Focusrite ISA 220 or Universal Audio M610

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PaladinGuitar

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I've done a ton of searches on the forum to see what people think of these two units. I know there are some huge differences between the two considering the ISA is a channel strip and the 610 is a stand alone pre. It does have some slight eq that can be done to it but the tube is what catches my eye. I will primarily using it for vocals and the mics I use most often for vox are the Shure SM7B and KSM32. An employee at my local music shop is willing to sell an ISA 220 that he doesn't use any more WITH digital card for $1000. The 610 goes for about the same price so money isn't the issue here in the decission. Anyone have experience using these pres with these or similar mics? Or just what you may think would be a better decision for my studio set up. I record mostly alternative rock music and use a Digi 002.

Thanks

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I've read a lot of complans about the UA 610 over at gear slutz. People say they do not work for a lot of things. If you're looking for something for vocal you should check out the new NEVE Portico, which is only $1450.00 right now. www.rupertneve.com I ordered mine a few weeks ago and it should arrive and day.
 
Is there any way your friend at the music store can let you listen to the ISA first, before selling it to you? Ideally, you'd be able to listen to both the ISA and the 610 before making your purchase. Message board chatter only you gets you so far when making choices like this. Ultimately, the final judge is your ears.

I've found that once I audition something it makes the choice a lot easier.
 
SonicAlbert said:
Is there any way your friend at the music store can let you listen to the ISA first, before selling it to you? Ideally, you'd be able to listen to both the ISA and the 610 before making your purchase. Message board chatter only you gets you so far when making choices like this. Ultimately, the final judge is your ears.

I've found that once I audition something it makes the choice a lot easier.
Click to expand...

This is true. The only way to make a decision is to use it in your environment. Nothing wrong with returning it and choosing something else if you can.
 
In the 800 - $1200 range you have a lot of choices: John Hardy, A-Designs, UA, Vintech, Great River, Sebatron, Speck, Langevin, Davisound...
 
yeah he said i can try it out and see if i like it first. i'm thinking the ISA may be the better investment b/c of all the extra features and the A/D conversion card. has anyone had any luck using the ISA 220 or M610 on vocals? i know my ears will be the determining factor but just wanted to know what people's overall opinions are...reliability, ease of use, usefulness of features.

thanks for the response so far everyone!

justin
 
i thinks you should look at A-Designs or the sebatron vmp-4000
these are real valve preamps not hyped up with more features
If it is quality you are wanting these type of units will get you there
more features could make the sound deteriorate.
 
I ended up not getting either of the two I initially posted about. I ordered a Neve Portico last week and it should be here in a week or two! I can't wait to use it on vocals for my next session. I'll let you all know how it is once the session is done.
 
Please post your thoughts when you've worked with it.

I would love to see the portico vs. great river vs. John Hary comparision. Anybody with thoughts on these please post. Thanks,
Frank
 
ive never used the the isa but the 610 is my fav pre to use now. my friend got one and im constantly borrowing it. ive used a re20, nt2, m269, and an ntk through it on many sources and have had high success with it every time. its very warm and the eqs a very nice on it. you will not be dissapointed with that pre. its a classic for a reason.
 
Mix magazine did a review of the 610. They had good things to say about it for vocals.
 
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