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.

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: 100µs 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

Reviews

"The compressor section has now been enhanced with an alternative to the Class A VCA design in the form of two optical 'Vintage' modes; Compressor and Limiter. I really like the sound of these new settings. They can be really lovely and warm and fuzzy, and the release times are surprisingly fast."

"It all sounds fabulous as expected. The button pushes click nicely, often produce a satisfying relay click, and all statuses are clearly displayed with LEDs."

"The new Producer Pack is the ultimate blue-range Focusrite, with nothing missing. The new compressor modes sound great and the blend control is a very useful feature. The mic pre-amp enhancements present subtle but useful choices... if you like the Focusrite sound and really want all the possibilities presented here, this box has everything, and now even cheaper than the original."

George Shilling, Resolution, April 04