FOCUSRITE ISA 430 MK II MIC PREAMP and PROCESSOR

Overview:

The ISA 430 MKII represents the pinnacle of Focusrite?s analogue channel strip technology,
bringing together all the classic designs in one comprehensive production tool. Augmented
with additional features and flavours, alongside unmatched internal routing and connectivity,
the ISA 430 MKII enables today?s recording professional to enjoy the unique sonic contribution
of these heritage designs within one extremely versatile processor. Focusrite?s iconic status
as the leading manufacturer of channel strips remains unrivalled.

Main Features:
Classic Focusrite transformer-based Mic-pre with variable impedance and ?Air? feature
Multi format Compressor; switch between Focusrite?s transparent VCA circuit and a vintage
optical circuit
Unmatched flexibility with an incredible variety of insert points and variable signal path
arrangements
Ability to function as 4 separate modular processors: mic pre, EQ, Dynamics and stereo ADC
Precision VU metering of input level, Insert 1 or 2 Return level, Compressor gain reduction or
Sidechain listen level (switched)
Classic Focusrite EQ design; an expanded version of the
original ISA 110
Post mic pre output for the shortest possible signal path
Proprietary Focusrite discrete Class A VCA Gate and Expander designs
?Listen? feature for precise control over compression, gating,
expansion and de-essing
De-esser design based on optical technology for lower distortion
and transparency
Soft Limiter to avoid critical digital overload
Optional Stereo A/D ? 24-bit 192 kHz Delta Sigma converter

Specifications:
Line
Gain Range: +10dB to +40dB continuously variable
Input Impedance: >1M Ohm

Mic
Gain Range: 0 to +60dB in 10dB steps
Input Impedance: Variable as follows: 600 Ohm, 1k4 Ohm, 2k4 Ohm, 6k8 Ohm
EIN: -128dB with 150 Ohm terminating impedance at 60dB of gain
Noise: -97dBu
THD: 0.001% with -20dBu 1kHz input and 20Hz?22kHz bandpass filter

Compressor (VCA mode)
Threshold Range: -28dB to +12dB
Ratio: 1.5:1 to 10:1
Slope: Soft knee
Attack: 100?s to 100ms
Release: 100ms to 7s, variable or auto (program dependent)

Compressor (Vintage Opto mode)
Threshold Range: -28dB to +12dB
Ratio: 1.5:1 to 5:1 in Comp mode, 5:1 to 20:1 in Lim mode
Slope: Soft knee in Comp mode, Hard knee in Lim mode
Attack: Fixed
Release: Fixed

EQ
Low Pass Filter: 18dB/oct from 400Hz to 22kHz
High Pass Filter: 18dB/oct from 20Hz to 1k6Hz
Parametric section is comprised of: Low-mid & Hi-mid parametric, each
with continuously variable boost/cut with centre detent, frequency sweep
control with two ranges, and fully variable Q. Low-mid frequencies 40Hz
to 400Hz (120Hz to 1k2Hz when x3 is pressed). Hi-mid frequencies 600Hz
to 6kHz (1k8Hz to 18kHz when x3 is pressed)
Shelving section is comprised of: High Frequency Shelf: The frequency
range steps are 1.5kHz, 3.3kHz, 6.8kHz and 15kHz (2.2kHz, 4.7kHz,
10kHz and 18kHz when Hi Range is engaged). Low Frequency Shelf: The
frequency range steps are 20Hz, 56Hz, 160Hz and 460Hz (33Hz, 95Hz,
270Hz and 655Hz when Hi Range switch is engaged)

Gate
Threshold Range: -40dB to +10dB
Gate Range: 0 to -80dB
Attack: switched fast or slow
Release: 100ms to 5s
Hold: 20ms to 4s
Expander Ratio: 0 to 5:1

De-Esser
Threshold Range: 22dB
Frequency Range: 2k2 to 9k2
Ratio at centre frequency: 2:1

Limiter
Threshold Range: 20dBu
Ratio: infinite (Brick Wall)
Attack: Frequency dependent

Features
Superlative sound
Studio quality mic preamp
Total control - Input Gain, EQ contour, Output Gain,
Overload indicator
Multiple output connectors
XLR/jack combo input 
Switchable 48 V DC Phantom Power for condenser Mics
Compact, computer friendly package
Needs no external power supply
 
