Offering the signature, high-end sound the company is known for, as well as the possibility of outputting digital signal over modern networking platforms, the Focusrite Pro ISA 828 MkII is an eight-channel microphone preamp with mic, line, and instrument connections. This MkII version offers an updated power supply, which provides more efficient power consumption at lower temperatures. Also, the ISA 828 MkII is compatible with Dante networks, should you load it with the separately available ISA ADN8 card.

The preamp makes use of a Lundahl LL1538 input transformer to give you the sound of the original classic Focusrite preamps. Just press the ISA 110 switch to activate that vintage sound. The microphone input stage provides a variable impedance circuit. The gain range is a very healthy 80 dB, making the unit suitable for use with low-output dynamic and ribbon microphones.

Channels one through four include DI inputs that feature high- and low-impedance options, delivering a comprehensive and accessible DI solution for electric guitars and basses. Pair the device with the separately available ISA ADN8, and you'll have a great front end, one that works equally well in studios and complicated live-sound settings.

Mic, Instrument, and Line Inputs    80 dB Gain Range    Classic ISA Mic Preamp Design    Lundahl LL1538 Input Transformer    Efficient Cool Operation    Front-Panel Instrument Inputs    6-Segment LED Peak-Level Meters    Selectable +48V Phantom Power and HPF    Slot for Optional Dante-Equipped AD Card

Eight-channel microphone preamp featuring original ISA transformer-based preamps

Each channel can accept either microphone or line input

Channels 1 through 4 also accept instrument inputs for guitars and basses, or vintage synthesizers with high impedance outputs

Microphone input can deliver up to 80dB of gain, particularly useful when working with very low output dynamic and ribbon microphones

Phantom power, ISA 110, and phase switches provided on each input

High-pass filter on each channel provides a 75 Hz corner frequency with 18 dB/octave roll-off

Variable microphone impedance

Six-LED input meter per channel

Separately available eight-channel analog-to-digital converter card provides eight channels A/D conversion over Dante, ADAT, or AES3, at sample rates and resolutions up to 192 kHz / 24-bit

Includes Brainworx bx_console Focusrite, a plug-in that faithfully captures the sound, feel, and style of the original Focusrite ISA 110 Equaliser and ISA 130 Dynamics Modules

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Does this provide "plug in" power to the 3.5mm input jack?

A: Yes, the Rolls MP13 will supply plug-in power to the 3.5mm mic input.

Q: 2. Does this work with Focusrite Control software?

A: This unit will show up as digital inputs in the Focusrite Control Software, when connected to the ADAT input of an a compatible Focusrite interface.

Q: 3. Will this preamp boost an XLR signal a further distance than without using it? I have to cover a distance of ~300ft and am trying to assure no loss of signal.

A: The Rolls Mini-Mic Preamp is not really designed for boosting signal on a long cable run. For 300 feet, you should use high quality shielded audio cables to avoid signal loss and if you do need to increase the gain without adding noise, you might want to try the Cloud Microphones Cloudlifter CL-1 Mic Activator (B&H # CLCL1) which improves signal-to-noise ratio and improves the performance of passive microphone signals by driving stronger, cleaner signals over longer XLR cable runs.

Q: 4. Can this be re-purposed to be used from an XLR out from the back of my amp (Peavy Vypyr Pro 100) to patch headphones in to monitor the signal being sent from the amp to the mixer board on the bands PA system?

A: If your amp is a XLR Mic level output yes. It will take Line level out also but it will take much less boost to power the headphones. If it is speaker level out you may blow out the preamp.

Q: 5. I have just realised that these are incopatible with my Klark Teknick CT1 Mic Booster as the CT1 requires 48V phantom power and the Rolls MP13 provides 24V. Can you recommend a quiet, affordable alternative?

A: ART Tube MP Preamplifier B&H # ARTUBEMP Single-Channel Tube-Based Hand-Selected 12AX7A Vacuum Tube Variable Input & Output Gain Control Ideal as a Tube DI Box XLR & 1/4" Connections Inexpensive, Professional Performance Exceptionally Low Noise A Staple in Many Studios

Q: 6. Will it work with other interfaces such as Universal Audio apollo? or is it only built to work with focusrite interfaces?

A: The OctoPre can be used together with any interface that has ADAT inputs. It will work with the Universal Audio Apollo as well as other Focusrite Scarlett interfaces.

Q: 7. Does this pass phantom power (48v)? The last xls barrel adapter I tried did not, making it useless form my application

A: Yes, the Shure A15HP does allow phantom power to pass through so it can be used with condenser microphones as well as dynamic microphones.

Q: 8. Does this XLR barrel adapter block Phantom power (48v)? I tried a different brand and it only worked on mics that did not need phantom power.

A: No, the Shure A15HP does not block phantom power and it does allow phantom power to pass through so it can be used with condenser microphones as well as dynamic microphones.

Q: 9. What is this? Not sure. It does not even have a USB interface. Why does it show up here under AUDIO INTERFACES then?

A: Hello,This is an 8 channel preamp that you can connect to an interface via ADAT (Optical)

Q: 10. Will this work to power and amplify a condenser mic fed into a 3-way line splitter, specifically a Whirlwind SP1X3LL?

A: The Rolls MP13 is able to power a condenser mic and the output can be connected to a splitter such as the Whirlwind SP1X3LL. The MP13 however only offers 36v of phantom power and would not be recommended for mics who require a full 48v. Many mics are able to operate at a range of voltages from 9v - 52v and you should check your mics requirements before purchase.