The Focusrite ISA828 MKII puts eight of Focusrite’s legendary ISA microphone preamps into a compact 2U chassis, giving you amazing sound quality in a unit that’s convenient for your studio or live rig, while being gentle on your budget. The original ISA828 was a huge hit at Music Experience and certainly a tough act to follow; but Focusrite, as always, rose to the challenge with the ISA828 MKII, which features several improvements such as a new switching power supply that delivers more efficient energy usage, reduced heat generation, and increased operational reliability.
The ISA828 MKII features a variable impedance circuit with several settings, and also includes eight line/four instrument inputs with high and low impedance options. Using 25-pin D-type connectors, this preamp is easy to interface with Pro Tools HD rigs, as well as other popular DAWs and mixing desks. Another new feature is a slot for the optional Focusrite ISA ADN8 8-channel A-D card, for high-quality conversion to Dante, ADAT, and AES3 formats at sampling rates of up to 24-bit/192kHz. The preamps are complemented by eight rear-panel line inputs and four front-panel instrument inputs.
The microphone input stage includes a variable impedance circuit, letting you switch between four carefully selected input impedance settings. The original ISA110 setting is supplemented by three additional impedance settings to perfectly match/creatively mismatch the preamp with any microphone in your locker. The four front panel instrument inputs also feature high- and low-impedance options to provide a comprehensive and accessible DI solution. Insert switches are also featured on each channel, should the need arise to place outboard processing between the preamp and the optional ISA ADN8 converter card. A highpass filter, polarity reverse switch, and 6-segment LED peak level meter are also provided on every channel.
The ISA828 MKII features eight of Focusrite's classic ISA transformer-balanced preamps in a single robust 2U chassis. The eight preamps feature the same vintage preamplifier design as the original ISA110 module from Focusrite’s critically acclaimed Forte console (including the original Lundahl L1538 transformer). If you've been wanting to get the signature Focusrite sound for your studio, the ISA828 MKII is an ideal way to achieve it — at a remarkably low per-channel cost!
Sharing the simple mic preamp design of the original Focusrite ISA 110 module from the Focusrite Studio Console, ISA 828 MK2 incorporates eight of Focusrite's classic mic preamps, with Lundahl LL1538 transformers on every input. Each channel has the option of mic or line inputs, while inputs 1-4 also feature instrument inputs on the front panel. Each mic pre has variable input impedance, to provide a range of subtly different sonic options when using microphones, including an 'ISA 110' setting, which replicates the impedance of the original Focusrite mic pre. Up to 60dB of gain is available, with a further +20dB of continuously variable trim, providing a huge 80dB gain range. The high-pass filter with fixed 75Hz frequency and 18dB/octave roll-off. ISA 828 MK2 features high-pass filters, calibratable per-channel, six-segment LED meters, and switchable rear-panel insert points, which allow the use of inline processors such as compressors or EQs. Dedicated connectors for mic and line-level inputs allow all sources to be connected simultaneously, making ISA 828 MK2 perfect for permanent installation in a rack. New to the ISA 828 MK2 is an updated power supply that allows for more efficient power consumption, a reduction in heat generation, and extremely reliable operation. The optional ISA ADN8 analogue-to-digital expansion card provides eight Dante, ADAT and AES3 outputs at rates of up to 24-bit/192kHz.
The ISA 828 MkII incorporates eight of Focusrite's classic mic preamps, with Lundahl LL1538 transformers on every input. Each channel has the option of mic or line inputs, while inputs 1-4 also feature instrument inputs on the front panel. Each mic pre has variable input impedance, to provide a range of subtly different sonic options when using microphones, including an 'ISA 110' setting, which replicates the impedance of the original Focusrite mic pre. Up to 60dB of gain is available, with a further +20dB of continuously variable trim, providing a huge 80dB gain range. The high-pass filter has a fixed 75Hz frequency and 18dB / octave roll-off for minimising rumble, stand-borne noise and other low-frequency sounds. The ISA 828 MkII also features per-channel, six-segment LED meters, and switchable rear-panel insert points, which allow the use of inline processors such as compressors or EQs. Dedicated connectors for mic and line-level inputs allow all sources to be connected simultaneously, making ISA 828 MkII perfect for permanent installation in a rack. A switching power supply allows for efficient, cool operation, without sacrificing sound quality or performance, and increasing reliability over its predecessor. The optional ISA ADN8 analogue-to-digital expansion card provides eight Dante, ADAT and AES3 outputs at sampling rates of up to 24-bit / 192kHz.And as with all Focusrite Pro products, wherever you happen to be in the world, you can rely on a three-year warranty if any Focusrite Pro hardware needs repairing or replacing due to a manufacturing fault.
The Focusrite Studio Console defined countless hits of the 80s and 90s, thanks in large part to its ISA 110 Equaliser and ISA 130 Dynamics Modules. Brainworx's bx_console Focusrite plug-in brings you stunningly accurate emulations of both in a single plug-in, perfectly capturing the famously warm, open sound of two of the most revered pieces of studio hardware ever made.
All Focusrite products are built to the highest standards, and are designed to provide many years of reliable performance.
| Preamp Type | Solid State |
|---|---|
| Number of Channels | 8 |
| Phantom Power | Yes |
| EQ |
Highpass Filter (75Hz, 18dB/Octave, Switchable per Channel) |
| Phantom Power | Yes |
| Sample Rate |
Up to 192kHz |
| Bit Depth |
Up to 24-bit |
| Analog Inputs | 8 x XLR, 12 x 1/4" (8 Line, 4 Instrument), 1 X 8-Channel DB-25 (8 channels) |
| Analog Outputs | 1 x DB-25 (8 channels) |
| Frequency Response |
20Hz-20kHz (±0.1dB) |
| Software |
RedNet Control |
| Rack Spaces | 2U |
| Power Supply | Standard IEC AC cable |
| Width |
19" |
| Height |
3.46" |
| Depth | 12.80" |
| Weight | 15.55 lbs. |
| Manufacturer Part Number | AMS-ISA-828-MKII 815301001140 |
