Focusrite has launched Red 4Pre, the ‘pinnacle’ of the company’s interface range.

The 58-in/64-out Red 4Pre combines four of Focusrite’s specially-developed digitally-controlled mic preamps and high-headroom instrument inputs with dual Thunderbolt 2, dual Pro Tools | HD DigiLink and Dante network audio connectivity.

Featuring Focusrite’s most advanced low-noise conversion and ‘beautiful yet robust’ design, the Red 4Pre interface is described by the manufacturer as ‘the perfect balance of form and function, delivering the sound quality and versatility engineers and producers around the world expect from Focusrite.’

Four of Focusrite’s new, specially-developed Red Evolution preamps lie at the heart of the Red 4Pre, featuring ‘clear, honest audio performance’ with –129 dB EIN and 63dB of gain. Software control allows recall of settings and stereo linking, plus configuration of HPF, polarity invert and individual phantom power. The preamps include Focusrite’s unique Air effect, recreating in the analogue domain the sound of the transformer-based mic preamps in the classic ISA range – useful for bringing out the breathy quality of a vocal or adding presence to an acoustic guitar. Red 4Pre also offers high-headroom instrument inputs, instantly accessible from the front panel.

The Red 4Pre’s new high-performance conversion system delivers ‘parallel path summing’, where two matched converters are run in parallel to increase the signal-to-noise ratio. They operate at up to 24-bit, 192 kHz sampling – ideal for high-resolution audio – with a dynamic range of 118dB(A-D)/121dB (D-A). The Red 4Pre provides ≤0.0009% THD+Noise and a frequency response flat from 20Hz to 35kHz ±0.25 dB or better.

The new interface promises ‘exceptional connectivity.’ Dual Thunderbolt 2 ports connect to any DAW while allowing daisy-chaining of drives and displays. Focusrite’s lowest round-trip latency permits recording with preferred plug-ins in real-time and simplifies workflow, while dual DigiLink ports connect the Red 4Pre directly to any Pro Tools | HD system.

In addition, Red 4Pre brings with it built-in Dante network audio connectivity – the dual Ethernet ports can be used to connect any Dante-compatible product such as units from Focusrite’s own RedNet range, adding up to 64 channels via Ethernet exactly where they’re needed – wherever there’s an Ethernet network – with ‘low latency and lower cost.’

http://www.focusrite.com