Focusrite RedNet D16R MkII 16-Channel AES3 Digital Dante Interface

Focusrite RedNet D16R MkII: 16-Channel AES3 Interface for Dante

The Focusrite RedNet D16R MkII is a 16-channel bidirectional AES3 digital interface for Dante networks, housed in a 1U rackmount chassis. It moves 16 channels of digital audio in and out of a Dante system, letting AES3 sources and destinations join a networked audio infrastructure. For a broadcast plant or install integrating digital consoles and outboard gear, it bridges existing digital equipment onto the network without analog conversion in the path.

Professional AES3 Digital Format

The unit carries 16 channels of AES3, the professional digital audio standard also known as AES/EBU, staying entirely in the digital domain. Keeping signals digital from console to network avoids the extra conversion stages that can add noise or latency to a routed path. A broadcast facility passing digital feeds between rooms preserves signal integrity end to end, which matters when audio is routed through many devices.

Dante Audio-over-IP Networking

Connectivity to the wider system is over Dante, an audio-over-IP standard that transports many channels of low-latency digital audio across standard Gigabit Ethernet. Because Dante uses ordinary Cat 5e or Cat 6 cabling, one network run can carry all 16 channels each way and interoperate with hundreds of compatible devices. An engineer can route any AES3 channel to consoles, recorders, or other rooms entirely in software from a control computer.

Redundant Power and Network

Two internal power supplies with locking IEC inlets and dual etherCON Primary and Secondary network connectors provide full power and Ethernet redundancy with automatic switchover. Redundancy means a backup supply or network path takes over the instant a primary one fails, so a routed feed never drops. In broadcast and live install work, where downtime is unacceptable, that silent failover protects the signal path around the clock.

Sample Rate Conversion on Every Input

Each input includes sample rate conversion covering roughly 32 Hz to 214 kHz, so external equipment can run at a different sample rate than the network. Sample rate conversion resamples an incoming digital signal to match the system clock, letting gear that is locked to its own rate connect cleanly. A studio can bring in a digital source running at 44.1 kHz while the Dante network operates at 96 kHz, with no clicks or dropouts.

Flexible Digital Connectivity

Two AES59-configured DB25 connectors each carry eight channels of AES3, while XLR connectors handle a two-channel AES3 pair and RCA connectors provide stereo S/PDIF. A DB25, or D-sub, connector groups eight channels on one locking multipin plug, keeping high-channel-count digital wiring compact and secure. The rear XLR can also accept a DARS reference, giving an integrator several ways to patch digital sources into the network.

Individual Level Control and Clocking

Every input and output has its own trim from -78 dB to 0 dB in the RedNet Control software, and Word Clock in and out on BNC handle system synchronization. Per-channel level control lets an engineer match feeds precisely without adding outboard gain stages. Word clock keeps the interface sample-locked to house clock or to the Dante network, ensuring every device shares the same timing reference.

Compact Install-Ready Chassis

The D16R MkII fits a compact 1U chassis with locking connectors throughout for maximum functionality in minimum rack space. Locking connectors resist accidental disconnection during install, strike, and cable stress, which is essential in permanent and touring systems. A systems integrator can rack the unit once and rely on it staying connected through years of continuous operation.

Who the RedNet D16R MkII Is For

Broadcast facilities, permanent installs, and studios that need to bridge AES3 digital gear onto a Dante network reliably are the target for the D16R MkII. Its combination of redundant power and networking, per-input sample rate conversion, and flexible connectors makes it a dependable node for critical digital routing. Because it works with all Focusrite RedNet and Red interfaces plus Dante devices from hundreds of manufacturers, it integrates into an existing networked system with minimal effort.