Focusrite Isa One preamp vs Focusrite recording interface 2i2 built in preamps - Who wins?!
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- Опубліковано 5 сер 2017
- In this video I review the Isa One by Focusrite and my goal is to see whether the Isa One preamp will outperform the built in preamps in recording interface Focusrite 2i2.
Is it worth it to spend another $500 on purchasing Isa One in order to achieve a better signal and sound?
cables: Mogami cables
microphone: Audio Technica AT2035
I am a singer/songwriter and arranger/producer.
Please stop by to see my music videos:
• Nobody is gonna listen...
• It's only now (acousti...
• Sharon Rachman - Guess...
7:14 is when the comparison begins.
Chandler Crane thanks for seving tym 😂😂😂❤️
Lol //////thanks
Thanks, man, good-one.
Which I had seen this comment 7 minutes and 15 seconds ago....
Hero
Thanks for taking the time to do the comparison. To my ears the 2i2 sounded veiled and boxy compared to open sounding isa one. Nice to confirm that spending more money does actually result in a better sound. Really enjoyed your singing too.
Even having Neve clones, and API, the Isa still being my main preamp for my studio
Even next to an API? :O
That speaks volumes of its quality.
Planning to get one for use with the SM7B and UAD Apollo Twin X.
Is it worth getting the A/D card for it later on, in this day and age?
(I mean, hasn't it become obsolete and is it a marked difference?)
Thank you!!
The Scarlett didn't sound bad but the ISA sounded a lot better for sure!
Agreed just bought one myself for my home studio and it’s much warmer without “pst” noises and it’s more professional sounding. Easier for plugins to be manipulated with the mjx/master process
I hear a big difference. Isa One WAY better
Thanks for the video I do hear the difference right away now one thing in mind after you edit your vocals using the two units the final product will be amazingly different
Really appreciate this. About to pair the ISA with my ID-14.
Hi! did you here any difference between the Isa an your Audient? Thanks!
@@esdelfin I hear a big difference because I was using a focusrite interface before ID l-14. The ID -14 sounds great with the ISA. ID-14’s preamps sound great by themselves but the difference is less hiss with ISA because I don’t have to crank the gain up.
Thanks for this in depth review.
Just for anyone else who stumbles on this review like I just did another factor to consider here is that the 2i2 doesn't have a true line input so the ISA output is passing through the full preamp circuit on the 2i2. It's possible that the 2i2 might've still put it's "stamp" on the ISA's character and limited the distinction between the two.
Yes this is true , it will more than likely be having an effect on the isa one sound
A sales guy told me this is not true. I don’t know who to believe. The internet will always give me lots of opposing opinions.
@@thechronicnoizeco.6675 For gen 3 it might not be true. Then gen 3 4i4 has true line inputs, but the gen 2 2i4 I used to have didn't. Your best bet is to ask Focusrite support directly for your particular model.
guys I saw a post from the owner or one of the main guys at focusrite that on the clarett models if you run a separate mic pre through it that it will not color the sound, not sure if that goes for the scarlett models though
@@thechronicnoizeco.6675 I have an UA Twin X with a much higher price tag than the Scarlett, and even that doesn't have the ability to truly bypass preamps (only the rack-mounted Apollos have that).
But people said that in case of a higher end interface, the difference is not remarkable, so it can be left as is.
(The Twin X has Unison tech on its preamps, which can be used to nicely colour the incoming sound though the pres, so this could even be an advantage)
Hi, I love my ISA 428mk1. Thanks for the video and Greetings from land of ice and snow (Finland)
you are a very very good singer! and a perfect sound source for this test
Thanks for the video, slight Correction: You can hear everything through the isa headphone monitor, you just have to route the headphone out from your Scarlett interface into the input on the back of the isa one
Correct. Now to figure out how the get myself and the artist hearing everything better. I currently plug a splitter into my interface headphone jack and out to a headphone amp with four outputs for me and the talent but It doesn't sound as clear as I want it. Going to try plugging my headphone amp into the ISA Pre and see it it sounds any better.
Good honest sounding review and a lovely voice. Appreciated!
Thank you, Ras😊
Sharon Rachman
You’re welcome.
