Focusrite Red 16Line 64-In/64-Out Thunderbolt Audio Interface

Overview

The Focusrite Red 16Line is a professional 64-in/64-out Thunderbolt 3 and Pro Tools | HD audio interface designed for recording studios, post-production facilities, engineers, and demanding professional audio systems. It combines 16 line inputs, 16 line outputs, two digitally controlled Red Evolution microphone preamps, dual Thunderbolt 3, dual Mini DigiLink, 32x32 Dante networking, ADAT, S/PDIF, Word Clock, Loop Sync, and ultra-low-latency conversion in a 1U rackmountable design.

Key Features

• 64-in/64-out professional audio interface
• 16 analogue line inputs and 16 analogue line outputs via dual DB-25 connectors
• Two Red Evolution microphone preamps with up to 63dB of ultra-clean gain
• Two front-panel high-impedance instrument inputs
• Air mode with the sonic character of Focusrite's classic ISA microphone preamp
• Dual Thunderbolt 3 ports for ultra-low-latency computer connectivity
• Dual Mini DigiLink ports for Pro Tools | HD systems
• 32-in/32-out Dante connectivity through dual Ethernet ports
• Up to 16 channels of ADAT input and output
• Two-channel S/PDIF input and output
• Two main monitor outputs and two independent headphone outputs
• Word Clock and Loop Sync I/O for professional digital synchronisation
• 24-bit/192kHz operation
• Over 118dB A-D dynamic range and 121dB D-A dynamic range
• Three LCD displays for accurate level metering
• RedNet Control software for routing, monitoring, and remote preamp control
• 1U 19-inch rackmountable design

Red Evolution Microphone Preamps

The two digitally controlled Red Evolution microphone preamps provide up to 63dB of ultra-clean gain with excellent detail and low noise. Each channel offers independently switchable phantom power, high-pass filtering, phase reverse, and Air mode. The preamps can also be stereo-linked for convenient recording of stereo sources.

Air Mode

The Red 16Line's Air mode provides the sonic character associated with Focusrite's classic transformer-based ISA preamps. Engaging Air adds presence and openness to microphone recordings, making it useful for vocals, acoustic instruments, guitars, drums, and other sources that benefit from additional clarity.

Extensive 16-Channel Analogue I/O

Sixteen line inputs and sixteen line outputs are provided through two DB-25 connectors using the AES59 format. This extensive analogue I/O makes the Red 16Line suitable for large mixing systems, external outboard processors, analogue consoles, synthesizers, patchbays, and multi-channel recording environments.

Ultra-Low-Latency Thunderbolt 3

Dual Thunderbolt 3 ports provide high-speed connectivity and ultra-low round-trip latency. This allows engineers and musicians to work with DAW plug-ins and virtual instruments in real time while recording, helping maintain a streamlined workflow without relying solely on hardware monitoring.

Pro Tools | HD Connectivity

Two Mini DigiLink ports provide direct connectivity to compatible Pro Tools | HDX and Pro Tools | HD Native systems. The Red 16Line can also operate as a Thunderbolt interface, making it possible to switch between Pro Tools | HD and other DAW environments without changing interface hardware or expansion cards.

Dante Network Audio

Built-in 32x32 Dante I/O provides professional networked audio connectivity through dual RJ45 Ethernet ports. The Red 16Line can integrate with Dante-enabled equipment and expand studio systems over Ethernet, making it suitable for larger facilities, distributed recording setups, and professional audio networks.

ADAT and S/PDIF Expansion

The Red 16Line supports up to 16 channels of ADAT input and output at standard sample rates, with channel capacity adapting at higher sample rates through SMUX. S/PDIF provides additional two-channel digital I/O, giving the interface further flexibility when integrating external converters and digital equipment.

Professional Monitoring

Two dedicated monitor outputs provide accurate connections to studio monitoring systems, while two independent high-fidelity headphone outputs support personal monitoring. The interface also provides comprehensive routing and monitor-control capabilities through RedNet Control.

