Topic: E-MU's Tracker Pre USB 2.0 Audio Interface/Mobile Preamp

[anechoic]

Here's the word on the Tracker's power needs, from EMU tech support.

Tracker external power supply
INPUT: AC100V  50-60Hz  28VA
OUTPUT: DC5V 2.4A


The 2.4A draw at 5V DC is higher than I expected.

Flintstone

the 2.4A is not a DRAW i.e., the current the preamp needs to operate
it is a rating for the maximum current able to be supplied by the wall wart

they usually spec an external supply double what's actually needed by a device so the supply doesn't blow up or catch on fire

 

[Kevin T]

what USB battery power supply would be good to power this for 3hr Fantom + pre gain?

[sunjan]

Did anyone try this in the field yet?
Like said earlier, it could be good value for an entry level taper with a H2 or R-09 who wants to try out open taping or phantom mics.
Current street price $130

what USB battery power supply would be good to power this for 3hr Fantom + pre gain?

Kevin, I would rather utilize the 5VDC jack for standalone use, since that's what E-MU intended. Connecting anything to the USB port might change the behavior of the analog out jacks (see 11 below). Using a USB battery pack might also be less efficient since it probably powers some circuits that are only needed when connected to a PC:



11. 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.

[cybergaloot]

I haven't done any follow up on this unit. When I first saw it I looked for customer reviews that looked meaningful and didn't find much but that was a while back, maybe its time to search for reviews again.

For me it would be a versatile backup unit but I don't expect miracles for that price.

[sunjan]

For me it would be a versatile backup unit but I don't expect miracles for that price.

Thanks for researching! Agreed that the performance is probable mediocre, but the price and footprint is a good stepping stone for newbies before they upgrade to better gear.

I just found out about the pretty small specs:

Weight: 0.94 lb / 0.43 kg (excl DIY battery pack)
Dimensions:
W: 6.5” H: 2.0” L: 5.5”
W: 165 mm H: 50.8 mm L: 140 mm

Almost comparable to the PS2:
Dimensions: 4.0 x 1.25 x 3.0 inches
Weight: 8 ounces / 0.23 kg

For someone on a tight budget who is intimidated by large boxes, running maybe a H320, I would consider recommending this as a simple entry level P48+preamp. Provided it proves to work in the field! 

[cybergaloot]

I guess one of us will just have to take the leap and buy one for testing. For me that will have to come after I get an R-44 and some of Chris Church's CAFS mics and his CA-UGLY pre. And I also want an LSD2 ... and I want ... and I want ...
I guess I'm turning into a gear slut, a gear slut on a budget!

[DSatz]

This looks like an attempt to compete with Sound Devices. Nice that the mike preamps and the A/D converters can be unhitched from each other via the send/return sockets--that's not a very common feature, but it can be useful sometimes.

Unfortunately it looks as if a computer with a USB port would really be required for digital recording. There's no S/P-DIF or other digital output, and no way to set the sampling rate and bit depth other than through software commands. But for the intended purpose, it looks on "paper" as if it could be an excellent value.

--best regards

[digifish_music]

FWIW, I have used the USB0404 and the mic pres on that are very nice (clean gain). With EMU (Part of Creative labs - soundcards etc) you are looking at economies of scale orders of magnitude above the normal music equipment/preamp/ENG suppliers. Cheap does not mean bad when it comes to Emu stuff.

digifish