Focusrite Introduces New ISA 220 'Session Pack'

Dec 05, 2001

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Several new Focusrite units were introduced at this year's AES show in New York, including the new ISA Range product called ISA 220 Session Pack.

ISA 220 is a single channel analog processor contained in a 2U, 19" rack mount enclosure, designed to provide audio professionals in music and post with a complete channel strip of Focusrite processing at a competitive price point. Based on the topology of the ISA 430 Producer Pack, ISA 220 shares a number of similar processing functions with its big brother.

ISA 220 starts with the classic Focusrite transformer-coupled microphone preamp plus line and instrument inputs with phantom power and phase reverse. The next section consists of a four-band EQ plus high-pass and low-pass filters based on the EQ circuits from the ISA 430. The compressor features a proprietary Class A VCA and side-chain circuitry and at the press of a button, can easily be placed before the EQ in signal flow if desired. The compressor also includes a unique new "Blend" feature-providing a means of achieving smoother compression at extreme settings by mixing some of the uncompressed signal along with the compressed portion. Following the compressor is an opto-based de-esser, which uses a combination of EQ and phase cancellation for a smoother, less obtrusive de-esser than conventional designs. Last but not least, a frequency adaptive, 3-band limiter is provided to ensure distortion-free limiting. Each ISA 220 processing section includes individual bypass switches as well as a master bypass for the entire signal path.

For visual reference, ISA 220 provides a classic analog VU meter and can be switched to display input or compressor gain-reduction levels. A pair of 16 segment LED meters is included to display output levels in conjunction with the optional A/D output card. A complement of XLR and 1/4" TRS jacks are provided on the rear panel for microphone input, line input/output, key input to the compressor, etc. A 1/4" TRS instrument input jack is also provided on the front of the unit.

Focusrite Sales Director, Chris Gooddie, comments, "The ISA 430 really changed the landscape when we launched the product as the flagship of our range two years ago. I'm delighted that advances in R and D allows the ISA 220 to bring the full suite of ISA audio benefits to a new set of customers at an ultra-competitive price point."

ISA 220 is expected to ship in December 2001 and will carry an MSRP of $2,295 (USD). The optional 24-bit/96 kHz A/D board will follow and will have an MSRP of $525 (USD).