Have you tried any of the Apollo interfaces and if so, what was your experiences as I’m considering purchasing soon🤷🏾♂️
@@rasm7591 Yes, I was in musical school at the time and had the chance to record my song on Appolo 8, if I'm not mistaken the model but it was definitely one the expensive ones they had for sure. To be honest once again, I didn't like the recording sound. It doesn't have the depth I was looking for, I actually felt it sounds pretty much the same as home recording interfaces just slightly more brighter sound. I was not impressed with the sound. Moreover I recorded it on one of the expensive mics out there. But recently I laid my eyes on interface I actually like its sound and very much close to purchasing, it's Audient Id22. I saw comparison to Appolo and other interfaces and every time I listened, I hear a huge difference in quality recording in favor of Audient Id22. Here is a link to video sound comparison with Appolo.
ua-cam.com/video/S0YfJ0HCwf8/v-deo.html
Sharon Rachman
Cheers for feedback!
That’s a real coincidence, as I was looking at the Audient Id 44 today and strongly considering it for among the same reasons you expressed😊
Plus, I’m liking the price difference and not in a great need for plug ins.
Thanks again. 👍🏾
Gotta say the ISA had a much nicer upfront and fuller sound to my ears. Thanks for the comparison!
Thaaank you for your review!!! :))
Very helpful Thank you !!
Martin Valins Sure, Martin, my pleasure, thank you for watching, friend:::)))
ISA One kicked ass.. I have a Pro40 and a MOTU Traveller interface and can say I need some ISA in my life.. The quality is noticable and so is the clarity .. Hope you're up great music..|
Big love from South Africa
Clear explanations 👌
Sorry if missed it in the video, but could explain how you conected the Isa One into the Scalertt? Edition 1: I just saw you briefly explained it. That cable youre using is a XLR to P10 type? Great video!
Holly crap, I’m in love now
With the preamp or the singer? :)
You sound incredible! I would absolutely love to make two or three songs with you!
Thank you!! Sure, I would love to collab.
Thanks. I basically do splits like this. ua-cam.com/video/P61bY0dCPjk/v-deo.html and we can get started ok? Thank you again I love the way you sing.
Really enjoyed the review Sharon, Thanks. I’ve just purchased ISA One. To (hopefully) have more flexibility. Currently using the pre’s from my StudioLive 32 S, but as you say, always looking for more. .keep you posted on my results. Jono 👍 Glasgow, Scotland (Question) what mic were you using?
Hi Jono, I was using Audio Technica AT2035 microphone. Enjoy your ISA One purchase. I hope you will enjoy it to the fullest 💕
nice video , nice song , fantastic song and performance
i appreciate this, got mine xoxo
Pre amp is an easy winner. Though...it's only a matter of comparison, I would say with the interface you can can still get some decent results as long as you a) have a decent mic and b) a decent room for vocals (the two conditions is important anyway but more so with an interface).
I love any woman who says "I could be wrong!" Good demo. But the ISA wins!
Larry Russell Haha, actually, I am so happy that Isa One wins and I am very happy that I am so wrong, so wrong, lol.... to justify the dissonance in my head with this purchase:::))) If a man bought something useless, probably his wife is going to give him a hard time with a long conversation while I can only hear "whatever, no big deal"::)))
ua-cam.com/video/zNYbIBQreCg/v-deo.html
Definitely, is a win)))
you can attach an instrument cable from your audio interface to isa one and use the headphone jack in isa one ......do this by attaching the instrument cable from your headphone jack of your audio interface to EXT /IP on the rear of your isa one .. now use the headphone jack of your preamp to record vocals while u can simultaneously hear the mix/ music and your voice with no latency . ...
Great singing style, and the ISA sounded best when you sang. Thank you :)
7:19 Audio Interface
7:55 Preamp
You will notice even more on a track if you have a lot of instruments going on together and they were recorded with the Isa one
Isa One preamp wins. Its a clear winner!
Not surprised, the Scarlett is certainly passable but the Clarett is the premium Focusrite interface and is probably going to be much closer to the ISA.
Noted. I also hear a bit of air in the interface preamps and with the Isa One that air is not present. I also wanted to thank you for making this A/B comparison. This video helped a lot in making a few decisions.
