Focusrite announces the new RedNet D16 AES interface, a 1U 19-inch rack-mount interface featuring 16 channels of AES/EBU connectivity to and from a Dante audio network, with Ethernet redundancy for maximum network reliability. Perfect for bridging between digital consoles, power amplifiers or any other AES3 equipped audio equipment and a Dante network, RedNet D16 AES has a Sample Rate Convertor (SRC) on each input pair, allowing instant operation with any AES3 source. Word Clock and Digital Audio Reference Signal (DARS) connections provide synchronization with a wide range of hardware, while S/PDIF I/O allows the integration of equipment such as CD or solid state recorders/players.
Two DB25 connectors each provide eight channels of combined I/O to the AES59 standard, allowing speedy interconnection with other DB25-connected or XLR-based equipment by use of standard DB25 to XLR cables. The rear-panel XLR female input can be used either as a DARS sync source for the Dante system, or as an AES3 audio source replacing input channels 1–2 on the DB25 connectors. An XLR male socket provides a duplicated AES3 outlet for output channels 1–2. The RCA S/PDIF input can similarly replace input channels 3–4 of the DB25 connectors, while the S/PDIF output can replicate any adjacent odd/even pair of the 16 output channels.
The two network connectors on the rear of the unit allow two modes of operation. They can be used either as a primary/redundant network interface, allowing seamless switchover in the case of network failure, or as a daisy-chain port allowing the connection of multiple units.
All the clocking and input/output options of RedNet D16 AES are remotely controlled by the RedNet Control software application for Mac and PC.
Focusrite RedNet will be discussing and demonstrating the full range of RedNet products at the AV Networking World event, taking place February 4, 2014, at the Amsterdam Holiday Inn during ISE.
Focusrite RedNet D16 AES Interface Key Features
16 Channel RedNet AES3 Interface for Dante Network
AES3 connectivity allows connection of external converters, effects units, mixing consoles or any other AES3 equipped audio equipment to the Dante audio network
Ethernet Redundancy
Dual rear-panel Ethernet connectors (primary and secondary connectors) allow maximum network reliability with seamless switchover to a standby network in the unlikely event of a network failure. The ports can alternatively be used to daisy-chain additional units.
Sample Rate Conversion on all input channels
SRC allows external equipment to run at any sample rate, irrespective of the sample rate or clocking of the Dante audio network
1U Chassis
Compact design allows maximum functionality in minimum rack space, with a full 16 channels of I/O in 1U. RedNet D16 AES features the standard trademark red anodized front panel
Input and Output on XLR as well as DB25
RedNet D16 AES provides two 8-channel AES59 combined I/O DB25 connections. In addition, a pair of XLR3 connectors duplicates channels 1 & 2
XLR Input for DARS or Digital Audio
The rear panel XLR input connector can either be used as a DARS input or as a traditional AES3 audio input, replacing channels 1–2 of the DB25 inputs
S/PDIF
S/PDIF input and outputs are provided on RCA connectors, ideal for connecting CD players or solid-state recorders. The input replaces channels 3 & 4 in the DB25 connector while the output can be assigned to replicate any adjacent odd/even output pair
Word Clock
Word Clock I/O on BNC connectors allows synchronization of the Dante network to house clock, or syncing external equipment to the Dante network
Remote routing and control
RedNet Control software allows full routing and control from your audio computer system via a software control panel – no hardware patching required
Also included in the RedNet range of Dante break-in/break-out boxes are RedNet 1 & RedNet 2, which offer eight or sixteen channels of line-level analog in and out, with Focusrite’s precision 24-bit A-D and D-A conversion for superb audio performance; RedNet 3, which interfaces your digital audio systems and components to the Dante network via AES/EBU, S/PDIF and ADAT connections; RedNet 4 which adds eight of Focusrite’s next-generation remote controlled preamps/line inputs with two selectable DIs to your Dante system; RedNet 5, which provides a bridge between the Dante network and Pro Tools|HD systems and RedNet 6 which provides a 64-channel bridge between the Dante network and MADI systems. Also available is the RedNet Dante PCIe card, which is an ultra low latency 128 I/O Dante interface for PC and Mac.
info: www.focusrite.com