For high channel count systems I've just reviewed the new Focusrite Rednet interfaces, which use the well-proven and (hopefully) future-proof DANTE format which can handle a ludicrous number of channels over Ethernet. The smallest interfaces are eight-channel A-D/D-A line level and eight-channel mic/line preamps. the digital interface offers 32 channel I/O. The RedNet gear should be fully compatible with DANTE hardware from other manufacturers (eg, A&H, Yamaha, etc)

Focusrite sell a dedicated PCIe card to act as the bridge between an ASIO or Audio-core DAW and the Dante network, but you can use a 'Dante Virtual Soundcard' software app instead, if you want (with slightly greater latency), which accesses the computer's own Ethernet port. For Pro Tools HD, HDX and HD Native users, there's a dedicated hardware interface which hooks directly into the PT card.

Well worth looking at, especially if future expansion is likely, or if you need the ability to access network I/O hardware from multiple computer hosts simultaneously.

H

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Technical Editor, Sound On Sound

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