Focusrite recently has released ISA Two, their latest microphone preamp. It is a great solution when you need high quality mic pres in two independent channels.
Focusrite’s microphone preamplifiers go back to the original Focusrite ISA 110 modules, when Rupert Neve was commissioned by George Martin in 1985 to create a no-compromise channel strip for his Neve console. Combining the very best solid-state electronics with transformer coupling, Focusrite Mic Pres have played a key part in the recording of hundreds of hit records and they’re the choice of leading artists, producers and engineers around the world.
At the heart of the ISA Two is a pair of Lundahl LL1538 transformers. ISA Products have relied on Lundahl from the beginning, since their components were originally specified in 1985. The LL1538 features a 3-section winding, resulting in very low leakage inductance and, as a result, an extended frequency response. They’re encapsulated in mu-metal cans to shield them from stray magnetism.
Variable input impedance and up to 80 dB of gain
Focusrite ISA Two features two classic Focusrite Mic Preamps, with four impedance settings including the original ISA 110 setting. Variable input impedance allows you to go for an accurate, transparent sound or choose to highlight the character of your favourite vintage mic – and anywhere in between. With up to 80 dB of low-noise gain, ISA Two can perform in the most demanding situations – really bringing your ribbon, condenser or moving coil mics to life.
Insert your choice of processors
Each channel has a fully balanced insert point accessed via TRS sockets on the rear panel and activated with a front-panel button, so it’s easy to use outboard processors with the ISA Two. Just plug in your choice of EQ, compressor or limiter.
User-calibrated metering
Each channel has an eight-LED array to clearly display the level of your two signals. You can line up your analogue evels with your converters or DAW by using the calibration knob on the rear panel. You will be safe in the knowledge that you have avoided clipping on the way in.
Front-panel instrument and rear panel line inputs
Two 1/4in jack sockets on the front panel of ISA Two give you instant access to a transparent DI input. TRS line inputs are available on the rear panel too, and you can step through them instantly to select the one you want.
Variable cut-off high-pass filter
Built in, and easily accessed with its own large knob and illuminated button, is an extremely smooth-sounding 18 dB/octave high-pass filter of the same design as the original ISA 110 module. This is ideal for cutting out rumble, thumps and other unwanted low-frequency sounds and with a range of 16 to 420 Hz, it’s easy to lose what you don’t want, and keep what you do.
Rear panel balanced inserts
Each channel of ISA Two has its own balanced insert point. With 1/4″ TRS send and receive connections, your choice of signal processor can be connected and switched in and out using the illuminated switch on the front panel.
Focusrite ISA Two Specifications
Front panel, per channel:
1/4″ instrument input
Variable input impedance – Low, ISA 110, Medium, High
Input selection – Mic, Line, Instrument
0 – 30 dB/30 – 60 dB gain switch
Phantom power switch
Phase invert switch
0 – 60 dB gain in 10 dB steps
0 – +20 dB continuously variable trim
Variable high-pass filter with on/off switch
Insert point on/off switch
Eight-LED user-calibrated level meters
Single power switch
Rear panel, per channel:
XLR-F mic inputs
1/4″ TRS line inputs
1/4″ TRS Sends
1/4″ TRS Returns
XLR-M line output
Single peak meter calibration dial
Single IEC power socket
More information you can find directly on the official site. The recomended price will be available soon after this year MusikMesse.
