Emu Tracker Pre USB 2.0 Audio Interface
No longer available at zZounds
Pristine 24-bit/192kHz A/D and D/A converters. Mic preamps can run independently. USB-bus powered.
Overview
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.
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… read more most popular audio/sequencer applications (ASIO2, WDM, MME, Apple Core Audio and Core MIDI supported) read less
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… read more most popular audio/sequencer applications (ASIO2, WDM, MME, Apple Core Audio and Core MIDI supported) read less
Specs
In/Out Configuration
Two XTC(TM) Class-A, ultra-low noise, Mic/Line/Hi-Z preamps. Balanced XLR, 1/4 in. TRS and 1/8 in. Inputs (-127dB EIN) with 60dB of gain
1/8 in. Stereo Condenser Microphone Input with 5V Power
Two 1/4 in. Balanced/Unbalanced Outputs (112dB SNR)
Two 1/4 in. Unbalanced Send/Return Inserts prior to A/D converters
Stereo headphone output (112dB SNR)
General
Sample Rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192kHz from internal crystal (no sample rate conversion)*
Bit Depth: 24-bit I/O, 32-bit processing
USB 2.0 Hi-Speed:
- Full 24-bit resolution at all sample rates
- Stereo in, stereo out at all sample rates
Zero-latency direct hardware monitoring (disabled at 176.4-192kHz)
Windows drivers: ASIO2 and WDM
Macintosh driver: Apple CoreAudio
Anti-Pop speaker protection minimizes noise during power on/off
Ultra-low jitter clock subsystem: < 100ps RMS
USB Bus or AC powered via optional Universal Power Supply
Combo Preamplifiers (2)
Type: E-MU CurrentMorph combo mic preamp and Hi-Z/line input
A/D converter: AK5385
Max Level: +6.4dBV bal/unbal (+6.9 dBu)
- Hi-Z/line balanced input: +6.9dBV bal/unbal (+9.1dBu)
- Microphone Preamplifier: +6.4dBV bal/unbal (+8.6dBu)
Frequency Response (min gain, 20Hz-20kHz): +0.0/-0.03dB
Dynamic Range (A-weighted, 1kHz, min gain): 112dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-weighted, min gain): 112dB
THD+N (1kHz at - 1dBFS, min gain): -102dB (.0007%)
EIN (20Hz-20kHz, 150ohm, unweighted): -127dBu
Input Impedance:
- Hi-Z/line balanced input: 1 Mohm
- Microphone Preamplifi er: 1.5 Kohms
Analog Line Outputs (2)
Type: balanced, AC-coupled, 2-pole low-pass differential filter
D/A converter: CS4392
Max Level: 6.6 dBV (unbalanced)
Frequency Response (20Hz - 20kHz): 0.00/-0.08dB
Dynamic Range (1kHz, A-weighted): 112dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-weighted): 112dB
THD+N (1kHz at -1dBFS): -99dB (.0011%)
Stereo Crosstalk (1kHz at -1dBFS): <-111dB
Headphone Amplifier
Type: Class-A power amplifier
D/A converter: CS4392 (shared with Line Out)
Gain Range: 60dB
Maximum Output Power: 22mW
Output Impedance: 22ohms
Frequency Response (20Hz-20kHz): +0.02/-0.07dB
Dynamic Range (A-weighted): 112dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-weighted): 112dB
THD+N (1kHz, max gain): 300ohm load: -99dB (.0011%)
Stereo Crosstalk (1kHz at -1dBFS, 300 ohm load): <-90dB
Synchronization
Internal crystal sync at 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192kHz*
* Macintosh operation up to 96kHz only at this time
Retail Box Contents
E-MU Tracker Pre USB 2.0 Audio Interface
USB cable (2 meters)
Installation Guide
E-MU Software/Manual Installation CD-ROM (OS X /Windows):
- Windows XP, Windows x64, Windows Vista, Windows Vista x64 Drivers
- Mac OS X 10.4, Mac OS X 10.5 Drivers
- Owner's Manual and Tutorials
- Adobe Acrobat Reader (Windows only)
E-MU Production Tools Software Bundle DVD (OS X /Windows):
- Windows Applications
- E-MU Proteus VX (with over 1000 sounds)
