Korena by Guitar Center
Product detailSKU #1500000338174

FocusriteRed 8Line Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface

Focusrite
Focusrite Red 8Line Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface
1/8

Independent shopping perspective

The Korena take

Red 8Line is a high-count interface for studios moving between Pro Tools and other DAWs. It provides up to 58 inputs and 64 outputs, with Thunderbolt 3 and mini-DigiLink connections that allow switching production environments without reconfiguring audio settings. Two Red Evolution mic preamps, eight balanced DB25 line inputs and outputs, front-panel instrument inputs, and independent monitor outputs cover key recording and routing points. Three LCD meters keep input and output levels visible, while dual front-panel-controlled headphone outputs support monitoring.

Focusrite Red 8Line Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface product detail
Product studyFocusrite Red 8Line Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface
Focusrite Red 8Line Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface alternate view
Alternate view

Strong match

Who this is for

  • Studios switching between Pro Tools and another DAW without rebuilding audio settings.
  • Multi-source recording and routing that need eight balanced DB25 line inputs and outputs.
  • Tracking plug-ins and virtual instruments in real time through Thunderbolt drivers.

Consider the trade-offs

When to look elsewhere

  • Workflows that require onboard DSP processing; the interface has no onboard DSP.

What matters in use

The specifications, translated

Catalog numbers tell only part of the story. These are the details most likely to change how this product feels, sounds, or fits into a setup.

Focusrite Red 8Line Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface construction detail

Detail 01

Up to 58 inputs / 64 outputs

Supports high-channel-count studio routing.

Detail 02

24-bit / 192 kHz conversion

Recording and playback can run at up to 192 kHz.

Detail 03

Two Red Evolution mic preamps

Two microphone preamp channels are built in.

Detail 04

Two discrete headphone outputs

Two headphone feeds can be controlled from the front panel.

Detail 05

Three LCD meters

Metering is available for input/output blocks, main monitor, and headphone outputs.

Final check

Know before you order

  1. 01For Windows use, it requires Windows 10 with a Thunderbolt 3 port.
  2. 02Mac use requires Thunderbolt 3, or Thunderbolt 1/2 with Apple’s Thunderbolt 3 adapter.
  3. 03No onboard DSP is provided.
Focusrite Red 8Line Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface close-up

Product questions

Before you decide

Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.

01Can Red 8Line work with Pro Tools and other DAWs?

Yes. Its mini-DigiLink and Thunderbolt 3 connections allow immediate switching between Pro Tools and other DAW applications without reconfiguring audio settings.

02How many microphone preamps does it have?

It has two Red Evolution mic preamps.

03What software bundle is included?

The Hitmaker Expansion bundle is included, with production tools spanning pitch correction, instruments, mixing, mastering, and distribution.

Reference

Full specifications

The complete catalog record, organized around the decisions musicians make when comparing gear.

2 detailsSound
Input impedance
2.3 Mohm
Output impedance
10 ohm
1 detailsPickups & controls
Microphone preamps
2
8 detailsConnections & power
Maximum input level
>+15dBu (minimum gain)
Line inputs
8
Equivalent input noise (EIN)
-129dBu (A-weighted)
Supported sample rates
44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz
Line outputs
8
Instrument inputs
2
Supported headphone impedance
32 ohm – 600 ohm
Phantom power
+48V, independently switchable per channel
1 detailsSize & weight
Bit depth
24-bit
34 detailsOther
Connections
2 × RJ45 Ethernet (Cat5e or higher)
Air mode
+2dB @ 10kHz, -2dB @ 20Hz
Pro Tools HD I/O
Up to 58 × 64 (32 × 32 per connection)
Dynamic range
114dB (A-weighted)
44.1/48kHz
Port 1 = Channels 1–8, Port 2 = Channels 9–16
Windows
Windows 10 with Thunderbolt 3 port
Clock sources
Internal, ADAT, S/PDIF, Word Clock, Loop Sync, Dante Network Master
High-pass filter
80Hz, 12dB/octave
THD+N
<-75dB (0.018%)
Input
1 × RCA phono, 1 × Optical TOSLINK (up to 96kHz)
Tier
new
Output
1 × RCA phono, 1 × Optical TOSLINK (up to 96kHz)
Gain range
8dB to 63dB (1dB steps)
Frequency response
20Hz–20kHz ±0.2dB
Channel count
2 inputs / 2 outputs
Inputs
2 × TOSLINK
Thunderbolt I/O
Up to 58 × 64
Category Source
detail
Product type
Thunderbolt 3 and Pro Tools HD audio interface
Signal-to-noise ratio
117dB (A-weighted)
Ports
2 × Thunderbolt 3
88.2/96kHz (SMUX I)
Port 1 = Channels 1–4, Port 2 = Channels 5–8
Korena Special
false
Mac
Apple Mac with Thunderbolt 3 or Thunderbolt 1/2 using Apple Thunderbolt 3 adapter
176.4/192kHz (SMUX II)
Port 1 = Channels 1–2, Port 2 = Channels 3–4
Product Type
Thunderbolt 3 and Pro Tools HD audio interface
Dante I/O
Up to 32 × 32
Model
Red 8Line
Outputs
2 × TOSLINK
Connectivity
Thunderbolt 3, Dante, Pro Tools HD, ADAT, S/PDIF, MIDI, Word Clock
Common-mode rejection ratio
-70dB @ 50/60Hz
Source Id
site51500000338174
Prop65
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov
Reference level
+16dBm ±0.5dB

Worth comparing

More from Focusrite