The RedNet AM2 from Focusrite is a headphone amplifier with Dante compatibility. It features both headphone and balanced line outputs, and allows for monitoring of signals over Dante networks. Your headphone input takes the form of a stereo 1/4" TRS jack on the front-panel, while a pair of XLR-male balanced line outputs adorn the rear panel, in addition to the two locking etherCON connection points compatible with Dante systems. As such, this unit can provide additional headphone outputs in studio environments, or facilitate monitoring possibilities in education, live-sound, and broadcast scenarios. 

Designed to drive impedances up to 600 Ohms, the RedNet AM2 can offer substantial output levels, rendering the unit suitable for on-stage or front-of-house usage. Its XLR line-level outputs sport a software-switchable 0 dBFS reference level of either +18 or +24 dBu. Two prominent volume controls, as well as LED indicators, allow you to adjust and monitor signal.  

Furthermore, the RedNet AM2 utilizes digital-to-analog converters capable of handling between 44.1 to 96 kHz with much in the way of dynamic range. It may be clocked internally, or slaved to the master via Dante. As with all products in the RedNet series, the AM2 integrates seamlessly with any other Dante audio-over-IP network components or infrastructure. The unit can be powered either over Ethernet or via the included power supply 

Headphone Amp & Dedicated Line-Outputs    2x etherCON Network Connectors    Dante Compatible    44.1 to 96 kHz Digital-Analog Conversion    Amp Drives 600 Ohms at High Levels    Power over Ethernet or Power Supply    Headphone & Line Out Controls    Indicators for Network Status & Power    Supports RedNet Control    Included Power Supply

• Convenient headphone / loudspeaker stereo monitoring solution for Dante gives outputs wherever they are needed
• Digital to analog conversion provides transparent and accurate audio quality
• Power to drive even high impedance headphones at significant levels - suitable for drums or other on-stage applications
• Independent headphone and line out level controls for maximum control
• Integrated mute switch - instantly kill the signal feeding external power amps or speakers
• Power over Ethernet (PoE) or via included 12 VDC power supply
• Integrated Gigabit Ethernet switch allows connection of additional network device
• Mic stand mount - bush on the base of the metal case allows simple mounting
• Dual XLR line level outputs (+18 / +24 dBu software-switchable)
• 1/4" TRS stereo headphone output
• Two etherCON network connectors with integrated network switch
• Signal present, network connected, and power indicators
• Tough aluminum-extruded chassis

Features in RedNet Control 1.8 and 1.9 include:

• Improved stability and responsiveness
• Improved network discovery and device identification
• Improved MIDI message handling
• Improved responsiveness and reliability of RedNet 4 and RedNet MP8R preamp control
• Multiple instances of RedNet Control will now stay in sync with gain changes made on other software
• Global save and recall presets for RedNet 4 and RedNet MP8R
• PCIe driver and firmware updates

Please note that RedNet Control 1.8 supports OS X 10.8 only, while version 1.9 supports OS X 10.9 and later, as well as Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows (all instances of Windows being both 32- and 64-bit)

• When changing attenuation levels in software, please remove headphones and turn the headphone level down.
• The RedNet PCIe driver is only compatible with the latest firmware.
• It is important to note that installing new firmware on to any RedNet Unit can take some time, please DO NOT turn the unit off or interrupt the firmware installation - Units will be unresponsive during this process.
• During firmware updates, do not add or remove devices on your Dante network.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Can you route (via Dante Controller) separately to Headphone and Line Out? As in, are they separate Dante Receivers, or do you send it one signal and both headphone and line out get the same signal?

A: The AM2 has 2 channel I/O which means you can both listen to , and monitor 2 Dante channels. There is no way to split them up between the headphone out and line out.Thank you for your question.

Q: 2. If your running a mono left and mono right output to the left and right inputs in the headphone amp, why in the world would I need to use TRS cables instead of regular 1/4 TS cables? I almost bought this until I saw the requirement of TRS cables. I've got plenty on hand but this doesn't make any sense to me. Even my mixer monitor outputs are regualar 1/4 left and right.

A: Check out Rane Note 110 - Sound System Interconnection from ranedotcomMike Rivers Article - Balanced and Unbalanced Connections from presonusdotcom (html and links not allowed in replies)Can be confusing, but worth understanding. Cheers...

Q: 3. is the belt clip removable? I need a flat surface to velcro-mount

A: Yes. The belt clip is removable.

Q: 4. do you have to have a mixer to use this?

A: No. I use it to go from stereo 1/8 sources (like laptops and cell phones) to one or two XLR's that I then put into a mixer, personally. But you could plug your XLR's into a combo amp or whatever else you want.

Q: 5. What is the round latency spec for each sample rate?

A: Roundtrip latency would be calculated by having an analog conversion and back again. The Focusrite RedNet PCIeNX Dante PCIe Dante Interface Card does not have any analog IO, so to measure roundtrip, it would need to be paired with another device to measure, which would also add to the latency time. Being that all analog IO has slightly different latency specs, Focusrite did not want to release a spec based on a specific analog IO’s latency spec along with the cards. This is why Focusrite uses the terminology 'ultra-low roundtrip latency'.

Q: 6. Is this compatible with the ultranet output of the Midas 32c ?

A: thank you for your question. The ultranet output is only personal monitoring systems such as the Behringer P-16M. To use this interface you would need to get the dante expansion card B&H # KLDN32DANTE.

Q: 7. Hi. How can I use this as a desktop interface. What extra gear do I need to buy to just be able to connect it to my Mac and use as a desktop interface. Thx.

A: This does not connect to your computer via USB like other interfaces. This runs on Dante, so you would need an unmanaged network switch like this one to be able to connect it to your computer. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1499551-REG/netgear_gs308_300pas_gs308_8_port_gigabit_ethernet.html

Q: 8. Will the REDNET A16R MKll work with the Focusrite R1 monitor controller?

A: Yes, the Focusrite RedNet A16R MkII Rackmount 16x16 Dante Analog Audio Interface is compatible for use with the Focusrite RedNet R1 Desktop Remote Controller for Red Interfaces / Dante Devices.

Q: 9. Hi Dan, does the headphone output of the RedNet X2P show up on the Dante network? or do i have to purchase the RedNet AM2?

A: You are correct, you need to purchase the Rednet AM2 for full control of the headphone out put on a Dante network. Thank you for shopping at B&H!

Q: 10. Can you have two stereo devices connected to this at the same time? We would only pass signal to one stereo input at a time.

A: The Whirlwind pcDI Stereo Line Interface (BH # WHPCDI) is a two-channel stereo device only. But it features a "STEREO / MONO" switch to combine stereo sources into a mono signal and a “20dB PAD” switch for connecting to "hot" signal sources. Separate ground lift switches for each output help eliminate hum and buzz.