Focusrite Rednet A16R User manual

User Guide
www.focusrite.com
v1.0

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CONTENTS
About this User Guide ..................................................................... 3
Box Contents .............................................................................. 3
Safety Warning ............................................................................ 3
INTRODUCTION .............................................................................. 4
INSTALLATION GUIDE ........................................................................ 5
RedNet A16R MkII Connections and Features ............................................. 5
Front Panel ........................................................................... 5
Rear Panel ........................................................................... 7
Physical Characteristics................................................................... 9
Power Requirements ...................................................................... 9
REDNET A16R MKII OPERATION ............................................................10
First Use and Firmware Updates .........................................................10
Digital Clocking...........................................................................10
Pull Up and Pull Down Operation.........................................................10
Sample Rate Converters..................................................................10
Level Controls ............................................................................10
Operating Level...........................................................................10
OTHER REDNET SYSTEM COMPONENTS ....................................................11
REDNET CONTROL 2 ........................................................................11
Status Icons ..............................................................................12
ID (Identification) .........................................................................12
Tools Menu ...............................................................................12
APPENDIX...................................................................................14
Connector Pinouts........................................................................14
Ethernet Connector ..................................................................14
DB25 (AES59) Connector..............................................................14
XLR Connectors......................................................................14
PERFORMANCE AND SPECIFICATIONS .....................................................15
Focusrite Pro Warranty and Service ......................................................18
Registering Your Product .................................................................18
Customer Support and Unit Servicing ....................................................18
Troubleshooting ..........................................................................18

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About this User Guide
This User Guide applies to the RedNet A16R MkII analogue interface. It provides information about
installing and using the unit and how it can be connected into your system.
Should this User Guide not provide the information you need, then please consult:
https://pro.focusrite.com/technical-support, which contains a comprehensive collection of common
technical support queries.
Dante™ and Audinate™ are registered trademarks of Audinate Pty Ltd.
Box Contents
• RedNet A16R MkII unit
• 2 x IEC AC mains cables
• Safety information cut sheet
• Focusrite Pro Important Information Guide, which provides links to:
RedNet Control
RedNet PCIe drivers (included with RedNet Control download)
Audinate Dante Controller (installed with RedNet Control)
Dante Virtual Soundcard (DVS) Token and download instructions
Safety Warning
Warning – Shock Hazard
RedNet A16R MkII incorporates dual mains power supplies. Always ensure that both power
supply cables are disconnected from the rear panel before opening unit (eg., for servicing)

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INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing the Focusrite RedNet A16R MkII.
RedNet A16R MkII is a 1U 19in rack-mount interface featuring 16 channels of A-D & D-A plus one
AES3 channel-pair, for the Dante audio-over-IP network. The operating level is switchable between
18 dBu and 24 dBu, and Mute/Dim and Level controls are provided on each input and output channel.
Specifically tailored for the road, live-sound and broadcast environments, each unit features network
and power redundancy, rugged construction with latching connectors, remote control and remote
monitoring.
Dual Ethernet connectors (primary and secondary) on the rear-panel allow maximum network
reliability with seamless switchover to a secondary network in the unlikely event of a network failure.
These ports may alternatively be used to daisy-chain additional units when operating in Switched
mode.
Redundant power supplies (PSU A and B) with separate input sockets on the rear panel allow one
supply to be connected to an uninterruptible source. Each PSU’s status can be monitored remotely
over the network or from the front panel.
RedNet A16R MkII has a Sample Rate Convertor (SRC) on the AES3 input pair allowing instant
operation with any AES3 source irrespective of the sample rate or clocking of the Dante network.
Audio interface in provided by four standard 8-channel (AES59) Combined Analogue I/O DB25
connections. In addition, channels 17-18* act as the AES3 channels.
*When operating at quad sample rates the inputs to channels 17-18 will not be available.The user can then
select either: 1-16 analogue or 1-14 analogue and 15-16 AES3.
Word Clock I/O on BNC connectors allows synchronisation of the Dante network to house clock, or
the syncing of external equipment to the Dante network. DARS reference can also be accepted via
the XLR-3 input connector.
The RedNet A16R MkII front panel contains a set of LEDs to confirm PSU status, network status,
sample rate, clock sources and signal presence on both input and output.

