The Focusrite Heritage Sound – in a complete channel strip where every element can be used independently.
Focusrite’s ISA range is based around the original ‘no compromise’ designs that recording console design legend Rupert Neve built for Sir George Martin back in the mid-1980s, and every unit delivers the sought-after Focusrite Heritage Sound that lies behind hundreds of top class recordings made over the intervening years in the world’s leading studios. With the ISA Range, you can put that sound at the heart of your own work – and the ISA 430 MkII is the most sophisticated of them all: a complete channel strip in which every element can be used independently or patched in virtually any order – including a classic mic pre, versatile EQ, VCA/optical compressor, expander/gate and de-esser.
Inside the 2U rack-mount enclosure, the ISA 430 MkII features a Lundahl transformer-input microphone preamplifier and equaliser based on the original ISA 110. Virtually all Focusrite has changed is to give the mic pre a variable input impedance to get the best out of any microphone, modern or vintage, accurately or for effect. There’s also a special “air” button that opens out the sound without EQ.
The equaliser itself features two separate parametric bands plus shelving low and high frequencies, high- and low-pass filters and the ability to switch individual EQ elements into the compressor side-chain for frequency-conscious compression, gate keying and other effects. Indeed, the four powerful processors that make up the ISA 430 MkII can all be used independently or patched into each other in a variety of ways for maximum versatility.
The dynamics section, once again, recalls the original Trevor Stride/Rupert Neve ISA 130 that dates back to 1987. It features a sophisticated expander/gate section as well as a versatile compressor, both featuring modern transparent VCA-based control elements for maximum compression without artefacts. But in addition, the compressor also features the original vintage optical design for a truly traditional sound, and you can also mix the original signal into the compressor output, maintaining dynamics as you take control. Like the other sections of the ISA 430 MkII, there’s a “Listen” button so you can hear exactly what each module is doing.
The ISA 430 Mk II is supplied with analogue outputs for full integration into a traditional audio path. But it’s as perfect a front-end for a digital system as an analogue one, and with that in mind there’s an optional class-leading high-precision 192kHz, 24-bit 2-channel A-D card boasting 117.5dB dynamic range, that slots straight into the unit. Like the other sections of the ISA 430 MkII, it can be used as part of the overall channel strip or employed independently.
Not only is the ISA 430 MkII a powerful channel strip, combining heritage mic amps, equalisation and dynamics, and optional superb-quality digital conversion; each element (and in the case of the equaliser, each section) can be used as a completely separate device for the ultimate in versatility. The ISA 430 MkII from Focusrite could be the last channel strip you’ll ever need.
The Most Versatile Channel Strip
The ISA 430 MkII features Focusrite's ultimate heritage sonic signature including transformer-based mic pre, versatile EQ with two dual-range parametrics, compressor with both transparent VCA and vintage optical circuitry, expander/gate, phase-cancellation de-esser and optional 192kHz/24-bit 2-channel AD conversion.
Full Control Over Dynamics
The mic pre suits almost all mics including vintage and 'difficult' models such as ribbons. Variable impedance can be set for transparency or to highlight special features of the mic, such as presence bumps and rolloffs. Switchable additional inductance adds "air" without EQ.
Four Units in One, Independently Accessible
Use the mic pre, EQ, Dynamics and A-D converter independently, or route them to build powerful simultaneous processors. Re-order different sections to create multiple alternative signal paths.
Powerful Processing Options
Insert HPF, LPF and EQ into the Dynamics sections for frequency-sensitive processing. Listen function lets you audition the side-chain to fine-tune the effect.
Control Over Dynamics
Expander/gate features "hysteresis" setting to avoid chattering on difficult signals. De-esser is based on phase cancellation at the chosen frequency, for more natural sound.
Lundahl LL1538 Input transformer
The original mic transformers used in the original Red modules help to provide the unique sound and performance of this ground-breaking design.
Backlit VU Meter with Variable Calibration
ISA 430MkII has 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.