Thunderbolt 3 audio interface designed for demanding recording studios, post-production facilities, engineers, and professional audio systems. It combines two Red Evolution microphone preamps, extensive analogue I/O, Dante, ADAT, S/PDIF, dual Mini DigiLink connections, Thunderbolt 3, and advanced monitor control in a powerful 1U rackmount interface.

Key Features

• 58-input / 64-output professional audio interface
• Two digitally controlled Red Evolution microphone preamps
• Up to 63dB of ultra-clean microphone gain
• Two front-panel instrument inputs
• Eight balanced line inputs and eight balanced line outputs via DB25
• 32-channel Dante input and output
• Up to 16 channels of ADAT input and output at 44.1/48kHz
• Stereo S/PDIF input and output
• Two Thunderbolt 3 ports for high-speed, low-latency operation
• Two Mini DigiLink ports for Pro Tools | HD connectivity
• Independent left and right monitor outputs
• Two high-fidelity headphone outputs
• Monitor control for mono, stereo, and immersive environments up to 7.1.2
• 24-bit/192kHz A-D and D-A conversion
• 119dB A-D and 121dB D-A dynamic range
• RedNet Control software for routing, monitoring, and remote preamp control
• 1U rackmountable professional design

Red Evolution Microphone Preamps

The two Red Evolution microphone preamps provide up to 63dB of ultra-clean gain with low noise and distortion. Each preamp includes independently switchable +48V phantom power, high-pass filtering, phase reverse, and Air mode. The two channels can also be stereo-linked for convenient operation with stereo recording setups.

Air Mode and Advanced Preamp Control

The switchable Air mode recreates the sonic profile of Focusrite's renowned ISA 110 input module. It introduces additional presence and openness to microphone and instrument sources, providing another tonal option for vocals, guitars, acoustic instruments, and other studio recordings.

Professional Analogue I/O

The Red 8Line provides eight balanced line inputs and eight balanced line outputs through professional DB25 connectors. Two dedicated front-panel instrument inputs provide convenient access for guitars and other instruments, even when the interface is installed in a rack. Independent left and right monitor outputs provide direct connections for studio monitoring systems.

Thunderbolt 3 Low-Latency Performance

Two Thunderbolt 3 ports provide high-speed connectivity with ultra-low-latency performance. The interface is designed to let you run DAW plug-ins in real time while recording, making it suitable for tracking through software effects and virtual instruments without compromising workflow.

Pro Tools | HD Connectivity

Dual Mini DigiLink connections provide direct connectivity to compatible Pro Tools | HD systems. The Red 8Line can also switch between Pro Tools and other DAW environments, allowing professional studios to move between production platforms without completely reconfiguring their audio system.

Dante Audio-over-IP

Built-in 32-channel Dante I/O provides network-based audio connectivity for professional studio and installation environments. The dual Ethernet ports support connection to Dante-enabled equipment from a wide range of manufacturers, making it easy to expand systems and integrate networked audio workflows.

ADAT and S/PDIF Expansion

The Red 8Line provides up to 16 channels of ADAT I/O at 44.1kHz or 48kHz, with channel capacity changing at higher sample rates through SMUX operation. Stereo S/PDIF input and output provide additional digital connectivity for compatible equipment.

Advanced Monitor Control

Built-in monitor control supports mono, stereo, and multi-channel monitoring environments up to 7.1.2. The Red 8Line can also work with the optional Focusrite RedNet R1 remote controller for convenient control of professional monitoring systems and immersive audio setups, including Dolby Atmos workflows.

High-Performance Conversion

The Red 8Line features professional-grade 24-bit/192kHz A-D and D-A conversion. With up to 119dB A-D dynamic range and 121dB D-A dynamic range, the converters are designed to deliver detailed, accurate audio for critical recording, mixing, monitoring, and playback applications.

Precision Metering and Headphone Monitoring

Three front-panel LCD displays provide detailed level metering for input and output sections as well as the main monitor and headphone outputs. Two independent high-fidelity headphone outputs provide powerful monitoring for headphones ranging from 32Ω to 600Ω.

RedNet Control

RedNet Control provides software-based control over routing, monitoring, and Red Evolution microphone preamp settings. It allows engineers to configure both simple and complex studio systems while remotely controlling important interface functions from a computer.

Included Software

The Red 8Line includes a professional software bundle featuring the Brainworx bx_console Focusrite SC channel-strip plug-in, along with Red 2 EQ and Red 3 Compressor plug-ins. The software recreates the character of Focusrite's classic studio hardware and provides additional production and mixing tools.

Typical Uses

• Professional recording studios
• Music production and mixing
• Pro Tools | HD recording systems
• Large-scale DAW-based production
• Post-production and broadcast workflows
• Dante network audio systems
• Immersive and Dolby Atmos monitoring
• Multi-channel recording and monitoring
• External analogue outboard integration
• High-end studio and installation environments

Specifications

• Model: Red 8Line
• Type: Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface
• Simultaneous I/O: Up to 58 inputs / 64 outputs
• Thunderbolt I/O: Up to 58 inputs / 64 outputs
• Thunderbolt Ports: 2 x Thunderbolt 3
• Pro Tools | HD: 2 x Mini DigiLink Primary ports
• Dante: 32 inputs / 32 outputs
• Dante Connections: 2 x RJ45 Ethernet
• Microphone Preamps: 2 Red Evolution
• Microphone Gain: 0–8dB to 63dB
• Instrument Inputs: 2 x 1/4-inch TS
• Line Inputs: 8 via 2 x DB25
• Line Outputs: 8 via 2 x DB25
• Monitor Outputs: 2 x 1/4-inch TRS
• Headphone Outputs: 2 x 1/4-inch TRS stereo
• ADAT: Up to 16 inputs and 16 outputs
• S/PDIF: 2 inputs and 2 outputs
• Word Clock: Supported
• Loop Sync: Supported
• Sample Rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192kHz
• Resolution: 24-bit
• A-D Dynamic Range: 119dB A-weighted
• D-A Dynamic Range: 121dB A-weighted
• Microphone Input Impedance: 6.2kΩ
• Instrument Input Impedance: 2.3MΩ
• Microphone Phantom Power: +48V, independently switchable
• Monitor Control: Up to 7.1.2
• Form Factor: 1U Rackmount

What's Included

• Focusrite Red 8Line Audio Interface
• 2m Thunderbolt 3 Cable, 20Gbps, 60W
• IEC AC Mains Cable
• Product Registration Card

Why Choose the Focusrite Red 8Line?

The Focusrite Red 8Line is built for professional studios that require extensive connectivity, high-quality conversion, low-latency Thunderbolt performance, and advanced network and monitoring capabilities. With Red Evolution preamps, Dante, ADAT, S/PDIF, Mini DigiLink, dual Thunderbolt 3, comprehensive monitor control, and flexible analogue I/O, it provides a powerful foundation for sophisticated recording, mixing, post-production, and immersive audio systems.