Focusrite ISA One – a classic single-channel pre-amp.
ISA One delivers Focusrite's prestigious ISA transformer-based pre amp in a rugged and portable chassis, at a ground-breaking price.
ISA One features the classic vintage microphone pre-amplifier topology from the original ISA110 module, including the Lundahl L1538 transformer and bespoke zobel network. (The original 110 pre amp formed the cornerstone of each channel of Focusrite's legendary Forte console.)
The pre amp is complemented by a line input (XLR and TRS Jack) and an independent D.I. channel, complete with dedicated gain control, active or passive impedance switch, a TRS Jack output for routing to an amp and an independent XLR output on the rear. This flexible independent D.I. makes the ISA One ideal both for engineers wishing to blend a D.I.’d guitar signal with a mic’d guitar cabinet, and for demanding performers who require a single classic solution for both guitar and vocals.
ISA One also features an insert point, should the need arise to place extra processing between the pre amp or D.I. and the optional converter. Phantom power, phase reverse and a 75Hz, 18dB/octave high-pass filter are also available from the angled front fascia.
Independent input metering for both channels is provided in the form of a moving coil VU meter with variable calibration to suit analogue and digital recording media, alongside two six-LED peak meters; inputs can be metered either pre- or post-insert. The meter calibrations utilise all the same reference points as Digidesign's Pro Tools HD system, allowing effortless line-up.
ISA One’s headphone output features a dedicated volume control, which delivers an external stereo cue mix, (a simple click track, or a stereo mix feed from an interface or a live console,) fed to the headphones via two TRS jack inputs on the rear of the unit.
I run a small voiceover studio start up and up until now have always done everything in the box and through a Focusrite Safire Pro 40.
I was recommended by a few clients to upgrade to a dedicated preamp for my Neumann TLM103 and a few engineers I spoke to said that there’s little to nothing on the market that’s worth investing in lower than the Focusrite ISA One. As I mainly record voiceover I needed something clean rather than colourful.
The unit sounds great and the trim knob allows for fine tuning of gain that isn’t noticeable in the recording. Great for keeping headroom on a peaky take!
There’s four impedance level settings which each give a different character to the signal path without becoming too coloured.
The unit also has a dedicated instrument path with a DI out for running to an amp so you can record the preamp and run through the unit to an amp without the preamp. There’s also an insert path for you to run to more outboard gear within the path.
It’s got a great whopping VU metre and looks pretty great too.
It’s very early days with it but I’m very glad I invested in it and look forward to recording more with it.