Focusrite RedNet 3 User Manual

Focusrite RedNet 3 User Manual

Multichannel, bidirectional digital audio interface

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User Guide

www.focusrite.com
FA0771-02

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Table of Contents
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Summary of Contents for Focusrite RedNet 3

  • Page 1: User Guide

    User Guide www.focusrite.com FA0771-02...
  • Page 2: Important Safety Instructions

    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.
  • Page 3: Environmental Declaration

    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.
  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Focusrite RedNet Warranty and Service .........
  • Page 5: Introduction

    INTRODUCTION Thank you for purchasing this Focusrite RedNet 3. RedNet 3 is a multichannel, bidirectional digital audio interface for use with a RedNet digital audio networking system. RedNet is a powerful, low latency, digital audio networking system designed specifically for music, recording studio and broadcast applications. It is based on Audinate’s Dante™, a well-established audio networking technology known for its extreme robustness. Dante - and the RedNet system - is capable of transporting up to 512 channels of bidirectional audio (at 48 kHz sample rate) over a single Gigabit Ethernet link. The number of channels available in your DAW will depend on the host method being used. RedNet 3 provides up to 64 channels of digital I/O (32 inputs, 32 outputs), in ADAT format. The ADAT connectivity consists of eight optical inputs and eight optical outputs. ADAT Inputs 1 to 4 and Outputs 1 to 4 can each carry 8 audio channels at 44.1 or 48 kHz. Outputs 5 to 8 duplicate the lower-numbered ports at these sample rates. At higher sample rates, Inputs 5 to 8 and Outputs 5 to 8 are used for the higher-numbered channels, and the per-port channel count is reduced from 8 to 4 (at 96 kHz) or to 2 (at 192 kHz). The AES/EBU I/O makes Input and Output channels 1 to 8 available on a 25-pin Dsub connector, in addition to the ADAT format at the optical ports. Sample Rate Conversion (SRC) is available on the AES/EBU inputs; this may be selected from RedNet Control. (Note that the AES/EBU digital format encodes audio channels in pairs.) RedNet 3 is also provided with an S/PDIF input and an S/PDIF output; these carry Channels 1 and 2. Sample Rate Converters (SRCs) are fitted to the S/PDIF input. Word Clock Input and Word Clock Output connectors permit RedNet 3 to be either a master or slave to other digital audio devices outside the RedNet network. The front panel has LEDs confirming the unit’s network status, sample rate and sync source, together...
  • Page 6: About This User Guide

    About this User Guide This User Guide applies only to the RedNet 3 digital interface. It provides information about installing a RedNet 3 and how to connect it into your studio system. You will also find a copy of the RedNet System User Guide included with the unit. This Guide provides a detailed explanation of the RedNet system concept, to help you achieve a thorough understanding of its capabilities. 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 you are fully aware of all the possibilities that RedNet and its software has to offer. If either User Guide does not provide the information you need, be sure to consult www.focusrite.com/rednet, which contains a comprehensive collection of common technical support queries. Box Contents • RedNet 3 unit • RedNet 3 User Guide (this manual) • RedNet System User Guide • 2 m Cat6 Ethernet cable • IEC AC mains cable • Product registration card with Bundle Code. Registration gives access to: • RedNet Control • RedNet drivers (installed with RedNet Control) • Audinate Dante Controller (installed with RedNet Control) • Dante Virtual Soundcard token and download instructions • RedNet 3 User Guide (this document) – PDF format • RedNet System User Guide – PDF format...
  • Page 7: Installation Guide

    INSTALLATION GUIDE Unit connections and features RedNet 3 - Front Panel 1. AC Power switch 2. AES ACTIVITY – four green LEDs which illuminate when a valid AES/EBU digital audio signal is present at the corresponding AES/EBU input. A further set of four indicates the presence of a signal at each of the AES/EBU outputs. Note that the numbering is in pairs, as one AES/EBU signal (input or output) corresponds to two audio channels. 3. ADAT ACTIVITY – two sets of four green LEDs which illuminate when a valid digital audio signal in ADAT format is present at the corresponding input or output TOSLINK port. Note...
  • Page 8: Rednet 3 - Rear Panel

    • INTERNAL – synchronisation is derived from the RedNet 3’s internal clock. If any of the external sync sources are selected, but no valid signal is available, the unit’s clock source will switch automatically to internal sync. The selected clock (internal or external) is available at a Word Clock Output connector for connection to other digital audio devices outside the RedNet network. RedNet 3 - Rear Panel 7. AES/EBU INPUTS/OUTPUTS – 25-pin female Dsub connector, conforming to AES 59, for connecting up to 8 digital audio sources (4 AES/EBU pairs) to the RedNet system, and also for outputting up to 8 digital audio channels (4 AES/EBU pairs). See page 12 for connector details.
  • Page 9 11. S/PDIF INPUT – phono socket allowing connection of the S/PDIF output of a digital audio device. The two channels connected here may be placed on the RedNet network, as selected in RedNet Control. The S/PDIF signal connected here may also be used as the unit’s sync source. 12. WORD CLOCK INPUT – a BNC socket for the connection of a dedicated word clock sync signal, typically derived from a studio master clock source used to sync all the interconnected digital audio units in the system. 13. WORD CLOCK OUTPUT – a BNC socket from which a word clock signal may be obtained for connection to other digital audio devices outside the RedNet network. The clock signal available here will be derived from the source selected in software, and confirmed on the RedNet 3’s front panel by LED.
  • Page 10: Physical Characteristics

