Focusrite ISA Two Dual Mono Microphone Preamp

You may only need a couple of mic preamps, but they need to be the very best. The ISA Two dual-mono mic pre is the ideal solution: two independent channels of the highest quality classic Focusrite mic pres, with line in and front-panel instrument inputs – no DI box required. Based on the legendary designs found in the Focusrite Forte and Studio Consoles, ISA Two is the ideal front-end for your rack.

Superb sound spanning four different decades

Focusrite’s microphone preamplifiers go back to the original Focusrite ISA 110 modules, when Rupert Neve was commissioned by George Martin in 1985 to create a no-compromise channel strip for his Neve console. Combining the very best solid-state electronics with transformer coupling, Focusrite mic pres have played a key part in the recording of hundreds of hit records and they’re the choice of leading artists, producers and engineers around the world.

Lundahl Transformers

At the heart of the ISA Two is a pair of Lundahl LL1538 transformers. ISA products have relied on Lundahl from the beginning, since their components were originally specified in 1985. The LL1538 features a 3-section winding, resulting in very low leakage inductance and, as a result, an extended frequency response. They’re encapsulated in mu-metal cans to shield them from stray magnetism.

Variable input impedance and up to 80 dB of gain

ISA Two features two classic Focusrite mic preamps, with four impedance settings including the original ISA 110 setting. Variable input impedance allows you to go for an accurate, transparent sound or choose to highlight the character of your favourite vintage mic – and anywhere in between. With up to 80 dB of low-noise gain, ISA Two can perform in the most demanding situations - really bringing your ribbon, condenser or moving coil mics to life.

Insert your choice of processors

 Each channel has a fully-balanced insert point accessed via TRS sockets on the rear panel and activated with a front-panel button, so it’s easy to use outboard processors with the ISA Two. Just plug in your choice of EQ, compressor or limiter.

FRONT PANEL:

• 1/4" instrument input
• Variable input impedance - Low, ISA 110, Medium, High
• Input selection - Mic, Line, Instrument
• 0 - 30 dB/30 - 60 dB gain switch
• Phantom power switch
• Phase invert switch
• 0 - 60 dB gain in 10 dB steps
• 0 - +20 dB continuously variable trim
• Variable high-pass filter with on/off switch
• Insert point on/off switch
• Eight-LED user-calibrated level meters
• Single power switch

REAR PANEL:

• XLR-F mic inputs
• 1/4" TRS line inputs
• 1/4" TRS Sends
• 1/4" TRS Returns
• XLR-M line output
• Single peak meter calibration dial
• Single IEC power socket

FOCUSRITE STUDIO CONSOLE PLUG-IN INCLUDED FREE

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 favor 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 the 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 modeling the full signal paths of of the ISA 110 and ISA 130, bx_console Focusrite SC brings all the analogue character and coloration 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 Modeling Technology providing 72 selectable modeled circuits, you can even recreate the subtle timbral variations between channels that you'd get with the real console.

With bxconsole Focusrite SC retailing separately for $349, its inclusion for free with all Clarett, Red and RedNet interfaces and ISA hardware is a huge deal! 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.