ISA Two
intermediate
$999
Used market: $820*
Specifications
3 of 7 values have a recorded source- Type
- outboard_preamp·
- Added Gain dB
- 60✓
- Input Connector
- 2x 3-Pin XLR Mic + 2x 1/4" TRS Line + 2x 1/4" TS Instrument (front)·
- Output Connector
- 2x 3-Pin XLR Line + 2x 1/4" TRS Insert Send·
- Expert Description
- En: Two channels of the ISA transformer front end: mic gain 0-30 or 30-60 dB in 10 dB steps with a further 0-20 dB trim, four selectable input impedances (600 Ω, ISA 110 at 1.4 kΩ, 2.4 kΩ, 6.8 kΩ), an 18 dB/octave high-pass filter variable from 16 to 420 Hz, and EIN below -123 dBu at maximum gain. · Uk: Два канали трансформаторного входу ISA: мікрофонне підсилення 0–30 або 30–60 дБ кроками по 10 дБ плюс trim 0–20 дБ, чотири варіанти вхідного опору (600 Ω, ISA 110 — 1,4 кΩ, 2,4 кΩ, 6,8 кΩ), фільтр низьких частот 18 дБ/октаву зі змінною частотою 16–420 Гц і власний шум нижче -123 dBu на максимальному підсиленні.·
- Provides Phantom Power
- yes✓
- Requires Phantom Power
- no✓
Expert Audio Engineering Commentary
Gain Staging Advice
The stepped switch has two ranges and a separate 30-60 button. Focusrite themselves warn to turn the stepped gain to minimum before pressing that button, because the jump is 30 dB — the single most common way to blow up a monitor path with this box.
Production Warning
The impedance selector is a tone control: the four settings load the microphone differently and audibly change a dynamic's low end. It is not a matching aid and there is no "correct" position.
What the datasheet actually says
Quoted verbatim from the manufacturer’s own page, with the date we checked it. We state what is printed, not what anyone intended by it.
«Gain Range (Mic): 0 dB to 60 dB in 10 dB steps, plus 0 dB to 20 dB continuously variable trim»
Focusrite publish the stepped range and the trim as two separate figures and never state a total for the ISA One or ISA Two, so there is no single number here comparable to the "80 dB of gain" a competitor prints. On the ISA 428 MkII page the same company does add them up in prose: "a huge 80dB of gain is available should it be required". The catalogue records the stepped maximum of 60 dB; in use the trim adds on top of it.
checked 8/5/2026* Estimated with the depreciation fallback (~82% retained value). · checked on 8/5/2026