The ISA Two by Focusrite features a pair of revered ISA microphone preamps, each independent and based on the renowned ISA 110 module. It seamlessly blends traditional solid-state electronics with the original input transformer designed by Rupert Neve, the Lundahl LL1538. With its two preamps, it offers versatility ideal for recording scenarios such as vocals and instruments or stereo piano.
A notable enhancement to the mic preamps is the addition of three extra input impedance options, allowing users to optimize performance for both vintage and modern microphones. This flexibility enables users to achieve traditional warmth with vintage mics, pristine transparency with modern ones, or experiment to reveal the unique character of any microphone. The ISA Two provides up to 80dB of gain, ensuring readiness for any recording situation.
In addition to the mic preamps, the front panel includes instrument inputs for convenient access, complemented by rear-panel line ins. Furthermore, a balanced insert point on the rear panel, controlled by a front-panel button, facilitates the integration of EQ, dynamics, or other processors as needed. The unit also features user-calibrated 8-LED metering and a variable cutoff high-pass filter, delivering all the necessary tools for capturing high-quality sound in recordings.
Up to 80 dB of gain:
ISA Two offers up to 80 dB of clean, distortion-free gain. The much heralded ISA topology also ensures low noise, even at the highest gain levels. The transformer alone supplies 20 dB of gain, while ISA's input stage offers up to 60 dB in addition, giving an astonishing 80 dB of maximum gain on the microphone input.
Variable input impedance:
Four choices of input impedance, including the original ISA 110 value, allow you to match the preamp to your microphone, even if it's a vintage type, giving you the best possible sound. The impedance is selected using a switch on the front panel, and the impedance choice is remembered even once the unit is switched off and back on.
User-calibrated metering:
Each channel has an eight-LED array to clearly display the level of your two signal. You can line up your analogue levels with your converters of DAW by using the calibration knob on the rear panel. You will be safe in the knowledge that you have avoided clipping on the way in.
Specifications:
Mic input response; - Gain Range (Mic): 0 dB to 60 dB in 10 dB steps, plus 0 dB to 20 dB continuously variable trim. - EIN (Mic): Measured at 60 dB of gain with 150 O source impedance and 22 Hz-22 kHz band pass filter -127 dB. - Noise (Mic): Noise at output with unity gain (0 dB) and 22 Hz-22 kHz band pass filter -97 dBu - Frequency Response (Mic): At minimum gain (0 dB)-0.5 dB at 10 Hz,?-1 dB at 135 kHz, relative to 1 kHz - At 60 DB Gain (Mic): -6 dB at 10 Hz, -1 dB at 115 kHz, relative to 1 kHz - Crosstalk Channel To Channel (Mic): Mic input, with I/P = 0 dBu, gain = 0 dB @ 1 kHz input to channel A, channel B output = -85 dB
Line input response: - Gain Range (Line): -20 dB to 10 dB in 10 dB steps, plus 0 dB to 20 dB continuously variable trim - Input Impedance (Line): 10 kO from 10 Hz to 200 kHz - Frequency Response (Line): At minimum gain (0 dB)-0.3 dB at 10 Hz, -1 dB at 80 kHz, relative to 1 kHz - Crosstalk Channel To Channel (Line): Line input, with I/P = 0 dBu, gain = 0dB @ 1 kHz input to channel AChannel B output?= -91 dB
Instrument input response: - Gain Range (Instrument): 10 dB to 40 dB continuously variable trim - Input Impedance (Instrument): 2 MO - Noise (Instrument): Measured with 22 Hz-22 kHz band pass filterMinimum gain ( 10 dB) = -95 dBu - Frequency Response (Instrument): At minimum gain ( 10 dB)-0.1 dB at 10 Hz,?-1 dB at 115 kHz, relative to 1 kHz - At Maximum Gain ( 40 DB) (Instrument): -2.5 dB at 10 Hz, ?-1 dB at 110 kHz, relative to 1 kHz
High-pass filter: - Roll-Off: 18 dB per octave (3 pole filter) - Frequency Range: Continuously variable from 16 Hz to 420 Hz (-3 dB)
