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Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the ISA 428 Pre Pack brought to
you by the Focusrite team - Martin, Crispin, Helen, Tim,
Tom, Mick, Dave, Simon, Paul, Phil, Micky, Pauline, Jo, Chris,
Giles, Chris, Rob and Simon.
The chaps at Focusrite are a jolly hard working bunch and
take a great deal of pride in designing, building and delivering
the best audio units around. We hope your new Focusrite
unit lives up to that reputation, and that you enjoy many
years of productive recording. If you would like to tell us
about your recording experiences then please email us at:
sales@focusrite.com
The Focusrite Team

Contents

Introduction ..............................................................................................1
Contents.....................................................................................................1
Important Safety Instructions.............................................................1
Power Connections ...............................................................................1
Signal Connections .................................................................................2
Getting to know the ISA 428.............................................................3
Metering .....................................................................................................3
Input Stage .................................................................................................4
8 Channel Digital Output Option ....................................................5
Digital Output Front Panel Controls..............................................6
Applications...............................................................................................7
Other Compatible Focusrite Products .......................................10
FAQs.........................................................................................................11
Specifications .........................................................................................13
Warranty.................................................................................................14
Accuracy..................................................................................................14
Copyright ................................................................................................14

Important Safety Instructions

Please read all of these instructions and save them for
future reference. Follow all warnings and instructions
marked on the unit.
Do not obstruct air vents in the rear panel. Do not
insert objects through any apertures.
Do not use a damaged or frayed power cord.
Unplug the unit before cleaning. Clean with a damp
cloth only. Do not spill liquid on the unit.
Unplug the unit and refer servicing to qualified service
personnel under the following conditions:
If the power cord or plug is damaged; if liquid has
entered the unit; if the unit has been dropped or the
case damaged; if the unit does not operate normally or
exhibits a distinct change in performance. Adjust only
those controls that are covered by the operating
instructions.
Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarised or
grounding-type plug. A polarised plug has two blades
with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug
has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wider
blade or the third prong are provided for your safety.
When the plug provided does not fit into your outlet,
consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete
outlet.
THIS UNIT MUST BE EARTHED BY THE POWER
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD THE
MAINS EARTH BE DISCONNECTED FROM THE
This unit is capable of operating over a range of mains
voltages as marked on the rear panel. Ensure correct mains
voltage setting and correct fuse before connecting mains
supply. Do not change mains voltage settings while mains
supply is connected. To avoid the risk of fire, replace the
mains fuse only with the correct value fuse, as marked on
the rear panel. The internal power supply unit contains no
user serviceable parts. Refer all servicing to a qualified
service engineer, through the appropriate Focusrite dealer.

Power Connections

There is an IEC mains lead supplied with the unit, which
should have the correct moulded plug for your country.
The wiring colour code used is:
For units shipped to the USA, Canada, Taiwan and Japan:
Live - Black Neutral - White Earth - Green
For units shipped to any other country:
Live - Brown Neutral - Blue Earth - Green and Yellow
1
ENGLISH
WARNING:
CORD.
MAINS LEAD

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Table of Contents
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Summary of Contents for Focusrite ISA 428 Pre Pack

  • Page 1: Table Of Contents

    ENGLISH Introduction Important Safety Instructions Thank you for purchasing the ISA 428 Pre Pack brought to Please read all of these instructions and save them for you by the Focusrite team – Martin, Crispin, Helen, Tim, future reference. Follow all warnings and instructions Tom, Mick, Dave, Simon, Paul, Phil, Micky, Pauline, Jo, Chris, marked on the unit.
  • Page 2: Signal Connections

    ENGLISH Signal Connections (Optional ADC shown fitted) XLR (Audio) Inputs and Outputs Insert Send and Return All 3-pin XLR balanced audio connectors (Output, Mic IP Allows an external unit, such as a Red 3 Compressor or and EXT A/D IP) are wired as follows: Red 2 EQ, to be placed within the signal chain, prior to the Pin 1 Screen/Chassis...
  • Page 3: Getting To Know The Isa 428

    ENGLISH Getting to know the ISA 428 for displaying and holding the peak level of the channel Power signal during recording. The meter is fed with a signal taken Applies power to the unit. Turn on the ISA 428 before from the point in the channel path after the high pass filter powering up devices to which the outputs are connected.
  • Page 4: Input Stage

    ENGLISH indicating that there is a signal level of +4dBu at the output. An additional 20dB of gain can be applied to the signal after Meters 5 to 8 have no function in this mode. the Mic/line gain knob using the Trim knob. See ‘Trim’ control text below for full explanation.
  • Page 5: Analogue To Digital Converter (Adc) Soft Limiter

    ENGLISH Phase 8 Channel Digital Output Option Pressing PHASE inverts the phase of the selected input, to correct phase problems when using multiple microphones, or when incorrect wiring polarity has occurred. The ISA 428 can be used as a high quality 8 channel ADC for analogue transfer to digital with the addition of the Insert In optional ISA 428 digital output board.
  • Page 6: Digital Output Front Panel Controls

    RCA/phono for SPDIF - these are not included with the slaved to another device and is in internal clock mode, the A/D converter options. Focusrite cables may be purchased Word Clock Out BNC connector outputs the sample from your local dealer. If you experience difficulty in frequency selected on the ISA 428 front panel.
  • Page 7: Applications

    ENGLISH Applications To minimise microphone loading, and to maximise signal to Mic Pre-amp Input Impedance noise ratio, pre-amps have traditionally been designed to A major element of the sound of a mic pre is related to the have an input impedance about ten times greater than the interaction between the specific microphone being used and average microphone, around 1.2kΩ...
  • Page 8 ENGLISH Signal Connections...
  • Page 9 HD unit 25-way ‘AES/EBU I/O’ connector requires two cables. The Focusrite ISA 428 9-way cable to 4 off XLR Analogue mode is required to retrieve the AES signals from the ISA 428...
  • Page 10: Other Compatible Focusrite Products

    ISA 430 Producer Pack, device, which still manages to encompass the design The only Focusrite product to include a wide range of philosophy and integrity that have ensured that Focusrite be different classic Focusrite modules in a single frame. In held in such high esteem over so many years.
  • Page 11: Faqs

    Q: What's the specification of the A/D option? Q; Which Focusrite pre is featured on the ISA 428? A: AES, (both single and dual wire specs.) SPDIF, ADAT™ A: It's the original transformer-balanced mic pre that formats, sample rates selectable between 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96,...
  • Page 12 A: Not any more. The ISA 428 supports the new 96kHz for ‘open-ended’ sound? ADAT specification, using two discrete optical ports. A: Yes. The bandwidth is the same as the classic Focusrite units of old: 10Hz-200kHz! Q: How many digital outputs can I use at the same...
  • Page 13: Specifications

    ENGLISH Specifications Mic Input Response High Pass Filter • • Gain range = 0dB to 60dB in 10dB steps. Roll off = 18dB per octave 3 pole filter • • Input Impedance, variable as follows:- Frequency Range = continuously variable from 16Hz to 420Hz measured at the 3dB down point.
  • Page 14: Warranty

    All Focusrite products are covered by a warranty against manufacturing defects in material or craftsmanship for a period of one year from the date of purchase. Focusrite in the UK, or its authorised distributors worldwide, will do their best to ensure that any fault is remedied as quickly as possible.

Table of Contents