Focusrite MH440 Platinum Voicemaster ProThe Focusrite Platinum Voicemaster Pro is their next generation channel-strip, based on the original and hugely popular Focusrite VoiceMaster.
Every processor in the Voicemaster Pro such as Opto-Compressor, Tube Sound, De-esser, Optical Expander and EQ has been improved. New features include a latency-free monitoring section, a Vintage Harmonics processor and a custom Focusrite VU meter. Plus you can purchase the optional 24 bit/96kHz A/D converter (sold separately) from the TrakMaster and Penta members of the Platinum family. VoiceMaster Pro's mic pre is designed using discrete transistors with a circuit biased to operate in a high current Class A mode, allowing the mic pre to perform sweetly at all gain levels, creating a warmer, yet less distorted effect than traditional console mic pres. Connectors include XLR and TRS inputs, 1/4 inch (unbal.) & XLR output, an insert, an FX loop and stereo TRS monitor outs.
VoiceMaster Pro has...
- Latency-free monitoring section - a separate stereo monitoring circuit that allows the user to monitor vocal + FX loop (e.g. to add reverb) + mix played back from e.g. DAW and control levels of these three sources, removing latency. (VoiceMaster has no monitoring section.)
- 24/96 digital output option (sold separately), using the same A/D card as Penta and Trak Master. (VoiceMaster has no digital connectivity.)
- Backlit VU output meter (VoiceMaster has no VU meter)
- Instrument input in addition to line and mic inputs.
- Insert send and return, between mic pre and expander. (VoiceMaster has no insert.)
- Vintage Harmonics section. (VoiceMaster has only tape saturation simulator.)
- Routing flexibility (Vintage Harmonics and Compressor order can be reversed, and compressor and EQ order can also be reversed, hence 4 combinations of these 3 sections possible. (VoiceMaster has fixed processing block order.)
- 2U chassis. (VoiceMaster is 1U.)
- 6-LED input meter. (VoiceMaster has only single LED.)
- 6-LED expander meter. (VoiceMaster has only 4-LED meter.)
- New lower noise opto compressor.
- New lower noise opto expander.
- New Tube Sound section. (VoiceMaster has none.) VoiceMaster Pro circuit also includes new tone control feature and sexy, 3-colour large LED.
- More flexible EQ - now has frequency shift for HF (10k or 14k) and depth of notch filter ("absence") can now be varied. (VoiceMaster has no HF shift and fixed depth of notch.)
- New de-esser- now features the ISA 430 de-esser - includes the 'listen' function, so that the sidechain of the de-esser can be isolated, making setting up the frequency to de-ess very easy.
- 6-LED De-esser meter. (VoiceMaster has only single LED.)
- L+R Monitor inputs and outputs. (VoiceMaster has none.)
- FX mono send and stereo return. (VoiceMaster has none.)
New Features
- Stereo latency-free monitoring section
- 'Vintage Harmonics' - a revolutionary vocal enhancer
- Optional 24 bit/96kHz A/D converter (sold separately)
- Custom Focusrite VU meter
- Compressor/EQ/Harmonics order can be changed
- More versatile voice-optimized EQ
- Improved 'Tube Sound' emulation with tone control
- Smoother optical compressor
- New voice-optimized optical expander
This new edition of an industry classic retains the format of the original, but is now housed in a robust 2U, rack-mount chassis. The VoiceMaster Pro is designed to create the perfect vocal sound at an unbelievably competitive price point. The unit bridges the gap between the flagship ISA 430 'Producer Pack' and the original VoiceMaster, featuring design aspects from both the legendary ISA range and the award winning, cost-effective Platinum range.
The renowned Focusrite Class A mic pre amp from the original VoiceMaster is retained, but an instrument input has been added to the front fascia, along with phantom power, phase reverse and variable high-pass filter. A new vocal-friendly optical expander follows, providing smoother and more linear processing.
Perhaps the most innovative of VoiceMaster Pro's exciting new features is a latency-free stereo monitoring section, providing comprehensive headphone monitoring of both the full mix and the vocal (alongside an FX send and return control). Finally, an end to DAW latency problems when tracking!
Another revolutionary new departure is the 'Vintage Harmonics' processor, designed to emulate classic 70's tape-based vocal enhancement processes. The compressor is an updated version of the Platinum series optical device. As with the ISA 430, VoiceMaster Pro allows the user to change the position of both processing blocks within the signal-chain. (Both the compressor and the Vintage Harmonics sections can be moved around.)
A new 'tuneable' Tube Sound circuit is also featured, providing greater control and clearer indication via an extra tone control knob and tri-color 'Drive' LED.
The 'voice-optimized' EQ follows, featuring improved breath and absence controls, enabling elegant handling of the varying aspects of male and female vocalists. The ISA 430's de-esser completes the set.
This unit is also the first Platinum to feature a custom blue Focusrite VU meter. An optional A/D card is available, operating at 24 bit, 96 kHz with S/PDIF output and BNC Wordclock input, providing hassle-free digital connectivity.
Capture and Create: The Perfect Vocal
An end to the search for that elusive perfect vocal; VoiceMaster PRO represents a new generation of Channel strip design. Taking as its starting point the Award-winning original VoiceMaster design, the unit features a whole host of new processors designed to ensure you have all you require to make the most of the artist you're recording.
The award-winning Class A Pre-amp is capable of capturing every nuance from any source, whilst Latency-free Monitoring ensures direct and delay-free mix control. Tools such as the Voice optimized EQ, 'Vintage Harmonics' and 'Tube Sound' allow you to get creative with a touch of class, putting your own stamp on every recording.
All of this, combined with the 24 bit, 96kHz A/D option means that VoiceMaster PRO is the perfect interface between your microphone and your DAW or other recording media.