- Cakewalk Sonar 6 LE
- Steinberg Cubase LE4
- Celemony Melodyne essential
- IK Multimedia AmpliTube Duo
- SFX Machine LT
OS X Applications:
- Steinberg Cubase LE4
- BIAS Peak Express 5
- Celemony Melodyne essential
- SFX Machine LT
Ableton Live Lite 6 E-MU Edition CD-ROM (OS X, Windows):
- Ableton Live Lite 6 E-MU Edition
Waldorf Edition LE CD-ROM (OS X, Windows):
- Waldorf Edition LE
Minimum System Requirements
Windows:
Intel(R) or AMD(R) processor - 1.2 GHz or faster
Intel, AMD, or 100% compatible motherboard & chipset
Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP (SP 2 or greater), Windows XP x64, Windows Vista, or Windows Vista x64
1 available (Hi-Speed) USB 2.0 port *
512 MB System RAM
900 MB of free hard disk space for full installation
CD-ROM/CD-RW drive required for software installation
DVD-ROM drive required for bundled software installation
XVGA Video (1024 X 768)
OS X:
Apple(R) Macintosh(R) G4 800 MHz G4 compatible or Intel-based processor
Apple Macintosh OS X (10.4.3 or greater)
1 Available (Hi-Speed) USB 2.0 port*
512 MB System RAM
500 MB of free hard disk space for full installation
CD-ROM/CD-RW drive required for software installation
DVD-ROM drive required for bundled software installation
XVGA Video (1024 X 768)
* When connecting the Tracker Pre to a USB 1.1 port on a Windows PC, performance is limited to 16-bit and 44.1/48 kHz recording and playback.
* USB 1.1 is not supported on the Macintosh
Two XTC(TM) Class-A, ultra-low noise, Mic/Line/Hi-Z preamps. Balanced XLR, 1/4 in. TRS and 1/8 in. Inputs (-127dB EIN) with 60dB of gain
1/8 in. Stereo Condenser Microphone Input with 5V Power
Two 1/4 in. Balanced/Unbalanced Outputs (112dB SNR)
Two 1/4 in. Unbalanced Send/Return Inserts prior to A/D converters
Stereo headphone output (112dB SNR)
General
Sample Rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192kHz from internal crystal (no sample rate conversion)*
Bit Depth: 24-bit I/O, 32-bit processing
USB 2.0 Hi-Speed:
- Full 24-bit resolution at all sample rates
- Stereo in, stereo out at all sample rates
Zero-latency direct hardware monitoring (disabled at 176.4-192kHz)
Windows drivers: ASIO2 and WDM
Macintosh driver: Apple CoreAudio
Anti-Pop speaker protection minimizes noise during power on/off
Ultra-low jitter clock subsystem: < 100ps RMS
USB Bus or AC powered via optional Universal Power Supply
Combo Preamplifiers (2)
Type: E-MU CurrentMorph combo mic preamp and Hi-Z/line input
A/D converter: AK5385
Max Level: +6.4dBV bal/unbal (+6.9 dBu)
- Hi-Z/line balanced input: +6.9dBV bal/unbal (+9.1dBu)
- Microphone Preamplifier: +6.4dBV bal/unbal (+8.6dBu)
Frequency Response (min gain, 20Hz-20kHz): +0.0/-0.03dB
Dynamic Range (A-weighted, 1kHz, min gain): 112dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-weighted, min gain): 112dB
THD+N (1kHz at - 1dBFS, min gain): -102dB (.0007%)
EIN (20Hz-20kHz, 150ohm, unweighted): -127dBu
Input Impedance:
- Hi-Z/line balanced input: 1 Mohm
- Microphone Preamplifi er: 1.5 Kohms
Analog Line Outputs (2)
Type: balanced, AC-coupled, 2-pole low-pass differential filter
D/A converter: CS4392
Max Level: 6.6 dBV (unbalanced)
Frequency Response (20Hz - 20kHz): 0.00/-0.08dB
Dynamic Range (1kHz, A-weighted): 112dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-weighted): 112dB
THD+N (1kHz at -1dBFS): -99dB (.0011%)
Stereo Crosstalk (1kHz at -1dBFS): <-111dB
Headphone Amplifier
Type: Class-A power amplifier
D/A converter: CS4392 (shared with Line Out)
Gain Range: 60dB
Maximum Output Power: 22mW
Output Impedance: 22ohms
Frequency Response (20Hz-20kHz): +0.02/-0.07dB
