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Focusrite ISA One Desktop Microphone Preamp

Portable Preamp Based on Focusrite Forte Technology
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Item ID: ISAOne
Focusrite ISA One Desktop Microphone Preamp
Focusrite ISA One Desktop Microphone Preamp

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Focusrite ISA One Desktop Microphone Preamp
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A Forte Console in a Portable Unit

The Focusrite ISA One is an excellent way to tap into the legacy of the Forte console in an ultra-portable format. The ISA One is built on the topology of the original ISA 110, including the Lundahl L1538 transformer and Zobel network. Inputs for microphone-, line-, and instrument-level sources cover all of the bases. A variable impedance selector also lets you dial in the response you need. Plus, the ISA One's instrument- and microphone-level inputs run in parallel, so you can blend the direct signals.

Related Videos: ISA One Desktop Microphone Preamp

Focusrite ISA One Microphone Preamp at a Glance:
  • ISA preamp in a portable metal chassis
  • Selectable impedance, perfect for matching with any microphone
  • Mic, line, and direct instrument inputs offer great tracking options
ISA preamp in a portable metal chassis

Focusrite's ISA preamps are designed to give you the same classic performance and sound as the legendary Forte console, which is often thought of as the pinnacle of analog recording. The ISA One gives you this preamp design in a portable desktop form factor. You no longer have to go through the hassle of un-racking and re-racking your gear when you have to track elsewhere. And forget hiring a team and truck to move a Forte! Now you can just grab your ISA One and go.

Selectable impedance, perfect for matching with any microphone

The microphone input on the ISA One offers the awesome addition of impedance matching. Since so many mics like to see a different impedance at the preamp, one size doesn't necessarily fit all. With the ISA One, you come prepared. You can select between four different levels to match with the mic you're using. Or break the rules and find an "incorrect" sound that works for your needs! No matter the mic you choose, you'll be covered by the ISA One.

Mic, line, and direct instrument inputs offer great tracking options

One of the best features of the ISA One is all of the tracking options you get in such a compact package. You get mic-, line-, and instrument-level inputs - you can actually blend an instrument input and a mic input at the same time. Then you can listen back to your mix through the headphones out, while the sounds you need get on your track.

Focusrite ISA One Microphone Preamp Features:
  • Mic and instrument preamplifier based on the Forte console
  • Portable design for getting great sounds wherever you are
  • Mix and match your mics with the impedance selector
  • Mic, line, and instrument inputs
  • Classic VU meter and ladder LEDs
  • Cue mix stereo inputs
  • Certificate of origin signed by Phil Dudderidge
  • An optional 24-bit/192kHz A-to-D converter is available
  • Free Brainworx bx_console re-creation of Focusrite's ISA 110 and ISA 130 modules
  • 3-year warranty
Get a piece of the Forte legacy with the Focusrite ISA One!

Resources

Studio Preamp Buying Guide
Best Mics and Preamps for Acoustic Guitar
Apr 7, 2017
New in Stock at Sweetwater
May 21, 2008

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Tech Specs

  • Preamp Type: Solid State
  • Number of Channels: 1
  • Phantom Power: Yes
  • Analog Inputs: 1 x XLR (Mic), 1 x XLR (Line), 1 x 1/4" (Line), 1 x 1/4" (DI), 1 x 1/4" (Amp)
  • Analog Outputs: 1 x XLR (Main), 1 x XLR (DI), 2 x 1/4" (Cue Mic R/L), 1 x 1/4" (Headphone)
  • Frequency Response: 10Hz-125kHz
  • Height: 4.1""
  • Depth: 11.4"
  • Width: 8.66"
  • Weight: 8.6 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: AMS-ISA-ONE