Class A Pre Amp
VoiceMaster PRO boasts the same award-winning pre amp as its predecessor, the original, industry standard VoiceMaster. This Pre amp demonstrates the same wide-bandwidth philosophy featured in the original 'Neve-designed' Focusrite units from years past, ensuring low noise and distortion, whilst displaying the signature sound for which Focusrite has become famous. Also found in this section are Phantom Power, Phase reverse and a variable High Pass filter for controlling rumble, proximity effect and pop reduction, enabling VoiceMaster PRO to handle any audio source with style and grace.
Direct Input
Also included on the front panel are Mic and Instrument inputs, allowing quick and easy connection without the need for a separate DI box. Although optimized for Vocal use, VoiceMaster PRO can equally turn its hand to any instrument with outstanding results.
Optical Expander
A new, less intrusive optical expander is the perfect tool for removing ambient noise and headphone bleed, whilst avoiding signal pumping. The release control is now variable, allowing for a far more accurate set-up. Whilst the Expander is optimized for vocal use and can operate as such inaudibly, with variable release it can also be tailored for a more aggressive approach on less sensitive signals such as electric guitar or drums.
Vintage Harmonics
Vintage Harmonics ensure your vocal sits prominently in the mix, whilst adding character to an otherwise sterile digital
environment. It has been designed to emulate a classic tape-based vocal enhancement technique employed during the 1970's.
Engineers in this period discovered that if vocals were recorded with a Dolby® A unit switched into the signal chain, and then played back with the Dolby® A unit switched off, a pleasing harmonic emphasis was created.
Focusrite's 'Vintage Harmonics' processor reproduces this effect during recording by compressing the audio (relative to frequency) below a certain threshold. Unlike the original method however, this process has the added benefit of variable threshold (for both mid and high bands) and depth control, so the effect can be instantly tailored to suit any voice.
To provide even further creative potential, the position of this powerful tool in the signal chain can be changed, operating either pre- or post- the compressor module.
Dolby® is a registered trademark of Dolby Laboratories.
Optical Compressor
The Optical Compressor design in the VoiceMaster PRO is, like all other features in this unit, optimized for vocal use, offering easy-to-set-up dynamic control of performance changes. The circuit is based on the original VoiceMaster compressor, yet newly improved, providing smoother performance. The addition of a 'post EQ' switch mirrors routing flexibility found in the legendary ISA range. Enabling frequency-conscious compression, this function provides a huge boost to the creative potential of this compressor and the unit as a whole.
Tube Sound
The 'Tube Sound' section offers cutting edge valve emulation technology, providing all the warmth and control, without the unreliability/unrepeatability that valves often entail. Focusrite's Tube Sound circuit produces 2nd, 3rd and 5th harmonics relative to the source audio, the frequencies being controlled by the Tone control knob ('Mellow' to 'Bright'). The level of effect applied is displayed via a huge tri-color LED (Blue through Yellow, to Red) and is adjusted via the 'DRIVE' control, running from 'Cool' to 'Warm'. This section provides further creative flavor, helping to ensure you get exactly the sound you're looking for.
Voice Optimized EQ
Focusrite’s British EQ has become a by-word for excellence, and the VoiceMaster EQ is no exception, featuring controls specified to give immediate results with live or pre-recorded vocals. The VoiceMaster PRO EQ is not just a fixed three-band circuit; Controls included are:
Breath - A shelving EQ, switchable from 16K to 10K to add air to both female and male vocals
Mid - A bell-shaped curve at 1K3 to give vocals bite in a busy mix
Absence - A notch filter with a narrow Q centered at 3K9 to remove harshness
Warmth - A bell curve, tuneable from 120kHz
to 600kHz, adding depth and volume
Optical De-esser
VoiceMaster PRO features the same Optical De-esser as Focusrite's award-winning flagship product, the ISA 430 Producer Pack. The circuit is based on a low-distortion optical design, allowing you to transparently remove excessive sibilance from your vocal. The circuit uses a combination of threshold-dependent EQ and phase cancellation to create a de-esser that is smoother and less intrusive than traditional compression-based designs. Included in the design is the 'Listen' switch, allowing you to isolate and monitor the excess sibilance which is triggering the De-esser, rather than trying to pick out the effect within a complex full-bandwidth signal. The
most powerful, inaudible, yet effective De-esser in existence!
Output Features and Controls
VoiceMaster PRO is the first Platinum to feature a custom peak-reading meter. This meter, combined with the fader control and an overload LED, provide superb visual indication and instant control of your output levels. Also
featured within the Output section is a 'Process Bypass' switch, for instant A/B comparisons.
Digital Connectivity
VoiceMaster Pro features the same optional high quality A/D converter (sold separately) as the TrakMaster and Penta. The converter is 24 bit and 128 x oversampled, handling sample rates of up to 96kHz, with S/PDIF output and BNC word clock connector. Tracking a vocal direct into your DAW or any other digital recording media has never been easier or more affordable. An
ADC lock LED on the front panel shows when Word Clock sync has been established.
Latency-free Monitoring
VoiceMaster PRO is the only channel strip to offer latency-free monitoring, a major new development in recording technology. This section offers the capacity to monitor your
source signal within the mix, direct from the unit, avoiding having to resort to monitoring via your DAW or digital desk, both of which may be prone to latency issues. A headphone mix can be created for either the artist or the engineer, with immediate and tactile control over levels, as well as the opportunity to feed in and control an external effect (e.g. reverb) for the source signal. With all the controls for latency-free monitoring available direct from the front fascia, VoiceMaster PRO means an end to latency issues. Capturing and creating the perfect vocal has never been easier, more enjoyable, or more affordable.