Focusrite ISA Two Mic Pre

[joe_04_04]

So this model does or doesn't have the DI? Sorry, I'm a "newb" and always confuse instrument inputs and DI inputs.

[DR Music]

Yes it does...

[johndykstra]

Huh. Would you look at that.

[oceantracks]

Originally Posted by johndykstra

list is $1099

MAP is $899

You will find for less

TH

[DR Music]

Bought it for $725!
Sounds great too!!!

[Old Dog]

Review please!!!

How would the sound of these pres compare to a Langevin Dual Mono?

[frenkonio]

People who bought it can please make a review? I don't want many things to read, just some comments about the sound (maybe compared with other pre's).
Thaaaaaaaaanks!

[DR Music]

Originally Posted by frenkonio

People who bought it can please make a review? I don't want many things to read, just some comments about the sound (maybe compared with other pre's).
Thaaaaaaaaanks!

I'll be using it Monday/Tuesday

[danny]

Originally Posted by DR Music

I'll be using it Monday/Tuesday

If it is like the ISA's that have been around a few decades, there is plenty of testimony (and reviews) online. Supposedly the same circuit, right? I love my 8 channels of ISA 428 mk1. Tons of gain, not noisy till you've maxed it out for a weak mic, and beefy lundhals. This is what Mr. Neve thought was the best he could do when he designed it, so .....

[DR Music]

Originally Posted by danny

If it is like the ISA's that have been around a few decades, there is plenty of testimony (and reviews) online. Supposedly the same circuit, right? I love my 8 channels of ISA 428 mk1. Tons of gain, not noisy till you've maxed it out for a weak mic, and beefy lundhals. This is what Mr. Neve thought was the best he could do when he designed it, so .....

I agree.....

[Lights]

I just tested an ISA-One and liked it a lot. I was wondering if folks have confirmed that the Two has the exact same preamp design, just two of them? I'm not interested in the digital I/O and prefer the rack mount to the larger design of the One.

Also PM me if you know where the best prices in the US can be found.

Thanks!

[zacheus83]

Bump for testimonials. Where are the reviews, people?

[danny]

Originally Posted by zacheus83

Bump for testimonials. Where are the reviews, people?

To rephrase;

I don't know or care if later versions differ from the early console modules significantly (are those really an option for you to begin with?), but I really doubt there is any significant difference among the modern ISA models which have been reviewed and commented on countless times over the years: They were great/terrible then and have/haven't changed at all, depending on who you ask, lol. Seriously, I really like them, and outside of gearslutz (of course) have neither heard nor read a bad word about them.

Who goes and buys this ISA Two at retail, anyway? For $200 more you can have an ISA 428 (either version) and double your pleasure. At around $1k used, the 4 channel 428 mk1, with full analog I/o and inserts & VU's, variable hi-pass and impedance is an unbeatable value for a clean 80db transformer-full Rupert-designed pre. There is no comparison, btw, with Focusrites embarrassing octopre, which is truly crap, even the latest version.

[DR Music]

Originally Posted by danny

To rephrase;

I don't know or care if later versions differ from the early console modules significantly (are those really an option for you to begin with?), but I really doubt there is any significant difference among the modern ISA models which have been reviewed and commented on countless times over the years: They were great/terrible then and have/haven't changed at all, depending on who you ask, lol. Seriously, I really like them, and outside of gearslutz (of course) have neither heard nor read a bad word about them.

Who goes and buys this ISA Two at retail, anyway? For $200 more you can have an ISA 428 (either version) and double your pleasure. At around $1k used, the 4 channel 428 mk1, with full analog I/o and inserts & VU's, variable hi-pass and impedance is an unbeatable value for a clean 80db transformer-full Rupert-designed pre. There is no comparison, btw, with Focusrites embarrassing octopre, which is truly crap, even the latest version.

I bought a ISA 2 for under $700. Good deal for me..

[zacheus83]

Originally Posted by DR Music

I bought a ISA 2 for under $700. Good deal for me..

Decided to buy one as well... from Ebay under $700... I should receive it on Thursday or Friday. I'll report back.

[zacheus83]

Originally Posted by danny

Who goes and buys this ISA Two at retail, anyway? For $200 more you can have an ISA 428 (either version) and double your pleasure. At around $1k used, the 4 channel 428 mk1, with full analog I/o and inserts & VU's, variable hi-pass and impedance is an unbeatable value for a clean 80db transformer-full Rupert-designed pre. There is no comparison, btw, with Focusrites embarrassing octopre, which is truly crap, even the latest version.

I LOVE the way the 428 looks, with the VU's and all... However, I really don't have a need for 4 channel recording for my music applications. The 428 comes in around $1100 used from what I can see, which is $500 more than I am paying for the ISA Two.

I was born in Milwaukee. Whereabouts are you? I lived on 53rd near downtown, before moving to Greendale, and then Franklin.

[zacheus83]

Originally Posted by frenkonio

People who bought it can please make a review? I don't want many things to read, just some comments about the sound (maybe compared with other pre's).
Thaaaaaaaaanks!

Got my ISA2 a few days ago. Recorded some tests with different settings.

Bass direct sounded amazing right off the bat. Without any compression or plug-ins I was able to get a useable sound within seconds of plugging in. I am used to more colored (or less clear) sounding pre's and having to counteract with EQ.

Recording stereo keyboard, line in from an XS6, I enjoyed the staging of the ISA2. I was able to capture a great sounding string line without worrying about noise floor. In my laziness I would reach for a stereo link button (which doesn't exist) like the one on my comp. Matching levels on each channel isn't that difficult though, as long as you move the trim knob in tandem after setting the gain.

