Focusrite RedNet MP8R

The RedNet MP8R is an eight-channel remote-controlled microphone preamplifier and A/D converter for Dante audio-over-IP networking in a 1U rack unit format.

Based on the RedNet 4 studio remote-controlled microphone preamplifier, the MP8R has been developed with input from leading live sound experts, offering a range of features that make it particularly useful in live sound, recording and broadcast environments where maximum reliability is paramount. There are two Ethernet ports (etherCON) with several operating modes including daisy chaining and redundancy. Two separate power supplies with fault detection capability are included, with separate rear panel input sockets. Power failure is indicated both remotely and on the front panel. The MP8R features a rugged exterior design and maximum quality internal components.

A special feature of the MP8R is its gain monitoring capability. The unit appears on the network as a sixteen-channel device, with the first eight channels being direct input to the preamplifier, while the remaining eight are automatically generated outputs of the DSP compensated unit. This architecture allows a 'split' to be set - for example, for monitoring and master poult in the digital domain, allowing one engineer to control the analogue mic gain while the other receives an output level that is constant regardless of the analogue mic gain setting.

The preamps can be controlled in a variety of ways, including control via the included RedNet Control, Pro Tools and MIDI, and OCA (Open Control Architecture) software; in addition, the preamps can be controlled from the MP8R's front panel, where a six-segment level meter, numeric gain indicator, and other indicators provide comprehensive monitoring of the unit's operation.

Following the microphone preamplifier are eight channels of high-quality precision Focusrite A/D converters, which operate at up to 192 kHz/24-bit with minimal latency and offer best-in-class dynamic range (119 dB) and overall performance.

Like the entire RedNet line, the MP8R works seamlessly and fully with any other Dante audio-over-IP network components and infrastructure. Patching and interconnects can be managed using Dante control software, while RedNet Control offers comprehensive remote control of microphone preamps.