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Focusrite DamianTaylor inthe studio

collapse expand iconDescription

The ISA Story goes back to 1985, when Sir George Martin commissioned legendary designer Rupert Neve to design new modules for the console at AIR Montserrat. They were so successful that more were commissioned for AIR London. These original modules form the basis of today's Focusrite ISA range—delivering the legendary Focusrite sound to leading studios, artists, producers and engineers around the world. Literally hundreds of hits have been made with the Focusrite ISA Range—and continue to be made today.

Focusrite's ISA Two brings together a totally independent pair of legendary ISA microphone preamps inspired by the original ISA 110 module, combining the best of traditional solid-state electronics with the original input transformer specified by Rupert Neve—the Lundahl LL1538. Two is a nice round number—ideal for recording, say, a vocal and an instrument, or a stereo piano. But though you may only need two mic pres, you owe it to your craft to choose the best.

Focusrite has made one little adjustment to the mic pre. The original ISA 110 had a single-input impedance that was ideal for the mics of the time. In the ISA Two there are three more, allowing you to get the very best out of any microphone, vintage or modern. Give a vintage mic the input it expects to get a traditional, warm sound. Pair the ISA Two with modern microphones and get the most transparent sound imaginable. Or experiment and pull out the inner character of any microphone you care to try. Couple that with up to 80dB of gain and you can be ready for anything.

In addition to the mic pres, there are front-panel instrument inputs for instant access, along with rear-panel line ins. There's also a balanced insert point on the rear panel, actuated with a front-panel button so you can insert the EQ, dynamics or other processors you need. Add to that the user-calibrated 8-LED metering and variable cutoff high-pass filter, and you know that with the ISA Two you'll have everything you need to get the highest-quality sound into your recordings.

Now comes with Brainworx bx_console Focusrite plug-in

This awesome plug-in recreates the analog signal paths of Focusrite’s revered ISA 110 and ISA 130 modules, which were a part of the Focusrite Studio Console. Designed and coded by the DSP geniuses at acclaimed software house Brainworx, the new bx_console Focusrite VST/AU/AAX plug-in for Mac and PC faithfully captures the sound, feel and styling of the original iconic hardware.

If you purchased any Red, RedNet or ISA solution from January 2020 on, you will have the plug-in available in your Focusrite account as long as you’ve registered your product.
Focusrite ISA Two Classic Dual Mono Transformer-Based Microphone Preamplifier
Focusrite ISA Two Classic Dual Mono Transformer-Based Microphone Preamplifier

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • Lundahl LL1538 mic input transformer
  • Up to 80dB of clean, distortion-free gain
  • Four choices of input impedance
  • User-calibrated metering
  • Front-panel instrument and rear panel line inputs
  • Variable cut-off high-pass filter
  • Rear panel balanced inserts
  • Focusrite offers a 3-year manufacturer's warranty

