Gear Hunter

Focusrite RED 2

Description

Focusrite Red 2 Equaliser
The Focusrite Red 2 is a dual-channel equaliser, with two identical rows of EQ controls. Each channel is divided into six EQ sections and includes an input level control. On the left side, below the engraved numeral ‘2’, a power button is located. When active, it emits a red light. Each channel features an 'EQ In' button, which also illuminates red when engaged.
High Pass Filter
The high pass filter is a rotary switch with six positions. It begins with a flat position marked ‘0’, followed by fixed cutoff frequencies of 33Hz, 60Hz, 105Hz, 185Hz, and 330Hz.
Low Frequency Section
This shelving EQ allows a cut or boost of ±15dB. The gain control is center-detented. A separate rotary switch selects from the following preset frequencies: 33Hz, 56Hz, 95Hz, 160Hz, 270Hz, and 460Hz. These values complement the high pass filter range.
Low-Mid Frequency Section
This is a fully parametric EQ section. It features a continuously sweepable frequency control ranging from 40Hz to 400Hz. Pressing the ‘x3’ button shifts the range to 120Hz to 1.2kHz. A variable Q control (0.3 to 1) adjusts the bandwidth. Cut and boost are available up to ±15dB.
High-Mid Frequency Section
This section is identical in control functionality to the low-mid band but operates in higher ranges. The base sweep range is 600Hz to 6kHz, expandable to 1.8kHz to 18kHz using the ‘x3’ button. Gain is ±15dB and Q is variable from 0.3 to 1.
High Frequency Section
The high shelf band provides ±15dB of gain adjustment. Frequency selection is handled via a rotary switch with six positions: 3.3kHz, 4.7kHz, 6.8kHz, 10kHz, 15kHz, and 18kHz.
Low Pass Filter
This section provides a -12dB per octave slope. The rotary switch begins at the bypass position marked as infinity (∞), followed by fixed cutoff points at 22kHz, 16kHz, 12kHz, 8.2kHz, and 5.6kHz.
Input Gain Control
A final rotary control offers input level trimming across a range of ±12dB. This is used to compensate for level changes introduced by EQ settings.
Rear Panel Connectivity
The rear panel features only an IEC mains input, a voltage selector switch (100–120/220–240VAC), and XLR input and output connectors. Pin 2 is configured hot, consistent with international balanced audio standards.
Circuit Design
The unit includes input and output transformers. These components provide inherent DC isolation, simplify safety compliance, and impart certain sonic characteristics.