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1 AC Power Switch
2 Power Indicators:
• PSU A – Illuminates when an AC input is applied and all DC outputs are present.
• PSU B – Illuminates when an AC input is applied and all DC outputs are present.
When both supplies are functioning and have AC inputs PSU A will be the default supply.
3 RedNet Network Status Indicators:
• PRIMARY – Illuminates when the device is connected to an active Ethernet network. Also
illuminates to indicate network activity when operating in Switched mode.
• SECONDARY – Illuminates when the device is connected to an active Ethernet network.
Not used when operating in Switched mode.
• LOCKED – Illuminates when a valid sync signal is received from the network, or when
the RedNet A16R MkII unit is the Network Master. Flashes if external clock is selected
but not connected.
4 RedNet Sample Rate Indicators
Five orange indicators: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, x2 (multiple of 44.1 or 48), x4 (multiple of 44.1 or 48)
and sample rate PULL UP/DOWN. These Indicators illuminate individually or in combination
to indicate the sample rate being used. For example, for a 96kHz Pull Up/Down setting, the
48kHz, x2 and Pull Up/Down indicators will illuminate.
5 Signal Level Indicators:
• INPUTS – Tri-colour LEDs indicate audio signal levels at the inputs to the network:
Green: Signal present (illuminates at -42 dBFS)
Orange: -6 dBFS
Red: 0 dBFS
• OUTPUTS – Tri-colour LEDs indicate audio signal levels at the outputs from the network:
Green: Signal present (illuminates at -42 dBFS)
Orange: -6 dBFS
Red: 0 dBFS
When operating at quad sample rates, the
indications for LEDs 15 and 16 will depend on
the signal mode selected
INSTALLATION GUIDE
RedNet A16R MkII Connections and Features
Front Panel
1
2345 6 7
Mode LED 15 LED 16
Analogue Analogue ch 15 Analogue ch 16
AES3 AES3 Left AES3 Right

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Front Panel . . .
6 AES3 Signal Presence Indicators
Green LEDs indicate if an AES3 signal is present IN to the network, and OUT from the network;
each illuminates at -126 dBFS.
When operating at quad sample rates, the IN and Mode ‘IN’ LED ‘OUT’ LED
Analogue Off Off
AES3 Analogue ch 15/16 Analogue ch 15/16
OUT LEDs don’t illuminate if Analogue mode has
been selected.
7 Clock Source
Three orange indicators: Internal, Word Clock (BNC input) and DARS (XLR-3 input). Whichever
is lit identifies the clock reference being used. When an incoming clock source is invalid, the
‘Locked’ indicator will flash to indicate that the unit has reverted to using its internal clock.
None of the indicators will be lit when the device is a operating as a Dante Slave.
6 7

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1 IEC Mains Inlet A
Standard IEC receptacle for connection of AC mains. RedNet A16R MkII features ‘Universal’
PSUs, enabling it to operate on any supply voltage of between 100 V and 240 V.
2 IEC Mains Inlet B
Input connector for backup mains power source. Power supply B remains on standby but will
seamlessly take over if PSU A develops a fault or loses its mains input supply.
If an uninterruptable power supply (UPS) is available, it is recommended that this is applied to inlet B.
3 Primary Network Port
RJ45 etherCON connector for the Dante network. Use standard Cat 5e or Cat 6 network cables
to connect RedNet A16R MkII to the Ethernet network switch. Adjacent to each network socket
are LEDs which illuminate to indicate a valid network connection plus network activity.
4 Secondary Network Port
Secondary Dante network connection where two independent Ethernet links are being used
(Redundant mode), or an additional port on an integral network switch on the primary network
(Switched mode).
5 Word Clock Out
Provides an output of the chosen system clock reference (can be switched between base rate
or network rate).
6 Word Clock In
Allows synchronisation of the Dante network to house word clock.
Refer to the Appendix on page 16 for connector pinouts.
Rear Panel
91 2 3 4 567 8

