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Average Price: $2,491

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$100

$501+

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Description

The Focusrite Red 3 is a professional-grade stereo compressor and limiter, renowned for its transparency and precision in the world of studio recording. As a part of Focusrite's esteemed Red series, the Red 3 has earned its place in countless professional studios for its ability to maintain audio quality while providing effective dynamic range control. Equipped with dual VCA design, this unit ensures that both channels work seamlessly together, delivering consistent and harmonized sound compression.

The Red 3 is ideal for mixing and mastering applications, offering engineers the flexibility to shape audio dynamics without introducing unwanted coloration. Its intuitive control layout includes threshold, ratio, attack, and release parameters, allowing for meticulous adjustment of compression settings. The unit also features a sidechain insert, enabling users to apply external equalization to the sidechain signal for precise dynamic processing.

Designed with the professional in mind, the Focusrite Red 3 offers a combination of reliability and superior sonic performance, making it a staple in studios around the globe. Built with high-quality components, it ensures durability and long-lasting performance, while its signature sound has made it a favorite among audio engineers.

Key Features:

  • Dual VCA design for consistent stereo compression
  • Transparent dynamic range control
  • Intuitive control layout: threshold, ratio, attack, and release
  • Sidechain insert for external equalization
  • Suitable for mixing and mastering applications
  • Renowned for maintaining audio integrity without coloration
  • Durable construction with high-quality components

Product specs

Brand Focusrite
Model Red 3 Dual Compressor / Limiter
Finish Red
Year 2000s
Categories Compressors and Limiters

FAQs

What type of compressor is the Focusrite Red 3?

The Focusrite Red 3 is a Class A VCA-based dual mono/stereo compressor/limiter, known for its high-quality compression and limiting without the usual compromises.

Is the Focusrite Red 3 suitable for both mixing and mastering?

Yes, the Focusrite Red 3 is suitable for both mixing and mastering due to its transparent compression and versatility in handling different audio sources.

Can the Focusrite Red 3 be used for live sound applications?

The Focusrite Red 3 can be used in live sound applications, offering reliable compression and limiting for both individual channels and stereo mixes.

What are the standout features of the Focusrite Red 3?

The standout features of the Focusrite Red 3 include its Class A VCA design, dual mono/stereo operation, and its ability to provide transparent compression and limiting.

How does the Focusrite Red 3 compare to other compressors in its class?

The Focusrite Red 3 is renowned for its transparent sound and flexibility, making it a preferred choice for professionals seeking high-quality compression without coloration.

Production Expert

Production Expert

Review: Focusrite Red 2 EQ & Red 3 Compressor plug-ins

Video thumbnail for Review: Focusrite Red 2 EQ & Red 3 Compressor plug-ins by Production Expert

Review: Focusrite Red 2 EQ & Red 3 Compressor plug-ins

Production Expert

Production Expert

Video thumbnail for Focusrite Red 3 Compressor/Limiter | VintageKing.com by Vintage King

Focusrite Red 3 Compressor/Limiter | VintageKing.com

Vintage King

Vintage King

Video thumbnail for $2500 Red 3 Compressor VS. Free Plugin by Clint Tustin

$2500 Red 3 Compressor VS. Free Plugin

Clint Tustin

Clint Tustin

Video thumbnail for Focusrite Red 3(In + Out Transformers) vs Slate FG-Red / CLA MixHub / Focusrite Plugin by Seawell Studios

Focusrite Red 3(In + Out Transformers) vs Slate FG-Red / CLA MixHub / Focusrite Plugin

Seawell Studios

Seawell Studios

Video thumbnail for Mix Bus Compressor Shootout | Focusrite Red 3(In + Out Transformers) vs Smart C1LA by Seawell Studios

Mix Bus Compressor Shootout | Focusrite Red 3(In + Out Transformers) vs Smart C1LA

Seawell Studios

Seawell Studios

Video thumbnail for Pourquoi le Focusrite Red 3 est-il un compresseur indispensable ? (et quels plugins utiliser) by Tatoo Mandarine

