Focusrite RedNet A8R Analogue I-O 8 Channel Dante Audio Interface User Guide

Focusrite RedNet A8R Analogue I-O 8 Channel Dante Audio Interface

Product Information

Specifications:

• Interface: RedNet A8R/A16R
• Channels: 8 [16] channels of A-D/D-A + 1 AES/EBU channel-pair
• Network: Dante audio-over-IP network
• Features: Network and power redundancy, remote control and monitoring
• Connectivity: Dual Ethernet connectors, Word Clock I/O, DARS reference input
• Front Panel: LEDs for PSU status, network status, sample rate, clock sources, and signal presence

Product Usage Instructions

Installation:

1. Connect RedNet A8R/A16R to power source using the AC Power Switch.
2. Ensure both redundant power supplies are functioning.
3. Connect the unit to the network using the Ethernet connectors for maximum reliability.
4. Utilize the Word Clock I/O for synchronization with external equipment or house clock.

Front Panel Features:

• AC Power Switch: Controls power input from the supplies.
• RedNet Network Status Indicators: Display network connectivity status.
• RedNet Sample Rate Indicators: Show the current sample rate being used.
• Signal Level Indicators: Display signal presence and level.

FAQ:

• Q: How do I monitor the status of the redundant power supplies?
  A: The status of each PSU can be monitored remotely over the network or from the front panel LEDs.

• Q: Can I connect additional units to RedNet A8R/A16R?
  A: Yes, additional units can be daisy-chained using the Ethernet connectors when operating in Switched mode.

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing the Focusrite RedNet A8R/A16R.
RedNet A8R/A16R is a 1U 19in rack-mount interface featuring 8 [16] channels of A-D/D-A plus one AES/EBU channel-pair for the Dante audio-over-IP network. Specically tailored for the road, live sound, and broadcast environments, each unit features network and power redundancy, rugged construction with latching connectors, remote control and remote monitoring. Dual Ethernet connectors (primary and secondary) on the rear panel allow maximum network reliability with seamless switchover to a standby network in the unlikely event of a network failure. These ports may also be used to daisy-chain additional units when operating in Switched mode. Redundant power supplies (PSU A and B) with separate input sockets on the rear panel allow one supply to be connected to an uninterruptible source. Each PSU’s status can be monitored remotely over the network or from the front panel.
RedNet A8R/A16R has a Sample Rate Converter (SRC) on the AES/EBU input pair allowing instant operation with any AES/EBU source irrespective of the sample rate or clocking of the Dante network. An audio interface is provided by two [four] standard 8-way (AES59) DB-25 connections. In addition, channels 9-10 [17-18] act as the AES/EBU channels. [When operating at quad sample rates, channels 17-18 are no longer available, meaning that the user can
select either: 1-16 analogue -or- 1-14 analogue and 15-16 AES/EBU.] Word Clock I/O on BNC connectors allows synchronization 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 A8R/A16R front panel contains a set of LEDs to confirm PSU status, network status, sample rate, clock sources and signal presence on AES/EBU and signal metering on Analogue I/O.

INSTALLATION GUIDE

RedNet A8R/A16R Connections and Features

• Front Panels

1.  **AC Power Switch**
2.  **Power Indicators:**
  * PSU A – Illuminates when an AC input is applied and all DC outputs are present.
  * PSU B – Illuminates when an AC input is applied and all DC outputs are present.  

When both supplies are functioning and have AC inputs PSU A will be the default supply.

3.  **RedNet Network Status Indicators:**
  * PRIMARY – Illuminates when the device is connected to an active Ethernet network. Also illuminates to indicate network activity when operating in Switched mode on either port.
  * 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 when the RedNet A8R/A16R unit is the Network Master. Flashes if external clock is selected but not connected.
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 Level Indicators:**
  1. INPUTS – Tri-colour LEDs indicate audio signal levels at the inputs to the network:  

Green: Signal present (illuminates at -42 dBFS)
Orange: -6 dBFS
Red: 0 dBFS
[When a RedNet A16R unit is operating at quad sample rates, the indication for LEDs 15 and 16 will depend on the signal mode selected.]

6.  **AES/EBU Signal Presence Indicators**  

Green LEDs indicate if an AES/EBU signal is present IN to the network, and OUT from the network; each illuminates at -126 dBFS.
[When a RedNet A16R unit is operating at quad sample rates, the IN and OUT LEDs don’t illuminate if Analogue mode has been selected.]

7.  **RedNet Clock Source Indicators**  

Three orange indicators: Internal, Word Clock (BNC input) and DARS (XLR input). Whichever is lit identies the clock reference being used. When an incoming clock source is invalid, the ‘Locked’ indicator will ash to indicate that the unit has reverted to using its internal clock.

• Rear Panels

1.  **IEC Mains Inlet A**  

Standard IEC receptacle for connection of AC mains. RedNet A8R/A16Rs feature ‘Universal’ PSUs, enabling them to operate on any supply voltage of between 100 V and 240 V. Note that initial use requires fitment of the plug retaining clips – see page 9.

2.  **IEC Mains Inlet B**  

Input connector for backup mains power source. Power supply B remains on standby but will seamlessly take over if PSU A develops a fault or loses its mains input supply. If an uninterruptable supply (UPS) is available, it is recommended that this is applied to input B.

3.  **Primary Network Port**  

Latching etherCON connector for the Dante network. Use standard Cat 5e or Cat 6 network cable to connect to a local Ethernet switch to connect the RedNet A8R/A16R to a Dante network. Adjacent to each network socket are LEDs which illuminate to indicate a valid network connection plus network activity. See page 14 for connector details.

4.  **Secondary Network Port**  

Secondary 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).

5.  **Word Clock Out**  

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

6.  **Word Clock In**  

Allows synchronisation of the Dante network to house word clock.

