Focusrite REDNET D16 AES User manual

User Guide

POWER

NETWORK

PRIMARY

SECONDARY

LOCKED

SAMPLE RATE

44.1 kHz

48 kHz

PULL UP/DOWN

IN

×2

1-2

3-4

×4

OUT

9-10

5-6

11-12 13-14

7-8

CLOCK SOURCE

WORD CLOCK

INPUT 1-2

INPUT 9-10

DARS

INTERNAL

15-16

FFFA001091-01

www.focusrite.com

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

1. Read these instructions.

2. Keep these instructions.

3. Heed all warnings.

4. Follow all instructions.

5. Do not use this apparatus near water.

6. Clean only with dry cloth.

7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s

instructions.

8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug
has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and
a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If
the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the
obsolete outlet.

10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.

11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.

12.

13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.

14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus

has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has
been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain
or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

No naked flames, such as lighted candles, should be placed on the apparatus.

The appliance coupler is used as the disconnect device, the disconnect device shall remain readily
operable.

Do not use a damaged or frayed power cord.

If the mains plug supplying the apparatus incorporates a fuse then it should only be replaced with a fuse
of identical or lower rupture value.

Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer,
or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/
apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.

GB

FIN

NOR

SWE

The apparatus shall be connected to a mains socket outlet with a protective earthing connection.

Laite on liitettävä suojamaadoituskoskettimilla va rustettuumpistorasiaan

Apparatet må tikoples jordet stikkontakt

Apparaten skall anslutas till jordat uttag

2

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER
(OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within equilateral triangle, is intended
to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the
product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of
electric shock to persons.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user
to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions
in the literature accompanying the appliance.

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS
TO RAIN OR MOISTURE AND OBJECTS FILLED WITH LIQUIDS, SUCH AS VASES, SHOULD NOT BE
PLACED ON THIS APPARATUS.

ENVIRONMENTAL DECLARATION

Compliance Information Statement: Declaration of Compliance procedure

Product Identification: Focusrite RedNet
Responsible party: American Music and Sound
Address: 4325 Executive Drive
Suite 300
Southaven
MS 38672
Telephone: 800-431-2609
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause

harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation.

For USA

To the User:

1. Do not modify this unit! This product, when installed as indicated in the instructions contained in this manual, meets
FCC requirements. Modifications not expressly approved by Focusrite may void your authority, granted by the FCC, to
use this product.

2. Important: This product satisfies FCC regulations when high quality shielded cables are used to connect with other
equipment. Failure to use high quality shielded cables or to follow the installation instructions within this manual may
cause magnetic interference with appliances such as radios and televisions and void your FCC authorization to use this
product in the USA.

3. Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to
part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of
this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which the user will be required to correct
the interference at his own expense

For Canada

To the User:

This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

Cet appareil numérique de la classe A est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.

RoHS Notice

Focusrite Audio Engineering Limited has conformed where applicable, to the European Union’s Directive 2002/95/EC on Restrictions
of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) as well as the following sections of California law which refer to RoHS, namely sections 25214.10,

25214.10.2, and 58012, Health and Safety Code; Section 42475.2, Public Resources Code.

3

CONTENTS

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS .............................................. 2

INTRODUCTION ................................................................5

About this User Guide .........................................................5

Box Contents ................................................................6

INSTALLATION GUIDE ........................................................... 7

RedNet D16 Connections and Features ..........................................7

Front Panel ............................................................7

Rear Panel .............................................................8

Power Connection ............................................................9

IEC Power Cord Retaining Clip.............................................9

Physical Characteristics ......................................................10

Power Requirements ........................................................10

REDNET D16 OPERATION .......................................................11

First Use and Firmware Updates...............................................11

Pull Up and Pull Down Operation...............................................11

Sample Rate Converters......................................................11

OTHER REDNET SYSTEM COMPONENTS .......................................... 12

USING REDNET CONTROL.......................................................12

Signal Metering .............................................................12

Tools Menu.................................................................13

Sample Rate Conversion.................................................13

RedNet Clock Source ...................................................13

Audio Input 1–2 from XLR . ...............................................13

Audio Input 3–4 from RCA................................................13

RCA Output Source .....................................................13

Word Clock Output......................................................13

Word Clock Termination .................................................13

APPENDIX.................................................................... 14

Connector Pinouts...........................................................14

Ethernet Connector.....................................................14

DB-25 (AES59) Connector................................................14

XLR Connectors ........................................................14

PERFORMANCE AND SPECIFICATIONS............................................ 15

Focusrite RedNet Warranty and Service .........................................17

Registering Your Product .....................................................17

Customer Support and Unit Servicing ...........................................17

Troubleshooting ............................................................17

4

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing the Focusrite RedNet D16.

