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Average Price: $2,503
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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
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What type of compressor is the Focusrite Red 3?
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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.
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Is the Focusrite Red 3 suitable for both mixing and mastering?
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Yes, the Focusrite Red 3 is suitable for both mixing and mastering due to its transparent compression and versatility in handling different audio sources.
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Can the Focusrite Red 3 be used for live sound applications?
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The Focusrite Red 3 can be used in live sound applications, offering reliable compression and limiting for both individual channels and stereo mixes.
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What are the standout features of the Focusrite Red 3?
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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.
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How does the Focusrite Red 3 compare to other compressors in its class?
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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.
Videos
Production Expert
Review: Focusrite Red 2 EQ & Red 3 Compressor plug-ins
Reviews
PROS
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Almost transparent compression with a smooth sound
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Slight high-frequency lift enhances the audio experience
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Offers more width on the stereo bus compared to plugins
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Hardware interaction improves mix revision flexibility
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Bottom end remains intact, providing cohesive mix 'glue'
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Preferred over plugins for sound and tactile feedback
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Sidechain option enhances versatility in mixing
CONS
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Lacks detented knobs, complicating recall and calibration
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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
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Users report the Focusrite Red 3 has "horrid feeling fiddly knobs," impacting user control and precision.
Source
Use cases and applications
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Known for enhancing cartoon character voiceovers and spoken word recordings, adding a unique character to vocal tracks.
Source
User experience
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Many struggle to find a usable sound, noting it often "sucks the life out" of mixes, resulting in unappealing compression.
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Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings
Artist usage
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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
In an image picturing Mike Dean and Kanye West working together you can see the Red 3 in a rack behind Mike.
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.
"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.'"
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
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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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