Focusrite ISA 828 MkII – 8-Channel Microphone Preamp with Lundahl Transformers and ISA 110 Circuitry
The Focusrite ISA 828 MkII delivers legendary studio-grade sound with eight classic ISA transformer-based mic preamps. Featuring Lundahl LL1538 input transformers, switchable impedance settings, and front-panel instrument inputs, this rackmount preamp brings iconic analog warmth and clarity to modern production environments. Ideal for permanent studio installations, it provides dedicated line inputs, per-channel metering, and insert points for processing flexibility.
Ready for high-end recording, the ISA 828 MkII offers up to 80dB of gain, a high-pass filter, and is expandable via the optional ISA ADN8 A-D card (sold separately), adding ADAT, AES3, and Dante output options. Whether you're tracking vocals, guitars, or drums, this versatile unit is a must-have for serious engineers and music producers looking for that authentic Focusrite console sound.
At-a-Glance Highlights
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8 ISA transformer-based mic preamps with Lundahl LL1538 inputs
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Switchable input impedance including classic ISA 110 mode
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Front-panel instrument inputs (channels 1–4)
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Per-channel six-segment LED metering and insert points
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High-pass filter: 75Hz, 18dB/octave per channel
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Optional ISA ADN8 A-D card for Dante, ADAT & AES3 output
Mic Inputs
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Gain Range:
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0dB to +30dB (30–60 switch disabled)
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+30dB to +60dB (30–60 switch enabled)
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10dB steps, plus +20dB continuous trim
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Input Impedance:
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600Ω (Low)
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1400Ω (ISA 110)
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2400Ω (Medium)
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6800Ω (High)
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Max Input Level: +25dBu (min gain, medium Z)
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Frequency Response:
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10Hz – 122kHz ±3dB (unity gain, medium Z)
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THD+N: -91dB (0.0028%) @ -1dBr, min gain, medium Z
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EIN: -123dBu A-Weighted (typical)
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Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 122dB A-Weighted (typical), medium Z
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CMRR: -65dB @ 997Hz, min gain, medium Z
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High-Pass Filter: 75Hz knee, 18dB/octave (switchable per channel)
Line Inputs
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Gain Range: -20dB to +10dB in 10dB steps, plus +20dB continuous trim
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Input Impedance:
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Max Input Level: +18dBu (min gain, low Z)
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Frequency Response:
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20Hz – 20kHz ±0.1dB (min gain, low Z)
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10Hz – 110kHz ±1.2dB (min gain, low Z)
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THD+N: -83dB (0.0071%) @ -1dBr, min gain, low Z
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Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 100dB A-Weighted (typical), min gain, low Z
Instrument Inputs
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Mic Talkback Crosstalk: -80dB (20Hz – 20kHz, min gain, medium Z)
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Line Crosstalk: -80dB (20Hz – 20kHz, min gain, medium Z)
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Instrument Crosstalk: -80dB (20Hz – 20kHz, min gain, medium Z)
Connectivity
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Front Panel:
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(2) Channels In
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(4) 1/4" Instrument Jack Inputs
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Rear Panel:
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(8) XLR Mic Inputs
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(8) 1/4" Line-Level Inputs
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(1) DB-25 Line-Level Output (AES59 Standard)
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Line-Level I/O: 8 Inputs / 8 Outputs
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Digital Card Slot:
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Compatible with ISA ADN8 Card
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Power Supply: (1) IEC Input
Operating Conditions
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Operating Temperature: Up to 104°F (40°C)
Physical Specifications
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Dimensions (H x W x D): 3.46" x 18.98" x 12.8"
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Weight: 15.55 lbs (7.05 kg)