Red 8Pre features both Thunderbolt 2 connectivity and dual mini-DigiLink ports allowing you the best of both Core Audio and Pro Tools | HD workflows. Take Red 8Pre on the road for location recording over Thunderbolt then connect the same interface to Pro Tools|HDX or Pro Tools|HD Native back at the studio for mixdown. Switch easily between Pro Tools | HD and any Thunderbolt-connected DAW with Host Mode. The combination of low-latency conversion and driver technology allows real-time foldback mixes to be created in the DAW while you continue to use your native plug-ins. Unlike many interfaces, both mini-DigiLink and Thunderbolt 2 connectivity comes as standard, so there's no need to buy an additional option card.

Eight Red Evolution Mic Pres
Focusrite's Red Evolution mic pres draw on many decades of design prowess as well as many of the elements behind the incredibly popular RedNet mic pre used in many studios, broadcast facilities and live performances around the world. The digitally-controlled mic pres deliver a clear and honest sound with very low noise and plenty of gain available for the most-quiet of sources. They can be controlled from the front panel or remotely over Thunderbolt using RedNet Control. Additionally the mic pre settings can be saved and recalled allowing you to quickly re-setup for your next session. They also include our unique 'Air' effect, recreating the sound of the transformer-based mic preamps in the ISA and original Red ranges. When 'Air' is enabled, the microphone impedance is lowered and the sound is given a subtle mid-high boost – all in the analogue domain.

Parallel Path Conversion
From the original Blue 245 and 260 mastering-grade A-D and D-A, through the Liquid Channel and more recently RedNet, digital conversion is a key part of our design heritage and philosophy. Every converter we design starts with the same objectives: low latency, high dynamic range and a flat, wide frequency response. Red 8Pre's conversion achieves just that, lightning fast performance, a dynamic range of 118dB A-D and 121dB D-A and a flat response to 35kHz. By using “parallel path summing" we have achieved even greater noise-performance than ever.

Room For Expansion
While Red 8Pre has enough I/O for many scenarios, sometimes more is needed. That's why Red 8Pre includes two ADAT ports, for up to 16 additional inputs and outputs. Simply connect any ADAT equipment, such as the Focusrite Octopre, using light pipes. However in today's modern studio, audio networking is taking over. Focusrite's RedNet range is the world's most popular modular audio-over-IP platform. We've brought some of that technology to Red 8Pre, allowing up to 32 channels of Dante inputs and outputs to be connected. Simply plug in an Ethernet cable and add additional mic pres or line I/O with ease. Alternatively arrive at the studio or venue and simply connect one Ethernet cable to Red 8Pre to gain access to the whole network. The possibilities are huge.

Hugely Flexible
Since Red 8Pre allows the user to assign any physical input or output to any driver/Pro Tools|HD channel, it's easier than ever to customise the interface layout and integrate hardware inserts. Simply open RedNet Control software and reallocate the channels as required.

Simple Switching Between DAWsSwitch between Pro Tools | HD and a DAW connected to the Thunderbolt interface using the Host Mode setting in the included RedNet Control software. For example, you can switch quickly and easily between Pro Tools | HD and Ableton, Logic or Pro Tools software - just keep both connected at all times and make the switch whenever you need.

Ultra-Low Latency
Monitoring latency is the enemy of any performer and if the performance isn't excellent, the final mix won't be either. By utilising the lowest-latency conversion available, coupled with a high-performance Core Audio driver, Red 8Pre's analogue round trip latency is kept to an exceptionally low minimum of 1.67ms.