Focusrite ISA Mic Pres

[stevetgn]

Don't seem to see the ISA mic pres mentioned much here. Who's using them and what on? Drums? Vocals etc?

[Assailant]

The Isa has been fairly talked about here before. People seem to be "content" with them. They've been describes as transparent and not lively at all. I personally dont like them. I would rather by two RNP's. API's, GR, Pacifica's are leagues above them.

Heres an older Gearslutz thread.
******//www.gearslutz.com/board/new-p...te-isa828.html

[Dan]

I like them, but yeah they're not character pieces. They work for well certain productions on vocals, woodwinds, maybe perc, or ac gtr. It's kind of a light transformer sound. I kinda think of them being between 1081's and 9098's. There's a rant somewhere on mercenary's site about how the old ones are cool, but the new ones suck. I don't know if I buy that.

[gainstages]

People in general don't seem overly thrilled about focusrite around here. I undertand that they have put out some lower end stuff before, but I still like a lot of their stuff.

I haven't used the ISA products for a few years, but i remember them as being fairly clean , but still having a bit of warmth to them. They do have a pretty nice top end. They are a Rupert Neve design but don't have as much character that his vintage designs (Neve 1073, etc) have.

They seem to be GOOD on just about everything, but may not necessarily be GREAT on everything. The 4 and 8 channel preamps look like a pretty good value to me. Maybe not your go-to preamps for any one thing, but good solid preamps that are versatile and good to have around.

[True North]

I used to have two of them - now I have one. It comes in handy all the time. Runs a little hot. I think it is really intelligently laid out with lots of options including impedance swithcing. Lots of gain but you have full control over it (unlike an API for instance) - Unity Gain is Unity Gain

It's not new and trendy and it's made in China which doesen't help with all the handmade boutique fans out there. I have no issues recommending it and I own a lot of pres.

[allencollins]

Originally Posted by stevetgn

Don't seem to see the ISA mic pres mentioned much here. Who's using them and what on? Drums? Vocals etc?

I have a bunch of original 85110's from 1986. I love them. I use them on everything. They are my favorite preamp for distorted gtr, overheads kick snare and bass gtr.

The eq is the best and by far the most extensive eq out of any preamp other than a gml or similar. The originals are rare but still inexpensive based on the features.

If your looking for a vintage sound like chandler this aint it. 110's are a very polished sounding preamp. Very tight and not muddy and sloppy like the vintage style pres

[Lynn Fuston]

You need to realize that there's typically a line drawn between the originals (110/115/215) and the rest of the Focusrite range. You need to specify which units you're asking about because the opinions will vary widely, just as the products do.

When you lump them all in as Focusrite, that includes the Fred Flintstone Special Greens, the budget Silvers, and the current Blues (428, 828, 220, 430, etc.). All of those are different from the originals. So being more specific with your question will get you better answers. And I think you'll find the opinions vary widely.

[Donny]

Is it true that the sound of the ISA 430 mk1 is different to the current models in the ISA range ???

[scotty-o]

We got an original ISA 115 at work. It's ok, I like the EQ. Overall its kinda like a Neve VR............. Kinda

-Scotty

[stevetgn]

Thanks for the replies.
I'm fully aware of what the ISA pre are like. I own 2 ISA220 but don't seem to use them much these days. I wasn't sure if it was me that was just bored of them or that they weren't that great, hence asking if anyone was luvin' em. Since getting some API512c they don't seem to get a look in anymore.

[neilio]

as i so often mention around here, ive done a bunch of records on one the "studio" consoles....all 110 eq/pres and other little goodies....the board in question replaced a neve 80xx loaded with 1073's. the 1073's from that board were left in the control room with the focusrite, and ill tell ya 9 time out of ten...the 110's were chosen over 1073's.

someone above said how focusrite(110's) sound good on everything but not always the best, and i would agree with that...as a "generic pre" they are great...

as far as useless adjectives go...very open, clear, a little bit of cream,and some iron lovin' going on.

as far as the e.q. goes...you either loooove them or hate them...but they were,at the time, one of the first eq's (maybe at least
implimentation wise) where the frequencies and q's were set up to be more of the "musical" variety.

me personally i liked them...but by no means surgical...almost like para-graphic in operation...if memory serves.

[crypticglobe]

Strangely, I partially agree with Mr Collins. I really do like the original ISA 110's. They don't sound just like old Neve 31102's, 1073's, or 1086's, however they do have a "Neve-ish" sound to them, and can be very, very nice on a lot of sources.

