Rooted in the heritage of Rupert Neve’s "no compromise" designs, the ISA 430 Mk II is built for the most demanding recording environments. Its transformer-coupled preamp ensures pristine audio quality, capturing the warmth and depth of analog while providing enough gain (up to 60dB) for any microphone. The unit is highly flexible, allowing you to reorder the signal path or use the inserts to break the strip into independent modules for external patching.
Product Description
Heritage Sound & Variable Impedance:
The heart of the unit is the Lundahl LL1538 input transformer, providing the signature Focusrite sound. It features four input impedance settings, allowing you to perfectly match the preamp to any microphone or intentionally mismatch it for tonal variety. The "Air" button engages a wire-wound inductor to add spaciousness and high-end clarity without digital harshness.
Dual-Circuit Compression & Advanced Dynamics:
The dynamics section is uniquely versatile, allowing you to switch between a transparent Class A VCA circuit and a Vintage Optical circuit. The "Blend" control enables parallel compression directly on the hardware, mixing the dry signal back in to preserve transients. The optical de-esser and discrete VCA gate/expander provide surgical control over the signal, while a Soft Limiter protects against digital clipping.
Flexible Routing & Optional Digital Conversion:
One of the most powerful features is the ability to use the preamp, EQ, and dynamics sections as completely independent devices. You can also install an optional 24-bit/192kHz A-D card, turning the ISA 430 Mk II into a high-performance digital converter. Precision VU metering and "Listen" functions for each dynamic section ensure you have absolute control over every detail of your sound.
Key Features
Classic ISA Mic Pre: Transformer-based design with variable impedance (600Ω, 1k4Ω, 2k4Ω, 6k8Ω).
Enhanced 4-Band EQ: An expanded version of the original ISA 110 with high/low shelving and two parametric bands.
Multi-Format Compressor: Choose between a transparent VCA or a smooth Vintage Opto circuit.
Modular Design: Ability to function as four separate processors via independent rear-panel I/O.
Parallel Compression: Dedicated Blend control to mix compressed and uncompressed signals.
Precision Metering: Large VU meter for input levels, gain reduction, or sidechain monitoring.
Optical De-Esser: Transparent sibilance control based on optical technology for low distortion.
