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Replacing ISA 428 with....? Multi Channel Preamp

Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2017 12:46 pm
by wonder
I have 2 ISA428's. I've already had to repair them a few times because of the heat issue.

My second one has issues with the word clock sync and I'm thinking about replacing it with a 4 or 8 channel preamp.

I do love the extra 4 channels of AD conversion available in the ISAs.

For around the same price (under 3k), anyone have any suggestions on some lesser used/known pre's that they like?

I saw the Slate VRS8 ... but not sure I can wait that long nor trust the system as its so new. But who knows...maybe I'll wait on that.

Any ideas are appreciated.

Re: Replacing ISA 428 with....? Multi Channel Preamp

Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2017 6:48 pm
by waxman
Go with Slate. I just ordered a unit with 8 mics from Sweetwater. The delivery is mid March. I know Slate has had problems with delivering in the past because of supply issues like Typhoon wiping out their supply factory. But I'm sure they are sensitive to not letting that ever happen again. They delivered the VMS right on time. So hopefully the VMR will be on time. I have 3 ISA 828s. One has the digi card. I am selling all of them. For the same reason as you. Heat, power consumption, big power rails, long in the tooth etc... Slate is a no brainer. It is a new way of working.

Re: Replacing ISA 428 with....? Multi Channel Preamp

Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2017 6:54 pm
by wonder
@waxman

I do like my ISA's but fear the repair will cost more than the unit in the long run. Both have the AD cards.

How are you gonna handle the Headphone cues with the VRS?

Re: Replacing ISA 428 with....? Multi Channel Preamp

Posted: Sun Jan 29, 2017 3:03 pm
by waxman
wonder wrote:@waxman

I do like my ISA's but fear the repair will cost more than the unit in the long run. Both have the AD cards.

How are you gonna handle the Headphone cues with the VRS?
It has 2 headphone outs and the internal mixer. If I am doing a large session where I need more then 3 separate HP sends I have a mic splitter and a pre-sonus ai mixer. The Presonus ai has 14 aux outs. Those can be controlled by the players iPhone, ipad, computer or at the mixer. I have a couple iphones and ipads sitting around for the Android guys... Most of the time the cntrl room and 2 HP outs on the VRS will be plenty. I've done bass player and gtr in control room panned lt and rt with the player standing by their respective speaker. Drummer in iso, vox and keys sharing a mix using just 3 HP mixes. http://www.presonus.com/products/StudioLive-RM16AI