The later focusrite stuff is pretty ugly in my opinion.

And of course for the record.... I am still amazed that Allen likes this pre as I do.... and yet still has so much disdain for chandlers pre's. Hard to fathom. The LTD-1, TG-2, and Germanium pre's are all more lovely sounding on just about any source than even the original 110's. I had a pair of the 110's for a while and almost bought them, but ended up passing. Would like to have some at some point... but not not more than more Chandler stuff....

Just my 2 cents...

[Krecording]

I have a 220 and I use the eq and compressor a lot but the pre just ended up annoying me, too bright really, only satisfies me on a ribbon.

I have a Pacifica as my main pre and my Presonus Digimax 96 gets more of a workout then the ISA pre.

[T_R_S]

I have 2 ISA 430 Mk.1 I love them, nice design very flexible routing compared to my SSL X Logic. Big knobs with lots of space so us old farts can see ... thumbsup

[stevetgn]

Originally Posted by Krecording

I have a 220 and I use the eq and compressor a lot

The 220 compessor is the least interesting compressor I've ever used. If basic dynamic range control is all you need then fine but it does nothing to add any excitment, driver or urgency to the sound. Very sluggish after the onset of attack. Maybe its just me but I like compressors that add a bit of spice to your sound, 1176s, some of the optos, Smart C2 & SSL etc.

I suppose the 220 comps keeps out of your way though if that what you want.

[gainreduction]

I like the ISA's, any of them. I could track anything with them and not look back.

They're out of fashion, you're not supposed to like them. Until some hotshot says otherwise.

for the ISA range from me.

BTW, the compressor in the 430 and 220 is derived from the Red3 with more or less the same circuit. It's funny how people lust for the Red3 and at the same time think the 430 and 220 comp sections are useless.

[stevetgn]

Originally Posted by gainreduction

They're out of fashion, you're not supposed to like them. Until some hotshot says otherwise.

The ISA were my first "high end" pres and I thought they where great unit I got some API512c

Originally Posted by gainreduction

BTW, the compressor in the 430 and 220 is derived from the Red3 with more or less the same circuit. It's funny how people lust for the Red3 and at the same time think the 430 and 220 comp sections are useless.

Had this discussion before. The ISA comp sounds and acts NOTHING like a Red 3. Same VCA but thats about it. Try linking 2 ISA220 as I have done and use them on the mix. Absolutly no good at all. Its just not fast enough. The two units are very different and its only Focusrites marketing team that makes them out to be the same tutt
I have similar genes to my great uncle fred... I don't look, sound or act like him!

[walth]

get an API 3124. LOL.
Just kidding. if that's what you want i guess.

i like the ISA-110s on everything.
Neve 1081, ISA-110, and Electrodyne 712s are my three favorite mic pres.

[walth]

check this out.

Focusrite ISA 828 | Sweetwater.com

[Dan]

Originally Posted by stevetgn

The ISA were my first "high end" pres and I thought they where great unit I got some API512c




Had this discussion before. The ISA comp sounds and acts NOTHING like a Red 3. Same VCA but thats about it. Try linking 2 ISA220 as I have done and use them on the mix. Absolutly no good at all. Its just not fast enough. The two units are very different and its only Focusrites marketing team that makes them out to be the same tutt
I have similar genes to my great uncle fred... I don't look, sound or act like him!

Man, did you start this thread to rail on the ISA series? I don't understand, so you're not so into the FF stuff, and want to confirm with everyone else?

[allencollins]

Originally Posted by stevetgn

The ISA were my first "high end" pres and I thought they where great unit I got some API512c




Had this discussion before. The ISA comp sounds and acts NOTHING like a Red 3. Same VCA but thats about it. Try linking 2 ISA220 as I have done and use them on the mix. Absolutly no good at all. Its just not fast enough. The two units are very different and its only Focusrites marketing team that makes them out to be the same tutt
I have similar genes to my great uncle fred... I don't look, sound or act like him!

I love 512c's but if you think they're better than ISA 110's 115's you've obviously never used an original ISA. They are both high quality and you would be splitting hairs.

Isa is cleaner and more focused more headroom. 512 is smoother and a tad, just a tad punchier. Both kick ass and are in the same league. The isa eq is much more extensive than 550's. But both sound great though.