RedNet D16 AES is a 1U 19in rack-mount interface featuring 16 channels of AES/EBU connectivity
to and from a Dante audio network – perfect for bridging between digital consoles, power amplifiers
or any other AES3 equipped audio equipment and a Dante network.

Dual rear-panel Ethernet connectors (primary and secondary) allow maximum network reliability
with seamless switchover to a standby network in the unlikely event of a network failure. These
ports can alternatively be used to daisy-chain additional units.

RedNet D16 AES has a Sample Rate Converter (SRC) on each input pair allowing instant operation
with any AES3 source irrespective of the sample rate or clocking of the Dante audio network.

Audio interface is provided by two standard 8-channel (AES59) Combined Digital I/O DB25 connections.
In addition, a duplicate of channels 1 & 2 is available on a pair of XLR3 connectors.

S/PDIF input and outputs are provided on RCA connectors; ideal for connecting CD players or solid­state recorders. The input replaces channels 3 & 4 in the DB25 connector while the output can be
assigned to replicate any adjacent odd/even pair.

Word Clock I/O on BNC connectors allows synchronisation of the Dante network to house clock, or
syncing external equipment to the Dante network. DARS reference can also be accepted via the XLR
input connector.

The RedNet D16 front panel contains a set of LEDs to confirm network status, sample rate, clock
sources and other device specific settings.

About this User Guide

This User Guide applies only to the RedNet D16 AES interface. It provides information about installing
a RedNet D16 and how to connect it into your system.

A RedNet System User Guide is also available from the RedNet product pages of the Focusrite
website. The Guide provides a detailed explanation of the RedNet system concept, that will help you
achieve a thorough understanding of its capabilities. The RedNet System User Guide also provides
information on the routing operations available within RedNet Control. We recommend that all users,
including those already experienced in digital audio networking, take the time to read through the
System User Guide so that they are fully aware of all the possibilities that RedNet and its software
have to offer.

Should either User Guide not provide the information you need, be sure to consult

www.focusrite.com/rednet, which contains a comprehensive collection of common technical support

queries.

5

Box Contents

• RedNet D16 unit

• IEC AC mains cable

• IEC mains cable retaining clip (See instructions on page 9)

• 2m Cat 6 Ethernet cable

• RedNet Getting Started Guide

• Product registration card (Provides download information plus access to Dante Virtual Soundcard)

6

INSTALLATION GUIDE

RedNet D16 Connections and Features

Front Panel

NETWORK

POWER

PRIMARY

SECONDARY

LOCKED

SAMPLE RATE

44.1 kHz

48 kHz

PULL UP/DOWN

IN

×2

1-2

3-4

×4

OUT

CLOCK SOURCE

WORD CLOCK

9-10

5-6

11-12 13-14

7-8

15-16

INPUT 1-2

INPUT 9-10

DARS

INTERNAL

2

43

5

16

1. AC Power Switch

2. Power Indicator

3. RedNet Network Status Indicators:

• PRIMARY – illuminates when the device is connected to an active Ethernet network.

• SECONDARY – illuminates when the device is connected to an active Ethernet network.
Not used when operating in Switched mode.

• LOCKED – illuminates when a valid sync signal is received from the network or the
RedNet D16 unit is network master. When an incoming clock signal is invalid, the Locked
indicator will flash to indicate that the unit has reverted to using its internal clock.

4. RedNet Sample Rate Indicators

Five orange indicators: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, x2 (multiple of 44.1 or 48), x4 (multiple of 44.1 or 48)
and sample rate PULL UP/DOWN. These Indicators illuminate individually or in combination
to indicate the sample rate being used. For example, for a 96kHz pull up/down setting, the
48kHz, x2 and Pull Up/Down indicators will illuminate.

5. Signal Presence LEDs

Indicate that an input or an output signal is present for each odd/even channel pair. Illuminate
at -126dBFS.

6. Clock source

Five orange indicators: Word Clock, Input 1-2, Input 9-10, DARS and Internal. Whichever is
lit identifies the clock reference being used. (When the unit is not a network master, no LEDs
will illuminate.)