7.  **AES/EBU Out**  

Permanent AES/EBU output of audio channel pair 9-10 [17-18]. [When a RedNet A16R unit is operating at quad sample rates, AES/EBU Out becomes duplicate of network channels 15-16. The output is available when operating in either AES/EBU or Analogue mode.]

8.  **AES/EBU In**  

AES/EBU source for channels 9–10 [17-18]. May also be used as a clock source when fed with either AES/EBU or DARS (Digital Audio Reference Signal – AES/EBU distributed clock as per AES11).
[When a RedNet A16R unit is operating at quad sample rates, AES/EBU In replaces Analogue channels 15-16 when operating in AES/EBU mode.]

9.  **DB-25 Connectors**  

Analogue inputs and outputs; eight channels per connector. Wired to the AES59 8-way standard (also known as the Tascam standard).

Power Connection

• IEC Power Cord Retaining Clip
  RedNet A8R/A16R is supplied with IEC power cord retaining clips. These prevent accidental disconnection of a power cord during use. When the unit is first installed, the retaining clips will need to be attached to the power input sockets on the rear panel. Insert each 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 each clip is as shown in the other images below or the effectiveness will be compromised.

Physical Characteristics

RedNet A8R/A16R dimensions are illustrated in the diagram above.
RedNet A8R/A16R requires 1U of vertical rack space and at least 350 mm of rack depth, to allow for cables. RedNet A8R/A16R weighs 4.52 [4.78] 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.), it is recommended that side support rails or shelves should be used within the rack. Cooling is by fan assistance from side to side. The fan used is low-speed and low-noise to allow for an ambient operating temperature of 50 degrees Celcius. [RedNet A16R has two fans, at higher ambient operating temperatures the fans will increase in speed to allow for an ambient operating temperature of 50 degrees Celcius.]

Ventilation is via slots in the enclosure at both sides. Do not mount RedNet A8R/A16R 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 A8R/A16R is mains-powered. It incorporates ‘Universal’ power supplies which can operate on any AC mains voltage from 100 V to 240 V. The AC connections are made via a standard 3-pin IEC connectors on the rear panel.
When PSU A & PSU B are both connected, PSU A becomes the default supply and therefore draws more current than B. If a backup mains supply is provided from an uninterruptable source, it is recommended that this is connected to input B.
Mating IEC cables are supplied with the unit; these should be terminated with mains plugs of the correct type for your country.
The AC power consumption of the RedNet A8R/A16R is 24 [41] W.
Please note that there are no fuses in RedNet A8R/A16R, 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).

REDNET A8R/A16R OPERATION

First Use and Firmware Updates
Your RedNet A8R/A16R may 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 power to the RedNet A8R/A16R unit or the computer on which RedNet Control is running, or by 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.

Digital Clocking
Each RedNet A8R/A16R will automatically lock to a valid Network Master via its Dante connection. Alternatively, if a Network Master is not present, then the unit can be chosen as the Network Master by the user.

Pull Up and Pull Down Operation
RedNet A8R/A16R is able to operate at a specified pull up or pull down percentage as selected in the Dante Controller application.

Sample Rate Converters
SRC will need to be switched on if the AES/EBU source is not using the current system clock as a reference signal.

Note that engaging the sample rate converter will increase the overall latency of the device.

OTHER REDNET SYSTEM COMPONENTS

The RedNet hardware range includes various types of I/O interface and the PCIe/ PCIeR digital audio interface cards which are installed in the system’s host computer or in a chassis. 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, unless otherwise stated. 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 A8R with signals present on all input and output channels. The unit has a single PSU input, single network input and a locked network connection.

• PSUs A & B – Each illuminates if PSU has power input and all DC outputs are present
• 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 network master.
• External Clock – Green: Illuminates when external clock is selected and locked. Amber: Illuminates when external clock is selected but not locked. Red: Illuminates when external clock is selected but not connected.

Signal Metering
Each input and output channel has a three-segment meter. The different states illuminate at the below values:

• Green: –42 dBFS
• Amber: –6 dBFS
• Red: 0 dBFS

–SRC–: Indicates sample rate converters are switched on for the AES/EBU channel pair.

ID (Identification)
Clicking on the ID icon will identify the physical device being controlled by flashing its front panel LEDs.

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

Line Level Setup – Sets the analogue line output level at 0 dBFS:

• +18dBu
• +24dBu Factory default setting

[Inputs 15 & 16 from XLR] – Tick option (RedNet A16R units only). When selected, analogue channels 15 and 16 are replaced by the AES/EBU channel pair.
Note: Option is only functional when unit is operating at quad sampling rate.

Preferred Master – On/Off state.
RedNet Clock Source – Only one of the following can be selected at any time:

• Internal (RedNet is network master but running from internal clock)
• Work Clock Input – (BNC Input)
• XLR Input (DARS)

Word Clock Input Termination – Tick option On/OFF. (Terminates word clock input BNC with 75Ω.)
Word Clock Output – One can be selected at any time.

• Network
• Network (Base Rate)
  AES/EBU Input SRC – On/OFF state. Applicable to channels 9 & 10 [17 & 18]. Enables Sample Rate Converters

APPENDIX

Connector Pinouts

• Ethernet Connector

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

• DB-25 (AES59) Connector

  • Connector type: DB-25 receptacle
  • Applies to: Analogue I/O
    Screw binding-posts use the standard UNC 4/40 thread

• XLR Connectors

  • Connector type: XLR-3 receptacle
  • Applies to: AES/EBU-DARS Input
  • Connector type: XLR-3 plug
  • Applies to: AES/EBU Output

PERFORMANCE AND SPECIFICATIONS

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 dened 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 fulffilled 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.

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