FOCUSRITE TRAKMASTERPRO Details

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."

 

FOCUSRITE TRAKMASTERPRO Specs

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)

FOCUSRITE TRAKMASTERPRO Documentation

TrakMaster Pro Brochure (pdf)
TrakMaster Pro User Guide (pdf)

 

FOCUSRITE TRAKMASTERPRO FAQ

FAQs

Q: What is the difference between +4dBu and -10dBV?
A: These are different signal operating levels. +4dBu usually refers to professional equipment and -10dBV usually refers to semi-professional or consumer equipment. It is important to make sure that any two or more devices connected to each other are operating at the same signal level. The +4dBu/-10dBV line outputs on the rear of the TrakMaster Pro give the option of either analogue output level. If the +4dBu output of a device feeds the -10dBV input of another device, this may cause the second device to overload. Alternatively, if the -10dBV output of a device feeds the +4dBu input of another device, the second device may receive a signal level which is too low (i.e. too quiet). -10dBV devices are usually connected using a mono 1/4" jack, this is known as an 'unbalanced' connection. +4dBu devices are usually connected using a TRS (stereo) 1/4" jack, or XLRs. This is known as a 'balanced' connection.

Q: Should I use balanced connectors with my TrakMaster Pro?
A: Preferably yes; the Line level analogue input and +4dBu output are balanced, operating at +4dBu. If you wish to connect unbalanced equipment to the TrakMaster Pro's line input however, this can be done, but the signal level will be 6dB lower. The 1/4" TRS input will expect to receive an unbalanced signal if the INST switch is engaged.

Q: Does the TrakMaster Pro have the same kind of spectacular bandwidth that has given the Red and ISA range units their reputation for 'open-ended' sound?
A: Yes. The audio bandwidth of the TrakMaster Pro is 10Hz to 200kHz!

Q: Can I take my TrakMaster Pro with me when I travel internationally?
A: It depends. There are three versions of the TrakMaster Pro mains transformer. One is suitable for use in North America and Japan, with mains voltages in the 100-120V range. The other two versions are designed for use in the UK and Europe (the only difference being the mains plug), with mains voltages in the 200-240V range. If you buy a TrakMaster Pro in a particular territory, it will be configured for ONLY that territory's mains voltage range. For example, if you're travelling from the USA to the UK, you CANNOT use your US model TrakMaster Pro with the supplied mains transformer. But if the mains voltage in the country you're visiting is in the same range, you can use the TrakMaster Pro with no problems - so taking a TrakMaster Pro from the USA to Japan, or from Germany to France, for example, would be fine. An external supply for different territories is available from your local Focusrite distributor.

Q: Can I retrofit a digital board to an analogue TrakMaster Pro at a later date?
A: Yes, and you can do it yourself - it can easily be retro-fitted by the customer without any soldering etc, just a few screws to undo and one clip-connector to join to the main PCB.

FOCUSRITE TRAKMASTERPRO Review

Audio Media - December issue - Simon Tilbrook

“Focusrite Platinum units are always clearly and simply
laid out, and the Trakmaster Pro is no exception.”

“The Trakmaster Pro is very quiet, and the input preamplifier
delivers sonically pleasing results with all the
input source options.”

“it is the Squash function that will interest most users. For
crushing punchy drum sounds, in particular full drum
loops, the compressor in Squash mode will certainly
appeal.”

“The quality of the digital output was very good, as
was the performance of the latency-free monitor section.
In a number of simple monitoring tests this proved to
work well.”

“Focusrite has added another good quality unit to its
Platinum range with the Trakmaster Pro.”

“The quality of the signal path from input pre-amplifier
to digital output is exactly what we expect from Focusrite.”

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.”

“a low impedance button which, to cut a long story short, offers an alternate tonal option for microphone input – quite unusual to see that on a unit of this price bracket.

“In fact, there's almost everything you could wish to see in a pre-amp”

“The TrakMaster Pro is simplicity itself to use. The pre-amp section delivers the same noiseless and rich sound as the TwinTrak Pro”

“The EQ is limited but effective, for taking a bit of boom out of a close mic vocal, for example. Most of the time I left it off, which says good things about the mic amp.”

“The compressor is very useable, especially on vocals. It's capable of very fast attack times, and I could make any sound sit pretty well in my mix while recording. The Squash limiter function is like turning on an entirely different compressor, and is particularly good on bass sounds.”

“The monitor section works brilliantly. So often there's not enough welly for a vibey headphone mix. In this case the TrakMaster delivers a loud clear mix with easy control of the whole balance, making it easy and fun to record a vocal – which, overall, is no mean feat.”

“The TrakMaster represents incredible value for money. It does it's job brilliantly and will add quality and improved workflow to the simplest of budget set-ups. The latency free monitoring will be a revelation to anyone working with a basic soundcard set-up, but
its mic amp and compressor are good and characterful enough to see the TrakMaster earning a home in all levels of studio.”

“I always used my Focusrite converters instead of the ones on my Digidesign 888s where possible…If used well, the combination of the TrakMaster and the digital board can enable you to make very high quality recordings.”

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