TrakMaster Pro, a professional microphone preamplifier/compressor, is the latest in Focusrite's Platinum Pro series and the company's most affordable recording channel strip to date. Providing performance specifications never before seen at this price point, TrakMaster Pro features a mic preamp derived from Focusrite's award-winning Green range, front panel DI, problem-solving mid-scoop EQ, intuitive optical compression, latency-free monitoring, and the Platinum Pro series ADC option.

The preamp demonstrates the same wide bandwidth philosophy as past Focusrite preamps, ensuring low noise and distortion and delivering clarity without unwanted artifacts. The Low Impedance switch, a feature previously unavailable at this price point, brings yet further sound options to the recording process. Also featured are Phantom Power and a High Pass filter for controlling rumble, proximity effect and pop reduction.

The mid-scoop EQ is a quick and effective problem-solver, with two different cut depths and an adjustable frequency control. Ranging from 120Hz to 2K, it's ideal for problem solving or for great miked-up speaker cabinets. Staying true to the Focusrite philosophy, the intuitive optical vintage compressor has been tuned by ear and features Focusrite's custom fast-acting optos operating in Class A mode, allowing for smoother, lower distortion performance than comparative off-the-shelf VCA circuits. With the addition of variable attack and the unique 'Squash' mode (ideal for punchy drum sounds), this compressor is equally capable of transparent compression or imposing a character of its own. Either way, it brings professional compression within reach of a new audience.

The original TrakMaster's metering section has been massively augmented, and now features a unique 'porthole'-style peak level meter, alongside the trademark for the Platinum Pro series, latency-free monitoring. This section offers the capacity to monitor tracked signals within the mix directly at source, avoiding having to monitor via the DAW or digital desk. A headphone or monitor mix can be created for either the artist or the engineer, with immediate, tactile control over levels. Finally, TrakMaster Pro accepts the established Platinum Pro 24-bit, 96kHz stereo Analogue to Digital converter, providing a high quality direct digital route from the TrakMaster Pro to the DAW.

When asked what he believes the Platinum TrakMaster Pro means to the recording masses, Rob Jenkins, Focusrite's Director of Product Strategy, replied:"We've always been clear on the philosophy behind the Platinum range and we're only too aware of what we need to deliver to stay ahead of the game in this market. Whilst TrakMaster Pro is the most affordable unit Focusrite has ever produced, it still breaks barriers. Carrying on where the TrakMaster left off, you've now got switchable impedance and latency-free monitoring - features that previously just weren't available at this price point. Quite simply, I believe TrakMaster Pro provides more bang for your buck than any other unit on the market."

Specifications

Mic Input Response

• Gain = +13dB to +60dB
• Input impedance = 2.5k Ohm (150 Ohm in Lo Z mode)
• EIN = 126dB @ 60dB gain with 150 Ohm termination & 22Hz/22kHz filter
• THD+N @ min gain (+13dB) = 0.001% with 0dBu input & 22Hz/22kHz filter
• THD+N @ max gain (+60dB) = 0.009% with -38dBu input & 22Hz/22kHz filter
• THD+N @ max input (+8dBu) = 0.001% with 22Hz/22kHz filter
• Frequency response @ min gain (+13dB) with -13dBu input = -3dB @ 10Hz & -2.3dB @ 200kHz
• Frequency response @ max gain (+60dB) with -60dBu input = -3dB @ 13Hz & -3dB @ 78kHz
• CMRR @ max gain (+60dB) = 80dB

Line Input Response

• Gain = -10dB to +36dB
• Input impedance = 24k Ohm
• Noise @ unity gain (0dB) = -88dBu with 22Hz/22kHz filter
• S/N ratio relative to max headroom (+36dBu) = 124dB
• S/N ratio relative to 0dBFSs (+22dBu) = 110dB
• THD+N @ unity gain (0dB) = 0.001% with 0dBFS (+22dBu) input and 22Hz/22kHz filter
• Frequency response @ unity gain (0dB) = -2.8dB @ 10Hz & -3dB @ 200kHz

Instrument Input Response

• Gain = +13dB to +60dB
• Input impedance = 1M Ohm
• Noise @ min gain (+13dB) = -87dBu with 22Hz/22kHz filter
• Noise @ max gain (+60dB) = -45dBu with 22Hz/22kHz filter
• THD+N @ min gain (+13dB) = 0.004% with 0dBu input & 22Hz/22kHz filter
• Frequency response @ min gain (+13dB) with -13dBu input = -3dB @ 10Hz & -2.3dB @ 200kHz

Level Meter

• Peak Level Moving Coil Meter
• Input & Output: -24dBFS to +2dBFS (-2dBu to +24dBu), +22dBu = 0dBFS
• Gain Change: 0dB to 24dB

Hi Pass Filter

• Roll-off = 12dB/octave 2-pole filter
• Cutoff frequency = -3dB @ 120Hz, -6dB @ 85Hz, -12dB @ 56Hz

Mid Scoop EQ

• EQ shape = peak
• Centre frequency = variable between 120Hz and 2kHz
• Cut (DEEP switch out) = -5dB
• Cut (DEEP switch in) = -10dB
• Q (DEEP switch out) = 0.7
• Q (DEEP switch in) = 2

Compressor

• Threshold range (SQUASH switch out) = -54dBFS (-32dBu) to -18dBFS (+4dBu)
• Threshold range (SQUASH switch in) = -37dBFS (-15dBu) to -4dBFS (+18dBu)
• Compressor ratio (SQUASH switch out) = 2.5:1
• Compressor ratio (SQUASH switch in) = 35:1
• Noise = -90dBu measured with a 22Hz/22kHz bandpass filter
• Make-up gain = 0 to +30dB

ADC Performance

• Sample Frequency = 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz & 96kHz
• Bit Depth = 24bit
• Maximum analogue input level = +22dBu (0dBfs)
• Dynamic Range = 109dB 'A' Weighted

EXT WORDCLOCK INPUT

• BNC connector

ADC EXT IN

• Balanced 1/4" TRS jack socket input (+4dBu)

MONITOR IN

• 2 x balanced 1/4" TRS jack socket inputs (+4dBu)

MONITOR OUT

• 2 x balanced 1/4" TRS jack socket outputs (+4dBu)

LINE OUT

• Balanced 1/4" TRS jack socket output (+4dBu)
• Unbalanced 1/4" TRS jack socket output (-10dBV)

Reviews

Music Tech Magazine - issue 25: "The TrakMaster Pro's compressor is loads of fun: it can sound clean for vocals and acoustic guitar, but it excels at crushing drum loops. The Slow Attack switch enables you to set the compressor to extreme levels without losing too much punch on kick drums and snares, so you can really get things pumping. The Squash setting behaves more like a limiter: if you set it carefully, you can contain transient peaks without impacting too much on the musical quality."

Future Music Issue 163 – October 2005 TrakMaster Pro review – Steve Evans: “Another channel strip from the Platinum range at a price that leaves no room for excuses.”