The difference is large, and immediately obvious. The ISA one, as much as it's one of my least favorite-sounding preamps that I own, is deeper. Forget about volume or tone for a moment. You can really hear into the ISA, thanks to the Lundhal transformer. It's smoother, more dimensional; just a balance sound. It's the difference between pro and semi-pro of the 2i2. I keep it for it's utility, but it'll never sound bad on anything. Very versatile. I really think you'd notice more of a difference with something better than an entry-level Audio Technica mic, but the impedance switch can really change a mic's character.
this is exactly the shootout i was looking for. i have a joe meek vc3 pro channel and the focusrite 2i4 but am thinking about upgrading. if i could only find a Focusrite ISA vs. Joe Meek VC3 shootout now. lol. I agree the ISA is a clear winner here. It sounds clearly more natural, upfront, crisp and clear. It has much better definition than the 2i2. you have a beautiful voice. i like your vibrato. thanks again. great job on the comparison.
Jay Karimi Thank you!! Hope you'll find the review you are looking for to make your decision. From my experience with the right tweaking/plug-ins you can make 2i2 sound like Isa One or any other decent recording gear. Though obviously that means, you have to put more energy, work and time into this. Here is one of my songs, where I recorded vocals by 2i2 and with the tweaking imo it sounds like I recorded it with Isa One, hope that helps you to make the right decision: ua-cam.com/video/PqQoItfqf6U/v-deo.html
With ATH-M50X headphones on, connected to the headphone jack of the Macbook Pro (not the Scarlett) I still hear the same you hear, although, that is exactly the basics of what I would want with a $500 mic pre-amp. With more expensive mic-pre's, we might see shaping of the sound more than this unit. Does that make sense??
Ebonix I believe it does, probably some of the expensive preamp units cost much more for a really good reason:)
The levels were'nt matched, the ISA was higher in volume, thus an automatic bias in its favor. So the comparison is more difficult. It did sound better to my hear but I would have liked the levels to be matched.
Holy shit, it sounds so fatty nice. I love it, but would it work with my KSM44? the sound profile is fat for itself and a little bit darker in comparison to other microphones
7:19 vs 7:55 Comparison
If you are recording the ISA with the 2i2 that means that the signal path flows through the preamps on the 2i2.
It's better to use something with line returns to avoid this, but not strictly essential.
Hi z is high impedance, this is useful for instrument level signals like guitar/bass and also for some microphones In particular older non active ribbons.
Ultimately microphone preamps are not that important, sure some sound better, but a product like this should be viewed in terms of functionality. Having switchable impedance, pads etc is not something that you always get on alot of audio interfaces.
isa one has a huge difference clarity wise. its less harsher. a subtle warmth with a bit of in the face kinda sound but by no means ear bleeding .
i'd use this for jazz, pop(if the singer is really good) also Rnb vocalists.
Thanks
The Isa is an awesome pre
Beautiful voice you have. The isa one had more clarity, warmer tone. I miss my isa one.. Shouldn't have sold it..
Hi, thank you! No regrets, it's all for a good reason😊. I actually bought yet another recording interface Audient ID22 after hearing a few comparisons with even much expensive interfaces. And I couldn't resist, I had to have it 😂. I'm gonna compare it with Focusrite myself and see the differences. If you're still looking for a great quality sound, I suggest you to check Audient.
@@SharonRachman hi , how do you rate the id22 against the ISA one , which one do you use for recording vocals , Id22 or do you have the isa going thru the id22 insert ? Thank you
@@SharonRachman Audient has superb quality for a superb price. I got the Id44 and was blown away by it.
@@k_watts Got the iD4 MKII and I think it even holds a candle against my much more expensive Twin X.
The Apollo is good too. However, it's so expensive because you're paying for Universal Audio's DSP and plugins.
its definately not the same preamp lol. the interface does not have a lundahl transformer in it and is transformerless! the isa sounded better forsure.