I recorded with a C414BXLS, though I've ordered other mics to try with this pre as well. I wasn't impressed with the C414/ISA2 combination... but then again, I haven't been all that impressed with the C414 at all lately. I noticed a different overall sound from the pre compared to my typical C414 to LA610 (with modded tubes). The sound was presented as "open" sounding and seemed less choked. I'll probably try to borrow my buddy's U87ai as well to test...

The different Impedance settings yielded very little difference on the C414, other than "High" sounding brighter and "Low" sounding darker.

I enjoy the insert buttons and being able to hear with/without the comp in the chain...

Overall the unit seems extremely quiet (actually my favorite feature). Sources need to be cranked pretty loud to get acceptable levels to the outboard comp and finally into PT. Even while cranked I couldn't hear any noise from the pre, and would hear instrument noise and nuance before getting into an output clipping range.

Emotionally, I feel more in control of my sources with this pre than I have in the past. Sources start soft, and with the +30 to +60 button, you can get a loud sound without sacrificing sound quality. It gives a lot of clean sound in a large dynamic range.

For disclosure: This review is coming from someone who does not have great knowledge of preamps, whether vintage, boutique, consumer or prosumer. I recommend this preamp as an upgrade to stock preamps built into audio interfaces. I would contend this preamp against like priced competitors ($500 to $2500). I've used Avalon, UA, RME, Focusrite, Presonus, Apogee, Mackie, Yamaha, etc...

If anyone is still interested, I can report back after testing other mic combinations, and after I've recorded full songs.

[DR Music]

Originally Posted by zacheus83

Got my ISA2 a few days ago. Recorded some tests with different settings.

Bass direct sounded amazing right off the bat. Without any compression or plug-ins I was able to get a useable sound within seconds of plugging in. I am used to more colored (or less clear) sounding pre's and having to counteract with EQ.

Recording stereo keyboard, line in from an XS6, I enjoyed the staging of the ISA2. I was able to capture a great sounding string line without worrying about noise floor. In my laziness I would reach for a stereo link button (which doesn't exist) like the one on my comp. Matching levels on each channel isn't that difficult though, as long as you move the trim knob in tandem after setting the gain.

I recorded with a C414BXLS, though I've ordered other mics to try with this pre as well. I wasn't impressed with the C414/ISA2 combination... but then again, I haven't been all that impressed with the C414 at all lately. I noticed a different overall sound from the pre compared to my typical C414 to LA610 (with modded tubes). The sound was presented as "open" sounding and seemed less choked. I'll probably try to borrow my buddy's U87ai as well to test...

The different Impedance settings yielded very little difference on the C414, other than "High" sounding brighter and "Low" sounding darker.

I enjoy the insert buttons and being able to hear with/without the comp in the chain...

Overall the unit seems extremely quiet (actually my favorite feature). Sources need to be cranked pretty loud to get acceptable levels to the outboard comp and finally into PT. Even while cranked I couldn't hear any noise from the pre, and would hear instrument noise and nuance before getting into an output clipping range.

Emotionally, I feel more in control of my sources with this pre than I have in the past. Sources start soft, and with the +30 to +60 button, you can get a loud sound without sacrificing sound quality. It gives a lot of clean sound in a large dynamic range.

For disclosure: This review is coming from someone who does not have great knowledge of preamps, whether vintage, boutique, consumer or prosumer. I recommend this preamp as an upgrade to stock preamps built into audio interfaces. I would contend this preamp against like priced competitors ($500 to $2500). I've used Avalon, UA, RME, Focusrite, Presonus, Apogee, Mackie, Yamaha, etc...

If anyone is still interested, I can report back after testing other mic combinations, and after I've recorded full songs.

Love what it does with Bass as well!! I thought I would just have a few extra mic pre's but this thing is a great box! If they made a 2 channel compressor or EQ I'd be in!!!

[DR Music]

Originally Posted by Synth80s

I suppose that makes sense. Consider the cost per channel of the ISA line (based on common street prices):

ISA One = $500/channel
ISA Two = $450/channel
ISA 428 = $375/channel

I was selfishly hoping for $799, of course!

usd $715 Here.
So $362.50 a channel

[bwrecordings]

Originally Posted by DR Music

usd $715 Here.
So $362.50 a channel

Where?

[DR Music]

Originally Posted by bwrecordings

Where?

FeEBay!!

[zacheus83]

Originally Posted by DR Music

Love what it does with Bass as well!! I thought I would just have a few extra mic pre's but this thing is a great box! If they made a 2 channel compressor or EQ I'd be in!!!

I agree a 2ch comp/eq from them would be pretty awesome

[SoundEng1]

Any more reviews? I'm interested to hear how they sound on vocals and percussion.

Any clips would be appreciated.

[southsounder]

Does anyone know if the back panel line inputs also pass through the input transformers? The "users guide" almost but not quite confirms this, and unfortunately doesn't include a schematic for proper verification.

[DR Music]

Yes.

[DR Music]

Originally Posted by Lights

I just tested an ISA-One and liked it a lot. I was wondering if folks have confirmed that the Two has the exact same preamp design, just two of them? I'm not interested in the digital I/O and prefer the rack mount to the larger design of the One.

Also PM me if you know where the best prices in the US can be found.

Thanks!

Yes exact same..

[southsounder]

Good news, thanks!

With the switchable inputs I'm thinking this box might work real well doing double duty - mic inputs for typical recording and the line inputs for running softsynth tracks and and mix stems through.