I would appreciate input from all who have used these. They both seem to be very good for the price. Would like to know if there is much difference between them.
 
http://us.focusrite.com/mic-pres/isa-one
 
http://www.uaudio.com/hardware/mic-preamps/solo-610.html
 
 
Thank you

Those are both nice pres.  I've got the ISA One and it is a nice, professional preamp.  A lot of people call it sterile and it doesn't saturate like some other transformer-based pres,  but does have a lot of clean gain and a nice round tone.  It works well if you have a bunch of interface pres.
 
I haven't messed w/ the Solo, but I suppose it is the same tube pre as in the other UA products.  It is nice and will do the softer side of tube but get grungey, too, if you overdrive it.  However, it is a bit expensive, although the 610 is a good buy.
 
Either of the above should work well and a step up above interface pres.  The Solo, esp., can put a little fur on a recording.  Some good buys these days are the Warm audio stuff - Api-style pre and the Tonebeast, with is the same but with switchable op amps and transformers.  My favorite is the Rupert Neve Designs pres, but they are a bit more expensive, though I've never tried their single channel pre, which is priced somewhere between the two you are looking at.

I have experience with both. I would recomend the isa first as it will sound better on more sources in my experience. What kind of music are you recording?

The Daking Mic Pre One is another one to check out.
 
Single channel, though.
 
 

Another inexpensive mic preamp to check out is the GAP Pre-73

https://seventhcircleaudio.com/
 
I'm so curious for one of these. I thought I'd just show you.

I just went through this same process, as I wanted a pre for vox and as a bass DI. I ended up with the Warm Audio WA 12.  I have been very impressed with it.  Nice fully dimensional vox and a great bass DI.
 
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/WA12

You know Bob I have WAY too much gear.
I was reading a post by Danny Danzi the other day and it sounds like he has "sworn off"
(hope I'm not putting words in your mouth Danny, my apologies if I misunderstood) outboard gear.
Sometimes I think I'd be time (and money) ahead to focus on getting a good "clean" recording,
instead of "playing" with all the toys.
Sometimes (always) too many options burn way too much time and the muse moves on.
You've got 2 good pres in the Focusrite.
The 610's do grow some "hair", quickly, when pushed, gotta watch that.
Can't speak to the ISA-One.
You might look at a 500 series box (another one of my "toys"), lots of preamp options with that.
Keeps the desk clean, everything organized in one spot, and by sharing the power supply you
save a little dough on each pre.
Just my nickel 98.
All the best,
Tom
Oh and to GS, I've looked at the circle audio, I was "tempted", went with the 500 option.

Thanks for the assistance. I'm just looking for a good front end. Ideally I want to also get an outboard compressor and an EQ. I am beginning to spend more time on the recording phase to try and get the sound I want on the way in. I think having a few good front end pieces is better than relying on plugins. I'm leaning towards the solo 610 right now but I 'm in no hurry so I'm going to try and pick what may work for me. There's just so much to choose from.
 
Tom, You could sure say the same thing about plugins. Just think if you had as much outboard gear as you do plugins. I think were relying on plugins too much quite frankly. We shouldn't get lazy. Regardless of what gear I have I still try to get the best possible capture on the way in. There is obviously many variables to capture an instrument regardless of the gear but a good piece of kit can't hurt none.
 
Seven450, I checked out the WA12, looks pretty good.
 

Markhaskin
I have experience with both. I would recommend the isa first as it will sound better on more sources in my experience. What kind of music are you recording?

I'll keep this in mind. I write different styles but not sure why styles would matter.
 

AT
Those are both nice pres.  I've got the ISA One and it is a nice, professional preamp.  A lot of people call it sterile and it doesn't saturate like some other transformer-based pres,  but does have a lot of clean gain and a nice round tone.  It works well if you have a bunch of interface pres.
 
Either of the above should work well and a step up above interface pres.  The Solo, esp., can put a little fur on a recording.  Some good buys these days are the Warm audio stuff - Api-style pre and the Tonebeast, with is the same but with switchable op amps and transformers.  My favorite is the Rupert Neve Designs pres, but they are a bit more expensive, though I've never tried their single channel pre, which is priced somewhere between the two you are looking at.

Like Markhaskin post this is the kind feedback I'm looking for. Those with experience with these units.
 
Thanks all.

As with mics, there's an overwhelming number of pre-amp choices.
Try to narrow the focus by defining the "character" (or lack thereof) you're wanting from the pre-amp.
 
The Solo 610 has a warm/soft character.
It's not particularly aggressive sounding.
I had one for years... but (for this reason) it was rarely used.
Neve preamps (and clones) always sounded "better" (more aggressive) to my ears.
In particular, there's an articulation on transients that my other pre-amps lacked.
Everyone's aesthetic taste is different.  The Solo 610 may be exactly what you're looking for.