Word Clock and Loop Sync

Dedicated Word Clock input and output connections allow the Red 16Line to integrate with professional digital clocking systems. Loop Sync connections provide synchronisation for compatible Pro Tools | HD environments and other professional digital audio configurations.

High-Performance Conversion

The Red 16Line uses carefully selected A-D and D-A converters for detailed, transparent audio with low conversion latency. It supports 24-bit/192kHz operation, with over 118dB of A-D dynamic range and 121dB of D-A dynamic range for critical recording, mixing, and monitoring applications.

Advanced Metering and Control

Three front-panel LCD displays provide accurate level metering for convenient monitoring of input and output activity. RedNet Control provides software-based control of routing, monitoring configurations, and remote microphone-preamp settings, allowing the interface to adapt to both simple and complex studio workflows.

Included Software

The Red 16Line includes Focusrite's Red 2 EQ and Red 3 Compressor plug-ins, which recreate the character of Focusrite's classic Red hardware. Newly registered Red interfaces also include the Hitmaker Expansion software collection with a range of production, recording, mixing, and creative tools.

Typical Uses

• Professional recording studios
• Large-scale music production and mixing
• Pro Tools | HD recording systems
• Thunderbolt-based DAW production
• Post-production and broadcast facilities
• Dante network audio systems
• Multi-channel recording and monitoring
• External analogue outboard processing
• Large synthesizer and hardware setups
• Professional studio installations

Specifications

• Model: Red 16Line
• Type: Thunderbolt 3 / Pro Tools | HD Audio Interface
• Simultaneous I/O: Up to 64 inputs / 64 outputs
• Line Inputs: 16 via 2 x DB-25 AES59
• Line Outputs: 16 via 2 x DB-25 AES59
• Microphone Preamps: 2 Red Evolution
• Microphone Gain Range: 0–8dB to 63dB
• Instrument Inputs: 2 x 1/4-inch TS
• Monitor Outputs: 2 x 1/4-inch TRS
• Headphone Outputs: 2 x 1/4-inch TRS stereo
• Dante: 32 inputs / 32 outputs
• Dante Connections: 2 x RJ45 Ethernet
• Thunderbolt: 2 x Thunderbolt 3 ports
• Pro Tools | HD: 2 x Mini DigiLink
• ADAT: Up to 16 inputs / 16 outputs
• S/PDIF: 2 inputs / 2 outputs
• Word Clock: BNC input and output
• Loop Sync: BNC input and output
• Air Mode: Yes
• Phantom Power: +48V, independently switchable per microphone channel
• High-Pass Filter: Independently switchable
• Phase Reverse: Independently switchable
• Sample Rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192kHz
• Resolution: 24-bit
• A-D Dynamic Range: Over 118dB A-weighted
• D-A Dynamic Range: 121dB A-weighted
• Microphone Input Dynamic Range: 119dB A-weighted typical
• Line Input Dynamic Range: 119dB A-weighted typical
• Line Output Dynamic Range: 121dB A-weighted typical
• Headphone Output Dynamic Range: 114dB A-weighted typical
• Headphone Impedance: 32–600Ω
• Form Factor: 1U 19-inch Rackmount
• Dimensions: 483 × 340 × 44mm
• Weight: 5.04kg
• Power Supply: Internal universal 100–240V AC

What's Included

• Focusrite Red 16Line Audio Interface
• 2m Thunderbolt 3 Cable, 20Gbps, 60W
• IEC AC Mains Cable
• Product Registration Card

Why Choose the Focusrite Red 16Line?

The Focusrite Red 16Line combines extensive 16-channel analogue I/O, Red Evolution microphone preamps, ultra-low-latency Thunderbolt 3, Pro Tools | HD connectivity, Dante networking, ADAT, S/PDIF, professional synchronisation, and high-quality conversion in a single 1U rackmount interface. It is designed for professional facilities that need a flexible central hub for complex recording, mixing, post-production, and networked audio workflows.