As far as for drums I think they are equal. Just a matter of taste. For gtrs I like api more for rock gtr but for crunchy metal the isa 110 is king. Same for bass. If I'm looking for smooth rock bass it's api but for heavy fat gut wrenching Entwistle english tone it's the ISA 110!!!

People forget Neve designed these. They are true to his vision just cleaner and more modern than 80's series stuff. They get a bad name because of all the crap Focusrite put out after Neve ltd. went under

Also the ISA 130 comp is genius too

[TheRealRoach]

The ISA220 is my main workhorse pre/channel. I like everything about it. The past few projects that I've worked on I've ended up using a Shure 545 for vocals through this thing and it's sounded great (blues rock). On guitars it's cool, and i can get a pretty mean bass tone out of it using the instrument input. More gain than you could ever ask for.

Love the stuff!

[syra]

As Lynn said, talking about old ISAs and new ones is NOT the same at all...although focusrite likes you to think otherwise. I had the pleasure of listening to the 215 against a 220 and also a 110 reissue. The difference is not subtle. The 215 is a different pre. Much more alive and forward.

Having said that I thought the 110 reissue sounded better than the 220. As with the old ones, you can only find them used...

ps. I did those tests while focusrite was running the 828 ad stating "like father like son" ...it should be more like "like father like first cousin, once removed"

[stevetgn]

Originally Posted by Dan

Man, did you start this thread to rail on the ISA series? I don't understand, so you're not so into the FF stuff, and want to confirm with everyone else?

Hi Dan,

No it's not a Focusrite rant at all.
Like I said, when I first got them I thought they where great, but it now appears that compared to API they don't fit my personal taste.
Yes I suppose I was looking for some kind of confirmation as far as, is just me, or is anyone else not really into these pre's but it seems some folks really do like them, which is cool - It would be a boring old world if we all agreed on and like the same things!

I think one mistake that is been made here though is comparing the original ISAs with the now Chinese made ISA pre's. I've not heard both so it's really wrong for me to comment but although they share the same lundahl input transformers (I think!) I would imagine they sound quite different overall. For starters all the original ISAs & Reds had transformer balanced outputs too. And I doubt the current ISA sound like those used in the original Forte consoles.
I'm sure the orignal R. Neve ISAs were wonderful but is that what we are listening to now?

I won't be selling my 2 ISA220 because they do have there uses. The eq is quite nice on certain things. The compressor is sort of ok if you just want transparent dynamic range control and the whole unit works quite well as a channel strip on mix down. Its just although better that your average console's pre, I just personally find the pre's lacking a little when compared to API, Chandler, Neve etc.

Thanks for all the comments guys

[stevetgn]

Originally Posted by syra

As Lynn said, talking about old ISAs and new ones is NOT the same at all...although focusrite likes you to think otherwise. I had the pleasure of listening to the 215 against a 220 and also a 110 reissue. The difference is not subtle. The 215 is a different pre. Much more alive and forward.

Having said that I thought the 110 reissue sounded better than the 220. As with the old ones, you can only find them used...

ps. I did those tests while focusrite was running the 828 ad stating "like father like son" ...it should be more like "like father like first cousin, once removed"

Agreed!

[mu6gr8]

The ISA 110 Limited Edition pre/EQ sounds pretty good on just about anything. It's also a good problem solver if your source material needs help. I especially like it for bass guitar, both tracking and mixing. The filters really work. The only thing I dislike is that very small EQ gain amounts, i.e. close to unity, are difficult to set because the pots want to return to the center detent.

[CassidyGT]

I have had better pres than my ISA 220. Now I use it almost exclusively and I find that while the pre may not be as exciting as API or GR etc, the tracks really stack well and sit nicely in the mix. I find most tracks to be individually kind of boring, but all together they sound great. All in all a great unit I think. However, I agree on teh comp, not very interesting.

[gainreduction]

Originally Posted by stevetgn

For starters all the original ISAs & Reds had transformer balanced outputs too.

I think all current ISA units have Lundahl transformer outs. No ?

[stevetgn]

Originally Posted by gainreduction

I think all current ISA units have Lundahl transformer outs. No ?

NOtutt

Only Lundahl trannys on the inputs

[gainreduction]

Quoted from another thread, posted by "tmarra":

"The output transformers actually look like the line input transformers EXCEPT without the metal cans. They are 2" x 1" circular tororiodals, usually orange in color."

Anybody care to open theirs up ?