Focusrite ISA Two High Quality Pre-amp
Product
Information:
The ISA Story goes back to 1985, when Sir George Martin commissioned legendary
designer Rupert Neve to design new modules for the console at AIR Montserrat.
They were so successful that more were commissioned for AIR London. These
original modules form the basis of today’s Focusrite ISA range – delivering the
legendary Focusrite sound to leading studios, artists, producers and engineers
around the world. Literally hundreds of hits have been made with the Focusrite
ISA Range – and continue to be made today.
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Specifications:
Lundahl LL1538 mic input transformer
Rupert Neve originally chose the Lundahl LL1538 to be the input transformer on
the ISA 110. To this day the Lundahl transformer remains the best microphone
input transformer available, and is used in every ISA Series mic pre. Rupert
Neve also perfected the Zobel network found in the ISA circuit; something which
takes a lot of knowledge and a golden set of ears.
Up to 80 dB of gain
ISA Two offers up to 80 dB of clean, distortion-free gain. The much heralded ISA
topology also ensures low noise, even at the highest gain levels. The
transformer alone supplies 20 dB of gain, while ISA’s input stage offers up to
60 dB in addition, giving an astonishing 80 dB of maximum gain on the microphone
input.
Variable input impedance
Four choices of input impedance, including the original ISA 100 value, allow you
to match the preamp to your microphone, even if it’s a vintage type, giving you
the best possible sound. The impedance is selected using a switch on the front
panel, and the impedance choice is remembered even once the unit is switched off
and back on.
User-calibrated metering
Each channel has an eight-LED array to clearly display the level of your two
signal. You can line up your analogue levels with your converters of 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 an illuminated button, is
an extremely smooth sounding 18dB/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 1/4in. 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.
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