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Reviews M-Audio Tampa Versus Focusrite Trackmaster Platinum Pro |
Toft ATC-2 and JoeMeek OneQ The Toft ATC-2 is a two channel preamp with an equalizer and compressor for each channel. The JoeMeek OneQ is a single channel strip that utilizes the same preamp (with Burr Brown Op Amps) found in the ATC-2, but adds an enhancer and de-esser along with the ability to switch a transformer into the input signal. Both are distributed by PMI Audio Group. I tested both units on individual tracks recorded for this review, including acoustic and electric guitar, bass, vocals and an ancient Alesis SR-16 (I don’t have drums at my studio). Aside from the preamps used, there’s little to tie the two units together. The Toft has an amazing EQ that imparts what I would call the “1970’s sound” and performed well with stringed instruments. The mic’d acoustic, acoustic electric and several ranges of distorted electric guitar came out very nicely. For bass, there was nothing that leapt out at me, though in all fairness, little ever does when DIing bass. Vocals were passable and the EQ was kind to the Alesis. The compressor had a little 1176 flavor, sans the tube graininess.
Pre-Test Toft ATC-2 The OneQ can drastically alter sounds through both the EQ and compressor, and the tonal possibilities are outstanding. With the “Iron” switch engaged, which brings the transformer into the signal path, the unit does a great job on vocals. I wasn’t crazy about the enhancement section and the de-esser wasn't the easiest to use, but the range of colors you can get with the EQ and compression make it a great tool for shaping a vocal to mix well in a particular song. The OneQ did well on bass and acoustic guitar but left a little to be desired on electric guitar as the color can be overwhelming on top of high distortion. It was passable up through Tele twang, but beyond that, things got too hairy. Even with a little gain and an Ibanez Tube Screamer reissue through a class A tube amp (modified Pignose G40V), it was messy. With the Alesis, we were able to get some interesting effects by pumping the compression and dropping the highs and lows.
The "Iron" switch on the OneQ is a small button that makes a big difference for vocal applications - and yes, my pictures suck. Overall, both units are a good value. If you plan on recording vocals one track at a time, you can do better for the money than the ATC-2, though it shines as an all purpose performer. In any case, the EQ will impress you. The OneQ makes a nice budget channel strip and is priced competitively for the task.
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