19" focusrite Trakmaster (2001) stereo preamp / comp/eq / digital converter

[chrisNova777]

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/nov01/articles/trackmaster.asp

The Focusrite Trak Master is the latest in the company's successful, lower-cost Platinum series and is an all-analogue channel strip with the option of adding a plug-in 24-bit/96kHz stereo digital output converter module (at around half the cost of the Trak Master itself). It is similar in concept to the original Platinum Voice Master, but has fewer stages, comprising a discrete Class-A mic preamp with balanced line and unbalanced instrument (high-impedance) input options, an optical compressor stage and a three-band equaliser with switchable voice/instrument characteristics. Focusrite have made several improvements in their optical compressor design of late and these are included here, resulting in a faster response and more musical distortion characteristics. The styling follows that of earlier Platinum units, including the tear drop-shaped buttons, some of which feature internal illumination.

   Digital Output Module   
    The optional converter board works at 24-bit resolution, with 128x oversampling, and can run at 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz or 96kHz, the sample rate being selectable via rear-panel switches. It has an external word-clock input on a standard BNC connector and a 24-bit S/PDIF coaxial (phono) output. There is no 16-bit option, but most receiving devices are able to either dither or truncate a 24-bit signal when necessary. The module will automatically sync to an external word clock when one is present, otherwise it generates its own internal clock.