Focusrite's new ISA828 eight channel microphone pre-amplifier, providing eight original ISA transformer-based pre amps in a single robust 2U chassis, offering the Focusrite signature sound at its lowest cost per channel to date.

The eight ISA-series transformer-based microphone pre amps, with switchable impedance and direct instrument inputs, are complemented by eight line inputs, eight line outputs and an optional eight channel 192kHz ADC. Thanks to its convenient 25 pin D-Type connectors, the ISA828 integrates quickly and seamlessly with ProTools HD, as well as other popular hard disc recorders and mixing desks.

The microphone input stage includes a variable impedance circuit, allowing the user to switch between four carefully selected input impedance settings. The original ISA 110 setting is supplemented by three further impedance settings to either perfectly match the pre amp with any microphone, thus maximizing level, or to use different settings creatively to shape the sound of the microphone being used.

The four front panel instrument inputs also feature high and low impedance options to provide a comprehensive and accessible DI solution. Insert points are also featured on every channel, should the need arise to place extra processing between the pre amp and converter, Vintage design high pass filters are also provided on every channel, ideal for eliminating unwanted low frequencies without affecting the rest of the audio signal.

The ISA828's new optional eight-channel 192kHz ADC is the first audio ADC to utilise Texas Instruments Burr-Brown Pro Audio Amplifiers and Flagship Analog to Digital Converter PCM4220 chips. This cutting-edge technology is encompassed within Focusrite's own custom analogue circuitry to provide eight channels of unparalleled A/D conversion, delivering a dynamic range of 122dB and jitter at

Classic ISA mic preamp design featuring Lundahl LL1538 input transformer

Front-panel instrument inputs to first four channels

Line inputs with dedicated input connectors and front-panel switch

Switchable input impedance including classic ISA 110 setting

High-pass filters

Switchable insert points when used with A-D card

Per-channel six-segment LED peak-level meters

Optional A-D card with up to 192kHz, 24-bit sampling via ADAT or AES3

MIC INPUTS

Gain Range (Mic): 0 dB to 60 dB in 10 dB steps

Input Impedance (Mic): Variable, 600O, 1k4O, 2k4O, 6k8O

Noise At Main Output With Gain At Unity (0 DB) (Mic): -97 dBu measured with a 22 Hz / 22 kHz bandpass filter

Signal To Noise Ratio Relative To Max Headroom (9dBu) (Mic): 106 dB

THD At Medium Gain (30dB) (Mic): 0.0008 measured with a 1 kHz -20 dBu input signal and with a 22 Hz / 22 kHz bandpass filter

Frequency Response At Minimum Gain (0 DB) (Mic): -0.5 dB down at 10 Hz and -3 dB down at 110kHz

Frequency Response At Maximum Gain (60 DB) (Mic): -3 dB down at 16 Hz and -3 dB down 85 kHz

CMRR (Mic): 91.8 dB (Channel 1, 1 kHz, maxiumum gain)

LINE INPUTS

Input Impedance (Line): 10 kO from 10 Hz to 200 kHz

Gain Range (Line): -20 dB to 10 dB in 10 dB steps

Noise At Main Output With Gain At Unity (0 DB) (Line): -96 dBu measured with a 22 Hz / 22 kHz bandpass filter

Signal To Noise Ratio Relative To Max (Line): 120 dB

Signal To Noise Ratio Relative To 0dBFS( 22dBu) (Line): 118dB

THD At Unity Gain (0dB) (Line): 0.001 measured with a 0 dBu input signal and with a 22 Hz / 22 kHz bandpass filter

Frequency Response At Unity Gain (0dB) (Line): 0.3 dB down at 10 Hz and -3 dB down at 122 kHz

INSTRUMENT INPUTS

Gain Range (Instrument): 10 dB to 40 dB continuously variable

Input Impedance (Instrument): 1 MO or 300 kO

Noise At Minimum Gain ( 10 DB) (Instrument): -90 dBu measured with a 22 Hz / 22 kHz bandpass filter

Noise At Maximum Gain ( 40 DB) (Instrument): -62 dBu measured with a 22 Hz / 22 kHz bandpass filter

THD At Minimum Gain ( 10 DB) (Instrument): 0.002 measured with a 10 dBu input signal and with a 22 Hz / 22 kHz bandpass filter

Frequency Response At 10 DB Gain With -10 DB Input (Instrument): 10 Hz - 200 kHz /- 0.6 dB

Frequency Response At 40 DB Gain With -40 DB Input (Instrument): -2.5 dB down at 10 Hz and 0 dB at 200 kHz

Roll Off: 18 dB per octave 3 pole filter

Frequency (Instrument): Fixed 75Hz measured at the 3dB down point

WEIGHT AND DIMENSIONS

Weight: 8.84 kg (19.5 lbs)

Dimensions (W X H X D): 484mm (W) x 85mm (H) x 305mm (D) (350mm depth with heat sink)