ARX is proud to introduce the e-pre - the ultimate microphone pre-amp for
hard disk recording, designed by audio professionals, not computer engineers.
The all-new e-pre is so much a part of your system that it fits right into a spare
5?" slot in your computer case! It's the perfect tool for all your day-to-day
recording requirements. No equipment racks to plug in, no masses of cabling to
connect - the e-pre is ready and waiting when you need it.
The e-pre is a studio quality microphone pre-amp using the same internal components
as high end mixing consoles, built into a compact, computer friendly package.
It has controls for:
Input Gain - fully variable from 10dB through to 60dB to suit all types of microphones,
plus switchable 48 V Phantom Power to enable condenser microphones to deliver
their best.
A Contour control for EQ sweetening, providing fast, easy access to a whole range
of useful EQ curves
Output level control - fully variable to match the e-pre's output to the input of the sound
card. From -10dB consumer cards through to +4dB for professional sound cards, the
e-pre can handle it.
Multiple output connectors match up with any kind of sound card, including mini jacks,
standard jack, RCA (phono) plugs, and even a connector to link to the internal CD ROM
audio input of your sound card (if fitted).
We've even fitted a 12 VDC input connector on the rear to enable the e-pre to run from an
external power supply if required (eg for use with notebook computers or stand-alone use).

Any way you look at it, the e-pre by ARX is the total professional microphone pre-amp for
all your hard disk recording needs

e-pre Benefits
Professional Balanced XLR mic input
True 48v phantom power
Runs into the Line input of ANY sound card - uses the card you've already paid for
High headroom = clean recordings
Smart EQ
Compatible with non-computer audio equipment
Professional performance and specs in a user friendly package
 

T E C H N I C A L  S P E C I F I C A T I O N S
Input Impedance
Mic 2 K Ohms Balanced; XLR type Pin 1 Audio Ground, Pin 2 +, Pin 3-
Line 25 K Ohms Balanced, ?" TRS jack Tip +, Ring , Sleeve Audio Ground
Phantom Power Voltage Switchable +48 V DC on XLR Pins 2 and 3
Max Input Level Mic +15 dB, Line +20 dB
Input Gain 10 dB Minimum, variable to 60 dB Maximum
Output Level -10 dB variable through 0 dB to +4 dB
Overload Indicator Measured at all Gain points throughout the circuitry
Output Noise -90 dB Unweighted, -97 dB 'A' weighted
(Measured with Gain nominal 20 dB, Output level -10 dB)
Frequency Response 20 - 20 KHz ± 0.25 dB
Distortion
100 Hz 0.0085%
1 KHz 0.008%
10 KHz 0.0083%
(Measured with Mic Gain 20 dB, Output 0 dB)
Power Requirements 12 V DC from either computer supply or external supply
(external power supply not included in e-pre package)
Size 148mmW x 42mmH x 150mm D (5?“W x 1?H x 6“D)
Weight Under 1 Kilo (2.2 lbs)
 

The PRE-73 MKIII is a one-channel vintage style microphone-, line- and instrument preamplifier. The signal path uses only discrete components like resistors, capacitors and transistors. The in- and output is transformer balanced, using two different transformers, each one optimized for its purpose. This is the way audio components were built before integrated circuits became available.

The circuit used in the PRE-73 MKIII is similar to the preamp section in the classical 1073 module with a corresponding sound character that is warm, punchy, sweet and musical. These classic characteristics have been heard on countless recordings through the years and it is a versatile sound that works very well on most sound sources and in most genres.
The essence of this sound is now available at a surprisingly low cost, making it available to nearly everyone.

Features  :

• Vintage Style electronics. No intergrated circuits in the signal path.

• Maximum gain in MIC mode is 80 dB, enough to handle passive ribbon mics with quiet sound sources.

• GAIN switch range 20 - 80 dB. GAIN/LINE mode switch, gain is reduced by 30 dB in LINE mode.

• Selectable two position high frequency AIR boost eq, 3 or 6 dB @ 30 kHz.

• Selectable 6 dB/octave two frequency high pass filter at around 40 (HP1) and 170 Hz (HP2).

• Tantalum capacitors in the signal path.

• Switchable impedance in MIC mode, 1200 or 300 Ohms, will change the tone of most mics. The input impedance in LINE mode is 10 kohm.

• Switchable phantom power and absolute phase.

• A high-impedance instrument input for any sound module, electric guitar or bass.

• A simple but effective 4-step LED output level meter.

• The output level control makes it possible to make fine gain adjustments and also to overload the main gain stage(s) for more character and then lower the signal to a suitable level before the output stage.

• Combo XLR/TRS input jack and separate output XLR and TRS jacks for flexible connections.

• Insert jack for inserting EQ´s and other units.

• Selectable 600 ohm output termination.

• The pcb is prepared for the Carnhill input transformer.

• External power supply to avoid interaction with the audio circuits and transformers.

• A solid build quality that will last many years of normal use.

The MKIII has the following new features compared to the MKII:

• Tantalum capacitors in the signal path.

• Selectable two position high frequency AIR boost eq, 3 or 6 dB @ 30 kHz.

• Selectable two frequency high pass filter, 6 dB/octave at 40 or 170Hz.

• The pcb is prepared for the Carnhill input transformer.

• Revised and less complicated GAIN switch with a separate switch for MIC/LINE selection.

• All GAIN settings can also be used in LINE mode .