Focusrite ISA 428

$1,649.00 Price Tier: High-end

4.5 (6)

2 Critic Reviews

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Focusrite ISA428 MkII

$1,890.00 - $2,299.99

5.0 (1)

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Page last updated Jun 16, 2026

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We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 16, 2026.

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5.0 (2)

$1,649.00 3 available Used

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Average Price: $1,649

High-end/Boutique

$100

$501+

Price Tier

In the Effects Processors category, Focusrite ISA 428 is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

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High-end

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Description

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Elevate your studio recordings with the Focusrite ISA 428, a powerhouse in signal processing that has become a staple for professionals and enthusiasts alike. This 4-channel preamp merges classic analog warmth with modern digital precision, offering unmatched versatility and performance. Whether you're recording vocals, guitars, or any acoustic instrument, the ISA 428 delivers pristine clarity and depth that brings your sound to life.

Built with the legendary Lundahl transformer—an essential component in achieving that coveted Focusrite sound—this preamp captures every nuance of your performance. Its flexible design includes variable impedance settings, allowing you to tailor the sound to match any microphone or instrument. The optional digital output card provides seamless integration into any digital audio workstation, making it a perfect choice for both analog purists and digital enthusiasts.

The ISA 428 also offers a blend of intuitive controls and rugged construction, ensuring it's ready for any recording session, from the home studio to the professional environment. With its robust feature set, the ISA 428 is not just a piece of equipment; it's an invitation to explore the depths of your creative potential.

Key Features:

4-channel mic preamp with optional digital output card
Lundahl LL1538 input transformer for superior sound quality
Variable impedance settings for microphone versatility
High-pass filter on each channel
Rugged design suitable for both studio and live environments

Product specs

Brand	Focusrite
Model	ISA 428
Finish	Blue
Year	2000s
Categories	Microphone Preamps

FAQs

What is the primary function of the Focusrite ISA 428?: The Focusrite ISA 428 is a microphone preamp designed to enhance the audio quality of microphone signals by providing clean gain and tonal versatility.
How many microphone preamps does the Focusrite ISA 428 feature?: The Focusrite ISA 428 features four high-quality microphone preamps, making it suitable for multi-microphone recording setups.
Does the Focusrite ISA 428 include any additional features beyond preamplification?: Yes, the Focusrite ISA 428 includes variable impedance settings and high-pass filters, offering flexibility for different microphones and recording situations.
Is the Focusrite ISA 428 suitable for professional studio use?: Yes, the Focusrite ISA 428 is designed for professional studio environments, offering high-fidelity sound and robust build quality.
Can the Focusrite ISA 428 be integrated into a digital recording setup?: Yes, the Focusrite ISA 428 can be integrated into digital setups, often used with audio interfaces that accept analog line inputs for high-quality signal processing.

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Focusrite ISA 428.

Features and functionality

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The ISA 428's built-in limiter helps prevent damage to sensitive microphones like the AEA r88 by controlling peaks, especially important when using ribbon mics.
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The instrument input on the ISA 428 bypasses the Lundahl transformer and is routed through a JFET stage, offering a distinct tonal character from the mic and line inputs.
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Software and compatibility

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The ISA 428 mk 1's A/D converter card outputs a maximum of 92K via lightpipe, but can achieve 192K through a 9-pin D-sub connector with RCA outputs.
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Use cases and applications

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The R88 mic can capture a full 360° sound field, ideal for surrounding it with singers, though 'behind' positions may result in opposite polarity recordings.
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User experience

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Some users perceive the AEA r88 as "super dark," which aligns with typical characteristics of ribbon mics, but may require adjustment for those unfamiliar.
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Other

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Concerns about phantom power damaging ribbon mics are often overstated, especially if no patchbay is involved between the mic and preamp, minimizing risk.
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Critic Reviews

Focusrite: ISA 428 Pre Pack | Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com

The Focusrite ISA 428 impresses with its clean and balanced sound, providing significant midrange detail and a pleasant high end. It's especially effective on guitars and vocals, and its preamps help tracks sit easily in mixes. Handy features like a variable high-pass filter and switchable impedance selector offer useful customization options. However, when pushed hard, the preamps can sound "hard," which might not suit everyone. Overall, a solid choice for those seeking clarity over color in their recordings.

positive

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Focusrite ISA428

soundonsound.com

The Focusrite ISA 428 impresses with its classic Rupert Neve design, offering a rich, warm sound while maintaining transparency and detail. Its variable input impedance adds tonal versatility, and the optional A-D converter card enhances its functionality significantly. The preamp's high-quality build and extensive features, including a variable high-pass filter and soft limiter, make it a versatile choice for various recording setups. However, at 7kg, it's quite heavy, and early models may run hot, though this has been addressed in later units. Overall, it's a robust, well-rounded package that stands out in its class.

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Based on 0 Reviews and 6 Ratings

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