Focusrite ISA 430 MKII User Manual

Focusrite ISA 430 MKII User Manual

High-end channel strip with microphone preamplifier
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Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the ISA 430 MKII brought to you
by the Focusrite team - Ian, Trevor, Peter, Martin, Tom,
Mick A'C, Phil, Chris G, Micky, Pauline, Melissa, Chris W,
Rob J Snr, Simon J, Vernon, Giles, Rob J Jnr, Mick G, Tim,
Dave, Paul and Simon.
The chaps at Focusrite are a jolly hard working bunch and
take a great deal of pride in designing, building and delivering
products which are considered to be 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, please email us at: sales@focusrite.com
The Focusrite Team

Contents

Introduction....................................................................................... 1
Contents............................................................................................. 1
Important Safety Instructions ........................................................ 1
Power Connections ......................................................................... 1
Rear Panel Connections.................................................................. 2
ISA 430 MKII Front Panel Controls ............................................. 3
Metering.............................................................................................. 3
Input Stage.......................................................................................... 4
EQ Module......................................................................................... 5
Compressor....................................................................................... 6
Gate ..................................................................................................... 8
De-Esser ............................................................................................. 9
Output ................................................................................................ 9
Inserts and Routing Matrix...........................................................10
Soft Limiter ......................................................................................13
Digital Output Front Panel Controls.........................................14
ADC Configurations......................................................................15
Mic Pre-amp Input Impedance.....................................................16
Applications......................................................................................17
FAQs .................................................................................................21
Specifications ...................................................................................24
Accuracy ...........................................................................................26
Copyright..........................................................................................26
Warranty ..........................................................................................26
Reset Sheet ......................................................................................27
Focusrite Distributors...................................................................28

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.
WARNING: THIS UNIT MUST BE EARTHED
BY THE POWER CORD.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD THE
MAINS EARTH BE DISCONNECTED FROM
THE MAINS LEAD.
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

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Table of Contents
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Summary of Contents for Focusrite ISA 430 MKII

  • Page 1: Table Of Contents

    Introduction Important Safety Instructions Thank you for purchasing the ISA 430 MKII brought to you Please read all of these instructions and save them for by the Focusrite team – Ian, Trevor, Peter, Martin, Tom, future reference. Follow all warnings and instructions Mick A’C, Phil, Chris G, Micky, Pauline, Melissa, Chris W,...
  • Page 2: Rear Panel Connections

    Any one of these inputs may be used as the main input to and main output (See ADC Input 1 & 2 on page 13.) the ISA 430 MKII’s main input. Signals routed to these inputs are referred to as the ‘Internal’ or ‘Int’ signal path.
  • Page 3: Isa 430 Mkii Front Panel Controls

    VU meter when the Listen switches are pressed in the compresser, gate or de-esser sections. The Listen LED will Applies power to the unit. Turn on the ISA 430 MKII before also light when any of these switches are selected.
  • Page 4: Input Stage

    module, post-Insert 2, and post-the Dynamics module (since legend). The gain range is split between two gain modes each module could cause clipping if incorrectly set up). depending upon the status of the 30-60 switch: Occasional short-duration peaks which may cause the LED to blink will not normally cause audible distortion, but if the Mode 1: Mic Gain Range 0-30 LED is lit constantly, the level in the appropriate module...
  • Page 5: Eq Module

    LEDs. By selecting different values for the impedance of the ISA 430 MKII transformer input, +48V the performance of both the ISA 430 MKII pre-amp and the Pressing the +48V switch provides +48V phantom power, microphone connected can be tailored to set the desired suitable for condenser microphones, to the rear panel XLR level and frequency response.
  • Page 6: Compressor

    Shelving EQ In Press in to switch the shelving EQ into the signal path. This selection is cancelled if Gate or Comp is pressed. Hi Range The frequency controls have two ranges, the higher being selected when the Hi Range switch is pressed (frequencies shown in yellow on the panel).
  • Page 7 A slower attack will cause the neither the Comp or Lim LEDs are illuminated the compressor to ignore short transients and respond more to compressor is in the classic Focusrite discrete Class A VCA the average loudness of the signal; however this may seem mode.
  • Page 8: Gate

    This will cause those frequencies to be heavily compressed in the original signal. The ISA 430 MKII’s dedicated de-esser can take care of primary de-essing duties, whilst key input compression deals with a secondary problem occurring at a separate frequency.
  • Page 9: De-Esser

    automatically displays the gate sidechain listen level when a De-Esser Listen switch is pressed in (see Metering section, page 3). Range Range determines how much the signal is attenuated when the gate is closed. The gate can be set up to cut (80dB attenuation, control clockwise) or to more gently lessen attenuation (min 0dB).
  • Page 10: Inserts And Routing Matrix

