Focusrite MH443 TwinTrak Pro Platinum Series 2-Channel Preamp/Compressor

Web Item #FOCMH443

This product can only be ordered by phone. Please call us at 866-SHIP-SDM (744-7736).

Overall User Ratings

Overall:: 9.1 out of 10
Quality:: 8 out of 10
The Wow Factor:: 10 out of 10

Features:: 8 out of 10
Value:: 9.5 out of 10
Sound:: 8 out of 10

User Reviews for Focusrite MH443 TwinTrak Pro Platinum Series 2-Channel Preamp/Compressor

Overall:: 9 out of 10
Features:: 8 out of 10
Quality:: 8 out of 10
Value:: 10 out of 10
The Wow Factor:: 10 out of 10
Sound:: 8 out of 10

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By a customer from yahoo.com

Submitted: 9/15/2004

Style of Music: Rock

Experience: Active Musician, Record Producer, Studio Owner

"Great Transparent Pre for Recording Instruments"

This reviewer purchased this item from Same Day Music.

Sound:

This unit is very quiet (output noise level of -94dB or less) which is what you would expect from a company like Focusrite. The TwinTrak does a wonderful job tracking stereo sources like Keyboards. For my taste the sound is a little too transparent. But then again, it's a matter of choice and some may like it. Plus you can color the tone with EQs and exciters and such. Overall, great sound.

Feature:

The TwinTrak is feature-packed compared to similar units at this price point. It gets an 8 because of two reasons. It doesn't have much of an EQ, and the compressor section doesn't have attack control. Otherwise everything is great. The Latency-Free Monitoring section is great. You'll love it once you try it. The TwinTrak is also expandable with the optional A/D converter which is great for digital recordings. Another unique feature in this price range is the impedance control. You can get creative with it to some extent. The output level meters are great and they look really cool when lit.

Quality:

The TwinTrak Pro is manufactured in PROC a.k.a. People's Republic of China. For some reason corporations seem to have started a trend of avoiding "MADE IN CHINA." I guess it's a marketting thing, but while the TwinTrak Pro has no internal problems (mine at least) the cosmetic quality is less than what you would expect from Focusrite. Some of the knobs don't match the markings on the faceplate. Some are further out compared to the rest. Nothing to bother me, but I think perspective buyers need to be aware of this.

Value:

I got mine for around $480 in a big bundle deal, but I think it's well worth the money they're asking for. If you record keyboards on a digital system this unit can be a lifesaver. Plus at this price, you can't find a unit with such a great sonic quality. If you want to track vocals though I recommend the VoiceMaster Pro. It's a bit more expensive, but well worth it (for vocals).

The Wow Factor:

When rackmonuted it looks great. If you have a lot of other rackmount gear, the TwinTrak Pro will really stand out. The brushed faceplate looks beautiful and when turned on, the VU meters look great. Plus it sounds good too. This one's a winner.

Overall:

Overall I give the TwinTrak Pro a 9. Please note that this is considering the price. Of course if a $4000 unit gets a 10, then the TwinTrak Pro will probably get a 5, but for the price it's unbeatable. The only problems are the less-than-perfect cosmetic manufacturing and the lack of a more sophisticated EQ.

Overall:: 8 out of 10
Features:: 8 out of 10
Quality:: 8 out of 10
Value:: 9 out of 10
The Wow Factor:: 10 out of 10
Sound:: 8 out of 10

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Submitted: 7/22/2004

"Another Great Product from Focusrite"

Sound:

The sound is good. It's transparent for the most part. The "Air" effect can create different tones.

Feature:

The pre and compression sections are very good. Nothing special about them, but they get the job done very well. The monitoring section is great. Also, the stereo coupling for the comression section is handy if you track stereo sources (ie. Keyboards).

Quality:

Quality's alright. You would expect a higher quality product from Focusrite, but then again the price you pay is great. The unit's made in China. I had to return one because the second mic pre didn't work. The second unit I got works flawlessly though.

Value:

I think it's a great value for the money. You get a pair of very decent preamps with dynamic controls, you get a very nice monitoring section, you get stereo coupling for a very decent price.

The Wow Factor:

I do want this unit and I'm very happy with it.

Overall:

Overall, the TwinTrak is great for any home studio or a small one. You get Focusrite-quality pres and you can also add the output expansion card for digital output.