When it comes to clean, detailed, high-end tracking, the Focusrite Red 1 Quad is absolute royalty. Built on the classic Class-A circuit topology originally designed by Rupert Neve for the legendary ISA 110, this four-channel preamp gives you the signature Focusrite "Red" sound: open, ultra-transparent, and articulate, but with a natural, musical warmth that keeps transients smooth instead of harsh.

At the core of its magic are the custom-wound Lundahl LL1538 input transformers. They deliver up to 20dB of passive gain before the active stages even touch your signal, giving you an insanely low noise floor and massive headroom. Whether you're recording a grand piano, tracking a sensitive acoustic guitar, or miking a full drum kit, the Red 1 captures every subtle nuance with pristine clarity and an expansive soundstage.

Why We Love It

• Pure Heritage Tone: The Red 1 gives you that sought-after, classic Focusrite sound—ultra-wide 10Hz–140kHz bandwidth with silky high-end detail and punchy, tight low-end.
• Foolproof Recall: The stepped 6dB gain potentiometers make matching stereo pairs or recalling exact tracking sessions completely painless.
• Four Channels of Workhorse Power: Having four channels of reference-grade, transformer-balanced preamp in a single 2U unit makes this a dream centerpiece for both high-end commercial studios and high-stakes location recording rigs.
• Built Like a Tank (and Looks Like One): That iconic 1/2-inch claret red anodized aluminum faceplate with backlit analog VU meters and illuminated switches isn't just striking—it's built to last a lifetime.

The Bottom Line

If you need four channels of uncompromised, audiophile-grade preamplification that captures sources with breathtaking realism and depth, the Focusrite Red 1 Quad is a modern studio classic. It delivers world-class performance, legendary pedigree, and unmistakable rack presence.

The Focusrite Red 1 Quad Mic Pre delivers four channels of world-class, transformer-based microphone preamplification in a single iconic 2U chassis. Built around the exact same Class-A circuit topology as the legendary Rupert Neve-designed Focusrite ISA 110, the Red 1 offers an exceptionally open, transparent sound with pristine high-end clarity and rich, natural low-end warmth.

Each channel features custom-wound Lundahl LL1538 input transformers and custom-wound output transformers, providing up to 20dB of passive gain prior to the active amplification stages. This unique gain-sharing architecture yields an extraordinarily low noise floor, high overload margins, and an ultra-wide frequency response spanning 10Hz to 140kHz. Whether tracking delicate acoustic strings, grand piano, or dynamic vocals, the Red 1 reveals the finest details of any source while maintaining a smooth, forgiving overall character.

Precision gain control is handled via stepped rotary potentiometers in 6dB increments across a 66dB range, ensuring exact channel matching and effortless recall for multi-mic setups or stereo arrays. Every channel is equipped with illuminated push-button switches for phantom power (+48V) and phase reverse, a dedicated illuminated analog VU meter, and a classic scribble disc for channel labeling.

Housed in Focusrite’s distinctive, precision-machined half-inch claret red anodized aluminum faceplate, the Red 1 Quad is built without compromise for high-end commercial recording facilities, mobile tracking rigs, and discerning project studios.

Key Features

• 4 Channels of Heritage Focusrite Amplification: Uses the original ISA 110 Class-A transformer circuit topology for pristine, audiophile-grade detail.
• Premium Transformer Input & Output: Custom Lundahl LL1538 input transformers and custom output transformers deliver low noise, high common-mode rejection, and effortless long cable driving.
• Stepped Gain Switching: 12-position rotary switches adjust gain in 6dB steps over a 66dB range (-6dB to +60dB) for precise, repeatable recall across channels.
• Per-Channel Controls: Includes dedicated relay-activated switches for +48V phantom power and phase reverse, illuminated analog VU meters, and write-on scribble discs.
• Ultra-Wide Bandwidth & Headroom: Expansive 10Hz to 140kHz frequency response ensures uncompressed transients and accurate spatial imaging.
• Iconic Chassis Design: Half-inch claret-red anodized aluminum front panel with machined detail and illuminated switches.

Warranty

This item is sold without the Sound Pure 3-year warranty (used / B-stock / dealer-exempt). Coverage terms for items in this category live in Terms & Conditions, Section 27.

Returns

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