7

Rear Panel

WORD CLOCK

SECONDARYPRIMARY

1

2

OUT

43

S/PDIF

OUT

IN

IN

6

5

OUT

7

IN (DARS)

PUSH

8

AES/EBU

9-16 IN & OUT 1-8 IN & OUT

9

1. IEC Mains Inlet

Standard IEC receptacle for connection of AC mains. RedNet D16 features a ‘Universal’
PSU, enabling it to operate on any supply voltage of between 100 V and 240 V.

Note that initial use requires tment of the plug retaining clip – see page 9.

2. Primary Network Port

Dante network connection. Use standard CAT 5e or CAT 6 computer network cables to
connect to a local Ethernet switch to connect the RedNet D16 to the RedNet network. Each
socket includes integral LEDs which illuminate to indicate a valid network connection plus
network activity. See page 14 for connector details.

3. Secondary Network Port

Backup Dante network connection where two independent Ethernet links are being used
(Redundant mode) or an additional port on an integral network switch on the primary network
(Switched mode).

4. Word Clock Out

Provides an output of the chosen system clock reference (can be switched between base rate
or network rate).

5. Word Clock In

Allows synchronisation of the Dante network to house word clock.

6. S/PDIF:

• OUT – Provides any adjacent odd-even signal pair, eg. 3–4 or 11–12. Software selectable.

• IN – Can be used as an alternative input for audio channels 3–4. Software switchable.

7. XLR Out

Permanent AES3 output of audio channel pair 1–2.

8. XLR In

Can be used as an alternate AES3 audio source for channels 1–2. Software switchable. May
also be used as a clock source when fed with either AES3 or DARS (Digital Audio Reference
Signal – AES3 distributed clock as per AES11). Software selectable.

9. DB25 Connectors

Eight AES/EBU input and output channels per connector. Wired to AES59 Combined Digital I/O.

See page 14 for connector pinouts.

8

Power Connection

IEC Power Cord Retaining Clip

RedNet D16 is supplied with an IEC power cord retaining clip. This prevents accidental disconnection
of the power cord during use. When the unit is first installed, the retaining clip will need to be
attached to power input socket on the rear panel.

Insert the clip by squeezing together the legs as shown in the first image below, aligning the pins
with the through-holes on the IEC fixing posts one at a time, and then releasing.

Ensure that the orientation of the clip is as shown in the other images below or its effectiveness will
be compromised.

9

Physical Characteristics

247.0mm / 9.76"

465.0mm / 18.30"

31.8mm / 1.25"

RedNet D16 dimensions are illustrated in the diagram above.

RedNet D16 requires 1U of vertical rack space and at least 350 mm of rack depth, to allow for
cables. RedNet D16 weighs 3.74 kg and for installations in a fixed environment (eg., a studio), the
front-panel mounting screws will provide adequate support. If the units are to be used in a mobile
situation (eg., flight-cased for touring, etc.), consideration should be given to using side support rails
within the rack.

RedNet D16 generates little significant heat and is cooled by natural convection.

Ventilation is via slots in the enclosure at both sides. Do not mount RedNet D16 immediately above
any other equipment which generates significant heat, for example, a power amplifier. Also, ensure
that when mounted in a rack, the side vents are not obstructed.

Power Requirements

RedNet D16 is mains-powered. It incorporates a ‘Universal’ power supply, which can operate on any
AC mains voltage from 100 V to 240 V. The AC connection is made via a standard 3-pin IEC connector
on the rear panel.

A mating IEC cable is supplied with the unit, which should be terminated with a mains plug of the
correct type for your country.

The AC power consumption of the RedNet D16 is 30VA.

Please note that there are no fuses in RedNet D16, or other user-replaceable components of any
type. Please refer all servicing issues to the Customer Support Team (see “Customer Support and
Unit Servicing” on page 18).

10

REDNET D16 OPERATION

First Use and Firmware Updates

Your RedNet D16 will require a firmware update when it is first installed and switched on. Firmware
updates are initiated and handled automatically by the RedNet Control application. It is important
that the firmware update procedure is not interrupted, either by switching off the RedNet D16 or the
computer on which RedNet Control is running or disconnecting either from the network.

From time to time Focusrite will release RedNet firmware updates within new versions of RedNet
Control. We recommend keeping all RedNet units up to date with the latest firmware version supplied
with each new version of RedNet Control.

