Our transformers are used by leading audio brands, engineers, and manufacturers around the world. In our success stories, we share the collaborations, products, and innovations where Lundahl Transformers play a part — from high-end studio equipment and microphones to audiophile systems and creative audio solutions.
Each story highlights how precision, trust, and long-term partnerships help bring great sound to life.
Heritage Sound. Modern Studio Control. Lundahl Inside.
The new Focusrite ISA C8X brings the classic ISA sound into a modern 26-in / 28-out USB-C audio interface — built for today’s professional studios, engineers and creators.
At the heart of the first two ISA preamp channels are Lundahl LL1538 transformers, delivering the analogue character, depth and musicality that have become closely associated with the ISA legacy. Focusrite describes the ISA C8X as an interface combining the trademark ISA sound with remote control, analogue and digital I/O, routing and recallability for modern studio workflows.
Lundahl LL1538 in the Focusrite ISA C8X
The first two channels of the ISA C8X feature classic ISA preamps with Lundahl LL1538 transformers. These transformer-based channels offer up to 79 dB of gain, switchable impedance, balanced inserts and high-pass filtering — all controllable from the front panel or via Focusrite Control 2. For Lundahl, this is another example of how our transformers continue to support world-class audio design — from legendary analogue circuits to the next generation of studio interfaces.
A modern interface with an analogue soul
Focusrite’s ISA story began in 1985, when Sir George Martin asked Rupert Neve to create a no-compromise microphone preamp. That circuit became the foundation of the ISA range, and the ISA C8X carries that heritage forward in a modern format.
Two ISA transformer microphone preamps
Featuring Lundahl LL1538 transformers for the classic ISA character.
Transformer-based DI inputs
The two front-panel instrument inputs are routed through the Lundahl transformers, giving guitar, bass and other instruments a true console feel.
All-analogue tone shaping
Console and 430 Air modes add new tonal options directly from the ISA 430 MkII heritage.
Professional studio workflow
Eight remote-controlled preamps, 24-bit / 192 kHz conversion, ADAT expansion, balanced inserts, monitor control and extensive analogue and digital I/O.
Why transformers still matter
n a modern recording chain, the transformer is more than a technical component. It shapes the relationship between the microphone, the preamp and the final sound.
A high-quality audio transformer can contribute to:
- natural musical character
- galvanic isolation
- impedance matching
- signal integrity
- analogue depth and dimension
- a controlled and reliable interface between circuits
This is why Lundahl transformers continue to be selected by leading audio manufacturers around the world — where sound, stability and long-term performance matter.
Want to know more about the Lundahl LL1538? Read the datasheet here
Built for engineers who want both character and control
The ISA C8X is designed for studios that need flexibility without losing the feel of analogue signal paths. With two Lundahl transformer-based ISA channels, six additional Focusrite preamps, digital expansion and remote control, it bridges classic studio sound and modern production efficiency.
For Lundahl, it is a proud moment to see the LL1538 continue to play a role in the evolution of one of the most respected preamp families in professional audio.