James Cassidy I am definitely not an engineer to make such a statement. What I mean is: yes, I hear a difference between two recordings but not a huge one. From my experience with the right pluggins you can tweak the recording of 2i2 and you will reach the same result as it appears in Isa One. For example: just by doing the right high pass filter, you will receive a more clear recording because unnecessary muddy low end will be cut off. It will be as clear as the solid state Isa One which already does it upfront while you are recording and it shows in equalizer curve.
right, I see what you mean lol! well its good you get people talking and at the end of te day I wish people could just discuss their opinions and be nice to each other, but I dont often comment on videos because their are so many mean people who talk shit and act mean because thier behind a computer lol! So Its nice to just have a normal discussion! I think you're right, that you can achieve very good results with both, but the ISA one has some qualities(like transformer saturation) that the scarlett cant get in pre production because of the transformer and some other stuff, but like you said plugins are getting so amazing that you can do alot of stuff in post that used to not be possible or not as good quality! So it comes down to your needs I guess. The ISA is great if you want to sing and DI your guitar at the same time, or record guitar or bass with a mic and also send a DI signal to your DAW at the same time! Also I personally love recording guitar and Bass with the ISA, and also the Impedances are a nice feature! So If you dont need those features the scarlett is forsure a great preamp and can do a very good job!
ISA has quite a good reputation and 2i2 is a budget interface, off course ISA is much better. A better comparison would be ISA vs Apogee Duet
I can see one of her problems with difficulty in hearing the difference. That is, at 7.13, you can see the Scarlett interface. On the left is an XLR jack coming from the Isa One. This is wrong! It should be a 1/4 inch TRS jack. If you use an XLR, then you incorporate the INTERFACES preamp as well! By using the 1/4 inch TRS, you then bypass the interface preamp. So she is really making a muddy sound by having two preamps in the signal line (even with the interface gain down).
But I totally agree with her that the Isa headphone jack should allow for playback as well.
I thought switch to a line-level singla automatically bypasses the interface pre-amp
I can hear a big difference. I prefer the isa one :)
There is a clearer top end with the ISA. It's def there. The question is other or not it's worth the fliff.
what interface did you run the isa 1 through??
I think the reason that you probably didn't hear anything in terms of difference is because you're not listening on professional grade or studio grade monitors and so forth... And also the acoustic treatment in your room. These are totally different devices... And running a high-end preamp into a low consumer grade device is just silly.
Good review. You just save me 500€ THANKS SO MUCH
I have a channelstrip wanna just use the eq how can i hook it up
sencillamente muy lindo color, nitidez y zona de aire abierto, gran sonido a un precio muy favorable, sin duda una excelente compra, tengo diferentes interfaces como una motu mki , que tiene para mi unos previos mejores que los de sus mas resientes hermanas, por otra parte tengo una audient id14 la cual no se por que a pesar de todo lo que dicen sobre apollo mkii duo , preferi el sonido que me brindaba la audient, y tengo una apogee emsenble, en la apogee noto una gran diferencia, pero aun asi con esa gran diferencia sin ninguna duda un pream externo como el isa one mejoran y resaltan las virtudes de dichas interfaces, sumando obviamente un mejor microfono, para notar diferencias reales debes mejorar tu cadena de audio, si vas a por un pream como el isa, debes tener un micro de su mismo rango de calidad costo, al igual que la interfaz o compresores que desees agregar a su cadena.
isa 110 m favorite
Isnt The cuemix is to hear from your DAW?
agrego que el scarlet no es una mal interfaz pero sus convertidores de salida son muy pobres en comparacion con otras interfaces, notaras la diferencia con solo cambiar a una audient id14
Can we get a calibration for isa one
Well if one of the best preamps of the history (even in an economic package) does not beat the crap out of a 130$ interface, then what we are doing? The difference is HUGE when listening them live, and greater if you listen in a room with professional acoustics.
You listen with your eyes?
@@71GA with my ass
que nveles de ganancia usaste?
Which of the "Z In" options is the more transparent and which one is the more warmer?
I thought the "Z In" was for high-impedance things (like guitar) only.
Looks like I was wrong.
212 7:19
ISA 7:54
Upgrade the mic in my opinion. The mic is pretty good but not great. The isa one is better in terms of giving more presence/detail to your vocals over the interface pre. Cool voice
i remember the isa one was $500 now its $800 since, good for me though cause im about to sell it for $500 and use it towards a neve 1073 or bae 1073 ☺️☺️☺️
Symetrix 528e + Focusrite Isa One preamp = Showwwwww
eduardo ferreira i run exactly that setup. I connect the 528 via send of the Isa One. Great tone indeed!