    Physical Characteristics RedNet 3’s dimensions are shown in the diagram below: 247.5mm / 9.74" 465.0mm / 18.30" 76.2mm / 3" RedNet 3 requires 2U of vertical rackspace and at least 350 mm of rack depth, to allow for cables. RedNet 3 weighs 4.34 kg, and for installations in a fixed environment (e.g., a studio), the front panel mounting screws will provide adequate support. If the units are to be used in a mobile situation (e.g., flight-cased for touring, etc.), consideration should be given to using side support rails within the rack. RedNet 3 generates no significant heat, and is cooled by natural convection. We recommend that the unit should not be used in locations where the ambient temperature is greater than 30°C. Ventilation is via slots in the enclosure at both sides. Do not mount RedNet 3 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 3 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...
  • Page 11: Other Rednet System Components

    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, 2U 19” rackmounting housings. There are also three software items, RedNet Control (see below), Dante Controller and Dante Virtual Soundcard. USING REDNET CONTROL A virtual depiction of RedNet 3 will appear on-screen in RedNet Control when a unit is included in the active system. Port activity: Each of the RedNet 3’s 32 inputs and 32 outputs has a virtual LED which illuminates to confirm the presence of an audio signal on that channel. Note that as the maximum number of channels is reduced at higher sample rates, the number of LEDs which may appear active is...
  • Page 12: Appendix

    APPENDIx Connector pinouts AES/EBU digital audio input/output connector Connector type: 25-pin female Dsub Applies to: AES/EBU INPUTS/OUTPUTS Signal Signal AES/EBU Ch D output ‘hot’ (+) AES/EBU Ch D output ‘cold’ (-) AES/EBU Ch D output screen AES/EBU Ch C output ‘hot’ (+) AES/EBU Ch C output ‘cold’ (-) AES/EBU Ch C output screen AES/EBU Ch B output ‘hot’ (+) AES/EBU Ch B output ‘cold’ (-) AES/EBU Ch B output screen AES/EBU Ch A output ‘hot’ (+) AES/EBU Ch A output ‘cold’ (-) AES/EBU Ch A output screen AES/EBU Ch D input ‘hot’ (+) AES/EBU Ch D input ‘cold’ (-) AES/EBU Ch D input screen AES/EBU Ch C input ‘hot’ (+) AES/EBU Ch C input ‘cold’ (-) AES/EBU Ch C input screen AES/EBU Ch B input ‘hot’ (+) AES/EBU Ch B input ‘cold’ (-) AES/EBU Ch B input screen AES/EBU Ch A input ‘hot’ (+) AES/EBU Ch A input ‘cold’ (-) AES/EBU Ch A input screen AES/EBU Ch Audio channels 1 & 2 3 & 4 5 & 6 7 & 8...
  • Page 13 Ethernet connector Connector type: RJ-45 receptacle Applies to: ETHERNET Cat6 Core White + Orange Orange White + Green Blue White + Blue Green White + Brown Brown Word Clock I/O (Ext sync) Connector type: 2 x 75 ohm BNC sockets Applies to: WORD CLOCK INPUT and OUTPUT S/PDIF I/O (Digital audio Chs 1 and 2) Connector type: 2 x phono (RCA) sockets Applies to: S/PDIF INPUT and OUTPUT ADAT I/O (Digital audio Channels 1 – 64) Connector type: TOSLINK Applies to: OPTICAL INPUTS 1-8 and OUTPUTS 1-8...
  • Page 14: Performance Specifications

    Performance Specifications Inputs AES/EBU inputs 8 channels, with switchable SRC AES/EBU connector 25-way female Dsub, wired to AES 59 (combined I/O) 32 channels @ 44.1 / 48 / 88.2 / 96 kHz sample rate; 16 channels @ ADAT inputs 192 kHz ADAT connectors TOSLINK lightguides x 8 S/PDIF input 2 channels, with switchable SRC 44.1 to 192 kHz S/PDIF connector Phono (RCA) socket AES/EBU Input Sampe 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 Outputs AES/EBU outputs 8 channels, sync-locked to RedNet system sample rate AES/EBU connector See “Inputs” 32 channels @ 44.1 / 48 / 88.2 / 96 kHz sample rate; 16 channels @ ADAT outputs 192 kHz ADAT connectors TOSLINK lightguides x 8 S/PDIF output 2 channels, sync-locked to RedNet system sample rate...
  • Page 15: Focusrite Rednet Warranty And Service

    Front Panel Indicators Power Green Network connected Green Sync lock Green Sample rate Yellow x 5 Clock source Yellow x 5 Signal present Green x 16; illuminate at -128 dBFS 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...
  • Page 16: Registering Your Product

    Registering your product For technical support, please register your product at: www.focusrite.com/register Customer Support and Unit Servicing You can contact Focusrite Customer Support at: Email: supportteam@focusrite.com Phone (UK): +44 (0)1494 462246 Phone (USA): +1 (310) 322-5500 Troubleshooting If you are experiencing problems with your RedNet 3, we recommend that in the first instance, you visit our Support Answerbase at: www.focusrite.com/answerbase...

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