Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 9 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (1)
$3,499.99
Guitar Center
$3,499.99
Amazon
4.3 (88)
$3,499.99
Reverb
5.0 (3)
$2,299.00 2 available Used
Musician's Friend
$3,499.99
zZounds
$3,499.99
B&H
$3,499.99
Thomann
5.0 (2)
$3,333.00 $3,299.00 $34.00 · All time low
Vintage King
5.0 (1)
$3,499.99

Price History

Based on price data from 8 merchants for "Focusrite ISA 828". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Dive into the realm of pristine audio with the Focusrite ISA 828, a powerhouse 8-channel preamp that brings the legendary sound of the Focusrite Forte console right into your studio. This unit is not just about quantity; it's about quality. With transformer-coupled circuits and the flexibility of selectable input impedance, it’s your go-to for capturing the true essence of any sound source. Whether you’re laying down tracks for a full band or recording delicate string sections, the ISA 828 ensures every detail is captured with clarity and warmth. The first four channels even cater to direct instrument recording, making this unit incredibly versatile. For those seeking to expand their digital domain, an optional digital card transforms this analog hero into a digital powerhouse. Perfect for producers and engineers who refuse to compromise on quality, the ISA 828 is the secret weapon your recordings deserve.

Key Features:

  • 8-channel preamp based on the legendary Focusrite Forte console and ISA110 input module.
  • Transformer-coupled circuits for pristine audio fidelity.
  • Selectable input impedance for versatile recording options.
  • Switchable high-pass filter to eliminate low-frequency rumble.
  • Up to +80dB of gain, catering to even the lowest output microphones.
  • Direct inputs on the first four channels for recording guitar, bass, and synths.
  • Optional digital card available for ADAT lightpipe, AES, or SPDIF connectivity.

Product specs

Brand Focusrite
Model ISA 828
Finish Gray
Year 2010s
Categories Microphone Preamps

FAQs

How many channels does the Focusrite ISA 828 preamp have?

The Focusrite ISA 828 features eight channels, making it ideal for recording multiple microphones or instruments simultaneously.

What type of inputs does the Focusrite ISA 828 support?

The Focusrite ISA 828 provides microphone, line, and instrument inputs, offering versatile connectivity for various recording scenarios.

Does the Focusrite ISA 828 preamp include any built-in EQ or compression features?

The Focusrite ISA 828 is a preamp-only unit and does not include built-in EQ or compression. It focuses on delivering high-quality preamplification.

Is the Focusrite ISA 828 suitable for professional studio use?

Yes, the Focusrite ISA 828 is designed for professional studio environments, offering high-quality preamplification and robust build quality for demanding recording sessions.

Can the Focusrite ISA 828 handle high-gain microphone applications?

The Focusrite ISA 828 is equipped with high-quality transformers and circuitry, providing ample gain to handle high-gain microphone applications effectively.

Focusrite

Focusrite

Focusrite // Rafa Sardina and the ISA 828

Video thumbnail for Focusrite // Rafa Sardina and the ISA 828 by Focusrite

Focusrite // Rafa Sardina and the ISA 828

Focusrite

Focusrite

Reviews

PROS

  • Delivers super quiet gain, ideal for less colored sound

  • Compatible with full Dante workflow integration

  • Offers both clean outputs and great saturation

  • Flexible impedance settings for additional tone variation

  • Recognized for being the best value for an 8 channel mic pre

  • Sound characterized as smooth, quiet, and full

  • Warm and clear sound output

  • Effective customer support from Focusrite

  • Enhances setups with high-quality preamplification

CONS

  • Original capacitors prone to failure under constant use; may require replacement for longevity

  • Some compatibility issues noted with specific audio interfaces, though resolvable

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Focusrite ISA 828.

