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Description

The Focusrite ISA 110 is a professional-grade preamp and channel strip designed for serious studio recording enthusiasts and professionals alike. Originally developed by the legendary Rupert Neve, this classic preamp module draws from the iconic Focusrite Forte console, combining rich analog sound with modern versatility. Known for its clarity and warmth, the ISA 110 is a staple in studios around the world, offering a transformer-based microphone preamp that captures every nuance of your audio with precision.

What sets the ISA 110 apart is its flexible EQ section, inspired by the original design, providing comprehensive tonal shaping capabilities. With a four-band equalizer, including a parametric mid-band, you have complete control over your sound, allowing for both subtle adjustments and dramatic tonal shifts. The unit also features a high-pass filter to help manage low-end rumble, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of recording applications, from vocals and acoustic instruments to drums and electric guitars.

Built to withstand the demands of professional use, the ISA 110 features a rugged chassis and high-quality components, ensuring reliable performance session after session. Whether you're capturing the subtleties of a singer-songwriter or the powerful dynamics of a full band, this preamp and channel strip promises to deliver pristine sound with its distinctive analog warmth and character.

Key Features:

  • Transformer-based microphone preamp for authentic analog sound
  • Four-band equalizer with parametric mid-band for precise tonal control
  • High-pass filter to manage low-end frequencies
  • Originally designed by Rupert Neve for the Focusrite Forte console
  • Rugged construction for durability in professional studio environments

Product specs

Brand Focusrite
Model ISA 110 Limited Edition Mono Mic Pre and Equalizer
Finish Blue and Gray
Year 1990s
Categories Equalizers, Microphone Preamps

FAQs

What are the key features of the Focusrite ISA 110 preamp?

The Focusrite ISA 110 features a classic preamp and equalizer design from the 1990s, known for its transparent sound and high headroom. It includes a mic preamp and a four-band equalizer, making it ideal for capturing a wide range of audio sources with clarity and precision.

Is the Focusrite ISA 110 suitable for professional studio use?

Yes, the Focusrite ISA 110 is designed for professional studio environments, offering high-quality audio processing with its renowned preamp and EQ sections. Its robust build and sonic clarity make it a favorite among engineers for recording vocals and instruments.

How does the Focusrite ISA 110 compare to modern preamps?

The Focusrite ISA 110 is revered for its classic analog sound and build quality, providing a characterful yet transparent tone. While modern preamps may offer more digital features, the ISA 110 is sought after for its vintage sound signature and reliable performance.

Can the Focusrite ISA 110 be used with digital audio interfaces?

Yes, the Focusrite ISA 110 can be connected to digital audio interfaces using its analog outputs. It provides a high-quality signal path that can enhance the input stage of any digital recording setup.

What kind of equalization options does the Focusrite ISA 110 offer?

The Focusrite ISA 110 includes a four-band equalizer with high and low shelving, as well as two parametric mid-bands. This versatile EQ section allows for precise tonal shaping, making it suitable for a variety of recording applications.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Focusrite ISA 110.

Comparisons

  • The ISA preamps are transformer balanced, providing a heftier sound compared to the cleaner preamps on Scarlett or Red series interfaces.

    Source
  • The ISA 110 impedance setting is modeled on a different piece of equipment from the ISA range, providing a unique tonal option.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Known for a "hifi holographic" high end, ISA preamps are clean yet warm and round, making them ideal for vocal recordings.

    Source
  • The ISA 110 offers multiple impedance settings: low (600 ohms), ISA 110 (1400 ohms), medium (2400 ohms), and high (6800 ohms), affecting tonal characteristics with dynamic mics.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The ISA 428 can be found for approximately $250 per channel, offering a cost-effective option for high-quality preamps.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users find the gain staging on the ISA series cumbersome, indicating a potential learning curve for optimal use.

    Source
  • It's noted that using the ISA 110's send function through a hardware compressor yields great results, suggesting a setup approach for enhanced vocal recordings.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Described as "big and silky," the ISA preamps pair exceptionally well with dynamic mics like the Shure SM57 and SM58.

    Source
  • High impedance settings on the ISA 110 are favored by users with baritone voices singing rock, providing a more satisfactory tonal outcome.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Adding a Cloudlifter between the ISA 110 and Shure SM7B is recommended to boost the mic signal with less preamp noise, enhancing overall sound quality.

    Source

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Paul McCartney uses Focusrite ISA 110

Paul McCartney

Singer, Bassist

The Beatles

...
Verified via Hog Hill Mill Blog

the Focusrite ISA 110 channel strips are listed in this blog

See how Aphex Twin uses Focusrite ISA 110

Aphex Twin

Music Producer

The Tuss

...
Verified via Photo

Besides being listed on the Syro gear list, there are a couple of details one must keep in mind. Richard owns 8 of the limited version of the ISA110. The differences between this version and the original one are: "The Focusrite ISA 110 Original Mono Mic-Pre & Equalizer is a limited-edition version of the famed single-channel ISA 110 EQ module. The new ISA 110 differs from the original in that it is packaged in a horizontal one-rackspace unit with an internal power supply. However, the electronic circuit design, the componentry and the performance specifications are all exactly the same as the original ISA 110." (source: http://www.barryrudolph.com/mix/focusrite.html).

See how Jeff Waters uses Focusrite ISA 110

Jeff Waters

Guitarist

Annihilator

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, we can see Waters with Focusrite ISA 110 preamp and equalizer. Many thanks to jimmarchi1 for identifying the model!

See how Whitney Houston uses Focusrite ISA 110

Whitney Houston

Singer

...
Verified via Mixonline

Whitney Houston used the Focusrite ISA 110 module during the recording of her vocals for "I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)." This was confirmed by her mixing engineer, who stated, "Houston’s vocals were cut with the AKG C24—one side only, we didn’t do it in stereo—into a Focusrite 110 module from a Focusrite desk, that stand alone for the preamp and EQ," according to an article by Robyn Flans on Mixonline.

See how Kenny Larkin uses Focusrite ISA 110

Kenny Larkin

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Per this screenshot from Kenny's Instagram account

See how Ulrich Wild uses Focusrite ISA 110

Ulrich Wild

Music Producer, Audio Engineer

Deftones

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, Ulrich Wild shows the Focusrite ISA 110 in his studio.

See how Ben Grosse uses Focusrite ISA 110

Ben Grosse

Keyboardist, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In an interview video titled "Ben Grosse Interview and Studio Tour" by Produce Like A Pro, at the 48:31 mark, Ben Grosse confirms using the Focusrite ISA 110.

Album Usage

The Focusrite ISA 110 has been featured on the following albums:

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 110, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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