@@MarcoStarink
Here in Brazil many studios do the same as you said them. Since they do not want to own an avalon. Do you speak too? Brazil is very well in this area, our style is the same as that of the Americans. Well dynamic and creative .. Good fluids for you colleague !!!
well if you ask the company, you buy the isa one to INPUT into the interface.
like night and day... isa all the way
2i2 =160.- (preamp AND converter)
Isa one = 490.- (just preamp)
sound difference = yes!
Where can I get this for $500
HELP! I have to be doing something wrong, so Im using a Focusrite 2i4 2nd Gen. Im overpassing the built in Preamp and using a Focusrite ISA One. " At4050 using Mogami XLR to XLR input on the ISA One PreAmp --> then ISA One Preamp using a XLR to 1/4 Inch to my first front Line input. and when I record vocals, they sound like Crap. Listening to the vocals in this video using the ISA One preamp with a AT2035 im not even close to that clear and good quality vocals. WHY?
PS. Only 48V phantom power is "ON" on the ISA One , and not on the Interface " 2i4 "
XLR to 1/4 inch cable....is the 1/4 inch cable TRS or TS?
Sharon Rachman TS
Its a TS
@@Zhamako You need a TRS cable which the stereo balanced cable. The TS is a mono unbalanced cable. That's why you can't hear a proper sound.
Sharon Rachman thank you so much! I will be getting a TRS cable tomorrow. I really appreciate your help!
Guys, in the comparison, the loudness doesn't match. If those two takes are compared in the same loudness, the result would be less obvious.
Once people learn how to mix and master, they will see just how capable the scarlett is alone of getting you professional quality.
Also, your voice is screaming for a warm mic, grab the Rode K2, or AT4050 / 4057-- those would sound great with your voice! ---
I think that is a great idea, thank you!
Get an SM7B, or a nice ribbon mic@@SharonRachman
I like the fuck is right pre amp a lot. Is sounds dope. 🤣
Isa one professional sound....Interface low mid level....The Voice Magic Different
There a massive difference
Did you have a compressor hooked up or just focusrite isa one
Just Focusrite Isa One
Different preamps have different qualities, and the analog to digital conversion matters as well as the digital do analog conversion (Notice the digital card for the ISA One costs as much as the preamp itself). The ISA One is known to be a very transparent preamp and also a very good preamp, but it will not dazzle you in the sense of adding character to the signal. You might actually be more impressed with a Golden Age Project preamp even though it's less expensive because it is more known to add character. My favorite preamp that I've heard is the API 312 inside of an api a2d because both the preamp and converters were high end. The wonderful thing about the ISA One is that it is very clean so you can record many tracks and get a more cleaned up sounding outcome because you're not stacking lots of layers of noise. Hearing a difference also depends on how you set it up. If you put the preamp into the preamp on the Scarlett interface, you'll be adding the noise and character of the Scarlett's preamp. To get the most out of an isolated preamp you'd want to use it as an insert and bypass the interface's preamp (so you don't double preamp your signal). Also the amount of gain you can push with the ISA One is superior so you can record quieter sources with less noise.
I'd say the ISA is worth buying because of the versatility and features, quiet signal to noise ratio, and the fact that it can do send 2 signals, one from the mic, and one from the DI separately and simultaneously into the interface. You can find them used for as low as $300, which is a steal for what you're getting.
I would love to bypass my ID-14 pre with this but the ISA would have to have an optical out.
When speaking of sending two signals into the audio interface. Do you mean into S/PDIF of an audio interface?
Without question the ISA one has better preamps- same as the Forte Console- one channel of that preamp would've run you about $15,000 in the 80's. The Focusrite is super transparent- killer bang for it's buck.
isa one sounds thicker and more fuller sounding.
You have much better headroom in the isa. It will be easier to use it in a mix. And you will also be able to insert a compressor for it later. The 2i2 has no inserts.
