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The Red 16Line continues the line of Focusrite interfaces designed for demanding professional environments where conversion quality, clock stability, and routing flexibility are non-negotiable. Its positioning is clear: to offer a "hub" interface capable of unifying a Pro Tools | HD studio, a native Thunderbolt workstation, and a Dante network, while retaining the Red DNA (performance, precision, reliability). Where many setups required compromises or hardware expansions, the Red 16Line simplifies the transition between ecosystems thanks to the combined presence of DigiLink and Thunderbolt 3, facilitating DAW changes without rewiring or complex reconfiguration.
The Focusrite Red 16Line targets recording studios seeking high-end conversion with a large number of analog I/Os, post-production control rooms alternating between Pro Tools | HD and native workstations, as well as broadcast and live environments leveraging Dante to distribute audio over IP. Practically, it suits both a "studio core" configuration (monitoring, outboard gear, headphone mixes, inserts via lines) and a hybrid architecture where some rooms use Dante while the main control room remains on Thunderbolt or Pro Tools | HD.
The Red 16Line's strength lies in its ability to combine Pro Tools | HD via DigiLink, a Thunderbolt 3 connection for native DAWs, and a Dante network over Ethernet. This "all-in-one" approach avoids having to choose between an HD workflow and a native workflow: you can switch between environments more easily depending on the session, while maintaining a coherent studio topology. The 2 Thunderbolt 3 ports facilitate daisy-chaining in a modern setup, while keeping connectivity suited for studios that need to remain versatile.
With 16 channels of AD/DA conversion and a dynamic range exceeding 118 dB (AD) and 121 dB (DA), the Red 16Line aims for faithful reproduction, useful both for recording acoustic sources and hybrid mixing with external gear. Its operational asset remains the ultra-low round-trip latency, designed to work "like on a console": monitoring processing, vocal tracking with plugin chains, or playing virtual instruments comfortably.
The 2 built-in Red mic preamps are digitally controlled and offer up to 63 dB of gain. Remote control, consistent settings, and precise recall are especially appreciated in multi-engineer studios or post-production. Essential functions are included: stereo link, individual 48 V phantom power, high-pass filter, and phase inversion. The Air Mode provides a more open and brighter signature, inspired by an ISA-style transformer aesthetic, useful for adding presence to vocals, acoustic guitars, or overheads.
On the front panel, the Red 16Line offers 3 LCD screens for detailed level metering, useful when switching between analog sources, DAW returns, and network streams. On the software side, Focusrite Control serves as the command center for monitoring and routing configurations, with remote preamp control. The result: quick management of cue mixes, artist returns, and recording paths without wasting time reshuffling the patch with every session change.
For multi-device systems, the Red 16Line allows linking multiple digital sources via word clock I/O and loop sync I/O. This attention to sync helps maintain stable conversion and overall coherence, particularly in setups combining converters, consoles, recorders, and audio networks.
The interface comes with a set of useful software for configuration and production: Focusrite Control, RedNet PCIe drivers (included with RedNet Control), Audinate Dante Controller (with RedNet Control), the Red 2 & 3 Plugin Suite in AAX/AU/VST formats, and the Softube Time & Tone Bundle. This provides routing setup, Dante network control, and classic studio-inspired processing tools to record and mix from the very first sessions.