Pull Up and Pull Down Operation

RedNet devices are able to run with pull up or pull down sample rates in one of two ways:

• Locking to an external clock at the desired clock frequency

• Operating at a specified pull up or pull down percentage as selected in the Dante Controller
application*

* Note. Not all RedNet devices currently support this mode of operation.

Sample Rate Converters

SRC will need to be switched in for any sources that are not using the current system clock as a
reference signal.

SRC can be switched in or out separately for each input channel pair.

Note. SRC increases latency slightly.

11

OTHER REDNET SYSTEM COMPONENTS

The RedNet hardware range includes various types of I/O interface and a PCIe digital audio interface
card which is installed in the system’s host computer. All the I/O units can be considered as
“Break-Out” (and/or “Break-In”) boxes to/from the network, and all are built in mains-powered,
19” rackmount housings. There are also three software items, RedNet Control (see below), Dante
Controller and Dante Virtual Soundcard.

USING REDNET CONTROL

RedNet Control will reflect the status of the RedNet units present in the system, presenting an
image representing each hardware unit.

The illustration above shows a RedNet D16 with 16 input signals (SRC switched in for channels 1–2
and channels 13–14) and signal present on five outputs.

Networks – Each illuminates if a valid connection is present.

Locked – Unit is successfully locked to the network – changes to the red cross if not locked.

Network Master – Illuminated indicating that unit is the preferred master.

External Clock – Illuminates when unit is preferred master and locked to external clock.

Signal Metering

Each input and output channel has a virtual signal indicator. Five different states are represented:

Black: No signal present
Dim green: > –126 dBFS
Green: –48 dBFS
Yellow: –6 dBFS
Red: –1 dBFS

–SRC– : Indicates sample rate converters are switched in for an input channel pair.

12

Tools Menu

Clicking on the Tools icon will gain access to the following system settings:

Sample Rate Conversion – Each option an On/Off toggle. Can be switched separately.

• Channels 1–2

• Channels 3–4

• Channels 5–6

• Channels 7–8

• Channels 9–10

• Channels 11–12

• Channels 13–14

• Channels 15–16

RedNet Clock Source – Only one of the following can be selected at any time.

• Internal (RedNet AES is network master but running from internal clock)

• Word Clock input

• DARS

• AES Input pair 1

• AES Input pair 5

Note. When selecting any clock source, RedNet D16 AES will become a preferred master.

Audio Input 1–2 from XLR – Tick option On/Off. Replaces channels 1–2 on the DB25 connector.

Audio Input 3–4 from RCA – Tick option On/Off. Replaces channels 3–4 on the DB25 connector.

RCA Output Source – Only one can be selected at any time.

• Channels 1–2

• Channels 3–4

• Channels 5–6

• Channels 7–8

• Channels 9–10

• Channels 11–12

• Channels 13–14

• Channels 15–16

Word Clock Output – One can be selected at any time.

• Network

• Network (base rate)

Word Clock Termination – Tick option On/Off. (Terminates word clock input BNC with 75Ω.)

13

APPENDIX

11

8

1

8

Connector Pinouts

Ethernet Connector

Connector type: RJ-45 receptacle
Applies to: Ethernet (Dante)

DB-25 (AES59) Connector

Connector type: DB-25 receptacle
Applies to: AES3 I/O

25 14

Pin Cat 6 Core

1 White + Orange
2 Orange
3 White + Green
4 Blue
5 White + Blue
6 Green
7 White + Brown
8 Brown

Pin Signal

1 Out channels 7/8 +
14 Out channels 7/8 –
2 Ground
15 Out channels 5/6 +

113

3 Out channels 5/6 –
16 Ground
4 Out channels 3/4 +
17 Out channels 3/4 –
5 Ground
18 Out channels 1/2 +
6 Out channels 1/2
19 Ground
7 In channels 7/8 +
20 In channels 7/8 –
8 Ground
21 In channels 5/6 +
9 In channels 5/6 –
22 Ground
10 In channels 3/4 +
23 In channels 3/4 –
11 Ground
24 In channels 1/2 +
12 In channels 1/2 –
25 Ground
13 n/c

XLR Connectors

Connector type: XLR-3 receptacle
Applies to: AES3/DARS Input

Connector type: XLR-3 plug
Applies to: AES3 Output

Pin Signal

1 Screen
2 Hot (+ve)
3 Cold (–ve)

14

PERFORMANCE AND SPECIFICATIONS

Audio Inputs

AES/EBU 16 channels, with switchable SRC by input pair

AES/EBU Connectors

S/PDIF Input Channels 3–4 (switchable)

