Focusrite Answerbase - Deutsch
Die offizielle Quelle für schnelle Hilfe und Informationen zu Ihren Focusrite-Produkten
English | German
Glossary Contact Us
Search  
Main Index .: Platinum Range .: TrakMaster Pro .: What are the differences between the original Trak Master and the TrakMaster Pro?

What are the differences between the original Trak Master and the TrakMaster Pro?

The most signifiant difference is the pre-amp. The pres in the two units are similar in performance but not identical. The original Trak Master has a typical class A Platinum design, (based around a 737 Rhom transistor) but the TrakMaster Pro uses an op-amp design closer to that in the Focusrite Green range. Both designs are solid state, have an extended bandwidth (e.g. up to at least 180kHz at the top end) and are sonically transparent, but there is a subtle character difference; the original Trak Master has the edge in being more forgiving if you want to slam the pre hard. More 2nd order harmonic distortion is generated at high input levels giving the pre a warmer sound when run hot. The TrakMaster Pro op-amp runs in a class A mode (though it is not true class A) and is ultra clean sounding but if you run it hot it will not sound quite as warm and forgiving as the original Trak Master. Hence if ultra clean appeals to you then the TrakMaster Pro has the edge, but if you like to drive a lot of level and are not obsessed with total linearity the transistor-based Trak Master, VoiceMaster Pro or TwinTrak Pro is a better choice.

Other feature differences are:

-TrakMaster Pro features a Lo-Z (low impedance) setting for use with older ribbon mics.
-Trak Master features a 3 band post-compressor EQ (although it can be switched to pre-comp) whereas the TrakMaster Pro features a pre-comp mid-scoop EQ control only.
-Trak Master compressor features tube sound and release controls, not found on the TrakMaster Pro.
-TrakMaster Pro features a port-hole style moving coil peak level meter which can be switched between input, output and comp (gain reduction).
-TrakMaster Pro features a latency-free monitoring section which allows you to route the output of your DAW through it and create a monitor mix with the signal coming direct from the unit (headphones and speakers).

If you are evaluating the two units to decide between which one to purchase then you should consider what you need the unit for. The original Trak Master will perform equally well in live or studio situatiuons - the EQ is great for getting a good sound quickly which is essential for live work. The TrakMaster Pro is more aimed at computer recording set ups where people tend not to EQ when recording unless it is to remove a resonance or noise - this is why it has a mid-scoop EQ only. The compressor on the TrakMaster Pro is designed to be ideal for tracking (fast attack and release) and quick to set. Also the latency-free monitoring it offers is essential when working with a computer.

Note that the original Trak Master has now been discontinued although some stores in your country may still have stock.


Related Articles

article When recording with my Trak Master my receiving device shows a good signal level but the meter on the Trak Master barely registers. Is this right?
The Trak Master output LED meter measures in dBFS, where odBFS is the maximum permissable level before clipping. 0dBFS, on the Trak Master, is equal to +20dBu (the more common measurement of...

2005-08-05    Views: 2285   
article I have connected my unit via S/PDIF but can only hear digital noise from the SPDIF input on my receiving device. What can I do?
This is most likely to be a sync problem so the first thing to check is that the sample frequency and bit depth are set to the same for the Platinum ADC card and for the receiving device. The...

2005-08-05    Views: 2766   
article I am confused by what the buttons do on my Platinum ADC card (Penta, Trak Master, VoiceMaster Pro, TwinTrak Pro, TrakMaster Pro). What do I need to press in?
These buttons select the sample frequency. The button on the left swaps between 44.1 and 48 KHz. When the button on the right is pressed in it multiplies the sample frequency selected by two...

2005-08-08    Views: 2342   
article ISA range vs. Red range: Which one should I go for? Which one sounds better?
The circuit designs used in the ISA range are essentially the same as those in the Red range so if you are looking for the classic Focusrite Red sound then the ISA range will deliver that to you,...

2005-08-02    Views: 3434   
article What is the 'Post EQ' button for on my TrakMaster?
The post EQ switch changes the signal routing in the unit so that after the pre amp the signal goes to the EQ first and then the compressor. By EQing the signal before it is compressed you can...

2005-08-05    Views: 2142   


.: Powered by Lore 1.6.3

Copyright 2009 Focusrite Audio Engineering Ltd. All Rights Reserved.