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Reviews

4.6

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ISA Love It!
This wonderful unit just came today and ISA love it!!! Plugged my P Bass into the Instrument DI and set the Input to Line. I slowly raised the gain and the ISA did the rest. Wow what a sound this ISA One delivers. I use a P Bass to record with because it does the heavy lifting for me by laying the track perfectly in the mix and now with the addition of this incredible Pre Amp recording my Bass tracks just got bumped up to another level. Next, I plugged in my Neumann U87 mic and engaged the 48v phantom power. I then used the ISA 110 setting to get the clearest sounding vocals I have ever heard. For someone like myself that is Singer-Songwriter-Musician creating Demo recordings in my home studio this magic Box (Pre Amp) is perfection. I am not anywhere near being a competent Sound Engineer so this ISA One will make my life easier as far as recording tracks that do not require extra attention to get them to sound right. Two thumbs up on the Focusrite ISA One. ISA like it and I think Yousa will like it too!
by CD Thompson from Santa Rosa, CA. on
Music background: Professional Musician
The Pre-Amp that shaped the Award Winning Video Game Soundtrack
I have been searching for several years looking for a pre-amp. My previous tries with pre-amps include, one almost catching fire, one given to me that was half broken, one sold to me that had buttons sticking. I almost settled for a lesser pre-amp that was meeting the bare minimum.

Then, my industry colleague/friend let me borrow his ISA One and told me the history about the unit and the specifics to focus on via the Focusrite brand.

I needed a solid pre-amp that had a strong threshold to noise ratio as all the others failed. I recorded multiple instruments for a video game soundtrack (Mandolin, Aslatua Kashaka shakers, Penny Whistle, Tambourine and even shipping blocks). Once the soundtrack released, it has won three awards for Best Soundtrack from two award organizations.

So, I would say this is the award winning pre-amp for the "On the Peril of Parrots" Soundtrack. Thank you Focusrite for bringing such great quality in a mobility form.
by Chase Bethea on
Music background: Video Game Composer
The Perfect Preamp
I've had this Preamp for a while now and it makes the perfect Preamp for my two Neumann mics (TLM-102/103) and my Sennheiser 416. Its warmth is the perfect foil or support for the mics, depending on the mic's frequency response. The granular control over the amplitude level is incredible. It's size allows for easy transport if you want to bring it on the road when we are supposed to be taking vacations (Experience speaks!). Yes, it looks like a Geiger Counter. But that's character :-) Read the manual for more of what you can do with this wonderful module!
by Steven Gonzales from Saint Amant, LA on
Music background: Professional Voice Talent since 2003.
WOW
This thing is absolutely amazing.
by Jacob michael karakas from Wisconsin on
Music background: Vocalist/Producer
Revealed more detail than I was used to
After much debate, I decided to purchase this preamp above the others in its price range due to the fact that it was basically a versatile DI combined with a well-reviewed preamp and it seemed like it would cover all of my bases. This was my first "real" preamp purchase (having used old Behringers and ARTs). I was a little worried that I was getting into "snake oil" territory by spending a bunch on a preamp but my fears were put to rest when I put it through its paces.

The first thing I tried was using the "ISA" setting on the preamp and recorded my acoustic via my old Oktava mic. Comparing it to a recent recording I had done using my old preamps, the ISA one had much more detail and presence to my ears. I then tried recording bass using the built in DI and compared it to old recording and I detected a sense of "fullness" and clarity that was not there before.

I then decided to re-record parts of one of my songs that had electric guitar and bass once I was done, I noticed that the song was "starting to feel like a blanket had been taken off of it". Tracks seemed to be able to "better stand on their own" without me needing to EQ the piss out of the them and there was a general sense of "forwardness" in each instrument that I hadn't been able to get with my cheaper preamps.

As of this writing, I've had this device for nearly 4 months and it still works as great as the day I got it. If you're looking to help your tracks be their best, I'd recommend the ISA One. It sounds great, is built well and has been reliable so far. Thanks, Focusrite!!
by Sweetwater Customer on

If you're like a lot of the recording engineers here at Sweetwater, then you probably grew up with stories of the legendary Focusrite Forte console and its ISA preamps. Our relationship with Focusrite is extremely tight, and we regularly enjoy everything from the inside scoop on new gear to fish and chips when they stop by Sweetwater. While Focusrite still produces the classic analog preamps, EQs, and compressors we love, our Sales Engineers are just as excited to introduce our customers to their remarkable RedNet network audio platform, and we have worked with Focusrite to outfit studios, churches, venues, and schools with this awesome technology in action. From everyday audio interfaces to full system designs, if you want Focusrite gear, Sweetwater has you covered.

See also: Stu Preamp, Focusrite, Focusrite Preamps