Focusrite Pro RedNet MP8R Data Sheet

REDNET MP8R

8-channel remote-controlled mic pre and A/D
for Dante networks

RedNet MP8R is an 8-channel remote-controlled microphone preamplifi er and A/D for

the Dante audio-over-IP network. Developed from the RedNet 4 studio remote-controlled

microphone preamp, and incorporating input from leading live sound practitioners during

its development, the MP8R provides a wealth of features that make it particularly applicable

to the live sound/recording and broadcast environments, and other workfl ows where reliability

is paramount.

PSU and Ethernet redundancy

Dual Ethernet ports with locking etherCON connectors are provided, with several operating

modes including daisy-chaining and redundancy confi rmed 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

high internal build quality. In addition, the unit offers a compact 1U rack-mount form factor.

Award-winning preamps

The MP8R preamps represent the latest iteration of Focusrite’s award-winning 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, great dynamic range and better Common Mode Rejection than ever before.

Key Features

• Built-in redundancy with dual power

and network connections

• Rugged roadworthy all-metal

construction, high build quality,

locking power and etherCON

Ethernet 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

• 20dB pad, HPF and polarity

inversion per input

The preamps in the MP8R offer an increased maximum input level of 28dBu, plus a 20dB pad,

high-pass fi lter, polarity inversion and phantom power. Each preamp has a dual input impedance

of 10k or 2.4k ohms, allowing fl exibility when running multiple mic pres in parallel.

About RedNet

Launched in 2012, Focusrite's RedNet range was one of the fi rst to adopt the Dante

audio-over-IP network as the infrastructure for a new and versatile range of products.

Since then, RedNet has become increasingly popular for a diverse range of audio

applications, from theme parks to opera, from studio to major live events.

RedNet has become known for its quality and reliability – the latter a feature that is

brought even more to the fore by the inclusion of redundancy capabilities – as well as

proving exceptionally simple to operate and offering the best-sounding audio-over-IP

solution available and full operability with other Dante devices.

Powered by

• Operate locally, or remotely via

RedNet Control software, Pro

Tools, MIDI or OCA (Open Control

Architecture – available 2015 via

fi rmware update)

• Precision low-latency conversion

at up to 24-bit/192kHz, with

best-in-class dynamic range

and overall audio quality

• 6-segment LED level meters;

OLED display indicates input

gain and system information

• Compact 1U form factor

• Total interoperability with other

Dante products and networks

31 2

1 – Dual AC inlets with cable clips 2 – Dual locking etherCON Ethernet connectors 3 – Analogue Inputs (1-8)

The RedNet Range

The RedNet Range

DSP gain tracking

The MP8R includes a sophisticated gain tracking ability, appearing as a 16-channel device on the

network, the fi rst eight channels being direct preamp feeds, while the remaining eight are automatically

DSP level-compensated outputs sourced from the fi rst eight. This architecture allows “splits” – such

D16R – AES3 Bridge

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

HD32 – HD Bridge

package, Pro Tools and MIDI, and OCA (Open Control Architecture – supported via 2015 fi rmware

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.

D64 – MADI Bridge

High-precision conversion

Following the mic pres are eight channels of Focusrite’s legendary high-precision A /D converters,

operating at up to 192kHz/24-bit with minimum latency and offering class-leading dynamic range

and overall performance.

See the rest of the range at

www.focusrite.com/rednet

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.

Specifi cations

Connectors (rear panel)

2x ethe rCON l ocki ng Ethernet connecto rs – also c ompat ible wi th
standard RJ45 connectors

2x IEC po wer conn ector w ith retaining c lip: 100 –240Vac, 50 /60
Hz. Cord retaining clips included.

8x XLR3F anal ogue au dio inp uts

Controls (front panel)

Power on/off

Channel select buttons (1-8)

Info, 2.4/10kΩ i nput im peda nce, 20 dB pad, + 48V Phantom Powe r,
HPF and Polarity illuminated buttons

Gain setting knob

Indic ators ( front panel)

PSU A and P SU B power suppl y active L EDs

Netwo rk: Pr imar y, Secon dary a nd Lock ed LEDs

Sampl e Rate: 4 4.1kHz, 48 kH z, x2, x4 a nd Pull L EDs

8x 6-segment level displays

Gain ( dB) and statu s indic ation fo r selected cha nnel vi a OLED d isplay

Illum inated b utton s: Info ( displays devi ce data on OLED p anel ), 2.4k Ω input
imped ance, –20dB, + 48V, HPF a nd Polarity

Microphone Inputs

Gain ra nge: 0 d B to 55 dB in 1 d B steps

Type: Ele ctron icall y balan ced, Z in = 2.4 /10 kΩ

Max . input level: + 28 dBu

Frequ ency re spons e: 20 Hz – 55 k Hz ±0 .1 dB

Phantom power: 48 V, independently switchable per-channel

Analogue High-Pass Filters

Selection: Independently switchable per-channel

Frequ ency/slop e: –6 dB @ 6 5 ±3 Hz , 12 dB/oc tave

Digital Performance

Suppo rted s ample r ates: 4 4.1, 48, 88. 2, 96, 176.4,
192 k Hz

Clock s ource s: Int ernal o r from ne twork m aster d evice

MP8R-DS • v1.0 • 2014093 0 • REƒwww.focusrite.com/rednet