Focusrite Trakmaster/Grace 101

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Robert D

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Anyone heard the focusrite trakmaster? How about the Grace Designs 101? I'm getting a Rode NTK, and trying to decide on a new pre to go with it. Anyone have an opinion on either of these, or care to speculate on which might best pair up with the NTK?

Thanks, RD
 
I've got the Grace..I use it with KSM44,AT4033,ML19,SM81 ect.I dont have a NTK..I've heard nice things about it though..The thing about the Grace is that you will really hear what your mics sound like{its uncolored}..If you are doing vox,ac. guit.and string instruments it really shines..To me it really does sound much better than my other outboard pres{ART Pro MPA,DigitechVMP1 and Event EMP1} for clearity...Good luck


Don
 
Henri, this is a stick-up! Give me your Grace, your KSM44, your AT4033, your ML19,and your SM81...or...or...I'll...I'll make you let me sing on your next song, by God!:D
 
don't think this is really a contest.
Grace.

I posted an enquiry on the trakmaster with no replies... does anyone have one or at least heard one to make such a comment??
 
I haven't heard either, but what I've read and heard from pros and amatures is that the Grace was designed to compete with high-end pres, and supposedly it succeeds because the Grace reputation is growing rapidly as a high-end pre that is affordable to the rest of us. I've also heard many times that the Focusrite Platinum series (which I think the Trackmaster belongs to) just isn't anything special. It's ok, but you need to get into the Green series before you get into their good stuff.

I'd be surprised if even one pro came forward (anywhere) and said the Trackmaster was even in the same league as the Grace.

Of course, if I'm wrong and it is, that would be a good thing.
 
Too much analysis leads to paralysis. Damn, I just missed the opportunity to get the Grace for $500 while I was pondering this. Now I'll probably pay $600 for what I knew inside was the right answer. Still a little worried that the Grace may be too "clinical" sounding. I'm just gonna have to get the NTK first, and then go find one to listen to with the NTK. I want warmth, and I haven't heard anyone describe the Grace as warm, but it may be that the warmth will come from the tube NTK, and the grace will just pass it on gracefully. Thanks for your answers. This is gonna eat up my toy budget for the next year, so I'm trying to get it right.
RD
 
Hey Rob, As for being clinical...Hummmm I really don't think about it that way..Your source/mic/tecnique is gonna dictate how clinical it is percived to be..Too much "warm"{ tube pres like Avalon's ect are surpriseingly clean} can create a sonic goo for me..Fine{warm}if you put it thru a couple of things for spice..But if you are stackin' 16 or 24 or more tracks clearity works better for me..Also after your source is on "tape" you have more room to slam it with a comp. or alter it with EQ ect....just a little more room to get something to sit just right later..If I had it to do all over I'd get the pre first then get the mic , a 57 sounds really nice thu this box ..then audition mics because your gonna have more mics than pres, start at the source..All this is subjective..Good luck


Tdukex you gotta pry it outa my cold dead fingers, too bad you don't live in Orlando Fl. Then you could sing to your hearts content!

Don
 
I haven't heard either, but what I've read and heard from pros and amatures is that the Grace was designed to compete with high-end pres, I've also heard many times that the Focusrite Platinum series (which I think the Trackmaster belongs to) just isn't anything special. It's ok, but you need to get into the Green series before you get into their good stuff

This comment isn't enough to swing me, the grace is to expensive in Australia and its not a voice channel like the trakmaster is.

I read a review that said the grace is very transperent no colouration, normally this would appeal to me especially if i owned some high end tube mics, but im after a voice strip that adds colouration plus i can DI bass and compress, EQ it.
 
MiXit-G said:

This comment isn't enough to swing me, the grace is to expensive in Australia and its not a voice channel like the trakmaster is.

I read a review that said the grace is very transperent no colouration, normally this would appeal to me especially if i owned some high end tube mics, but im after a voice strip that adds colouration plus i can DI bass and compress, EQ it.
Click to expand...

Then why are you comparing the two? :rolleyes: You asked which one was the best pre. You didn't say anything about price or that you wanted a voice channel with compression/eq.

You've nay-sayed two of the three responses that endorsed the Grace. There have been no responses in favor of the Trackmaster, but it sounds as if you've already decided that's the one you want, and you want confirmation that it is a good choice.

I'm not trying to rag on you, but you should be more specific with your questions. Personnaly, I chose the Meek VC1Q for my voice channel--great for rock/pop/country.
 
The latest issue of Electronic Musician has a pretty favorable review about the track master. The reviewer, in particular, seems to really like the EQ - says it sounds much more expensive than it is. The reviewer also seems to like the preamp.

Strictly in terms of preamp, though, I have a hard time believing one could cram an opto-compressor, a fine eq, and a world-class pre all in to one box for $400. I'm sure the preamp is fine - maybe even better than a Mackie board (?).

But the Grace is a decicated pre designed to do one fuction, and to be superior at that function. It's really not a valid comparison.
 
Strictly in terms of preamp, though, I have a hard time believing one could cram an opto-compressor, a fine eq, and a world-class pre all in to one box for $400. I'm sure the preamp is fine - maybe even better than a Mackie board (?).

Sure it would be handy to have a voice strip to plug into but thats not really enough of a reason for me to part with the dough....if i can acheive a similar result thru my soundcraft and an RNC it's not worth the bother i suppose...
 
I'm not trying to rag on you, but you should be more specific with your questions.

Im sorry, what questions??

I chose the Meek VC1Q for my voice channel--great for rock/pop/country.

Thanks i'll look into it.
 
My bust, MiXit-G. I replied thinking you were the thread starter. Sorry about that. Apologies to Robert D, too.

Duh!:rolleyes: :D
 
Mix-it, if you already have a Soundcraft and an RNC, I don't understand why you'd even be bothering to look at a channel strip like a focusrite. Looks to me like it would be just more of the same, with the exception of the opto-compressor. I wouldn't even be looking at anything else untill you're ready to make a serious jump in to big-money gear snob land. :) What you got is just fine.
 
No probs tdukex.

Thank Chess i think you're right hey, would've been nice for bass though.... any rack mount channel strips good for DI'ing the bass through under the $300???
 
I get big, fat, warm, chunky-sounding bass out of, would you believe it, an ART Tube MP. Don't get me wrong, here - I still think it's junk as a mic preamp, but as a d.i. for bass guitar, it's just awesome. $100. Unfortunately it's not rackmountable. But it is small enough not to get in the way of anything. :) If you need something rackmountable, the Aphex 107 (I believe that's the model number) is kind of the same idea, and isn't a bad mic pre, either.
 
I get killer direct bass sounds out of the Joemeek VC6Q. The opto compressor really fattens things up.
 
Charger:

I just got a 6Q. Wanna share any notes with me? :)
Like what's your starting setting for vocal/bass/guitar and etc...
Anything you like to do with it? you know, anything.
It sounds pretty cool on my voice so far, just like to know what others do with it.

peace

AL
 
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