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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New documentary released on the history of Focusrite ISA
A 20-minute documentary tracing the origins, evolution, and enduring legacy of the Focusrite ISA sound from a 1985 commission to the studios of today.
Los Angeles, CA, April 16, 2026 – In late 2025, Focusrite commissioned a new short-form documentary with filmmaker Chris Mayes-Wright, the same director responsible for the original Focusrite Studio Console film, which has been watched more than half a million times. The 20-minute feature, titled “From one request to a legacy: The Focusrite ISA story,” traces the full story of ISA: its origins, its evolution and why it continues to define the standards of professional audio today.
The film begins at AIR Studios in London, where CEO Simon Knee explains the legacy of the ISA 110 modules that Rupert Neve designed for Sir George Martin in 1985. From there it moves to the Forte console, one of only two ever built, and then to the Focusrite Studio Console. Only ten of the latter were ever made, and most are still in active use.
The crew then visited The Focusrite Room in Mesa, Arizona, where John Aquilino hosts the Studio Console 005, originally built for Bop Studios in South Africa and the largest Focusrite Studio Console ever made.
Restoration engineers Lincoln Fong and Ken Hirsch appear throughout, explaining the important work they do to keep these historic consoles operational.
The documentary also visits Peter Gabriel's legendary Real World Studios, where head engineer Katie May speaks to her use of the ISA 828 MkII in her recording process. Her approach centers on a communal workflow where the control room and live room operate as one shared space. For Katie, the ISA 828 MkII is a tool in service of that philosophy.
Interspersed throughout the film, restoration engineers Lincoln Fong and Ken Hirsch appear, explaining the care and effort they put into keeping these historic consoles operational.
More than a history piece, the film positions ISA as a living legacy that continues to define the sound, reliability, and engineering standards trusted by audio professionals worldwide.
Watch the ISA Documentary and find out more, at https://focusrite.com/articles/watch-the-story-of-focusrite-isa/.
NOTES FOR EDITORS
We encourage press and partners to embed the documentary within their coverage of Focusrite ISA. This connects readers to the deeper story behind the technology, adding editorial value and reinforcing why ISA remains a benchmark in professional audio.VIDEO
YouTube URL: https://youtu.be/BX6cDyyeWBMMEDIA PACK
The media pack for the documentary can be found here: https://brand.focusritegroup.com/share/hoDSQJfqvsrwDcp1duAk
LINKS
News Story Page [Click Here]
ISA Range Page [Click Here]Photo file 1: ISA_Documentary_TheFocusriteRoom.JPG
Photo caption 1: Still from the new documentary “From one request to a legacy: The Focusrite ISA story,” featuring John Aquilino at The Focusrite Room in Mesa, ArizonaPhoto file 2: ISA_Documentary_TheFocusriteRoom_alt.JPG
Photo caption 2: Still from the new documentary “From one request to a legacy: The Focusrite ISA story,” featuring The Focusrite Room in Mesa, ArizonaPhoto file 3: ISA_Documentary_RealWorld.JPG
Photo caption 3: Still from the new documentary “From one request to a legacy: The Focusrite ISA story” at Peter Gabriel's legendary Real World StudiosPhoto file 4: ISA_Documentary_RealWorld_alt.JPG
Photo caption 4: Still from the new documentary “From one request to a legacy: The Focusrite ISA story” at Peter Gabriel's legendary Real World StudiosPhoto file 5: ISA_Documentary_Restoration.JPG
Photo caption 5: Still from the new documentary “From one request to a legacy: The Focusrite ISA story,” showing the restoration of vintage ISA componentsFor further information, head to www.focusrite.com or contact:
USA: Dan Hughley +1 (310) 341-7265 // daniel.hughley@focusrite.com
Robert Clyne +1 (615) 662-1616 // robert@clynemedia.comAbout Focusrite
Founded in the UK in 1985, Focusrite is a leading manufacturer of audio interfaces, mic preamps, and audio-over-IP solutions. The brand’s 40-year history in pro audio began with legendary audio designer Rupert Neve, who created the now-iconic ISA 110 and 130 modules for Sir George Martin’s Air Montserrat. This same ISA design went on to form the heart of a series of ten Focusrite Studio Consoles – built for Metropolis, Electric Lady and Master Rock, among other legendary studios – and later the revered Red range, as well as the ISA outboard that lives on to this day. Trusted by millions of artists, producers, and engineers around the world, Focusrite can be found everywhere — from world class studios to bedroom setups. Focusrite empowers creators to capture their sound, wherever they make music. www.focusrite.com.
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