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The ISA 428 MKII follows the lineage of designs that have become iconic at Focusrite, inspired by studio console architectures and the "large format" approach to recording: headroom, stability, and musicality that remains clear in dense mixes. It carries the DNA of the ISA series, notably the "ISA 110" reference impedance, and a design focused on reliability and consistency from channel to channel, essential when recording multiple microphones simultaneously.
This four-channel mic preamp is designed for studios that want uncompromising capture: vocals, acoustic guitars, pianos, overheads, drums (snare + overhead pair + room), ensembles, or multi-mic setups in advanced home studios. With its 4 independent channels, it becomes an ideal focal point for sessions where sonic coherence matters as much as technical precision.
The front-panel instrument inputs also simplify modern setups: clean and solid direct recording (DI), later reamping, capturing synths and modules, or simultaneous mic + instrument recording depending on your workflow. The goal is clear: save time, avoid intermediate boxes, and secure the take.
Each channel relies on Lundahl LL1538 input transformers paired with a Zobel circuitry. This design choice promotes a broad response, excellent definition on attacks, and a naturally "studio" sound, particularly appreciated on vocals, transient-rich sources, and characterful microphones.
The ISA 428 MKII includes a switchable impedance selection with 4 carefully chosen positions (low, ISA 110, med, high). Depending on the microphone, cable length, or artistic intention, you can seek either a "neutral" and faithful match or a slight change in behavior (level, openness, presence feel). And since the setting is per channel, you maintain fine control even on complex multi-mic configurations.
Each channel features an insert point (Send/Return) to easily integrate external processing between the preamp/DI and the output. This is a direct and clean solution to insert an EQ, compressor, gate, or limiter during recording, with the flexibility needed to sculpt a take right at the source while maintaining studio ergonomics.
To evolve with current setups, an optional digital conversion card can be added to the ISA 428 MKII. It allows for A/D conversion on 8 channels with a dynamic range rated at 122 dB: the 4 preamp channels plus 4 external signals via additional XLR inputs provided for this purpose. This approach is ideal for centralizing capture, reducing unnecessary links, and maintaining level/monitoring coherence in a hybrid production environment.
