The 'ISA One' microphone
pre-amplifier delivers Focusrite's prestigious ISA transformer-based preamp in a rugged and portable chassis, at a groundbreaking
price. ISA One features the classic vintage microphone pre-amplifier topology from the original ISA110 module, including the
Lundahl L1538 transformer and bespoke zobel network. (The original 110 pre amp formed the cornerstone of each channel of Focusrite's
legendary Forte console.)
The pre-amp is complemented by a line input (XLR and TRS Jack) and an independent D.I. channel,
complete with dedicated gain control, active or passive impedance switch, a TRS Jack output for routing to an amp and an independent
XLR output on the rear. This flexible independent D.I. makes the ISA One ideal both for engineers wishing to blend a D.I.'d
guitar signal with a mic'd guitar cabinet, and for demanding performers who require a single classic solution for both guitar
and vocals.
A variable impedance circuit has been added, allowing the user to switch between four carefully selected
input impedance settings. In addition to the original ISA110 impedance, three further impedance settings allow perfect matching,
or creative mismatching of the pre amp with any microphone. ISA One also features an insert point, should the need arise to
place extra processing between the pre amp or D.I. and the optional converter. Phantom power, phase reverse and a 75Hz, 18dB/octave
high-pass filter are also available from the angled front fascia.
Independent input metering for both channels is provided
in the form of a moving coil VU meter with variable calibration to suit analogue and digital recording media, alongside two
six-LED peak meters; inputs can be metered either pre- or post-insert. The meter calibrations utilise all the same reference
points as Digidesign's Pro Tools HD system, allowing effortless line-up.
ISA One's headphone output features a dedicated
volume control, which delivers an external stereo cue mix, (a simple click track, or a stereo mix feed from an interface or
a live console,) fed to the headphones via two TRS jack inputs on the rear of the unit.
An optional state-of-the-art
stereo A-D converter is also available (the same card as used with the ISA430 Mk II), embodying cutting-edge conversion technology
seated within Focusrite's custom analogue circuitry. This optional card can be retrofitted at any time and provides two channels
of 24 bit/192kHz A-D conversion with a dynamic range of 119dB.
The ISA microphone pre-amplifier was first introduced
back in 1985. This transformer-based pre-amplifier formed the first half of the ISA110 mic-pre and EQ module on Focusrite's
critically acclaimed Forte console. This console, and the later Studio console were hailed by many as the finest sounding
consoles ever built.
The ISA microphone pre-amplifier went on to form the cornerstone of all ISA and RED Focusrite
products. The topology has never changed, except for the addition of a variable impedance circuit, allowing ISA users to either
perfectly match the pre-amp with any microphone, thus maximizing level, or to use different settings creatively to shape the
sound of the microphone being used. The original ISA110 setting was supplemented by three further impedance settings.
The
Focusrite pre amp is renowned for its transparency, but there's also that subtle warmth that transformer core saturation contributes.
This seeming contradiction of warmth plus beautifully open, unrestricted high frequencies, is a classic hallmark of the mid
80's Focusrite designs.
With processors whose bandwidth is strictly limited to the audible (20Hz to 20kHz) bandwidth
alone, significant roll-off can still occur, affecting the higher audible frequencies of the signal. Therefore, in order to
capture every subtle nuance, exactly as it occurs whilst avoiding any roll-off, the pre-amp must operate over a far greater
bandwidth. The extremely broad frequency response of Focusrite pre-amps - close to 200kHz at the top end - guarantees accurate
phase response across the much narrower range of human hearing, the roll-off point being moved entirely outside of the audible
hearing range.
•ISA Series Transformer-based Pre-amplifier - Encased in a rugged and portable chassis, ISA One
offers the classic Focusrite microphone pre-amplifier at its lowest cost to date.
•Flexible Independent D.I.
Channel - ISA One is ideal for both engineers and demanding performers alike, featuring independent gain control, an output
for routing to an amp, an independent XLR output on the rear and routing to the optional ADC.
•Switchable Impedance
- Choose one of four carefully selected input impedances, including the original ISA 110 setting, to suit any microphone.
•Optional Stereo 192kHz ADC - This optional card embodies cutting-edge conversion technology, incorporating
Focusrite analogue circuitry to deliver the best A-D performance in its class (Dynamic range of 119dB).
•Rugged
Custom Flight Case - Built to protect your ISA One from the rigors of the road. Rugged plywood construction with a solid polypropylene
exterior and reinforced corners.
•Headphone Output with Volume Control - ISA One can feed either a sum of the
two inputs to the headphones output, or an external stereo cue mix (such as a stereo mix feed from an interface) via two TRS
Jack inputs •on the rear of the unit.
Dedicated Insert Point - Allows you to place extra processing between
the pre-amplifi er or D.I. and the optional converter, such as an EQ or compressor.
Focusrite ISA One Classic Single Channel Mic Pre w/ DI Specifications:
Focusrite ISA One Classic Single Channel Mic Pre w/ DI Features:
Now you can afford to go high end in your studio. Order today.