FOCUSRITE ISA One

The Focusrite ISA One is a versatile and highly flexible microphone preamplifier equipped with a Lundahl input transformer and independent line and instrument inputs. The preamp topology is based on the circuitry of the original ISA110 designed by Rupert Neve, a circuit that has been used for decades in Focusrite's most successful products.

The Lundahl LL1538 input transformer used in the original RED modules lends a special character to the sound that cannot be replicated in any other way. Another distinctive feature that will affect the sound of the connected microphone is the ability to select one of four carefully preset impedances (Low / ISA 110 / Med / High). This choice really does significantly affect the input sound, and you can experiment and bring out the character of the microphone or, conversely, opt for a completely transparent presentation, it's up to you. The preamplifier offers all the important features, starting with the ability to select the impedance and fine-tune the gain with two potentiometers and a range knob, thanks to this combination the input gain is up to 80 dB. You will also find switches for phantom power, phase reversal, HP filter activation and also insert channel inclusion in the signal path.

Single channel microphone preamplifier? Yes and no. The preamp actually only has one channel for the microphone, however, it allows for permanent connection and simultaneous use of a line or instrument input as well. Just for instruments there is a specially adapted input with switchable impedance and independent gain adjustment, a DI input on the front panel and an Amp output, through which you can split the input signal and send it, for example, to an amplifier input, while using the main preamp output for other purposes. Or, thanks to this clever solution, you can, among other things, pick up an acoustic guitar with a microphone and its electronics with a line.

The ISA One is also a great help for monitoring, offering a headphone output with independent output volume adjustment, and thanks to the CUE MIX inputs you can route the soundtrack directly to the preamp. The ISA One is equipped with a superior number of input and output jacks for maximum flexibility and professional requirements, plus you can expand this preamplifier with an optional digital card that provides best-in-class A/D conversion (118 dB dynamic range). Alternatively, you can get the ISA One Digital model, which is equipped with an A/D converter as standard.