S/PDIF connector RCA Phono socket

Input format Channel status ignored. Assumed to be 24 bit, 2-channel audio

1–16: 2x 25-way female D-Sub, each wired to AES59 (combined I/O)/Tascam Digital

Channels 1–2 (switchable): XLR3F

Input Sample Rate Converters

Input sample rate range 32 to 216 kHz

Gain error -0.3 dB

Dynamic Range > 138 dB (-60 dBFS method)

THD+N < -130 dB (0.00003%); 0 dBFS input

Input format Channel status ignored. Assumed to be 24 bit, 2-channel audio

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

Audio Outputs

AES/EBU 16 channels, synchronous with unit sample rate

Channels 1–16: 2x 25-way female D-Sub, each wired to AES59 (combined I/O) (See

AES/EBU Connectors

S/PDIF Output

S/PDIF connector RCA Phono socket

Output format AES3

“Inputs”)

Channels 1–2: XLR3M

2 channels, synchronous with unit sample rate Output can duplicate any adjacent odd/
even pair of channels 1–16

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 network master device

External word clock
range

Nominal sample rate ±7.5%

15

Indicators

Power Indicator Green LED

Green LED. Indicates that a network connection is present on primary port when in

Primary network

redundant mode. When in Switched mode, a valid network connection at either Primary or
Secondary network port will cause this LED to illuminate.

Secondary network

Locked

Unit sample rate Orange LED for each: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, x2, x4

Pull/up down Indicates unit is set to operate on a Dante pull up/down domain

Signal indicators 16 Green LEDs, 8 input/8 output indicators. Illuminate at -126 dBFS

Clock source indicators Orange LED for each: Internal, Word Clock, DARS, Input 1–2, Input 9–10

Green LED. Indicates that a network connection is present on secondary port when in
redundant mode. Not used in switched mode.

Green LED. When unit is network slave, shows valid network lock, when network master
shows unit is locked to indicated clock source. Flashing means invalid external clock
present and unit has reverted to internal clock.

Network Modes

Redundant Allows unit to connect to two independent networks

Switched Connects both ports to integrated network switch allowing daisy-chaining of device

Power

PSU

Internal, 100-240V, consumption 30 VA

16

Focusrite RedNet Warranty and Service

All Focusrite products are built to the highest standards and should provide reliable performance
for many years, subject to reasonable care, use, transportation and storage.

Very many of the products returned under warranty are found not to exhibit any fault at all. To
avoid unnecessary inconvenience to you in terms of returning the product please contact Focusrite
support.

In the event of a Manufacturing Defect becoming evident in a product within 12 months from the date
of the original purchase Focusrite will ensure that the product is repaired or replaced free of charge.

A Manufacturing Defect is defined as a defect in the performance of the product as described and
published by Focusrite. A Manufacturing Defect does not include damage caused by post-purchase
transportation, storage or careless handling, nor damage caused by misuse.

Whilst this warranty is provided by Focusrite the warranty obligations are fulfilled by the distributor
responsible for the country in which you purchased the product.

In the event that you need to contact the distributor regarding a warranty issue, or an out-of-warranty
chargeable repair, please visit: www.focusrite.com/distributors

The distributor will then advise you of the appropriate procedure for resolving the warranty issue.
In every case it will be necessary to provide a copy of the original invoice or store receipt to the
distributor. In the event that you are unable to provide proof of purchase directly then you should
contact the reseller from whom you purchased the product and attempt to obtain proof of purchase
from them.

Please do note that if you purchase a Focusrite product outside your country of residence or business
you will not be entitled to ask your local Focusrite distributor to honour this limited warranty,
although you may request an out-of-warranty chargeable repair.

This limited warranty is offered solely to products purchased from an Authorised Focusrite Reseller
(defined as a reseller which has purchased the product directly from Focusrite Audio Engineering
Limited in the UK, or one of its Authorised Distributors outside the UK). This Warranty is in addition

to your statutory rights in the country of purchase.

Registering Your Product

For access to Dante Virtual Soundcard, please register your product at: www.focusrite.com/register

Customer Support and Unit Servicing

You can contact our dedicated RedNet Customer Support team free of charge:

Email: [e-mail]

Phone (UK): [phone]

Phone (USA): [phone]

Troubleshooting

If you are experiencing problems with your RedNet D16, we recommend that in the first instance,
you visit our Support Answerbase at: www.focusrite.com/answerbase

17