@Oystein Soreide
Does it really have 80 dBs of max. gain? How much clear gain is that?
I am planning to use it with SM7B.
@@gaborkiss1425 most preamps has less than 60 dB gain. If you get a bad recording with the isa, it's you doing a mistake.
@@oysteinsoreide4323 Thank you, I am sold on it!
The Converters is the weakest point in the chain as the Scarlett range is on the lower end side for project studio making difficult to tell the difference using an external mic pre. Mic Pres aren't DACs which is why you can't hear what you recorded. Your interface is your DAC for play back and your mic pre as ADC. If you get the Clarett you will most definitely hear the difference between Mic pres as they have higher end AKM converters chips which are the same ones found in the Red 4 Pre.
Arent you supposed to go line level after preamp?
Yes, and I mention about it in the video.
The ISA kills it!!! Sharon, even through the UA-cam compression--- it shines all over the focusrite 2i2. I'd upgrade your 2i2 to an audient or Apollo and connect your mic to the ISA and run it's output into a better interface.
If I will purchase the Audient and connect it to Isa One the preamp will be influenced by Isa One so why should I purchase the Audient interface? Or is it because audient has better converters?
Sharon Rachman it’s no different than what you’re already doing by getting the sound into your computer.... I would simply recommend upgrading your current interface to an audient or Apollo as they have upgraded digital to analog converters and when connecting the isa one to them, they will pass the sound of the isa one to your DAW ( pro tools/ableton etc). More accurately.
Which one do you suggest? Id22? I listen to several comparisons and id22 sounds to me more smooth, warm and clear than focusrite 2i2. It seems like it cuts the unnecessary low end which I think can "automatically" improve the mix.
@@SharonRachman I'd recommend at a minimum the id14, as that model has upgraded converters-- (that's what I personally use for voiceover + SM7B / MKH416) or look at the id44 if you need more inputs...
@@SharonRachman go with the id14 or 44 if you want more inputs--- the better a/d converters start with that model (id14)..
ISA One wins HANDS DOWN
The reference to the cue mix on the front AND on the back is completely wrong. Read about and think over that thumbs down...
Me encanto el video👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻. Una pregunta: tengo una audient id14 y un Rode nt1 . El nivel de ganancia en la interfase audient me conviene dejarlo en 0? Ya que conecto la isa one por el xlr de entrada de mic . Puedes mostrar los niveles de ganancia que usaste ? radiofonico@gmail.com
Deje el interface a 0
the plug is in a wrong way。。。。if you use the xlr into the 2i2，the signal passes through the preamp in the interface again，so you need a xlr to TRS cable linking the ISA and 2i2, to bypass the built in preamp:-)
Q Qi I switched to line level in 2i2 in order to bypass the 2i2 preamps. However, very interesting, I do have a XLR to TRS cable, I will try it, thank you!
Here is the manual saying：
“Scarlett 2i2 has no “Mic/line” switch - the Focusrite preamplifier stage is automatically configured
for a microphone when you plug an XLR into the input, and for a line or instrument when you connect
a jack plug. Set the LINE/INST switch next to the socket to INST if you are connecting a musical
instrument (a guitar in the example) via an ordinary 2-pole (TS) guitar jack, or to LINE if you are
connecting a line level source such as the balanced output of a stage piano via a 3-pole (TRS) jack.”
So，in this case，we need the TRS cable. I hope this will give some help : - )
False! Long as the gain is low it will work perfectly I own this and that’s how I used it with Apollo 8
Mic preamp waits for Mic signal level.
Line level input jack wats for a Line level signal.
Instrument input jack waits for a Inst level signal.
When you put a line or instrument level signal into a Mic Preamp you're basically destroying your equipment. Slowly maybe, but still doing that. In terms of sound, if you "compensate" the signal input by decreasing to minimum the preamp input gain, you may not notice a sonic difference, but eletrically you still doing something that are at least not recommended, if you insist that it's not wrong.
@@estudio500 It's an input setting for the xlr inputs on the interface wether it's line, instrument or mike. So it should manage the line level input nicely. But of course the easiest is to use a balanced TRS connection to a line input directly. No need to set padding on the input.
The Focusrite ISA One sounds much better
Isa One получше будет, помягче и полней...
