Focusrite's ISA C8X is a milestone product that brings together the company's analogue heritage and their expertise in digital audio. In this in-depth interview, company head Phil Dudderidge and Head of Product Will Hoult talk to SOS Editor in Chief Sam Inglis about the history of the ISA preamp circuit, explain what makes it special, and lay bare the intensive development process behind the first ISA audio interface.
Chapters
00:00 - Intro
01:18 - Phil Dudderidge On The Original Focusrite ISA Design
02:43 - Focusrite Mixing Consoles Past & Future
04:32 - Will Hoult On The ISA Mic Preamp
09:12 - How Do Transformers Affect A Preamp's Character?
15:27 - Main Benefits Over More Affordable Audio Interfaces
20:49 - Why Use A Stepped Control For Gain?
24:59 - Audio Interfaces With Integrated High End Preamps
26:00 - USB Or Thunderbolt Connection?
28:34 - How Does The ISA C8X Appeal To Home Studio Users?
34:02 - More Features Included On The ISA C8X
38:24 - Outro