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Rear Panel . . .
7 AES3 Out
Permanent AES3 output of audio channel pair 17-18.
When operating at quad sample rate, channels 17-18 become duplicates of channels 15-16. The output is
always available when operating in either AES3 or Analogue mode.
8 AES3 In
AES3 source for channels 17-18. May also be used as a clock source when fed with either AES3
or DARS (Digital Audio Reference Signal – AES3 distributed clock as per AES11). Software
selectable.
9 DB25 Analogue Connectors
Analogue inputs and outputs on DB25 female connectors; eight channels per connector. Wired
to the AES59 analogue standard (also known as the Tascam standard).
Refer to the Appendix on page 16 for connector pinouts.
97 8

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Physical Characteristics
RedNet A16R MkII dimensions are illustrated in the diagram above.
RedNet A16R MkII requires 1U of vertical rack space. Allow an additional 75mm of rack depth behind
the unit to allow for cables. Each unit weighs 4.75 kg and for installations in a fixed environment (eg.,
a studio rack), the front-panel rack mountings* will provide adequate support. However, if the unit
is to be used in a mobile situation (eg., flight-cased for touring, etc.), it is recommended that side
support rails or shelves are used within the rack.
*Always use M6 bolts and cage nuts specically designed for 19” equipment racks. An Internet search using the
phrase “M6 cage nuts“ will reveal suitable components.
Cooling is by fan assistance from side to side. The fans used are low-speed and low-noise.
Note. The maximum operating environmental temperature is 45°C / 113°F.
Ventilation is via slots in the enclosure at both sides. Do not mount RedNet A16R MkII 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 A16R MkII is mains-powered. It incorporates ‘Universal’ power supplies which can operate
on any AC mains voltage from 100 V to 240 V. The AC connections are made via standard 3-pin IEC
connectors on the rear panel.
When PSU A & PSU B are both connected, PSU A becomes the default supply and therefore draws
more current than B. If a backup mains supply is provided from an uninterruptable source, it is
recommended that this is connected to input B.
Mating IEC cables are supplied with the unit; these should be terminated with mains plugs of the
correct type for your country.
The AC power consumption of the RedNet A16R MkII is 41 W.
Please note that there are no fuses in RedNet A16R MkII, or other user-replaceable components of
any type. Please refer all servicing issues to the Customer Support Team (see “Customer Support
and Unit Servicing” on page 18).
465.0 mm / 18.3”
31.8 mm / 1.25”
308 mm / 12.13”

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REDNET A16R MKII OPERATION
First Use and Firmware Updates
Your RedNet A16R MkII may require a firmware update* when it is first installed and switched on.
Firmware updates are initiated and handled automatically by the RedNet Control application.
*It is important that the rmware update procedure is not interrupted – either by switching off power to the
RedNet A16R MkII unit or the computer on which RedNet Control is running, or by disconnecting either from the
network.
From time to time Focusrite will release RedNet firmware updates within new versions of RedNet
Control. We recommend keeping all RedNet units up to date with the latest firmware version supplied
with each new version of RedNet Control.
Digital Clocking
Each RedNet A16R MkII will automatically lock to a valid Network Master via its Dante connection.
Alternatively, if a Network Master is not present, then the unit can be chosen as the Network Master
by the user. Also see “Clock Source” on page 6.
Pull Up and Pull Down Operation
RedNet A16R MkII is able to operate at a specified pull up or pull down percentage as selected in the
Dante Controller application.
Sample Rate Converters
SRC will need to be switched in if the AES3 source is not using the current system clock as a reference
signal.
Note that engaging the sample rate converter will increase the overall latency of the device.
Level Controls
All analogue and digital I/O channels can be individually attenuated by up to 78 dB in 1 dB steps
via the RedNet Control graphical interface. Each channel can also be muted or dimmed; the Dim
function attenuates a channel by 20 dB.
Operating Level
The analogue I/O operating level can be set globally to either 18 or 24 dBu at 0 DBFS via the RedNet
Control ‘Tools’ menu. See page 13.