Dynamic Range (A-weighted): 112dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-weighted): 112dB
THD+N (1kHz, max gain): 300ohm load: -99dB (.0011%)
Stereo Crosstalk (1kHz at -1dBFS, 300 ohm load): <-90dB
Synchronization
Internal crystal sync at 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192kHz*
* Macintosh operation up to 96kHz only at this time
Retail Box Contents
E-MU Tracker Pre USB 2.0 Audio Interface
USB cable (2 meters)
Installation Guide
E-MU Software/Manual Installation CD-ROM (OS X /Windows):
- Windows XP, Windows x64, Windows Vista, Windows Vista x64 Drivers
- Mac OS X 10.4, Mac OS X 10.5 Drivers
- Owner's Manual and Tutorials
- Adobe Acrobat Reader (Windows only)
E-MU Production Tools Software Bundle DVD (OS X /Windows):
- Windows Applications
- E-MU Proteus VX (with over 1000 sounds)
- Cakewalk Sonar 6 LE
- Steinberg Cubase LE4
- Celemony Melodyne essential
- IK Multimedia AmpliTube Duo
- SFX Machine LT
OS X Applications:
- Steinberg Cubase LE4
- BIAS Peak Express 5
- Celemony Melodyne essential
- SFX Machine LT
Ableton Live Lite 6 E-MU Edition CD-ROM (OS X, Windows):
- Ableton Live Lite 6 E-MU Edition
Waldorf Edition LE CD-ROM (OS X, Windows):
- Waldorf Edition LE
Minimum System Requirements
Windows:
Intel(R) or AMD(R) processor - 1.2 GHz or faster
Intel, AMD, or 100% compatible motherboard & chipset
Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP (SP 2 or greater), Windows XP x64, Windows Vista, or Windows Vista x64
1 available (Hi-Speed) USB 2.0 port *
512 MB System RAM
900 MB of free hard disk space for full installation
CD-ROM/CD-RW drive required for software installation
DVD-ROM drive required for bundled software installation
XVGA Video (1024 X 768)
OS X:
Apple(R) Macintosh(R) G4 800 MHz G4 compatible or Intel-based processor
Apple Macintosh OS X (10.4.3 or greater)
1 Available (Hi-Speed) USB 2.0 port*
512 MB System RAM
500 MB of free hard disk space for full installation
CD-ROM/CD-RW drive required for software installation
DVD-ROM drive required for bundled software installation
XVGA Video (1024 X 768)
* When connecting the Tracker Pre to a USB 1.1 port on a Windows PC, performance is limited to 16-bit and 44.1/48 kHz recording and playback.
* USB 1.1 is not supported on the Macintosh
Reviews
Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 1.5 out of 5 stars.
(12 ratings)
Submitted June 24, 2010 by a customer from gmail.com
"Check for current drivers!"
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
Sadly the lack of Win7 drivers killed it for me. I submitted my RMA request last night, and now it is approved (thank you zZounds) and will be sending the device back to today (6/24/2010). I'm glad they have such an awesome returns policy!
I don't want to bag on this device; it's probably a great value in many situations. For me the main problem was lack of drivers for the current version of Windows; and the whole point of this review is to help others avoid this problem! Before you buy the device, check E-mu's website to see if they have drivers for your operating system.
Sound
It did sound good when I had it working, but see the support section below.
Features
Includes a LOT of software, and a pretty well-made USB cable with braided shielding and an outer clear plastic covering.
Ease of Use
Overall simple to use.
Quality
It's plastic throughout, but seems well-made and solid despite that. The monitor level pot has no white stripe, and no stops - it rotates continuously.
Value
The device is likely a great value for the money *if* drivers are available for your OS.
