Focusrite users?

[lumbago]

I use a Focusrite Trakmaster as a mic / instrument preamp and find it clean and the EQ/compression useful. I use the optional digital card, in a home studio setting.

Some have been dismissive of the value of Focusrite gear.

Wondering whether there are better choices in the same price range?

[Middleman]

Better maybe, different absolutely.

The trakmaster has kind of a warm sound but it would not stand up to the clarity of the RNP.

Focusrite gets beat up on the lo end mainly because of the compressors in the trakmaster and voicemaster. They are easy to make the sound crummy if you don't use them subtly.

It’s slightly better than the VTB-1 and the DMP3 and definitely better than the Prosonus stuff in the $300-$400 range. If I was going to get a trakmaster though I would probably save an extra buck and get the RNP or maybe the Grace 101. Later add the RNC.

I went for the Focusrite Voicemaster PRO version which is a little more versatile than the RNP but maybe not as pristine as the Grace 101.

Now if you really want to be happy with a preamp, go directly to the Great River ME-1NV. $1000 and it should be the last preamp a home recorder will ever need.

My 2 cents.

[Garry Sharp]

I've got a Trakmaster and I agree with Middleman, the compressor lets it down. You can't adjust the ratio, just the threshold, and there are only three fixed attack settings to choose from. Perhaps using a separate compressor and bypassing the Focusrite one would help you.

[Middleman]

Originally posted by Garry Sharp
I've got a Trakmaster and I agree with Middleman, the compressor lets it down. You can't adjust the ratio, just the threshold, and there are only three fixed attack settings to choose from. Perhaps using a separate compressor and bypassing the Focusrite one would help you.

Actually the voicemaster or voicemaster Pro into the RNC is a killer combination for vocals.

Either one through a DBX160x, talking lo cost compressors here, is an excellent combo on the kick and bass to create a tighter sound.

The preamps in the platinum line are really excellent values under $1000. As good as but just different than the Grace 101 or RNP.

Like I said before, if you get into the effects on the platinum line, things can go south fast, you just have to be tasteful.

[Solafide]

I agree with Middleman,

I have a grace 101, demeter hm-1 (really nice), voicemaster pro, and dbx 386. The voicemaster is right in the same ballpark as my other pres (and of course better than the 386). I love the voicemaster pro on female vocals (especially high singers). It is not harsh at all in this situation.

I often use my dbx 160x or rnc instead of the opticle compressor as well.


The "darker" pre of the voicmaster has defenitly saved me on vocalists that nothing else seemed to work with.

I don't know if this would be what I would get for my only pre, but I will NOT be selling it.

[Big Kenny]

I use my vmp as much (and sometimes with) my toft atc. I like the focusrite platinum stuff but mm's caveat on the effects is accurate. It took me a while to learn how to use the comp and eq without making more work for myself
In HIs Name
Big Kenny

[Big Kenny]

I use my vmp as much (and sometimes with) my toft atc. I like the focusrite platinum stuff but mm's caveat on the effects is accurate. It took me a while to learn how to use the comp and eq without making more work for myself
In HIs Name
Big Kenny

[Dr_simon]

I'm using a Focusrite Platinum Voice Master Pro (with the A/D card) and love it.

I normally use it with a Shure KSM44 and may be a little Midiverb 4 and it sounds great !