Focusrite
Focusrite ISA One Analog
Best desktop preamp for vocalists and instrumentalists seeking professional studio sound.
The Focusrite ISA One Analog microphone preamplifier brings legendary ISA transformer-based audio quality to a compact, desktop-friendly unit. It captures pristine sound, channeling the classic ISA110 topology for professional results. An independent D.I. channel allows simultaneous recording of direct instruments alongside microphone sources. Optimize your sound with four switchable input impedance settings and a dedicated insert point for external processors. This versatile preamp is ideal for demanding studio environments, offering robust build quality and professional performance.
$559.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
22
/ 87
#22 in Microphone Preamps
Price vs Category Average
-66%
Below average
Mic Input Gain Range
0601020
/ dB to dB in dB steps + dB variable gain
Who it's for
- Producers seeking the iconic, warm vintage console sound
- Engineers wanting precise tonal control over different microphones
- Musicians recording high-fidelity bass and guitar tracks
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious recordists needing multiple channels for drums
- Users without an existing high-quality audio interface
- Studio owners with limited desk or workspace
Performance breakdown
Sonic Character
Legendary transformer-based circuitry delivers that classic, sought-after studio warmth.
Gain Versatility
Massive 80dB of clean gain handles even the most demanding ribbon microphones.
Impedance Flexibility
Four switchable settings allow precise tonal matching for any microphone type.
Build Integrity
Rugged desktop chassis designed to withstand years of heavy studio use.
Workflow Integration
Independent D.I. and insert points make complex recording setups remarkably simple.
Monitoring Precision
High-quality VU metering provides reliable, classic visual feedback for signal levels.
Key Specs
Mic Input Gain Range
0dB to 60dB in 10dB steps + 20 dB variable gain
Mic Input Impedance Settings
Low = 600 Ohms, ISA110 = 1400 Ohms, Med = 2400 Ohms, High = 6800 Ohms
EIN (Mic Input)
-126dB (at 60dB gain, 150 Ohm termination, 22Hz/22kHz filter)
THD (Mic Input)
0.0009% (at 30dB gain, 1kHz -20dBu input)
Line Input Impedance
10kΩ from 10Hz to 200kHz
Instrument Input Impedance (High)
greater than 1MΩ
Instrument Input Impedance (Low)
greater than 300kΩ
High Pass Filter Roll off
18dB per octave 3 pole filter, Fixed Frequency 75Hz
Features
- Classic ISA transformer-based preamplifier
- Independent D.I. channel for simultaneous recording
- Four switchable input impedance settings
- Dedicated insert point for external processing
- High-quality VU metering
- Phantom power and phase reverse controls
- Headphone output with volume control
- Rugged and portable design
What customers say
The Focusrite ISA One is celebrated as a professional workhorse preamp offering exceptional sonic quality. Users consistently praise its clean, transparent sound enriched by a desirable warmth from the Lundahl transformer. A major highlight is the variable impedance feature, which allows users to optimize tone for different microphones, providing versatile tone shaping usually found in pricier gear. Despite being single channel, its robust build quality and reliability make it a focused investment. It delivers outstanding clarity and headroom, serving as a highly recommended staple for elevating recording quality, even excelling as a dedicated DI box.
Know before you buy
Yes. The ISA One features an independent D.I. channel, allowing you to record a microphone and a direct instrument simultaneously to separate inputs on your audio interface.
Changing the impedance allows you to alter the tonal character of your microphone. Lower settings can provide a more vintage, colored sound, while higher settings offer a more transparent, open response, giving you more flexibility to match the preamp to your specific mic.
Absolutely. The ISA One offers up to 80dB of total gain, which is more than enough to cleanly power low-output dynamic and ribbon microphones without introducing excessive noise.
Yes, the unit includes a dedicated insert point on the rear panel. This allows you to patch in external processors directly into the signal chain after the preamp stage.
Yes, the built-in headphone output includes its own volume control, allowing you to monitor your signal directly from the preamp for zero-latency tracking.
While it is built with a rugged, professional-grade chassis, it is a desktop unit weighing 3.9kg. It is portable enough to move between studio rooms or take to a session, but it is not a lightweight, battery-powered field recorder.
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