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Focusrite TrakMaster PRO (No Longer Available)Single-Channel Preamplifier with Optical Compressor and Mid-scoop EQ 
Sorry, the Focusrite TrakMaster PRO is no longer available. We've left this page up for reference only. Check out the great alternatives on this page or call toll-free (800) 222-4700 to speak with a Sweetwater Sales Engineer about similar products. From Our Research Team:Trak Like the Pros!The Focusrite TrakMaster Pro is a professional microphone preamplifier and compressor that 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 and latency-free monitoring.Focusrite TrakMaster Pro At-a-Glance:
Focusrite Preamp for Amazing Recordings 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. EQ and Optical Compressor 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. Vintage-Style Metering 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. Budget-conscious vocal and instrument processing channel for recording and live use. Features include discrete mic pre-amp, (with low impedance switch) line and instrument inputs, fixed high pass filter, phantom power, opto-compressor/limiter, mid-scoop EQ, latency-free monitoring, and optional 24-bit/96 kHz. A-D Focusrite TrakMaster Pro Features:
Focusrite TrakMaster Pro - Focusrite-quality that fits every budget!
TrakMaster PRO Image GalleryCan We Help?Sweetwater's friendly and knowledgeable Sales Engineers are regarded as the most experienced and educated professionals in the music industry, with extensive music backgrounds and intense training on the latest products and technologies. As your personal contact here at Sweetwater, they are available to provide personalized advice any time you need it.Call toll-free (800) 222-4700 or E-mail us Be the first to review this productMYYYYY GOODNESS THIS THING SOUNDS SWEET!!!!!
by from FAYETTEVILLE,NC
THIS THING SOUNDS SWEET MAN, MY GOODNESS I CAN HEAR DA DIFFERENCE ALREADY!!...JUST COMIN OUT DA BOX MAN I DID A QUICK TEST AND IT SOUNDS BETTER DEN WHAT I BEEN PLAYIN WIT, MY GOOD CAUSE I CAN TELL WHE... read more [+]N SOMETHING OR A PIECE OF EQUIPMENT IS GOOD OR NOT, I'M FOR SENDING STUFF BACK DAT DOESN'T SOUND UP TO PAR BUT MY GOOD I CAN HEAR DA DIFFERENCE ALREADY WITHOUT RAW, WITHOUT ANY PLUG-INSMarch 9, 2010 Music Background: UP N COMIN RC,RA GOOD, MAAAAN... NICE! DEY BEEN TRYIN KEEP FROM DIS ALL DIS TIME SUPPRESIN THE QUALITY OF THIS BABY JUST TO MAKE MORE BUT DAT DOESN'T MAKE ANY SENSE I COULD GO ON ABOUT HOW GOOD IT SOUNDS, I THINK close [-] you have to get at least one
by c.locke from okc,ok
ive had this unit for a year 1/2 an i had the chance to compare it to a avalon,la610,ua710 all high end units which i had in my studio.we did some takes on all these units an the avalon sounded no dif... read more [+]fernt than the trakmaster pro no disrespect,but you dont need to spend 2000.00 to get a great sounding record.out of all the high end units i had ,i liked the la 610 the best.you have to get this trakmaster pro close [-]
April 24, 2009 Music Background: recording engineer the most useful of the mid-level channel strips from any manufacturer!
by Burris Krista from Los Angeles, CA USA
I own the trakmaster and continue to use it after having previously owned the Joe Meek 3Q, presonus eureka, dbx 286, and art pro channel. There are only two units remaining out of all of those, the a... read more [+]rt and this focusrite. The focusrite is the most useful of them all, the art is good on some types of vocals, the meek had it's uses but the eq and compressor on it had such a distinctive sound that I tended not to use them when tracking, and the eureka just had an unfocused sound to it's preamp.October 7, 2006 Music Background: Pro recording engineer with 24 years of studio experience. The trakmaster has an amazing, clean, pure preamp with the best specs out of the bunch, adjustable input impedence, and tons of noise free gain. It's very neutral yet still has a bit of warmth to it not provided by something like a grace 101 or m-audio dmp-3 (both of which I have also owned but only kept the grace). Considering the availability of inexpensive pro-level gear out there I would recommend getting one of these to use for most of your recording, and maybe something a little warmer like an avalon or neve strip for rock lead vocal situations since the trakmaster isn't the warmest sound out there, it's much more accurate than most however. Great on acoustic guitar, great on 90% of vocals, NICE COMPRESSOR (amazing actually), nice sounding but limited eq but most people won't use the eq when tracking anyway (would be more useful for live use I think), optional digital converter addon as well with great sounding focusrite converters which is a plus if you want it at a later date. I have great converters already so won't bother. If you need it, the built in zero latency monitoring mixer is a great idea in the trakmaster, well implemented, just not something I need (I have a pro studio with a 24 channel mixer just for traking and a separate monitoring mixer). I now use the trakmaster for most of my pro work. Great build quality too, although I would prefer buttons and knobs that were a little heavier feeling. The way the power supply cord screws onto the back of the unit is excellent, shared by other focusrite boxes I have used (but can't afford to own), but I didn't expect it at this price point. Also after looking inside the unit I can say the circuit board is very high quality (no cheap m-audio or presonus boards here) and the design is consistent with the high end focusrite red series, just that there are more chips and fewer transistors in this than in the red box I've seen opened, but the choices of opamps etc are very high quality and there is class A technology in the mic pre although some of it is discrete, but they were being honest, it is Class A. close [-] Good for the price, but...