Manufacturer Support
Long story short: as of June 2010, there are no reliable Win7 drivers for this device. I received the E-mu Tracker USB Pre from zZounds on 6/23/2010. After much tinkering, I decided I could not get it… read more to work reliably in my Windows 7 setup - E-mu have yet to release Win7 drivers for the device. I consider drivers to be "support" so this is where I will document the main issue I had with this device. (It should be noted that I was installing this device on a Thinkpad I had JUST rebuilt with a new, stock, legit copy of Windows 7 Ultimate, 32 bit, fully updated. The ONLY other software/driver I had installed was Audacity. So we can rule out operator error, malware, or other device/driver/software conflicts as the source of the problems I outline below.) I had thought that the released Vista drivers would work fine - usually Vista drivers are OK on Win7. In this case that was not true and I can't say technically why. Even when I could get it working somewhat, the best sample rate I could get was 48kHz; a shame since this device is supposed to go all the way to 192kHz. And even at 48kHz I sometimes experienced dropouts, likely due to driver issues. I tried the drivers on the included CD, and when that failed I uninstalled them all and downloaded/installed the latest driver set from the E-mu website. A check around the web revealed I was not alone; many other Win7 users have had similar problems. Given that Win7 released about 11 months ago and E-mu still doesn't even have beta drivers up for this device (or their 0202/0404 products which apparently share the same drivers), I didn't feel it was worth waiting and taking the chance that E-mu might take many more months to release a usable Win7 driver (or never release one at all!).
The Wow Factor
The 192kHz sampling frequency was pretty important to me. I realize that sounds like overkill today but I'm making archival recordings for historical use and so I wanted to prevent the possibility of some future person saying 'if only they had sampled at a higher frequency!' Plus the device had great reviews from others who seemed to have use-cases similar to mine.
Musical Background:
Hobbyist read less
Sound
It did sound good when I had it working, but see the support section below.
Features
Includes a LOT of software, and a pretty well-made USB cable with braided shielding and an outer clear plastic covering.
Ease of Use
Overall simple to use.
Quality
It's plastic throughout, but seems well-made and solid despite that. The monitor level pot has no white stripe, and no stops - it rotates continuously.
Value
The device is likely a great value for the money *if* drivers are available for your OS.
Manufacturer Support
Long story short: as of June 2010, there are no reliable Win7 drivers for this device. I received the E-mu Tracker USB Pre from zZounds on 6/23/2010. After much tinkering, I decided I could not get it… read more to work reliably in my Windows 7 setup - E-mu have yet to release Win7 drivers for the device. I consider drivers to be "support" so this is where I will document the main issue I had with this device. (It should be noted that I was installing this device on a Thinkpad I had JUST rebuilt with a new, stock, legit copy of Windows 7 Ultimate, 32 bit, fully updated. The ONLY other software/driver I had installed was Audacity. So we can rule out operator error, malware, or other device/driver/software conflicts as the source of the problems I outline below.) I had thought that the released Vista drivers would work fine - usually Vista drivers are OK on Win7. In this case that was not true and I can't say technically why. Even when I could get it working somewhat, the best sample rate I could get was 48kHz; a shame since this device is supposed to go all the way to 192kHz. And even at 48kHz I sometimes experienced dropouts, likely due to driver issues. I tried the drivers on the included CD, and when that failed I uninstalled them all and downloaded/installed the latest driver set from the E-mu website. A check around the web revealed I was not alone; many other Win7 users have had similar problems. Given that Win7 released about 11 months ago and E-mu still doesn't even have beta drivers up for this device (or their 0202/0404 products which apparently share the same drivers), I didn't feel it was worth waiting and taking the chance that E-mu might take many more months to release a usable Win7 driver (or never release one at all!).
The Wow Factor
The 192kHz sampling frequency was pretty important to me. I realize that sounds like overkill today but I'm making archival recordings for historical use and so I wanted to prevent the possibility of some future person saying 'if only they had sampled at a higher frequency!' Plus the device had great reviews from others who seemed to have use-cases similar to mine.
Musical Background:
Hobbyist read less
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