Focusrite ISA 428 MkII Classic Mic Pre

The original Focusrite mic pre was designed to suit the microphones of the time; today’s model makes one small change, adding three additional input impedances to the classic ISA110 setting, allowing you to match any microphone, old or new, and access a wide range of sounds, from the character and warmth of a vintage mic to the clear transparency of a modern design. Or you can experiment and bring out just the qualities you want.In addition to the mic inputs, there are four front-panel instrument inputs making the ISA428 Mk II ideal for overdubs in the control room with no need for a DI box. On the back: four line inputs and switchable insert points on each channel to allow routing via external signal processors. There’s also a versatile, vintage design variable high-pass filter to control what’s going on at the bass end. And finally… accurate, 6-LED meters to tell you exactly what’s going down. Optionally available for the ISA428 Mk II is a precision eight-channel A-D converter with 122dB dynamic range and superb jitter performance — ideal for simple interfacing with your DAW.

Four ISA series transformer-based preamps

ISA series mic preamps have been the producers’ choice on countless hit records over the last two decades.

Eight-channel optional A-D converter

Four additional A-D converter inputs allow eight channels of high quality conversion, with a dynamic range of 122dB and jitter performance below 250 picoseconds.

Selectable impedance

Ideal for mic matching or extended microphone creativity. Settings include the ‘Vintage ISA110’ setting, providing the original focusrite signature sound.

Four front panel instrument inputs

Instant access on the front fascia – no separate DI box required.

Dedicated analogue insert points

Switchable insert points are featured on every channel, allowing routing (between preamp and output) through additional external processing.

Accurate LED meters for every channel

Clear metering designed to catch even the fastest and most elusive of transients.

Four classic mic pres

ISA 428 MkII incorporates four of Focusrite’s renowned mic pres in a simple-to-operate 2U enclosure, placing four mic preamps, instrument inputs and line ins at your fingertips. The original Focusrite mic pre was designed to suit the microphones of the time; today’s model makes one small change, adding three additional input impedances to the classic ISA 110 setting, allowing you to match any microphone, old or new, and access a wide range of sounds, from the character and warmth of a vintage mic to the clear transparency of a modern design.

Each mic pre has the option of mic, line or the front-panel instrument input, with variable input impedance to ensure you are getting the best performance from the source. Up to 60dB of gain is available on the four-position rotary and gain range switches, with a further +20dB of continuously variable trim, meaning a huge 80dB of gain is available should it be required. The high-pass filter features variable cut-off frequency between 16 and 420Hz. An array of 6-segment LED meters show peak signal level for the four mic pres, in addition to the four direct inputs to the optional A-D card. Switchable rear-panel insert points allow the use of inline processors such as compression.