The Red 2 & Red 3 Plug-in Suite accurately models Focusrite’s classic Red range equalizer and compressor hardware – letting you exploit the originals’ famous sound, conveniently from within your audio software. Coveted by producers and engineers for their exceptional clarity and versatility, the original Red 2 and Red 3 remain prized fixtures in professional recording studios the world over. Now, you can use these revered pieces, easily and flexibly, in your own mixes.
The Red Range
The Red range was introduced in 1994 and remains among Focusrite’s most successful and recognizable hardware products. Encased in half-inch thick red anodized aluminum body, with polished steel top and bottom covers that feature the classic ‘ff’ detailing, the original Red units are unmistakable. Their natural, unobtrusive sound and distinctive style have earned them ‘iconic’ status in the pro audio world. Almost every major studio owns, or has at some time hosted, a Focusrite Red.
The Red 2 hardware is derived from the ISA 110 equalizer circuits, initially designed for the sidecar upgrade of the Neve console at Sir George Martin’s Air Studios, London. Its flexible 6-band configuration with high and low-pass filters is powerful and responsive. Distinguished by its subjectively warm and smooth sound, the Red 2 is extremely versatile and remains highly sought-after.
The Red 3 hardware, similarly, uses the same circuit topology as the ISA130 compressor module, based around an innovative proprietary VCA design that earned Focusrite a TEC award for Outstanding Technical Achievement in Signal Processing Technology. The Red 3 is famous for being able to retain a natural sound, even when significant compression is being applied. As such, it has remained the choice of many of the world’s finest mix engineers, such as Chris Lord-Alge, who continues to religiously place his Red 3 over the mix-bus.
The Red 2 and Red 3 plug-ins faithfully reproduce the sonic qualities of the hardware, allowing you to get detailed dynamic and tonal control of your mix, and tap into the classic ‘Red’ sound – the sound of professional recording studios all over the world – with the mere touch of a button. Featuring stunning graphics that evoke the trademark red sheen of the originals and faithful sonic modeling, they’ll fast become the go-to weapon in your plug-in arsenal.