Build quality

  • The knobs can be forced into the faceplate, making them immovable and breaking the grey barrier over the posts.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Knob removal may require accessing from inside the unit if pliers are ineffective.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners have considered power source upgrades due to reports of older models' power issues.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Focusrite: ISA 828 8-channel mic preamp | Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com

The Focusrite ISA 828 is a studio powerhouse, offering eight Neve-inspired transformer-based preamps in a compact 2RU chassis. Praised for its clean, smooth, and detailed sound, it excels in drum tracking and acoustic guitar recording, thanks to features like impedance switching and a high-pass filter. The optional A/D converter card elevates it to a high-resolution, 16-input rig. While the metering is basic and external insert routing requires additional cabling, these are minor flaws in an otherwise robust and versatile preamp. Overall, it's a cost-effective, flexible solution for both studio and mobile multitracking.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 5 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
adamdavidson

Seamless integration with Apogee Symphony IO

This is the front end of my Apogee Symphony IO. All instruments levelled with 16 channels of dual ISA 828. Love it!

Artist usage

Add artist
See how The Edge uses Focusrite ISA 828

The Edge

Guitarist

U2

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Used on Songs of Experience, as stated by engineer Math Bishop.

“With The Edge I’d always have a Royer 121 and a [Shure] SM57 set up on the amp, and on these sessions I ran them through the Focusrite ISA 828."

See how Chris Wolstenholme uses Focusrite ISA 828

Chris Wolstenholme

Singer, Guitarist

Muse

...
Verified via WSJ

In a Wall Street Journal article, Chris Wolstenholme discusses the gear in his home studio, including the Focusrite ISA 828 preamp.

See how Jacob Collier uses Focusrite ISA 828

Jacob Collier

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video "INSIDE: Jacob Colliers Home Studio" by Caleb Simpson at 21:38, a blue rack unit matching the knob placement of a Focusrite ISA 828 can be seen in the rack on the left side under the Focusrite Red4.

See how Adam Clayton uses Focusrite ISA 828

Adam Clayton

Bassist

U2

...
Verified via ProSoundWeb

Used on Songs of Experience, as stated by engineer Math Bishop.

"On Adam’s bass, we used a combination of a DI and an Electro-Voice RE20 microphone on the amp, which I also ran through the ISA 828."

See how Tommy Lee uses Focusrite ISA 828

Tommy Lee

Drummer

Mötley Crüe

...
Verified via YouTube

This can be seen as part of the rack-mountable equipment in the studio in this video.

See how Jordan Fish uses Focusrite ISA 828

Jordan Fish

Singer, Keyboardist

Bring Me The Horizon

...
Verified via Novationmusic

In this article, it says Jordan uses these preamps in the studio

See how Ethan Torchio uses Focusrite ISA 828

Ethan Torchio

Drummer

Måneskin

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Used for the drum tracks on "Beggin", as described by Alessandro Marcantoni in this October 2021 Sound on Sound interview.

Working from memory, old gear lists and photos, and the track names in his mix session for ‘Beggin’, Marcantoni retraces his steps, both for the recordings and the mixing. “For the kick I would have used a Shure Beta 52A on the inside, a Neumann U47 [FET] on the outside, and a Royer Labs R‑122 placed close to the kick drum pointing to the snare, for a mono drum kit track. On the snare I used a Shure SM57 at the top, and a Shure Beta 57 at the bottom. I duplicated the top snare track to create another effect setting for the rimshots.

“In addition I had one Neumann KM‑184 for hi‑hat and another KM‑184 for the ride cymbal, a couple of AKG C414 XLII mics as overheads, and two Neumann U87s for ambience. The toms had Beyerdynamic Opus 87 mics. I would have avoided the Yamaha desk for the recording chains, so the mics would have gone through external mic pres. I most likely would have used API 512C’s for the kick and the snare, and Focusrite ISA 828/430 for the other drum tracks. They would have gone into the Apogee Symphony MkI, and the Avid HD I/O.

N

Nikita Kamprad

Guitarist, Music Producer

Der Weg einer Freiheit

...
Verified via YouTube

Used on the recordings for "Finisterre". Visible in the video at 2:18.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Focusrite ISA 828, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Avid HD I/O
Avid HD I/O Audio Interfaces
2
Shure Beta 52A
Shure Beta 52A Dynamic Microphones
1
Höfner 500/1 Ignition
Höfner 500/1 Ignition Electric Basses
1
Kali Audio IN-5
Kali Audio IN-5 Active & Passive Monitors
1
AKG C414 XL II
AKG C414 XL II Condenser Microphones
1
API 512c
API 512c Preamps & Channel Strips
1
Apogee AD16X
Apogee AD16X Audio Interfaces
1

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