Focusrite RedNet MP8R 8-Channel Remote-Controlled Mic Pre and A/D for Dante

Overview of Focusrite RedNet MP8R 8-Channel Remote-Controlled Mic Pre and A/D for Dante

Focusrite MP8R 

The RedNet MP8R from Focusrite is an 8-channel remote-controlled microphone preamplifier and A/D for the Dante audio-over-IP network. The MP8R was developed from the RedNet 4 studio remote-controlled microphone preamp and incorporated improvements from the considerable input of leading live sound practitioners during its development. The unit provides a wealth of features that make it particularly applicable to live sound/recording and broadcast environments, and other workflows where reliability is paramount.

Dual Ethernet ports with locking etherCON connectors are provided, with several operating modes including daisy-chaining and redundancy confirmed by front-panel indicators. Two separate power supplies with fault detection capability are included, with separate power input sockets (with retaining clips) on the rear of the unit. The state of each power supply is indicated both remotely and on the front panel.

The MP8R features a rugged, roadworthy exterior and internal build quality. In addition, the unit offers a compact 1 RU rackmount form factor.

The MP8R preamps utilize Focusrite's well-known mic pre designs, with a pedigree that stretches back to the original Focusrite products of the mid-1980s. Fully keeping pace with the latest developments in audio technology, today's Focusrite preamps offer lower noise, improved dynamic range, and better Common Mode Rejection. The preamps in the MP8R offer an increased maximum input level of 28 dBu, plus a 20 dB pad, high-pass filter, polarity inversion, and phantom power. Each preamp has a dual-input impedance of 2.4 or 10 kilohms, allowing flexibility when running multiple mic pres in parallel.

A premium bonus is the Brainworx bx_console Focusrite SC channel-strip plug-in, a stellar digital emulation of the legendary and rare Focusrite Studio Console. Only 10 of the consoles were ever produced, but you can access its famed sound directly in your DAW.

• Built-in redundancy with dual power and network connections
• Rugged roadworthy all-metal construction, high build quality, locking power, and etherCONEthernet connectors
• Eight Focusrite remote-controlled preamps with enhanced input level capability, and dual input impedance to deliver maximum performance when one mic feeds single or multiple pres
• Two outputs from each preamp: one direct and the other automatically gain-compensated to deliver a constant level
• 20 dB pad, HPF, and polarity inversion per input
• Operate locally or remotely via RedNet Control software, Pro Tools, MIDI, or OCA (Open Control Architecture—available via firmware update)
• Precision low-latency conversion at up to 24-bit / 192 kHz, with a large dynamic range and high-quality audio
• 6-segment LED level meters; OLED display indicates input gain and system information
• Compact 1 RU form factor
• Total interoperability with other Dante products and networks
• Includes Brainworx bx_console Focusrite SC channel-strip plug-in, a stellar digital emulation of the legendary and rare Focusrite Studio Console

DSP Gain Tracking

The MP8R includes a sophisticated gain tracking ability, appearing as a 16-channel device on the network, the first eight channels being direct preamp feeds, while the remaining eight are automatically DSP level-compensated outputs sourced from the first eight. This architecture allows splits such as monitor/FOH to be set up in the digital domain, permitting one engineer to control the analogue mic gain while a second receives an output level that is constant irrespective of the analogue mic gain setting.

Local or Remote Control

The preamps may be controlled remotely in a variety of ways including via the RedNet Control software package, Pro Tools and MIDI, and OCA (Open Control Architecture supported via firmware upgrade). In addition, the preamps can be operated from the MP8R front panel, where 6-segment level metering, numeric gain display, and other indicators provide comprehensive monitoring of the unit's operation.

High-Precision Conversion

Following the mic pres are eight channels of Focusrite's well-known high-precision A/D converters, operating at up to 192 kHz / 24-bit with minimum latency and offering improved dynamic range and overall performance.

Full Dante Interoperability

Like the entire RedNet product range, the MP8R interoperates seamlessly and fully with any other Dante audio-over-IP network components and infrastructure. Patching and interconnection can be managed with the Dante control software.