collapse expand iconSpecs

Front panel, per channel
  • 1/4" Instrument input
  • Variable input impedance: Low, ISA 110, Medium, High
  • Input selection: Mic, Line, Instrument
  • 0-30dB/30-60dB gain switch
  • Phantom power switch
  • Phase invert switch
  • 0-60dB gain in 10dB steps
  • 0-+20dB continuously variable trim
  • Variable high-pass filter with on/off switch
  • Insert point on/off switch
  • Eight-LED user-calibrated level meters
  • Single power switch
Rear panel, per channel
  • XLR-F mic inputs
  • 1/4" TRS line inputs
  • 1/4" TRS Sends
  • 1/4" TRS Returns
  • XLR-M line output
  • Single peak meter calibration dial
  • Single IEC power socket
Maximum Input and Output Levels
  • Maximum Output Level: +24 dBu with a THD+N < 0.01% at 1kHz measured with 150 ohm source impedance and 22Hz/22kHz band-pass filter
  • Maximum Microphone Transformer Input Level: +7 dBu with a THD+N < 0.7% at 1kHz measured at 0dB of gain with 150 ohm source impedance and 22Hz/22kHz band-pass filter
Mic Input Response
  • Gain range: 0dB to +60dB in 10dB steps, plus 0dB to +20dB continuously variable trim
  • Input Impedance: Switched Impedance setting/Equivalent Input Impedance at 1kHz
  • Low = 600 ohm
  • ISA 110 = 1.4 kohm
  • Med = 2.4 kohm
  • High = 6.8 kohm
  • EIN (Equivalent Input Noise): Measured at 60dB of gain with 150 ohm source impedance and 22Hz–22kHz band pass filter = -127dB
  • Noise: Noise at output with unity gain (0dB) and 22Hz–22kHz band pass filter = -97 dBu
  • Signal-to-Noise Ratio: Measured with 150 Ohm source impedance and 22Hz–22kHz band pass filter = 121dB relative to max output +24 dBu
  • Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise: Measured with a -20 dBu input signal at +30dB of gain and with a 22Hz–22kHz band pass filter = < 0.0007% at 1kHz
Frequency Response:
  • At minimum gain (0dB)
  • -0.5dB at 10Hz, -1dB at 135kHz, relative to 1kHz
  • At +60dB gain
  • -6 dB at 10 Hz, -1dB at 115kHz, relative to 1kHz
CMRR (Common Mode Rejection Ratio):
  • -94dB for mic input at 60Hz for max. output = +24dBu
  • -91dB for mic input at 10kHz for max. output = +24dBu
  • Crosstalk Channel to Channel: Mic input, with I/P = 0dBu, gain = 0dB @ 1kHz input to channel A, channel B output = -85dB
Line Input Response
  • Gain Range: -20dB to +10dB in 10dB steps, plus 0dB to +20dB continuously variable trim
  • Input Impedance: 10 kohm from 10Hz to 200kHz
  • Noise: Noise at main output with gain at unity (0dB) measured with 50 ohm source impedance and a 22Hz–22kHz band pass filter = -97 dBu
  • Signal-to-Noise Ratio: Measured with 50 ohm source impedance and a 22Hz–22kHz band pass filter = 121dB relative to max output +24 dBu
  • Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise: Measured with a 0 dBu input signal, +10dB of gain and a 22Hz–22kHz band pass filter = < 0.002% at 1kHz
Frequency Response:
  • At unity gain (0dB) -0.3dB at 10Hz, -1dB at 80kHz, relative to 1kHz
  • Crosstalk Channel to Channel: Line input, with I/P = 0 dBu, gain = 0dB @ 1kHz input to channel A
  • Channel B output = -91dB
Instrument Input Response
  • Gain Range: +10dB to +40dB continuously variable trim
  • Input Impedance: > 2 mohm
  • Noise: >Measured with 22Hz–22kHz band pass filter = Minimum gain (+10dB) = -95 dBu
Frequency Response:
  • At minimum gain (+10dB)
  • -0.1dB at 10Hz
  • -1dB at 115kHz, relative to 1kHz
  • At maximum gain (+40dB)
  • -2.5dB at 10Hz
  • -1dB at 110kHz, relative to 1kHz
High-Pass Filter
  • Roll-Off: 18dB per octave (3-pole filter)
  • Frequency Range: Continuously variable from 16Hz to 420Hz (-3dB)
Weight and Dimensions
  • Dimensions (WxHxD): 18.90" x 1.73" x 11.02" (480 mm x 44 mm x 280 mm)
  • Weight: 8.16 lb.

collapse expand iconWarranty

All Focusrite products are built to the highest standards, and are designed to provide many years of reliable performance. In the event of a Manufacturing Defect becoming evident during the warranty period, Focusrite will ensure that the product is repaired or replaced free of charge. The warranty for any product purchased on or after the 1st January 2018 is a period of 36 months from the date of original purchase. The warranty period for products purchased on or prior to the 31st December 2017 is 24 months from the date of original purchase.

A Manufacturing Defect is defined as a defect in the performance of the product as described and published by Focusrite. A Manufacturing Defect does not include damage caused by post-purchase transportation, storage or careless handling, nor damage caused by misuse.

While this warranty is provided by Focusrite, it is fulfilled by Focusrite’s distribution partner in the country in which you purchased the product. To contact Focusrite's local distribution partner regarding a warranty issue, click here; they will advise you of the appropriate procedure for resolving the warranty issue. Note that many of the products returned under warranty are found not to exhibit any hardware fault at all. In the case of operational interruption, it’s worth checking other factors such as cables, drivers, software settings and the like, prior to returning your hardware. Contact Focusrite support first, if you experience technical issues.

In every case you will need to provide a copy of the original invoice or store receipt to Focusrite’s local distribution partner. In the event that you are unable to provide proof of purchase, you should request a copy of your receipt from the reseller from whom you purchased the product. If you purchase a Focusrite product outside your normal country of residence, Focusrite’s distribution partner in your normal country of residence will not be able to honor this limited warranty, although you may request an out-of-warranty chargeable repair.

This limited warranty is offered solely to products purchased from an Authorised Focusrite Reseller. This Warranty is in addition to your statutory rights in the country of purchase.

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