Focusrite RedNet A8R – 8×8 Analogue Dante AD/DA Converter with Dual PSUs

OVERVIEW

The RedNet A8R provides eight channels of analogue input and output with high-quality 24-bit, 192kHz A/D and D/A digital conversion with up to 119dB dynamic range, plus two channels of AES/EBU digital I/O, to and from the Dante network. Presented in a rugged, 1U all-metal enclosure uniform with other products in the RedNet range, RedNet A8R is appropriate for fixed installation in engineered audio and communications systems.

RedNet A8R offers conversion that is remotely software-selectable at standard rates Ð 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 192kHz at 24-bit resolution, with pull-up/down capability. Electronically-balanced analogue inputs and outputs are on DB25 connectors wired to AES59 specifications, and internal signals are balanced throughout. Inputs may be remotely configured for either +18 or +24 dBFS signal levels.

In addition, two channels of AES/EBU I/O with input sample rate conversion are provided on XLR connectors. The clock source for the unit may be internal or external via Word Clock or DARS (via the XLR input). RedNet A8R also outputs Word Clock, with Word Clock in and out on BNC connectors.

Sampling rate and operating levels are selected remotely from RedNet Control software. Comprehensive front-panel LEDs include PSU and network status, sample rate and per-channel tri-colour (red-amber-green) signal level indication. Green ‘signal present’ indicators are provided for the AES/EBU I/O, and three Clock Source indicators show Internal, Word Clock and DARS.

RedNet A8R features power and network redundancy, with two separate universal (100 – 240V) PSUs including IEC connectors with retaining clips, plus dual network interfaces on locking etherCON connectors, which can be set remotely to Redundant or Switched (daisy-chain) mode.

RedNet A8R features soft-startup on power-up and auto-muting during sample rate alteration, to avoid audible clicks and pops.

RedNet A8R is CE marked, UL/C-UL listed, and incorporates AES48-2005 Grounding and EMC practices. The platform complies with EU Directive 2002/95/IEC, the RoHS Directive.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

8×8 Analogue I/O with Dual PSUs

RedNet A8R is a 1U, 8×8 analogue line-level I/O interface for any Dante audio-over-IP network. Featuring network and power supply redundancy, RedNet A8R is the ideal choice for providing analogue I/O in many critical-path applications, whether in Post Production, Broadcast, Live Sound or the Recording Studio.

High-quality conversion with up to 119dB of dynamic range is provided through two rear-panel DB25 connectors, while an additional pair of AES3 I/O is provided through male and female XLR for added flexibility. Word Clock I/O on BNC connectors allows external devices to clock to RedNet A8R, or alternatively allows RedNet A8R to act as a network clock grand master slaved to external input. Power is supplied through a pair of locking IEC power inlets, and network connections are provided with a pair of locking Neutrik etherCON connectors, providing redundant operation or daisy-chained operation.

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Enjoy 3 Years of Warranty

All Focusrite products are built to the highest standards and are designed to provide many years of reliable performance.

FEATURES

• Eight channels of high-quality line-level analogue I/O
• 24-bit precision Focusrite conversion up to 192kHz
• 119dB dynamic range, flat from 20Hz – 20kHz, +/-0.15dB
• Internally balanced throughout
• Dante-based remote-controlled audio-over-IP connectivity
• Dual power supplies and network connections with full power and network redundancy, including locking connectors for maximum reliability
• Word Clock I/O and DARS for increased flexibility, plus an additional two channels of AES/EBU I/O
• Analogue I/O to AES59 standard on DB25 connectors
• Comprehensive front-panel indicators
• Software-based routing and control – no hardware patching required

TECHNICAL SPECS

Line Inputs

0 DBFS Reference Input Levels: Elements 18 or 24dBu (switchable)

Frequency Response Inputs: 20Hz – 20kHz ± 0.1dB

THD N Inputs: <-130dB (0.00003)

EIN: -96dBu A-Weighted (typical)

Signal-To-Noise Ratio: 120dB A-Weighted (typical)

Converter Dynamic Range: 120dB A-Weighted (typical), 10Hz – 20kHz

Line Outputs

0 DBFS Reference Levels: 18 or 24dBu (switchable)

Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz ± 0.1dB

THD N: <-100dB (0.001) unweighted, 20Hz – 20kHz; 23dBu input

Noise In Presence Of Signal: -94dBu A-Weighted (typical)

Dynamic Range: 118 dB A-Weighted (typical)

Digital Input Sample Rate Converters

Sample Rate Range: 32kHz to 216kHz

Gain Error: -0.3dB

Dynamic Range Inputs: >138dB

Latency: 11 to 45 samples (network and sample rate dependent)

Digital Performance

Supported Sample Rates: 44.1 / 48 / 88.2 / 96 / 176.4 / 192 kHz (-4 / -0.1 / 0.1 / 4.167) at 24 bit

Clock Sources: Internal or from Dante Network Master

External Word Clock Range: Nominal sample rate ±7.5

Rear Panel Connectivity

Line Inputs: 1 x DB-25 connectors Analogue Outputs

Line Outputs: 1 x DB-25 connectors

Channel Count: 2 x 2 AES/EBU channels

Input (Optional DARS): 1 x Female XLR

Output: 1 x Male XLR

Word Clock Input: 1 x BNC 75O port (switchable termination)

Word Clock Output: 1 x BNC 75O port

PSU: 2 x Internal, 100-240V, 50/60Hz, consumption 24W

Network: 2 x etherCON NE8FBH, also compatible with standard RJ45 connectors

Network Modes

Redundant: Allows the unit to connect to two independent networks

Switched: Connects both ports to an integrated network switch, allowing daisy-chaining of devices