Explore Tracker.
Tracker is a discrete, analog circuit that adds even and odd analog harmonic saturation to any source. It employs our vintage N73 and A12 circuits designed to add harmonic density and lower the dynamic range of the original signal.
Here is the N73 circuit responding to a 100hz tone at its Default saturation level. Notice the additional harmonic bands produced exclusively by Tracker:
We developed Tracker for one single purpose, to achieve the characteristic polish of analog tracking gear like preamps, without all of the costly components you already own...
N73 Circuit
When we built the N73 circuit, we employed saturation components found in classic British consoles. This unmistakable sound can be heard on ageless recordings from the 70's and 80's, and continues today in some of the most revered studios around the world.
A12 Circuit
We built the A12 circuit with saturation components found in the most famous American consoles. There is no argument, these desks rival their British competitor in many ways, which is why they are a standard yet today in many iconic studios.
Tracker is hand-built right here in America:
-
Completely passive, no external power is required. Anything that provides a line-out signal like a Digital Audio Interface, Mic Pre-Amp, or DI box can drive it!
-
Available in three different form factors:
-
Tracker - 2-Channel (stereo) desktop unit with either N73 or A12 circuits
-
Tracker2 - 2-Channel (stereo) desktop unit with N73 & A12 circuits
-
Tracker2R - 2-Channel (stereo) 1U rack-mounted unit with N73 & A12 circuits
-
-
Tracker2 and Tracker2R have an N73 or A12 selector switch accessible on the front on the unit
-
Each channel is fed by balanced TRS ¼” input and output jacks
-
All components are professionally mounted in a sturdy (Hammond) enclosure
Natural Analog Saturation
When it comes to imparting Analog Saturation onto a source, engineers that do not have outboard hardware rely upon plugins. Surprisingly, most saturation plugins don't provide the kind of natural, analog saturation you get from the actual hardware, even most emulations (see Audio Analysis). To achieve the kind of saturation that results from a vintage console or analog hardware, you need the actual analog components!
Tracker produces saturation in multiple distinct levels. Depending on the peak of the source (we recommend -18 to -12dB), and the amount of energy delivered by the source (low-end dominant sources like bass and kick will excite Tracker sooner), you can expect these general saturation levels as you increase the Send level of your source:
-
Default Saturation (Send 0dB): Very natural, and subtle degree of saturation on the source with little to no compression
-
Normal Saturation (Send +2dB) The harmonic range will become excited and some subtle compression will result
-
Extended Saturation (Send +4dB): The harmonic range will be extended even further with an appreciable level of compression
-
Extended+ Saturation (Send +6dB): The harmonic range will begin to extend to its maximum and compression will increase markedly
Not all sources will respond in this identical manner. Mid and high-end sources may require a few more dB. Of course you are welcome to push Tracker to its limits, these are simply guidelines for what to expect at each of these levels.
Here are some samples of these different levels:
N73 Default Saturation
N73 Extended+ Saturation
Frequency Response
Without going into too much technical detail here, it takes a lot of components to generate a flat frequency response from analog gear. This is why most preamps or outboard saturation units are so expensive.
Even worse, some manufacturers won't even tell you their product modifies the frequency response, which usually results in out of control highs, mids, or low-end when pushed. We decided to take a different approach when designing Tracker.
Because of the simplicity of the design and circuitry, Tracker delivers a nearly dead flat frequency response. No attenuated low-end, no boosted high-end, no smiley-face curves to fool your ears...
