Focusrite TrakMaster

A transistor preamp with optical compressor and equalize 3-band integrated into a 19 "1U.

48V phantom power supply, XLR connection or line input jack. balanced output jack
Adjustable input gain with two LEDs (green is good, red = peak) - a not very accurate simplistic -1
high pass filter that rejects frequencies below 75Hz.

Optical compressor ratio 3:1 or 6:1, or softknee hardknee choice, setting the threshold, the release, plus a lamp knob emulation (addition of harmonics they say), and a way to compensate for knob gain compression if need. a VU meter 6 LEDs compression, bypass switch.

3-band EQ with bass Med High adjustable parmamétrique for bass.
Opportunity to choose the Hi and Low frequency ranges suitable for voice or instrument (a switch that changes the frequency range of action of knob). can place the EQ before or after the compressor in the chain of sound by activating a switch. bypass switch

Finally the master output gain adjustable with a meter 7 led quite correct.

9 / 10 (due to a LED input level) for the full features, connections, the meters and the potential to treat all in one fully a signal before recording. Each section (comp and EQ) can be independently enabled or bypassed completely.

Comprehensive manual and good quality

UTILIZATION

The interface is very simple and the material is nice and sturdy.

the use of words specic for the compressor is hard to remember
(6:1 for the switch must initiate the "punch" for .... hardknee must engage the switch "tight" complex ... right?) -1

if the use of this module is simple and it's pretty easy to settle the compressor with the meter. the tube emulation is inaudible to me (? my stuff, my ears or gadget is ...)

the use of EQ is more difficult because there is a lot of possibility. GOOD POINT is that there is a bypass which compares the sound with or without to get a good idea of ​​what you are doing

short not much to say apart from negative "label" Button 9 / 10

SOUND QUALITY

I tried it as a preamp for voice, guitar and bass.

guitar is interesting for the compressor. the EQ is working a little crude for my taste and I prefer to work my sound with the guitar and the guitar preamp.

With the bass plugged directly into it very well and use the EQ ammene possibilities of its very varied and quite specific.

Main reason for the voice of my purchase (used with condenser microphone AT3035 therefore fairly standard) sound is very controllable with the compressor and EQ also interesting especially medium and high. I like the result though especially compared with the preamp on my table Beringher.

Overall the sound is good but a bit "dry". The compressor is very easy to use effective and easy for an amateur like me. The EQ can correct some unwanted frequencies, but do not abuse it

OVERALL OPINION

I bought it 6 months ago. I wanted a preamp with compressor for voice. I've never had a dedicated preamp before it difficult to compare. Price about 350 € so very accessible given the many possibilities.

The compressor really satisfy me for its ease of use and efficiency.
The EQ is more difficult to handle (but does it exists a simple equalizer?).

Overall I am satisfied with the ease of handling and quality. should be able to compare it to his friends and Dbx266 BLUETUBE + bluecomp to get an idea in this price range.

In any case a simple an effective home studio enthusiast with "all in one"