Studio

The ISA 828MkII incorporates eight of Focusrite’s classic mic preamps, with Lundahl LL1538 transformers on every input. Each channel has the option of mic or line inputs,while inputs 1-4 also feature instrument inputs on the front panel. Each mic pre has variable input impedance, to provide a range of subtly different sonic options when using microphones, including an ‘ISA 110’ setting, which replicates the impedance of the original Focusrite mic pre. Up to 60dB of gain is available, with a further +20dB of continuously variable trim,providing a huge 80dB gain range. The high-pass filter has a fixed 75Hz frequency and 18dB / octave roll-off for minimising rumble, stand-borne noise and other low-frequency sounds. The ISA 828 MkII also features per-channel,six-segment LED meters, and switchable rear-panel insert points, which allow the use of inline processors such as compressors or EQs. Dedicated connectors for mic and line-level inputs allow all sources to be connected simultaneously, making ISA 828 MkII perfect for permanent installation in a rack. A switching power supply allows for efficient, cool operation, without sacrificing sound quality or performance, and increasing reliability over its predecessor. The optional ISA ADN8 analogue-to-digital expansion card provides eight Dante, ADAT and AES3 outputs at sampling rates of up to 24-bit / 192kHz. And as with all Focusrite Pro products, wherever you happen to be in the world, you can rely on a two-year warranty if any Focusrite Pro hardware needs repairing or replacing due to a manufacturing fault.

The Scarlett OctoPre Dynamic from Focusrite is an eight-channel preamp and interface suitable for expanding the input array of any studio, and also, for use on stage. Connections are secured via eight combination inputs, each one giving you jacks that accept 1/4″ and XLR cables. Two of the inputs can handle Hi-Z instruments as well, allowing you to plug in guitars and basses. Eight 1/4″ line outs are also available via the rear panel. Also provided are eight channels of AD/DA conversion up to 192 kHz. This feature, combined with the unit’s back-panel ADAT I/O section, renders the Scarlett OctoPre Dynamic quite suitable for expanding the input and output capability of interfaces such as the Scarlett 18i8, 18i20, or indeed, any interface connectable via ADAT. Hitmaker Expansion: Landr, & 3-months Avid Pro Tools Artist, 3-months Splice, Antares Auto-Tune, XLN Audio’s Addictive Keys, Softube’s Marshall’s Silver Jubilee 2555 amp, Relab’s LX480 Essentials, Ableton Live Lite