Pourquoi le Focusrite Red 3 est-il un compresseur indispensable ? (et quels plugins utiliser)

Tatoo Mandarine

Tatoo Mandarine

Video thumbnail for Focusrite Red 3(In + Out Transformers) | Driving the Output Transformer by Seawell Studios

Focusrite Red 3(In + Out Transformers) | Driving the Output Transformer

Seawell Studios

Seawell Studios

Reviews

PROS

  • Almost transparent compression with a smooth sound

  • Slight high-frequency lift enhances the audio experience

  • Offers more width on the stereo bus compared to plugins

  • Hardware interaction improves mix revision flexibility

  • Bottom end remains intact, providing cohesive mix 'glue'

  • Preferred over plugins for sound and tactile feedback

  • Sidechain option enhances versatility in mixing

CONS

  • Lacks detented knobs, complicating recall and calibration

  • Continuous pots make precise settings difficult to manage

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Focusrite Red 3.

Build quality

  • Users report the Focusrite Red 3 has "horrid feeling fiddly knobs," impacting user control and precision.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Known for enhancing cartoon character voiceovers and spoken word recordings, adding a unique character to vocal tracks.

    Source

User experience

  • Many struggle to find a usable sound, noting it often "sucks the life out" of mixes, resulting in unappealing compression.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some users prefer using it after an SSL bus compressor to add crisp, bright highs lost by the SSL.

    Source

Critic Reviews

The Superb Focusrite Red 3 Dual Compressor Limiter

vintagedigital.com.au

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how James Iha uses Focusrite Red 3

James Iha

Guitarist, Bassist

The Smashing Pumpkins

...
Verified

Used for the guitar on the soundtrack for Deadbeat, as specified in the appendix of this August 28, 2014 Electronic Musician interview.

James Iha’s Studio Gear

Thanks to Clear Lake Recording and engineer Brian Blake for the specs on James Iha’s Deadbeat music and recording equipment:

Recording/Studio: API DSM console, KRK V8 monitors, Mac Pro, Pro Tools 11

Guitar Recording Chain: Neumann U87 and M49B mics, Focusrite ISA 215 mic pre/EQ, Focusrite Red 2-channel compressor, Neve 1073 mic pre/EQ

(Borrowed) Guitar Amps: Matchless DC30, Swart AST, Ampeg B15, Fender Deluxe

Other Essential Recording Pieces: API 2500 compressor, API Channel Strip, Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor, Radial DIs

See how The Real Mike Dean uses Focusrite Red 3

The Real Mike Dean

Music Producer, Audio Engineer

Def Squad

...
Verified via Photo

In an image picturing Mike Dean and Kanye West working together you can see the Red 3 in a rack behind Mike.

See how Jonathan Davis uses Focusrite Red 3

Jonathan Davis

Singer, Guitarist

Korn

...
Verified via YouTube

Seen in Buck Owen's studio (owned by Korn frontman Jonathan Davis since around 2010) at the 4:45 mark in this YouTube interview with Synergistic Research.

See how Tom Lord-Alge uses Focusrite Red 3

Tom Lord-Alge

Music Producer

...
Verified via Soundonsound

"Chris loves the Urei 1176, but I find that it is used too much by everybody. I also have old Altec limiters, which sound good on bass. Then there's the Focusrite Red 3. I always put finished stereo mixes through the Focusrite. It pulls the mix together a bit. I set it for 1-2dB compression, really light; I call that 'kissing the Focusrite.'"

See how Neeraj Khajanchi uses Focusrite Red 3

Neeraj Khajanchi

Music Producer, Audio Engineer

...
Verified via YouTube

Neeraj Khajanchi uses the Focusrite Red 3 in his studio, as demonstrated in a video tour hosted by 作曲家・和田貴史の庭 on YouTube. The Red 3, celebrated for its VCA design and natural sound even under heavy compression, is a staple in professional studios worldwide, including Chris Lord-Alge's.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Focusrite Red 3, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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