Q: I’m very interested in the new Focusrite RedNet system because it is easily expandable and routing everything around via Cat 5e cables makes sense to me. What are my options for connecting RedNet interfaces to my computer DAW?
A: There are three methods for connecting RedNet 1, RedNet 2, RedNet 3 and/or RedNet 4 interfaces to your Mac or PC computer. The first is to use the RedNet PCIe card, which supports Core Audio and ASIO applications and can utilize up to 128 inputs and 128 outputs.
The second is to use a RedNet 5 “bridge” to connect your RedNet 1, RedNet 2, RedNet 3, and/or RedNet 4 to a Pro Tools HD or Pro Tools HDX system. In this case, the I/O count is set by Pro Tools (96 for Pro Tools HD, 192 for Pro Tools HDX.
Third, you can connect a RedNet interface directly to your computer’s Ethernet port using a Cat 6 Cat 5e cable. In this case, you will also need to be running the Dante Virtual Soundcard software.