Modeled after their respective Red Range hardware counterparts, the Focusrite d2 and d3 bring high quality equalization and professional dynamic control to Pro Tools. The 24-bit d2 is designed for the audio professional who requires the highest levels of performance and maximum versatility in a software-based equalizer, providing multiple modular configurations...
Features
High Quality Equalization And Professional Dynamic Control
Features Maximum Versatility In A Software Equalizer
Focusrite's R and D team have carefully considered the organisation of the PCB layout and grounding, ensuring that the S/N ratio and linearity of the converter are optimised. The noise floor and THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) are kept to a minimum by the nature of the power supply and the analogue input design, with analogue filtering positively effecting the sound of the digital noise.
With the converters housed within the analogue units, the signal path is kept as short as possible, having no unnecessary analogue connections to the inputs of recording equipment. In addition, Focusrite units do not contain extraneous clocks or other sources of digital noise, unlike so many digital desks and multi-I/O DSP configurations.
The Focusrite ISA 2-channel A/D Card embodies cutting-edge conversion technology, encompassed within pristine Focusrite circuitry, providing 2 channels of the highest quality 24-bit conversion at all sample rates up to 192kHz. Digital output formats include 2 channel single/dual wire AES/EBU or 2 channel S/PDIF, all via a 9 pin D-type connector, as well as optical S/PDIF and ADAT. The ADAT (TOSlink) port is stereo and operates at 24-bit, up to 96kHz. The card comes as standard with the ISA One Digital and can be retrofitted to an ISA 430 MKII or an ISA One at any time.
Just paying for the PCB and circuitry, without any additional casing and metalwork, affords a considerable reduction in cost whilst maintaining an extremely high level of sonic clarity. However, the benefits from installing Focusrite's optional ADC extend far beyond the obvious financial advantages and space saving issues. As most converters use the same chips, it is the quality of the surrounding analogue circuitry that makes the difference. This is the reason why the ISA ADC is unrivalled in terms of both price and performance.
In addition, the supporting circuitry around the ADC (dealing with data transmission, bit reduction and incoming word clock) has been carefully structured, as it influences the converter through heat, power supply and data jitter. One of the most important aspects of the ADC is the clock design, as this determines the linearity of the digital output. All Focusrite ADCs are designed to have incredibly low jitter figures (44.1kHz-192kHz < 20 psec) which significantly improve the quality of the sound.
The Red 3 employs an unusual and original single-VCA design to achieve high quality and truly independent compression and limiting, without the compromise and unnecessary processing involved in traditional designs...
Features
Hand-made in the UK and crafted to the highest standards, using machine-tooled, half-inch thick claret red anodised aluminium.
Fully discrete and balanced classic VCA-based dynamics offer superb low noise and distortion, and excellent common-mode rejection.
Stereo switch for true stereo operation from a single set of controls.
An easily-read illuminated porthole window VU shows signal level or gain change (switched).
Key inputs available independently on each channel via firm-response illuminated push-button switches.
Courtney Taylor, Engineer talks about Focusrite's RED
