I know someone who just evaluated it next to the Langevin, and chose the Langevin due to the limiter and EQ...but boy the Focusrite looks sweet. He did say that the Focusrite sounded great, and it is his mic pre of choice (it is the same mic pre in the ISA 110 if I am not mistaken).

Try here:

(Dead Link Removed)

Originally posted by John Grimm (Vintage Studios):
Has anyone heard the new Focusrite Pre Pack yet? It's got 4 channels of Neve pres. Looks pretty sweet. Comments?

John,
You really should check out the JLM TMP 8 pre. It's an 8 channel one space octo pre that emulates the Focusrite Red range of pres.. I have been using one here and it is very clear and solid sounding. I find it to be a perfect compliment to the Sebatron vmp-4000, What ever the Sebatron is a bit too thick for, the JLM TMP 8 works wonderful on! The 8 channel TMP 8 lists at $1850 last time I checked, a bit less costly than the four channel Focusrite! Kurt

DoubleH - thanks for the link. I didn't realise that this unit has already been discussed. I don't know anything about the JLM.

Just noticed my bad spelling of Manley. Sorry about that. I've been using Aardvark's Q10 and really have no complaints about it's sound. Are they really that good or am I just a dumbass who hasn't heard better converters to compare it to? In any case I'm always interested in a variety of sounds in a pre and thought the Focusrite would give me some new color. I'm also curious if the built in limiter that prevents digital overs is worth anything. I'm always very careful with my levels but it would be nice to save a take occasionally when the unexpected peak happens.

Originally posted by John Grimm (Vintage Studios):
I've been using Aardvark's Q10 and really have no complaints about it's sound. Are they really that good or am I just a dumbass who hasn't heard better converters to compare it to?

Yes, You are a dumbass! And I am a smartass!

Of course there is always better and the Q10 is way better than the ADAT-XT many of us were using not that long ago.

In any case I'm always interested in a variety of sounds in a pre and thought the Focusrite would give me some new color.

I don't think that the Focusrite RED or ISA has much of a color. They are not as clear and transparent as a Great River or John Hardy, but far from a Neve, Manley or other known colored mic pre's. I find them more in the middle and while not always the best choice, always a good choice.

If you want the Focusrite sound, get it. I mostly avoid products that imitate or emulate. If you want the real thing, get the real thing. The Distressor for example is a great product on it's own, but I have never believed or bought into the "it can emulate a 1176 or LA2A" crap. And after using a pair for many weeks, I now know I was right.

Yes, You are a dumbass! And I am a smartass!

Well that explains why the dog has been giving me strange looks lately. lol
The ISA428 does use the same circuit (transformer) as the ISA110 modules. I'm going to use it as a front end to a DAW if I decide to purchase one and I'm not sure if I'll need the optional A/D converters or not. Maybe I can rent one somewhere to check it out or find something similar used that will hold it's value. These list for 1995.00 and street prices seem to be a few hundred less.

I have just aquired a ISA428 and I love it....head room, plenty....quiet and clean (Neve design).
I'm just trying to find out how good the optional AD converter card is.

Nick

Hey John, where in Georgia are you?

Originally posted by AEW:
I have just aquired a ISA428 and I love it....head room, plenty....quiet and clean (Neve design).
I'm just trying to find out how good the optional AD converter card is.

Nick

Hi Nick, Are you recording into a DAW?

Originally posted by Kurt Foster:
The 8 channel TMP 8 lists at $1850 last time I checked, a bit less costly than the four channel Focusrite! Kurt

Not sure what the JLM retails for, but retail on the PrePack is $1699.00 without the optional digital I/O. That JLM sounds mighty interesting though.

AEW -

I just got the digital card for my 428 on Tuesday. Haven't had a chance to do much with it yet but have a session tomorrow that I'll be using it for along side the unit's analog section for comparison. I'll throw up a clip or two if anyone's interested.

John....yes I'm going into Protools HD through a 192 IO.
Just a note, my other pres are a couple of Avalon 737, UA 6176 and Trient Series 80B. The ISA 428 is great value for a Neve design 4 unit pres.

Skeetch...That's great mate, can't wait to hear your comments on the card, I'm ready to get one as soon as I hear some good reports, from users that is.

Nick