by Mesa One from Oakland, CA
So overall, I would rate this a must-buy if you can get it used. The deal brakers for me personally are the front-panel-only inputs (bad), the multi-function VU meter (good), the compressor controls (... read more [+]bad) and the features (good).April 11, 2008 Music Background: Aspiring engineer I'll go from left to right, across the front of the unit. Phantom power switch is standard when you're spending more than about $100 on a preamp. no problems there. All the switches on this unit are toggle, and have LEDs behind them. Very nice for quick reference. The inputs are on the front of the unit -- I prefer them on the back, and many other units allow for an additional input in the front of their rackmount units for spontanaity -- i like that. This unit however will clog your rack with whatever cords you plug into it. I do like the fact that the inputs arent neutrik 2-in-1 plugs, this machine has a seperate XLR input and 1/4" with a switchable line/instrument button. The gain knob: its a gain knob. What else can I say? the knobs on this unit provide enough resistance so that you dont make accidentally large changes, and the white-on-black design makes the settings highly visible. The high pass filter is ok. I'm not a pro, and i only use the HPF switch on mics to get rid of floor vibrations. This feature is good to have, but not necessary. Here's the big part. The compressor has VERY limited controls. Instead of having standard compressor controls (thresh, ratio, attack, release, etc) the compressor has 4. Threshold means what it means. "Comp slow attack" is for sound sources that need to be compressed, but you want to retain the original punch to them, like drum loops, or plucked strings. It does have a makeup gain knob, which is essential, and it has a "squash" button, which to my ear mimics a 4:1 ratio. So basically it is a compressor with only 2 choices of ratio, and 2 choices of attack. The monitoing section is great to have, since the microphone signal will essentially bypass 2 phases of your soundcard's A/D converter, instead going directly to your headphones. this will improve the timing, as even the best soundcards clock in at about 6 to 7 MS. For normal monitoring, you double that (mic signal goes incomputer, latent, and comes out computer, latent) and essentially the direct monitoring saves you at least 14 MS. I don't like this layout one bit, but the preamp and monitor section alone are worth the money you will pay for this unit. I purposefully skipped the MID SCOOP function because it is useless (you are better of EQing in your DAW anyway) but if this is in your budget, do yourself a favor and get it. close [-] Hey don't be fooled by the price !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by MARVIN SAEZ TATE from newport,rhode island
I purchased this channel strip in 07/07 and i use it with a ROLAND FANTOM X-8,and a MOJAVE AUDIO MA-200 .well believe me for the price it is a godsend.if and when i purchase something beyond this piec... read more [+]e of PRO GEAR,it will be another focusrite product.many,i mean many people are sleeping on this unit,but thats o.k. with me because when i am at the grammys picking up those awards i'll have the last laugh. close [-]
October 2, 2007 Music Background: studio owner,premastering engineer,producer,hip-hop,trance artist
Robert, Chester, VA 
Focusrite TrakMaster PRO
Buy Today, MakeSweetwater's Flexible Payment Plan is a convenient, interest-free way to buy gear now and stretch your purchase across three budget-friendly payments. Simply choose the "3 Easy Payments" option in your cart, and we'll divide your purchase amount into three convenient payments, billed to your current MasterCard, Visa, Discover, or American Express card. There is a $10 processing fee for using this service, and your billing address must be in the United States to be eligible. It's just another way we make shopping at Sweetwater easy and convenient!Get your Focusrite TrakMaster PRO now and spread out the payments!This program is subject to credit approval. We will pull a copy of your credit report to approve your application. |
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