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An introduction to Focusrite Red Red 4Pre / 8Pre / 8Line / 16Line, based on information from the maker and distributors: what it does, how to use it and who it may suit. It is not scored.
Recording with Red Evolution mic pres gives an extremely accurate representation of the original acoustic performance.
— Focusrite official site
What is Red Red 4Pre / 8Pre / 8Line / 16Line?
Red is Focusrite's range of professional audio interfaces. The fetched official page lists the Red 8Line and Red 16Line as current models, aimed at large, high-channel-count systems.
The Red 8Line is described as a 58×64 all-in-one interface with 32×32 Dante I/O, and the Red 16Line as a 64×64 interface, also with 32×32 Dante I/O.
Digital conversion, remote-controlled mic preamps, and monitor control are combined in one unit. The Red Evolution mic pres are described as low-noise, low-distortion, and ultra-linear.
Pro Tools | HD connects through dual Digilink ports with low latency. ADAT, S/PDIF, WordClock, Loopsync, and analogue connections are also available. A three-year warranty applies.
Red Evolution mic preamps
Low-noise, low-distortion preamps that can be remote controlled, for shaping the front end of a recording.
32×32 Dante I/O
Both models include 32×32 Dante I/O, letting a DAW join a Dante network and expand I/O.
Pro Tools | HD connectivity
Dual Digilink ports connect to Pro Tools | HD systems with low latency.
Built-in monitor control
Monitoring levels and interface parameters can be adjusted on screen in the control software.
Varied digital connections
ADAT, S/PDIF, WordClock, and Loopsync support synchronisation with other gear.
Hitmaker Expansion bundled
A bundle of mixing and mastering plugins is included.
Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Red 8Line | 58×64, 32×32 Dante |
| Red 16Line | 64×64, 32×32 Dante |
| Mic preamps | Red Evolution (remote controlled) |
| Pro Tools | HD | Dual Digilink ports |
| Other connections | ADAT, S/PDIF, WordClock, Loopsync, analogue, Thunderbolt (per-model detail not confirmed) |
| Warranty | 3 years |
What is included and system requirements
- Hitmaker Expansion (mixing and mastering plugins)
- Control software
- 3-year warranty
- Package contents are not detailed on the page
How to use it
- Connect the unit to power and the computer (connection varies by model).
- Install the control software.
- If using Dante, connect to a network switch.
- Select the Red as input and output in the DAW.
- Set mic preamp gain in the software.
- Set the monitor level and begin recording.
Who it may suit
- Studios needing large I/O
- Pro Tools | HD users
- Those building a Dante-based system
Good to know before you buy
- The Red 4Pre and 8Pre are not shown on the fetched page, so their current status is unconfirmed.
- The page does not say which models have Thunderbolt.
- It is priced for professional use.
How it differs from similar products
We do not pick a winner; the official figures are placed side by side.
Red 8Line Red 16Line
The 8Line is 58×64 and the 16Line is 64×64; both have 32×32 Dante I/O.
Price
Please check the official page for the price.
See Red Red 4Pre / 8Pre / 8Line / 16Line on the product page
Sources: us.focusrite.com (checked 2026-10-27)
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