Focusrite Announces ISA 430 MKII Producer Pack

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Focusrite used the AES show to announce the new ISA 430 MKII Producer Pack, a "do-all" processor for audio engineers. Expanding on the original ISA 430 Producer Pack, the ISA 430 MKII boasts flexibility, both in terms of routing and of sonic characteristics. "The ISA 430 MKII is the sum of Focusrite's analog technology from day one to the present," states Phil Dudderidge, Focusrite's chairman.

The transformer-based mic-pre has been extended to incorporate a variable impedance option, also featured on the ISA 428, providing the engineer with increased control over the interaction between microphone and pre-amp. In addition, an 'air' switch introduces an inductor circuit into the secondary of the transformer, adding clarity and 'spaciousness' to the signal without the need for EQ.

To accommodate the need for more colorful dynamics, a vintage opto circuit is included in the compressor section as well as the original discrete Class A VCA design. Improved 'Blend' control is also present, allowing the engineer to restore natural dynamics to a track. In addition, all four dynamics processors--the compressor, gate, expander and de-esser-- contain Focusrite's 'Listen' feature, enabling the monitoring of each module independently for ease of use. The ISA 430 MKII's inserts can be used to 'split' the EQ and dynamics so that, should the post mic-pre output and external ADC inputs be in use, the unit will act as a separate pre-amp, EQ, Dynamics and stereo analog to digital converter, i.e. four discrete processors simultaneously.

The optional stereo analog to digital output option provides the ISA 430 MKII with 24-bit 192kHz capabilities and employs the same converters as those featured in the ISA 428. Both the analog outputs and the inputs to the analog to digital output pass through a sensitively designed soft limiter, which gradually changes in ratio leading up to 0dBFS, producing a gentle limiting effect while still preventing a signal overload.

The ISA 430 MKII should arrive in Q4, 2003. MSRP US $2,995.

For more information, visit their web site at www.focusrite.com.