Focusrite Launches New, More Affordable ISA Range Mic Pre / Converter
Focusrite has announced a new addition to its ISA range of pro audio hardware — the ISA428 MkII, a four-channel mic preamp and A-D converter.
The Focusrite ISA 428 MkII will be available in late 2010.
The ISA428 MkII will supersede the existing ISA428 and will be available at a much more affordable price: $1799.99 MSRP / $1499.99 at dealers.
Like its predecessor, the ISA428 MkII features four of Focusrite’s transformer-based ISA preamps. Standing for ‘Input Signal Amplifier,’ the ISA range was born out of the original Focusrite Forte console of the late 80’s. Each channel has phantom power and phase-reverse controls, plus switchable input impedance and an adjustable high-pass filter.
Mirroring the feature set of the original model, the MkII also has an optional eight-channel A-D converter upgrade, which converts signals from the preamps and an additional four line-level inputs to 24-bit digital data streams at sample rates of up to 192kHz.
New to the ISA428 MkII is a switched-mode power supply, which lowers the internal noise and heat output of the unit, and greatly reduces its weight — and appeal to touring companies and mobile recordists.
When designing the ISA428 MkII, the Focusrite R&D team was reportedly determined to maintain the pristine sound quality of its predecessor, but introduce it at a new level of affordability that appeals to a more diverse range of users. To that end, the exact same analogue circuit board can be found in both the original and MkII derivations of the ISA428.
The most noticeable difference is the removal of the large moving-coil peak meters of the ISA428. Metering duties on the MkII are handled by per-channel, six-step LED bargraph displays, which monitor the signal prior to the A-D stage, providing an accurate status of the preamp’s output level. Also removed is the soft limiter feature of the ISA428. In light of this, precise calibration figures are supplied in the user manual, to enable accurate system setup.
The ISA 428 MkII is expected to be available in late 2010, priced at $1799.99 MSRP / $1499.99 at dealers.
For a full list of features and further information, visit http://www.focusrite.com.