Focusrite's Producer Pack Turns Two!
The ISA 430 MKII represents the pinnacle of Focusrite's analog channel strip technology, bringing together all the classic designs in one comprehensive production tool. Augmented with additional features and flavors, 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.

The ISA 430 MKII Input Section
The input section on the ISA 430 MKII features a large, professional-grade VU Meter with adjustable calibration, which can be selected to display any one of a number of multiple points in the signal chain. Additional visual monitoring is available through the inclusion of two LED bar graph meters, allowing the signals being fed to the input and output of the unit, or the ADC input levels to be viewed.

Tailored Impedance
As with the ISA 428, the ISA 430 MKII has a variable impedance option on its classic transformer-based mic pre, ranging from 600 to 6800 ohms (at 1kHz). This provides you with increased control over the interaction between microphone and preamp, tailoring the response to suit your needs. Pressing the 'Air' switch further extends this principle, introducing an inductor circuit into the secondary of the transformer, which adds clarity and 'spaciousness' to the signal without the need for EQ.

Flexible Signal Path
The split configurable Inserts and changeable signal path order combine to produce an unrivalled flexibility; herein lies the real benefit of the ISA 430 MKII as a 'do-all' processor for the most demanding of engineers. Both inserts can be used to separate the individual sections of the channel strip. This means that if the post-mic output and ADC inputs are in use, the ISA 430MKII can function as four discrete processors simultaneously! Insert 2 can also be located post-dynamics should this be required, and for further adaptability, the dynamics can be shifted to a pre-EQ or post-sum position.

Compressor Section
A significant development from the original ISA 430 can be found in the Compressor section, which now boasts a vintage opto circuit in addition to the original discrete Class A VCA design. Selecting the optical Compressor or Limiter results in a more colored sound, as opposed to the extremely transparent VCA circuit. The ISA 430 MKII caters for the most varied of signals, containing an 'Auto Release' function (switch activated) that changes the release time with each transient to suit the nature of the waveform. If the signal sounds excessively processed, a remedy lies in the Compressor 'Blend' feature, allowing the pre- and post-dynamics signals to be mixed. This can help restore a track's natural dynamism without losing the desired effect of compression.

EQ Section
The ISA 430 MKII features the same classic Focusrite EQ as the original ISA 110, but with two extra frequency values for both the high and low shelving, and with the added benefit of being able to insert the EQ into the sidechain of the Compressor and Gate sections. This allows for fully frequency-conscious compression, gating and expansion, making the ISA 430 MKII the most powerful dynamics processor yet developed.

Gate Section
The Gate section uses the Focusrite Class A VCA as the control element to remove the effect of unwanted interference and high levels of wide-band system noise build-up. Switching this section to expand mode
causes the Gate to function as an Expander. Instead of cutting off any signal below the threshold, an expander proportionately decreases it. This provides a more natural sound when reducing noise from non-percussive sources (especially vocals).

'Hysteresis' increases the level-difference between the gate switching on and switching off, and prevents the gate oscillating ('chattering') with particular combinations of input signal and threshold settings. This function is particularly useful when gating a signal with a very long decay time and large amounts of level modulation (for example a Grand Piano).

De-Esser Section
The ISA 430 MKII's De-esser is based on a low-distortion optical technology design, allowing transparent removal of excessive sibilance from a vocal performance. The circuit uses phase cancellation to create a smoother and less intrusive de-esser than traditional compression-based designs.

'Listen' to the Difference!
All four dynamic processors; the compressor, gate, expander and de-esser, feature Focusrite's unique 'Listen' feature. Selecting 'Listen', inverts the operation of the processor, so only the chosen frequencies that are being affected can be heard, rather than straining to hear the overall effect in a complex signal.

Soft Limiter
The sensitively designed soft Limiter, also present in the ISA 428, can be made to act on both the analogue output and the inputs to the optional ADC. The gradual changes in ratio leading up to 0dBFS produce a gentler limiting effect whilst still preventing a level overload.

Optional A/D Card
The optional stereo A/D card provides the ISA 430 MKII with 24-bit 192kHz capabilities and employs the same converters as those featured in the TEC award nominated ISA 428.


Focusrite ISA 430 MK II Producer Pack Features:

• SA-series transformer-based pre-amp
  Featuring mic impedance switching and unique ‘mic air’ effect (a wire-wound inductor for increased spaciousness).
• Dual topology compressor
  The ISA 430 MkII is the first ISA to feature both the classic transparent VCA circuit, and avintage optical circuit with both soft compression and crunch settings.
• Unmatched flexibility
  The ISA 430 Mk II features an incredible variety of insert points and variable signal path arrangements. It can operate as four independent modules!
• Precision VU metering at multiple points
  Including 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 with two additional shelving positions.
• Gate and Expander
  Proprietary Focusrite discrete Class A VCA Gate and Expander designs, now both featuring a 'Listen' option for precision control.
• De-esser featuring 'De-ess Listen'
  A combination of EQ and phase cancellation are used to create a smoother and less obtrusive result.
• Optional Strereo 192kHz ADC
  Embodies cutting-edge conversion technology, incorporating Focusrite analogue circuitry to deliver A/D conversion of the highest quality (120dB Dynamic range).
  

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

Weight
• 7.58kg

Dimensions
• 484mm (W) x 85mm (H) x 250mm (D)
• 19" (W) x 3.5" (H) x 9.8" (D)

Brochure

Manual