Focusrite RedNet A16R MkII 16-Channel Analog Dante Interface with AES3

Focusrite RedNet A16R MkII: 16-Channel Analog Interface for Dante

The Focusrite RedNet A16R MkII is a 16-channel bidirectional analog interface for Dante networks, adding two channels of AES3 digital I/O in a 1U rackmount chassis. It converts 16 balanced analog inputs and 16 balanced analog outputs onto a networked audio system, letting analog sources and destinations join a Dante infrastructure. For a broadcast plant or recording facility standardizing on networked audio, it brings existing analog gear into the network without a separate converter rack.

Precision 24-Bit/192 kHz Conversion

The A-D and D-A converters provide 119 dB of dynamic range and a frequency response flat within 0.15 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz at up to 24-bit/192 kHz. Dynamic range is the span between the noise floor and the loudest clean signal a converter handles, so a wide figure keeps quiet passages detailed and loud peaks undistorted. A mastering-adjacent monitoring path or a broadcast console feed benefits from conversion that stays faithful to the source across the full audio band.

Dante Audio-over-IP Networking

Networking is handled over Dante, an audio-over-IP standard that transports many channels of low-latency digital audio across standard Gigabit Ethernet cabling. Because Dante rides ordinary Cat 5e or Cat 6 cable, a single network run can carry all 16 channels in each direction and interoperate with hundreds of compatible devices. A facility can place this converter near its analog gear and route every channel to consoles, recorders, or other rooms entirely in software.

Redundant Power and Network for Critical Paths

Two internal power supplies with locking IEC inlets and dual etherCON Primary and Secondary network connectors give the A16R MkII full power and Ethernet redundancy. Redundancy means a second independent supply or network path takes over automatically if the primary one fails, so audio keeps flowing without a dropout. In live sound and broadcast, where a single point of failure can take a show off the air, that silent failover gives system technicians real peace of mind.

Individual Channel Level Control

Every input and output has its own level trim adjustable from the RedNet Control software, from -78 dB up to 0 dB in fine steps. Independent per-channel calibration lets an engineer match levels across sources and destinations without inserting outboard gain stages. A monitoring or post-production room can set precise reference levels for each feed and recall them, keeping mixes and measurements consistent day to day.

AES3 Digital I/O and Sample Rate Conversion

A pair of AES3 channels is provided on male and female XLR connectors, with sample rate conversion on the AES3 input for gear running at any rate. AES3, also known as AES/EBU, is the professional two-channel digital audio standard carried on balanced XLR cabling, and the input can also accept a DARS reference signal. This lets a studio patch a digital source such as an external converter or console directly into the network even when its clock differs from the Dante system.

Flexible Connectivity and Clocking

Analog I/O is carried on four rear-panel AES59-configured DB25 connectors, while Word Clock in and out on BNC allow the unit to slave to house clock or act as network grand master. A DB25, or D-sub, connector groups eight balanced channels on one locking multipin plug for a clean, secure install. Word clock keeps the converter sample-locked to the rest of the facility, and the unit is AES67 and AES70 compliant, with SMPTE ST 2110 support when used with Dante Domain Manager.

Built for Permanent Installation

All connectors lock and remain terminated even under stress, and the compact 1U chassis maximizes functionality in minimum rack space. Locking connectors matter in touring and fixed installs because they resist accidental disconnection during repeated strike, setup, and cable stress. A rental company or systems integrator can rack the unit once and trust that it stays connected through moves and long-term operation.

Who the RedNet A16R MkII Is For

Broadcast facilities, post-production suites, live-sound systems, and recording studios that need reliable analog I/O on a Dante network are the ideal fit for the A16R MkII. Its combination of redundant power and networking, precise per-channel control, and open-standard AES67 interoperability makes it a dependable node in critical-path systems. Because it works with all Focusrite RedNet and Red interfaces plus Dante devices from hundreds of manufacturers, it drops into an existing networked audio system with minimal friction.