Great Focusrite EQ and classic preamp sound plus a few new tricks - it doesn't get much better than this.

The ISA 220 Session Pack provides all the audio precision tools required to infuse your session with Focusrite's renowned sonic performance. It features many of the original circuits of the flagship ISA 430 MKII Producer Pack, and also includes some new facilities of its own. It also features the same digital output option as the original ISA 430, providing you with a high-quality digital route direct from the ISA 220 into your digital recording system.

The ISA 220 starts with the classic Focusrite transformer-coupled microphone pre amp, with phantom power and phase reverse. A four-band Focusrite EQ section follows, based on the EQ circuits featured in the ISA 430 and ISA 110. (The original ISA 110 was designed by Mr. Rupert Neve for George Martin's Air Studios in London.) The compressor features a proprietary Class A VCA with side-chain circuitry, and can be placed in the signal flow before the EQ at the press of a button, if desired. Also included is a unique feature labeled "Blend," which provides a means of achieving smoother compression at extreme settings by mixing uncompressed source signal along with the compressed portion.

The ISA220 also features an opto-based de-esser which uses a combination of EQ and phase cancellation to create a smoother and less obtrusive result. Last but not least, a frequency adaptive, 3-band limiter is provided to ensure distortion-free limiting. For visual reference, ISA 220 provides a classic analog VU-style meter which can be switched to display input or compressor gain-reduction levels. A pair of 16-segment LED meters are included to display output levels, both analogue and digital in conjunction with the optional 24-bit/96 kHz stereo digital output (AES/EBU, S/PDIF & TOSLINK) card. This card offers 44.1 - 96 kHz operation and can be used as a high-quality mono/stereo tracking converter, or at mix down as a stereo converter for final mastering.

Focusrite ISA 220 Session Pack Mic Preamp Features:

• Classic Focusrite transformer-based microphone preamplifier
• New Focusrite EQ featuring elements of the original ISA 110 EQ circuit
• Hi and Lo pass filters
• Precision VU metering of input level or compressor gain reduction (switchable)
• 32-LED digital meter for monitoring both the internal input and the rear-panel external input
• Focusrite discrete Class A VCA compressor design with order of compressor and EQ modules switchable from the front panel
• New Blend feature allows uncompressed dynamics to be merged with the compressed path
• De-esser with design based on optical technology
• De-esser listen mode for independent monitoring of isolated sibilant signals
• Frequency-adaptive limiter to prevent critical digital overloads
• Optional stereo A/D 24-bit/96kHz Delta Sigma converter dithers down to 20 or 16 bits
• Mic (rear panel XLR), line, and instrument (front panel) inputs
• Global bypass switch

Fosucrite EQ, compression, and preamp, with circuits from the venerable ISA 110 - what are you waiting for?

Focusrite ISA 220 Session Pack Mic Preamp Specifications:

• Mic
• Noise: 123dB EIN with 150 Ohms input resistance at 60dB of gain
• THD: 0.0008%
  
  Inst. Hi Z I/P
• Noise: -96dBu
• THD: 0.003% with 0dBu
• Compressor
• Threshold Range: -28dB to +12dB
• Ratio: 1.5:1 to 10:1
• Slope: Soft knee
• Attack: 500 microseconds to 25 milliseconds
• Release 100mS to 4S, variable or auto (program dependent)
  
  De-Esser
• Threshold Range: 22dB
• Frequency Range: 2K2 to 9K2
• Ratio at Centre
• Frequency: 2:1
  
  Limiter
• Threshold Range: 20dBu
• Ratio: infinite (Brick Wall)
• Attack: Frequency dependent

Focusrite ISA 220 Session Pack Mic Preamp

Write A Review

Average of 2 User Ratings

Overall

Quality

Features

Value

Customer Reviews

Overall

Quality

Features

Value

From Amature to Pro Sound

Posted by Lindsey Hall from Statesboro, Georgia on Dec 23, 2006

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: 38 yrs Active Musician, 7 yrs Recording

Reviewer's Play Style: Rap, RnB, Rock, Country

From the Art MP D/O to this 220 My sound was recognizably better. Especially noticeable with 20 tracks of vocals in the sound spectrum. Amazing EQ and Compression. Pristine with the digital card. For one great channel, get it. I use an AT-4047 mic.

Overall

Quality

Features

Value

ISA 220

Posted by Anonymous Musician on Aug 19, 2004

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: N/A

Reviewer's Play Style: N/A

The 220 has a good sounding pre amp, and very nice compressor, however, it is over priced, the limiter is unusable it's so bad, and the digital card is a disgrace.

If you have lots of money, and understand the shortcomings.......

DO NOT buy the A/D card.

If you would like to write a review, please see our product review guidelines.

Focusrite ISA 220 Session Pack Mic Preamp

Read 2 Reviews