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Description

Experience the warmth and clarity of professional-grade audio with the Focusrite Red 1 Mic Pre. This 4-channel microphone preamp is a modern reinterpretation of the original Rupert Neve-designed ISA preamp, offering an unparalleled blend of vintage character and cutting-edge technology. Crafted to perfection, each channel delivers up to 66dB of gain, providing the versatility you need for any studio session.

Designed for audio purists, the Red 1 ensures your recordings are imbued with pristine detail, whether you're capturing the nuances of a whisper or the boldness of a grand piano. Its low noise floor and exceptional frequency response make it a reliable choice for high-quality ribbon, valve, and condenser microphones. The preamp's switchable phantom power, phase reverse, and illuminated VU meters give you full control over your sound, while the easy-to-read scribble strip keeps your sessions organized.

The Red 1's unique topology offers superb common-mode rejection and a generous overload margin, ensuring your recordings remain consistent and distortion-free. Its shared gain structure, with 20dB from its transformer and up to 40dB from the amplifier, guarantees a smooth, detailed sound across a wide bandwidth. Ideal for both professional studios and home recording enthusiasts, the Focusrite Red 1 Mic Pre stands as a testament to Focusrite's commitment to delivering exceptional audio experiences.

Key Features:

  • 4-channel microphone preamp
  • Based on the original Rupert Neve-designed ISA preamp
  • Up to 66dB of gain
  • Switchable phantom power and phase reverse
  • Illuminated VU meters for precise monitoring
  • Low noise floor and wide frequency response
  • Superb common-mode rejection and overload margin
  • Suitable for ribbon, valve, and condenser microphones
Retrosonic Pro Audio

Retrosonic Pro Audio

Focusrite RED 1 Quad Mic Pre

Video thumbnail for Focusrite RED 1 Quad Mic Pre by Retrosonic Pro Audio

Focusrite RED 1 Quad Mic Pre

Retrosonic Pro Audio

Retrosonic Pro Audio

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Focusrite Red 1 Mic Pre.

Mods and upgrades

  • Replacement of the LED switch requires a specific part; using a non-exact replacement may affect resale value.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The original LED in the switch can be removed by popping the cap off and using a rubber bulb remover, similar to ISA series switches.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Red 1 Quad Preamp was compared to ISA 110 preamp sections, suggesting a similar build packaged differently.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Kevin Shields uses Focusrite Red 1 Mic Pre

Kevin Shields

Singer, Guitarist

My Bloody Valentine

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Seen in a picture of Kevin's studio rack in this Sound on Sound interview from May 2018.

See how Firebeatz uses Focusrite Red 1 Mic Pre

Firebeatz

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

The Focusrite Red 1 1500 Mic Pre completes the stack of Firebeatz's outboard gear in the studio.

See how Simon Phillips uses Focusrite Red 1 Mic Pre

Simon Phillips

Drummer, Composer

Judas Priest

...
Verified via phantom

Used as mic preamp for vocals or drums.

See how Brian Tyler uses Focusrite Red 1 Mic Pre

Brian Tyler

Keyboardist, Composer

ARE WE DREAMING

...
Verified via YouTube

If the item appears in a video, mention the timestamp. "The Item can be seen at 3:07 into the video"

See how Tony Visconti uses Focusrite Red 1 Mic Pre

Tony Visconti

Music Producer

Kaiser Chiefs

...
Verified via Soundonsound

In this Sound On Sound article there is a photo of Visconti's gear, which includes a Focusrite Red 1 500 Series Mic Pre Amp.

See how Robert Miles uses Focusrite Red 1 Mic Pre

Robert Miles

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo of Robert Miles' studio as seen on the ATC speakers website you can see the Focusrite Red 1 four channel pre right below the ISA 428.

See how Arjen Anthony Lucassen uses Focusrite Red 1 Mic Pre

Arjen Anthony Lucassen

Singer, Guitarist

Ayreon

...
Verified via Arjenlucassen

According to the official Arjen Lucassen's website, one of the items he has used for studio recording is the Focusrite RED1.

See how shallou uses Focusrite Red 1 Mic Pre

shallou

Music Producer

...
Verified via LANDR Blog

"I use a MIDI controller for getting quick piano chords and melody ideas down. For hardware I use mostly: U87 vocal mic, API 3124V, Focusrite Red 1, and Apollo."

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 Red 1 Mic Pre, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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