E-MU Tracker Pre USB 2.0, Windows/Mac
USB 2.0 Audio Interface
E-MU's Tracker Pre USB 2.0 Audio Interface/Mobile Preamp is the ultimate portable USB audio interface for Mac and PC, offering pristine 24-bit/192kHz recording and playback, direct monitoring, and a host of professional features in a compact, USB bus-powered package. The Tracker Pre USB provides users with two Class-A ultra-low noise Mic/Line/Hi-Z preamplifiers that can be run independently or in stereo to record guitars, keyboards or microphones with optimal audio performance. CurrentMorph™, a patent-pending circuit design, allows Tracker Pre to offer +48V phantom power and use premium high-power converters while using only USB bus power.
The E-MU Tracker Pre USB 2.0 features:
- Pristine 24-bit/192kHz A/D and D/A converters (A/D and D/A: 112dB measured SNR performance) deliver unmatched USB audio fidelity for pristine audio quality;
- Preamplified analog signals are available before the A/D converters, allowing the Tracker Pre to be used as a standalone high-quality stereo microphone preamp (using optional power supply);
- Hardware zero-latency direct monitoring (mono or stereo) with continuously variable level control;
- Plug-and-play operation with hands-on control of all major functions like direct monitoring level, headphone level, preamplifier gain and more;
- Independent ground lift switches for optimal audio fidelity/flexibility;
- USB bus powered (can also be powered using optional 5V power supply);
- Cross-platform support (Mac OS X and Windows XP32/XP64/Vista32/Vista64) and compatibility with most popular audio/sequencer applications (ASIO2, WDM, MME, Apple Core Audio and Core MIDI supported).
I/O Configuration:
- Two XTC™ Class-A, ultra-low noise, Mic/Line/Hi-Z preamps. Balanced XLR, 1/4" TRS and 1/8" Inputs (-127dB EIN) with 60dB of gain;
- 1/8" Stereo Condenser Microphone Input with 5V Power;
- Two 1/4" Balanced/Unbalanced Outputs (112dB SNR);
- Two 1/4" Unbalanced Send/Return Inserts prior to A/D converters;
- Stereo headphone output (112dB SNR).
Signal Level & Clip Indicators
The LED signal level indicators show that you are inputting a proper signal level. With a proper input level, the green signal LED should be flickering, but the red clip indicator should NOT ever be lit. The clip indicators light and show that the input level has exceeded 0dBFS.
Left/Right Gain Controls
These controls set the input gain from 0dB to +60dB for the two inputs.
Direct Monitor Level Control
This continuous encoder controls the amount of direct monitor signal mixed into the outputs. The level is adjustable from -24dB to off.
Direct Monitor On/Off & Mono-Stereo Switch
Press the button once to turn on Direct Monitoring. The stereo LED illuminates. In this mode the left and right channels are passed through to their respective outputs at the level set by the Direct Monitor Level control. Press the button again to switch to Mono Direct Monitoring, which sums the left and right direct monitor channels to mono. Mono mode is useful when the two inputs are being used for separate instruments, or when only one input is being used.
Headphone Jack
Connect your stereo headphones here.
Headphone Level Control
This knob controls the volume of the headphone output. This switch also turns the Tracker Pre on or off.
5 VDC Power Adapter (optional)
Although the Tracker Pre is normally bus-powered via USB, it can also be powered by an optional 5-Volt DC power adapter to allow it to be used as a stand-alone stereo microphone preamplifier.
USB
Connects the Tracker Pre to your computer via the supplied USB cable. The USB connection provides two-way communication when connected to the computer. Since the Tracker Pre receives its power from the USB, always connect to the USB jack on the computer itself and NOT to a low-power USB connection that may be present on your computer keyboard or other USB peripheral.
Main Outputs (1L & 2R)
The balanced outputs are normally connected to your monitoring system. Either balanced or unbalanced cables may be used. The main output volume can be controlled using the System Volume Control on your Mac or PC. Many "multimedia" computer keyboards contain System Volume Controls.
Phantom Power on/off
This switch turns 48V Phantom Power on or off to the XLR inputs for use with microphones which require phantom power.
Inserts (1L & 2R)
These unbalanced TRS jacks allow you to insert a signal processor, such as a compressor or EQ, after the mic preamps, but before the A/D converter stage. The Insert jacks can also be used to tap off the mic preamp outputs when using the Tracker Pre as a stand-alone stereo microphone preamp.
Hi-Z / Line / Mic Inputs (1L & 2R)
Use the XLR connector for microphones or balanced line level signals. Use the 1/4¨ jack in the center of the XLR connector as a Hi-Z input for guitar/bass, or as a line level input. The inputs are balanced, but they accept either balanced or unbalanced input signals.
Stereo Mic Input
This 1/8" mini-phone jack is designed to accept a stereo, electret condenser microphone. The jack supplies +5VDC phantom power. Mono microphones can also be connected and will use input 1L. Note: The Stereo Mic jack takes precedence over the Hi-Z/Mic/Line inputs. Inserting a 1/8" plug disables the other inputs.
Ground Lift Switches
There are "ground lift" switches for both analog 1/4" inputs located on the bottom of the unit. These switches can be used to safely stop the hum if a ground loop occurs in your setup.
