Focusrite ISA ONE – Microphone Preamp

The ISA One from Focusrite is a single-channel, transformer-based microphone preamp, based on the original ISA 110 preamp that formed the cornerstone of each channel of the legendary Forte console. It features classic vintage topology and includes the Lundahl L1538 transformer and a custom Zobel network.

In addition to switchable input impedance settings for the microphone preamp, the unit includes a line input on XLR and 1/4″ TRS phone jacks. An independent DI channel features a dedicated gain control, active or passive impedance switch, a 1/4″ TRS output for routing to an amplifier, and an independent XLR output on the rear.

The ISA One features an insert point should the need arise to place extra signal processing between the preamp or DI, and the optional analog-to-digital converter. Phantom power, phase reverse and a 75 Hz, 18 dB/octave high-pass filter are also available from the angled front fascia.

Independent input metering for both channels is provided by a moving coil VU meter with variable calibration to suit analog and digital recording media, alongside two six-LED peak meters. Inputs can be metered either pre- or post-insert. The meter calibrations utilize the same reference points as Digidesign’s Pro Tools HD systems, allowing effortless integration with Pro Tools.

Brainworx bx_console Focusrite SC
Exclusively free for Clarett, Red, RedNet and ISA customers
Two of the most revered pieces of recording gear in the history of music production, the Focusrite ISA 110 Mic Pre and EQ, and ISA 130 Dynamics Modules helped to shape the sonic landscape of the 1980s and ’90s. They were key components in the original Focusrite Studio Console, their unique specification, exceptional build quality and impressive versatility delivering a beautifully open sound that found favour among audio engineers the world over. With only ten Studio Consoles ever made, even fewer still in existence, and the original ISA modules commanding sky-high prices on the second-hand market, their very special brand of audio magic has been utterly inaccessible to all but the most privileged of producers… until now!

Designed and coded by the DSP geniuses at acclaimed software house Brainworx, the new bx_console Focusrite SC VST/AU/AAX plug-in for Mac and PC faithfully captures the sound, feel and styling of our original studio icon. Since the plug-in’s launch in 2019, it’s been included for free with every Clarett and Red audio interface. Now, ISA and RedNet customers get the plug-in, simply by registering their equipment online.

Accurately modelling the full signal paths of of the ISA 110 and ISA 130, bx_console Focusrite SC brings all the analogue character and colouration of the Focusrite Studio Console to your DAW-based productions. Offering four bands of parametric and shelving EQ, high- and low-pass filters, compression/limiting, gating/expansion and de-essing, it’s as powerful a sound-shaping tool today as it ever was – indeed, it improves on the capabilities of the original with modifications including continuously variable THD and Gain controls. And with Brainworx’s Tolerance Modelling Technology providing 72 selectable modelled circuits, you can even recreate the subtle timbral variations between channels that you’d get with the real console.

With bx_console Focusrite SC retailing separately for $349, its inclusion for free with all Clarett, Red and RedNet interfaces and ISA hardware is a huge deal, and we’re deeply honoured to see and hear these two historic modules so brilliantly emulated in software. To download the plug-in, simply register your Clarett, Red, RedNet or ISA unit online, log into your Customer Portal page, where you’ll see bx_console Focusrite SC listed in the ‘My Software’ page among your registered products.

Features:
– Mic and instrument preamplifier based on the Forte console
– Portable design for getting great sounds wherever you are
– Mix and match your mics with the impedance selector
– Mic, line, and instrument inputs
– Classic VU meter and ladder LEDs
– Cue mix stereo inputs
– Certificate of origin signed by Phil Dudderidge
– An optional 24-bit/192kHz A-to-D converter is available
– 3-year warranty

Specifications:
Preamp Type: Solid State
Number of Channels: 1
Phantom Power: Yes
Analog Inputs: 1 x XLR (Mic), 1 x XLR (Line), 1 x 1/4″ (Line), 1 x 1/4″ (DI), 1 x 1/4″ (Amp)
Analog Outputs: 1 x XLR (Main), 1 x XLR (DI), 2 x 1/4″ (Cue Mic R/L), 1 x 1/4″ (Headphone)
Frequency Response: 10Hz-125kHz
Height: 4.1″”
Depth: 11.4″
Width: 8.66″
Weight: 8.6 lbs.
UPC: 815301005100