Focusrite ISA One Analog Single Channel Mic-Preamp

Focusrite ISA One Analog Single Channel Mic-Preamp

The Focusrite ISA One microphone preamplifier delivers Focusrite's prestigious ISA transformer-based preamp in a rugged and portable chassis, at a groundbreaking price.

ISA One features the classic vintage microphone preamplifier topology from the original ISA110 module, which formed the cornerstone of each channel of Focusrite's legendary Forté console.

The preamp is complemented by a line input 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 micd guitar cabinet, and for demanding performers who require a single classic solution for both guitar and vocals.

A variable impedance circuit has been added, allowing the user to switch between four carefully selected input impedance settings. In addition to the original ISA110 impedance, three further impedance settings allow perfect matching, or creative mismatching of the preamp with any microphone. ISA One also features an insert point, should the need arise to place extra processing between the preamp 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 Avid's Pro Tools HD system, allowing effortless line-up. ISA Ones 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.

An optional state-of-the-art stereo A-D converter is also available (the same card as used with the ISA430 MkII).

Key Features

• Microphone Inputs 1-2:The best sounding interface in its class. Focusrite's 25-year legacy forms the foundation of this new interface, with two award-winning preamps.
• High-quality 24-bit/96kHz FireWire/Thunderbolt* interface: Features professional conversion and JetPLL jitter elimination technology, guaranteeing pristine audio quality and reliable synchronization.
• Total I/O count of 8 inputs and 6 outputs: A host of I/O options are provided, including a unique Loopback facility for routing audio between software applications via Saffire MixControl.
• Saffire MixControl ultra-low-latency DSP mixer/router: Provides an 18 x 6 DSP mixer with excellent routing flexibility, intuitive one-click configurations, and lower than 1.4ms latency (less than the time it takes sound to travel two feet through air!).
• Focusrite VST/AU Plug-in Suite, for use in the mix: Upgrade your standard sequencer effects and bring a touch of class to your session with Focusrite Compression, Reverb, Gating and EQ VST/AU plug-ins.
• Xcite+ Software Bundle: Featuring a host of royalty-free loops and samples, a full-fledged soft-synth and Ableton Live Lite 8, providing an affordable upgrade path to Ableton Live.
• Two Hi-Z instrument inputs: No need for a separate DI. The first two channels feature high-gain instrument inputs.
• Bus-powered for a tidy mobile recording rig: Saffire PRO 14 can be powered via FireWire, or via its own power supply.
• Dedicated front-panel headphone bus: Providing a fully customised monitor mix, with tactile level control available on the front panel.
• Tactile Monitor Dial: A front panel volume dial provides immediate control over the main stereo outputs.
• Switchable phantom power: Across both mic pre inputs, globally switchable direct from the front fascia.
• Software PFL: Allows the mix engineer to easily monitor a single mixer channel or complete mix.

Technical Specifications

Microphone Inputs
- Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz +/- 0.2 dB
- Gain Range: +13dB to +60dB
- Maximum Headroom +8dBu
- THD+N: 0.001% (measured at 1kHz with a 20Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
- Noise EIN: 124dB analogue to digital (measured at 60dB of gain with 150 Ohm termination (20Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
- Input Impedance: 2k Ohm
Line Inputs (Inputs 1-2)
- Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz +/- 0.2dB
- Gain Range: -10dB to +36dB
- THD+N: 0.001% (measured with 0dBFS input and 22Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
- Noise: -90dBu (22Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
- Input Impedance: >10k Ohm
Line Inputs 3-4
- Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz +/- 0.2 dB
- Gain Range: Switch-able between +16dBu or -10dBV for 0dBFS (balanced inputs) THD+N: 0.003% (measured at 1kHz with a 20Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
- Noise: -100dBu (22Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
- Input Impedance: >10k Ohm
Instruments Inputs (Inputs 1 and 2)
- Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz +/- 0.1dB
- Gain Range: +13dB to +60dB
- THD+N: 0.004% (measured with 0dBu input and 20Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
- Noise: -87dBu (20Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
Analogue Audio Outputs (Outputs 1-4)
- 4 Electronically Balanced Outputs
- Maximum Output Level (0dBFS): +10dBu
- THD+N: 0.001% (0dBFS input, 20Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
Crosstalk (Channel Isolation)
- Any input to input: > 100dB
- Any output to output: > 100dB
- Any input to output: > 100dB
Weight and Dimensions
- 1.5kg / 3.3lbs
- 215mm (W) x 45mm (H) x 220mm (D) (8.5 x 1.8 x 8.7 inches)
Connectivity
Analogue Channel Inputs (Inputs 1-2)
- 2 Mic XLR Combo (channels 1-2) on front panel
- 2 Line 14 TRS (channels 3-4) on rear panel
- Automatic switching between Mic / Line (channels 1-2)
- Switching between Line / Instrument Inputs (channels 1-2) via Saffire MixControl Application
- Switching between +16dBu (low) and -10dBV (high) gain on inputs 3-4 via Saffire MixControl Application
Digital Channel Inputs (Inputs 5-6) 44.1-96kHz
- Stereo S/PDIF input on RCA
Analogue Audio Outputs (Outputs 1-4)
- 4 14 TRS Jacks
- Output Level control (analogue) for outputs 1 and 2
- Stereo Headphones Mix 1 on 14 TRS (also routed to Outputs 3 & 4) with independent volume control
Digital Channel Outputs (Outputs 5-6) 44.1 - 96kHz
Stereo S/PDIF Output on RCA
Other I/O
- 1x 6 pin Firewire 400 socket - also compatible with Firewire 800 and Thunderbolt
- 2 Standard 5-pin DIN MIDI connectors: In and Out
- DC Power Input Connector (for use with supplied universal input power supply)
Front Panel Indicators
- 2 2 segment input meters, Sig (-18) and O/L (0dBFS)
- LKD Locked Indicator
- FW Host Connected Indicator
- Power Indicator
- Instrument input source selection LED for channels 1 and 2
- Phantom Power (48V) switch and LED for inputs 1 and 2