The same pre amp??? Oh dear.
The definition, colour, tonal balance and forward positioning - focusing - of the vocal through the ISA is undeniable... thanks largely to the Lundahl transformer.
By comparison, the 2i2 is just a rinky dink pre/converter - does the job, but in a very underwhelming, flat way.
siriusisastar Oh, I'd love to be wrong in this particular case::)))) thanks for your comment!
For most people starting out, the extra $500 would be much better spent on treatment or a better mic. Preamps can sound different but they are on the lower priority end of things if you have at least a decent interface.
There's something inviting in the way she pronounces "Focusright".
Deamn son! small world we live in eh? :D
(as in fuq us right?)
7:19 7:55
I want an ISA!!! Have for a while now. I bought some Presonus Xmax preamps.....they are quite good!! Really quiet and transparent....good quality....but I want some analog pre's also. I have a problem.....I LOVE music gear and collecting (and using it). I enjoy collecting gear like others collect stamps or coins....it's a totally separate unrelated hobby than my actual playing/recording....though, using the stuff is the Best part!! But I do have a problem with wanting to collect collect and collect....I have to be tough with myself and not do it, no need to, it's expensive and you can get Quality recordings from even affordable low-cost gear nowadays. Like I said, it's like a hobby of its own
David Belcher you probably state this because you're looking for savior to stop you from keep on buying and collecting. But we all here can only be your demons:::)))) I like to collect microphones::))))) . I rationalize it that every song and it's frequencies require different microphone flavor. Sometimes the singer doesn't sound wow with one mic but with the other not much needed to let him shine through. I also would like to purchase analog compressor for mixing/mastering process. I tried different pluggings but in comparison with big record deal tracks pluggins compressors are way behind in my opinion. I think pro engineers receive that big sound through analog compressors mostly.
isa one WAY better
Great video, thanks.
Objectively they sound the same. Subjectively, if people like that famous ISA sound, and they want to have it in a dedicated blue box instead in a red one, then they should go for it, nice thing to own and work with.
Once again, we humans are very subjective. First I thought ISA sounds better, but it was only few decibels louder. With the same level applied there is no, or is some negligible difference that could be just the singer's different interpretation or distance from the microphone.
Today's gear is great, even the cheapest one. Make great music, and stop paying attention on expensive gear...
I totally agree with you☺️
Man I dont think my ears are qualified to form an opinion. Being up front about that before im attacked LOL. I cant hear better quality from the ISA. I have the ISA one and scarlett 18i22 and when settings are right in my studio with several pretty good mics I still dont hear the ISA being better. It sounds brighter on the top compared to the Scarlett. IS THAT WHAT MAKES MOST THINK ITS BETTER? To me they are close in quality. My control room is treated and thought out. I do VX there and dont use the booth, I like the sound of an open room better than the booth. I KNOW THIS WILL MAKE YOU CRAZY WITH SO MANY OPTIONS AND OPINIONS. IS SOUNDING CLEAN AND SOUNDING BETTER THE SAME. Is one colored? Do we want color? I was thinking about leaping in and spending several thousand dollars but that scares me. I have friends who have spent mega bucks and my VX sound as good or better with the 18i22 after post editing all in the box.only use compression coming in, no EQ. When I did my comparison it was with bluesy male VX. Maybe for more timid male or female VX the difference would be heard. I enjoyed your voice Sharon and thanks for posting. :) Music makes me happy !! but always frustrated.
Thank you for your comment. From what I learned so far a good recording interface is not only preamps but converters as well. Expensive gear doesn't guarantee a better overall sound of the track as we, artists, still need to wear a hat of sound engineer. It definitely guarantee a good recording source which allows us to work easily with recorded material without patching bandages but we still need to tweak wisely in order to get commercial sound track.
The Isa gives a clean gain without distortion that’s why it’s so famous. Usually with tube preamps you can’t do r&b tracks because of the distortion tube preamps give. But preamps like the Isa one and Avalon your good to go.
Meth high ya!
Isa one by a mile...
Distortion Distortion
Pain pain pain
the ISA 1 wins hands down this girl is deaf. lol
This lady needs to celan her ears
F*ck us right?