Focusrite ISA ADN8 8-Channel A-D Expansion Card with Dante

Overview

The Focusrite ISA ADN8 is an optional eight-channel A-D expansion card designed for the Focusrite ISA 428 MkII and ISA 828 MkII microphone preamps. It adds high-quality 24-bit/192kHz digital conversion together with Dante, AES3, and ADAT connectivity, allowing the classic ISA analogue preamps to integrate directly with modern digital recording and audio-over-IP systems.

With primary and secondary Dante Ethernet ports, an AES59 DB25 connection for eight channels of AES3, dual TOSLINK connectors for ADAT, and BNC Word Clock I/O, ISA ADN8 provides flexible connectivity for professional studios, live sound, broadcast, and networked audio environments.

Key Features

• Eight-channel high-quality analogue-to-digital conversion
• Designed for Focusrite ISA 428 MkII and ISA 828 MkII
• 24-bit/192kHz maximum sample rate
• Dante connectivity with Primary and Secondary Ethernet ports
• Redundant Dante networking with automatic switchover
• Eight-channel AES3 output via AES59-configured DB25
• Eight-channel ADAT output via two TOSLINK connectors
• Word Clock input and output via BNC connectors
• Internal or external Word Clock synchronization
• RedNet Control for metering and card settings
• Dante Controller for network audio routing
• Designed for user installation in compatible ISA preamps

Eight-Channel A-D Conversion

ISA ADN8 converts the analogue outputs of compatible ISA microphone preamps into high-quality digital audio. With support for resolutions up to 24-bit/192kHz, it provides a professional digital path for capturing the detailed sound of the ISA 428 MkII and ISA 828 MkII.

The card supports sample rates of 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, and 192kHz, allowing it to accommodate standard recording sessions as well as high-resolution production workflows.

Dante Audio Networking

With Dante connectivity, ISA ADN8 allows the analogue outputs of an ISA preamp to be placed directly onto a professional audio network. The card features separate Primary and Secondary RJ45 Ethernet ports for redundant network operation and automatic switchover in the event of a connection failure.

Dante connectivity enables the ISA 428 MkII and ISA 828 MkII to communicate with Focusrite RedNet devices, Red interfaces, and compatible Dante-enabled equipment from other manufacturers without requiring conventional point-to-point analogue connections.

AES3 Digital Output

An industry-standard AES59-configured DB25 connector provides eight channels of AES3 digital output. This makes ISA ADN8 suitable for professional digital consoles, interfaces, converters, and other equipment using the widely adopted TASCAM-style AES59 connector format.

ADAT Optical Connectivity

Two TOSLINK optical connectors provide eight channels of ADAT output at sample rates up to 96kHz. At higher sample rates, ADAT SMUX operation provides four channels at 176.4/192kHz, giving compatible systems flexible optical connectivity for different recording configurations.

Professional Clock Synchronization

ISA ADN8 includes dedicated BNC Word Clock input and output connections. The card can synchronize to an external Word Clock source or provide clock synchronization to connected digital equipment, making it suitable for integration into larger studio and broadcast clocking systems.

Software Control and Routing

RedNet Control provides access to metering and configuration from a computer, while Dante Controller allows digital audio routing across the Dante network. Network routing can therefore be configured without conventional hardware patching.

Compatible ISA Preamps

ISA ADN8 is specifically designed for the ISA 428 MkII and ISA 828 MkII. It is installed internally into the compatible preamp and expands its analogue outputs with professional digital connectivity.

Important: ISA ADN8 is not compatible with the ISA One. The ISA One uses the separate two-channel ISA ADN2 expansion card.

Typical Uses

• Adding Dante networking to ISA 428 MkII or ISA 828 MkII
• Eight-channel digital recording
• Connecting ISA preamps to Dante audio networks
• Integration with Focusrite RedNet and Red interfaces
• Professional AES3 digital audio connections
• ADAT optical expansion and digital interface connectivity
• Studio tracking and multi-channel recording
• Broadcast and installed audio systems
• Live sound and networked audio production
• Word Clock synchronization in professional digital systems

Specifications

• Compatible Products: Focusrite ISA 428 MkII and ISA 828 MkII
• Conversion: 8-channel analogue-to-digital
• Resolution: 24-bit
• Supported Sample Rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, and 192kHz
• Clock Sources: Internal or Word Clock
• Dynamic Range: 121dB A-weighted typical
• Frequency Response: 20Hz–20kHz ±0.1dB
• THD+N: -105dB typical, 0.0006%, at -1dBFS input
• Dante: 8-channel network audio output
• Dante Network Ports: 2 × RJ45, Primary and Secondary
• AES3: 8-channel output via 1 × AES59 DB25
• ADAT: 8 channels via 2 × TOSLINK
• ADAT at 88.2/96kHz: 4 channels per optical port using SMUX
• ADAT at 176.4/192kHz: 2 channels per optical port using SMUX
• Word Clock Input: 1 × BNC, 75Ω, switchable termination
• Word Clock Output: 1 × BNC
• Control Software: RedNet Control and Dante Controller

What's Included

• Focusrite ISA ADN8 A-D expansion card
• 3 × M3 mounting screws
• Safety information cut sheet
• Focusrite Pro Important Information Guide
• Installation and software information for RedNet Control and Dante Controller
• Dante Virtual Soundcard token and download instructions

Note: ISA ADN8 is an internal expansion card and requires a compatible Focusrite ISA 428 MkII or ISA 828 MkII. The compatible microphone preamp is sold separately.

Why Choose the Focusrite ISA ADN8?

The Focusrite ISA ADN8 provides a professional digital expansion path for ISA 428 MkII and ISA 828 MkII preamps, combining eight-channel conversion with Dante, AES3, ADAT, and Word Clock connectivity. It makes it possible to bring the classic ISA analogue front end into modern digital studios and networked audio systems while retaining flexible professional routing and synchronization options.