New 'Pre' Day

Big-G

So, after clearing some of the excess gear out, I of course did my now habitual scan of the gumtree pages, and came across a dream bargain.....

I've always wanted one of these particular items, but never been able to justify the expense, so when I spotted this, I had to act upon it quickly....

And this morning, I became the proud new owner of a Focusrite ISA 1 digital Preamp!

For those that do not know, this is basically derived from the legendary Rupert Neve designed ISA 110 , utilising the same preamp design and topology. The main difference being that the ISA one is solely a Preamp, and not a recording channel.

For those that do know, I do not need to say just how good these pre's are.... They speak for themselves really. Solid reliable and versatile....

So here's a pic to keep you going....

I am one very very happy camper right now ?, although I have to admit to being a little disappointed :?, since I will most likely not be able to use it till mid January since I'm going to be out the country till then! >☹ But at least I know I have it now, so I do look forward to using it when I'm back!

Regards
G!

AlanRatcliffe

Congrats! I saw that and, if I hadn't already committed my GAS funds elsewhere, would have jumped on it myself.

Big-G

Thanks Alan. These pre's have always impressed me, and I love their flexibility! I really do look forward to using this in the not too distant future, and hope it fits in with my setup as well as I hope?

Now all I need to do is sell off the Presonus and one of the DBX's, and get a few bits n bobs sorted, and I'll be set! I have been eyeing up an SPL dual tube pre, or perhaps an TL Audio tube channel strip, but they are a little out of range (assuming I sell the other gear), but we'll see what I can wangle? Other than that (and permanent GAS for Craig pedals) I'm not anticimipating any further purchases.... But I never say never!

EDIT: Although, I am suddenly reminded of the couple of mics I'd like! Think I need help... Psychological help?! ?

Regards
G!

kayDUB

Nice! I just recently got and ISA 2 as well.

hmmm, I hear you on the mics! ?

Big-G

I do love the ISA range! They are quite simply stunning... I'd particularly like the ISA 220 (or a few of them), but they are way WAY out of my wallets league!

Enjoy your ISA 2!

I actually had a little play with this pre this morning, quickly recording an idea I had on acoustic, and it sounds very natural and smooth, so I think I'm really going to like it....

Interestingly though, I first tried it with the Tul T12, and I wasn't overly impressed, and found the sound to be a little too warm and wooly for my liking! I'm still needing to try this combination on one of the higher impedance settings, as this should deliver a little more top end to the signal? When i switched over to my go to acoustic mic, the Avantone CK-1, the sound was much clearer and with a nicer top end, but still retaining that lovely warm lower end! It wasn't quite night and day between them, but it was enough to make the difference noticeable and rewarding!

Probably won't get to use it again now till January, but at least I got to try it out before I disappear!

Cheers
G!