    Adjusts the Main Output level between -60dB and +6dB. comparison of processed/unprocessed signals. Inserts and Routing Matrix The ISA 430 MKII has two insert points and a very comprehensive set of routing options. Insert 1 EQ Split Activated by the Insert 1 In switch. The insert 1 Activated by the EQ Split switch.
  • Page 11 Dynamics position switch Allows the dynamics section to be placed in three different positions in the processing chain. (Normally the dynamics section is the second processing section in the signal path, after the EQ section.) When activated, the new position of the dynamics section is indicated by the LEDs below the Dynamics switch.
  • Page 12 Insert 2 Activated by the Insert 2 In switch. The insert 2 send and return are both balanced XLRs and can be placed in four different positions in the signal path dependant upon the relative positions of the Post-Dyn and Dyn Split switches. (N.B. It is not possible to have the following combination of switches for Insert 2: Insert 2 In + Post-Dyn + Dynamics Post- Sum.) a) Insert 2 In...
  • Page 13: Soft Limiter

    SPDIF Toslink output connectors. ADAT™ lightpipe cables are available from your local dealer, or in The ISA 430 MKII can be used as a high quality two-channel the UK from Studiospares (tel +44 (0)20 7482 1692): stock ADC to convert analogue signals to the digital domain, by number 585-510.
  • Page 14: Digital Output Front Panel Controls

    ADC card (if the ISA 430 MKII is acting as word clock master). The 1 Wire/2 Wire switch selects 1 wire or 2 wire mode...
  • Page 15: Adc Configurations

    ADC Configurations Analogue recording with digital conversion INSERT INSERT MAIN ANALOGUE OUTPUT LEVEL DYNAMICS LINE TRIM & LEVEL OUTPUT INST PHASE SOFT DIGITAL METERS LIMITER DYN PRE EQ SWAP DYN POST SUM SWAP INPUT POST ANALOGUE OUTPUT (In this example both ADC 1 and ADC 2 switches are unlit and Soft Limiter is switched in.) Analogue recording and stand-alone stereo ADC conversion INSERT INSERT...
  • Page 16: Mic Pre-Amp Input Impedance

    1kHz. Microphones are designed to have such For a ribbon microphone impedance of 30Ω to 120Ω the low output impedances because the following advantages ISA 430 MKII’s input impedance of 600Ω (Low) will work apply: well, and for 120Ω to 200Ω ribbon microphones the input impedance setting of 1.4kΩ...
  • Page 17: Applications

    POST MIC OUTPUT MIC INPUT Record channel This example shows the ISA 430 MKII being used for mic or guitar recording. The insert points may be used to add external processing ‘in-line’ if required. INST. HI Z INPUT INSERT 2...
  • Page 18 Inputs 1 & 2 on the rear panel, via the soft limiter. The digital meters automatically switch to monitor an ADC input when either one is selected. N.B. Input 1 of the ADC routes into the ISA 430 MKII at the same point as the main audio output. Input 2 of the ADC routes to the same point as the post-mic output.
  • Page 19 Split ‘mixdown mode’ This example shows how to use the ISA 430 MKII in split mode as a mixdown tool. The unit has been switched to both EQ Split AND Dyn Split, and connected to two channel inserts of a mixing console. One is used to EQ, the other as a dynamics processor.
  • Page 20 Using the ISA 430 MKII as four discrete units This example shows how to use the ISA 430 MKII as four individual processing units. This unit is switched to EQ Split AND Dyn Split, and ADC Inputs 1 & 2 are switched on. The unit is simultaneously allowing EQ processing of audio, plus separate dynamics processing of audio.
  • Page 21: Faqs

    MKII as a stereo unit? a type of amplifier design in which you have a standing DC Yes; although a single ISA 430 MKII can act only as a mono current running through your amplifier circuits all the time. or split mono unit, it’s possible to link two MKIIs together, As the signal comes along you vary what you're taking from using the ‘dynamic link’...
  • Page 22 Once the user has selected the frequency at feeding the sidechain of each section so that you can easily which the de-ess is to occur, the ISA 430 MKII generates a hear and tune the frequency you want to trigger each 180º...
  • Page 23 Digi interface as above. So if a customer wants to information compared to the old 16-bit/ 44.1kHz standards. use an ISA 430 MKII, but at the same time varispeed Pro (You can still use these standards for compatibility reasons Tools, they need a Superclock input.
  • Page 24: Specifications

    Specifications • Mic input Frequency Response at 40dB gain = -3dB down at 26Hz • Connector: XLR and –3dB down at 32kHz • Signal: Balanced (Transformer) • Operating Level: +4dBu Post-Mic output • • Gain Range: 0 to +60dB in 10dB steps Connector: XLR •...
  • Page 25 Connector: TRS Jack Release: Fixed • Signal: Tip = Compressor, Ring = Gate • Links two ISA 430 MKII units to allow control of the Limiter • dynamics section of both units from one unit giving Threshold = -6dBfs (+16dBu) •...
  • Page 26: Accuracy

    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 distributor worldwide will do its best to ensure that any fault is remedied as quickly as possible.
  • Page 27: Reset Sheet

    Reset Sheet...
  • Page 28: Focusrite Distributors

    Portugal United Kingdom & Ireland Trius Vertrieb GmbH and Co KG Digital Media Technology Caius Tecnologias Focusrite Audio Engineering Ltd Phone: +49 54 51 940 80 Phone: +852 2721 0343 Phone: +35 122 208 6009 Phone: +44 (0) 1494 462246...

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