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Description

Unleash the full potential of your recordings with the Focusrite TrakMaster Pro, a channel strip that seamlessly integrates professional-grade features into your studio setup without breaking the bank. Designed to cater to both budding musicians and seasoned audio engineers, this versatile unit combines Focusrite's world-famous FET-based microphone preamp with a suite of intuitive tools for unparalleled sound quality.

At the heart of the TrakMaster Pro is its impressive mic preamp, derived from Focusrite’s award-winning Green range, ensuring low noise and crystal-clear sound. Whether you're capturing the subtleties of a vocal performance or the raw energy of a guitar riff, the preamp delivers clarity without unwanted artifacts, thanks to its wide bandwidth and low distortion design. The addition of phantom power and a high pass filter provides you with even more control over your sound.

The mid-scoop EQ is a powerful tool for fine-tuning your tracks, offering adjustable frequency control that ranges from 120Hz to 2kHz. It's perfect for resolving problematic frequencies or sculpting the perfect guitar tone. Meanwhile, the optical compressor, equipped with a unique 'Squash' mode, gives your recordings that professional polish, allowing for both transparent compression and distinctive characterful sound.

A standout feature of the TrakMaster Pro is its vintage-style metering, featuring the signature 'porthole' peak level meter. This ensures latency-free monitoring, making it easier for artists and engineers to mix on the fly, without relying on digital workstations.

Key Features:

  • World-famous FET-based mic preamp
  • Phantom power & high pass filter
  • Mid-scoop EQ with adjustable frequency
  • Optical compressor with 'Squash' mode
  • Vintage-style porthole peak level meter
  • Latency-free monitoring
  • Balanced and unbalanced output
  • Optional digital output (S/PDIF)
  • External word clock input via BNC connector

FAQs

What type of mic preamp does the Focusrite TrakMaster Pro use?

The Focusrite TrakMaster Pro uses a FET-based mic preamp, known for its clarity and low noise, making it suitable for both vocal and instrument recording.

Does the Focusrite TrakMaster Pro support phantom power for condenser microphones?

Yes, the Focusrite TrakMaster Pro includes phantom power, which is essential for powering condenser microphones.

What kind of EQ does the Focusrite TrakMaster Pro feature?

The Focusrite TrakMaster Pro features a mid-scoop EQ, which can be used to reduce midrange frequencies for a cleaner sound, particularly useful for vocals and instruments.

Can the Focusrite TrakMaster Pro be used for latency-free monitoring?

Yes, the Focusrite TrakMaster Pro offers latency-free monitoring, allowing for real-time listening without delay during recording sessions.

What outputs are available on the Focusrite TrakMaster Pro?

The Focusrite TrakMaster Pro provides both balanced and unbalanced main outputs, allowing for flexible connectivity options in various studio setups.

Is there a digital output option on the Focusrite TrakMaster Pro?

Yes, the Focusrite TrakMaster Pro offers an optional digital output via S/PDIF, enabling direct digital recording into compatible devices.

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session

FOCUSRITE TrakMaster Pro

Video thumbnail for FOCUSRITE TrakMaster Pro by session

FOCUSRITE TrakMaster Pro

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Video thumbnail for Focusrite TrakMaster Pro Marshall MXL440 Cakewalk UA25EX Roland PC200 Superteclados.com by VICHERVAL by Superteclados

Focusrite TrakMaster Pro Marshall MXL440 Cakewalk UA25EX Roland PC200 Superteclados.com by VICHERVAL

Superteclados

Superteclados

Video thumbnail for Marshall MXL551R Focusrite Platinum TrakMaster Pro iCON iKeyboard 5X Superteclados.com VICHERVAL by Superteclados

Marshall MXL551R Focusrite Platinum TrakMaster Pro iCON iKeyboard 5X Superteclados.com VICHERVAL

Superteclados

Superteclados

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Focusrite TrakMaster Pro.

Build quality

  • Owners report that the silver-faced Focusrite gear from this era had poor build quality and didn't outperform software solutions.

    Source
  • The TrakMaster Pro's +48v phantom power is reportedly unreliable, limiting it to dynamic microphones unless rectified.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • The PreSonus Firepod requires a Firewire connection, which is outdated and may need adapters for modern systems, particularly newer Macs.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Grace Designs M101 preamp is highly recommended over the Focusrite TrakMaster Pro for its straightforward functionality and superior sound quality.

    Source
  • The dbx286s channel strip is noted as the cheapest alternative with more features, though the Focusrite preamp might be superior in some respects.

    Source

User experience

  • One owner kept the TwinTrak Pro for ease of use with EQ and compression, despite its less-than-pristine sound quality.

    Source
  • Some owners returned the unit within weeks due to power issues, opting for alternative compressors like the C300.

    Source
  • The TrakMaster Pro is frequently used in combination with the Luftikus EQ to enhance vocal presence around 2.5kHz, showing its adaptability in mixing.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The TrakMaster Pro was reportedly used by a well-known producer during Madonna's "Music" era, indicating it's usable but not necessarily top-tier.

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  • The TrakMaster Pro is effectively used to clean up vocal recordings, adding warmth and compressing the signal range, especially beneficial for raw vocals.

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Features and functionality

  • Owners find the compressor effective despite lacking typical attack and release controls, contributing to its utility in dynamic applications.

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  • The low-Z filter on the TrakMaster Pro significantly reduces noise in vocal recordings, enhancing clarity.

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  • When processing vocals, the TrakMaster Pro can improve the natural feel by using minimal effects, typically adding a small reverb at 4%.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Focusrite TrakMaster Pro review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

A standout choice for budget studios, the Focusrite TrakMaster Pro offers impressive latency-free monitoring and rich sound quality that belies its price tag. The unit's straightforward design makes it user-friendly, with essential features like a phantom power mic input and a usable compressor. However, the limited EQ options and absence of a phase reverse button might frustrate some users looking for more flexibility. Despite these minor drawbacks, its performance shines in simple setups, making it a valuable addition for both novice and experienced producers alike.

positive

4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

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alexbagheri

Great preamp if you can find it!

Found this in a pawnshop for 70. Sound quality and DI potential is amazing, works best for vocals and light synths (pads).

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