Focusrite TwinTrak Pro Dual Mono/Stereo Tracking Solution and True Stereo Compressor Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)"Warning: Made in China" might have been a better label. I've got nothing against stuff that's made in China. In fact, most of what I use on a daily basis was made there. But when it comes to Pro equipment, I worry when I see that.
Well, I was right. The first preamp I received was DOA. OK, not truly DEAD, but channel 1 wasn't usable do to a lose connection inside the unit.
One RMA latter, and I have a usable unit. Almost.Noise:
It says "-128dB EIN @ 60dB of gain with 150 ohm source" Well, if that's actually true, it's a great marketing ploy.
What I actually got, when the signal entered the digital realm, was a noise floor between -65db and -70db @ 60db of gain with 150 ohm source.
Usability:
The headphone monitoring circuitry adds a lot more noise to the monitor signal. Not a problem, but it confused me when I first tested the unit.
The "AIR" function on the preamp isn't usable. Turning it on causes 60Hz Hum in the signal. Disconnecting the preamp from ground did nothing. I'm not sure if this is my unit, my house's wiring, or a design flaw. I don't want to RMA this thing again, but I might ask the support people about it. "AIR" isn't an option I'd ever use. (there's no control over the affect, just on/off)
I also get 60Hz Hum in the line and instrument inputs. More so in Channel 1 then 2. As I'll never use the line inputs, and probably always use a DI box with guitars and the like, this isn't a problem.
The Compressor and EQ modules work as expected.
Everything else seems to work as expected.
So, to sum up, It seems like a nice design, but with quality control issues.

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Designed principally as an affordable, high-specification dual mono/stereo tracking device, TwinTrak Pro also boasts comprehensive latency-free monitoring, unmatched digital connectivity, and all within a sturdy 2U 19-inch rack-mount chassis. Each channel features Focusrite's award-winning Platinum pre amp, embellished with the option of instant 'air' and variable input impedance for improved microphone performance and extended creativity. A mid-scoop EQ follows, and provides variable frequency and depth of cut for vocal problem solving and miked-up cabinet ambience. In pride of place is TT Pro's powerful dual mono/stereo optical compressor. This optical compressor features Focusrite's custom fast-acting optos, alongside side-chain inputs and the ability to operate as a true 'twinned' stereo pair. These circuit design innovations are complemented by a comprehensive set of focused controls. TT Pro is the first Platinum to feature a D/A converter as standard, alongside its optional analogue to digital converter. The D/A converter enables the user to feed mono or stereo digital signals into TT Pro. These signals can be fed either into the stereo latency-free monitoring section, or via line inputs (post- the pre amp stage) for further processing. The signal can then return to the digital audio workstation via Focusrite's established stereo A/D converter option. Together, these facilities make TT Pro the perfect analogue interface for any digital audio workstation, and equally the world's first 'hardware plug-in'.

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Monster Cable Home Theatre Reference PowerSource HTPS 7000 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)What could be better than a home entertainment accessory that makes all of your video look better and your existing fine music system sound clearer? Only one that saves me $25 per month in power costs.
I live in Texas in a small town, where the incoming power is not particularly clean or reliable, and I began to suspect it was both threatening my equipment and interfering with its optimal operation. On a clear day with nothing particularly going on, I was regularly getting surges or sags which would turn some household appliances off, so being worried about my investment, I bought one of these.
SETUP: It's "sturdy", so having two people is not required, but an advantage. The main things (which most of us have already done) is identifying which power cords go to which equipment.
It is very easy to set up, and using bright LEDs gives you good indication that everything is fine with the way your outlet is wired. The power cable going into the wall outlet is huge, and is the same one Moster Power sells for a couple of hundred bucks. The display is simple and gives you a contiuous input voltage reading. I found nominal 120 is more likely to be 113 to 115 at my house. Construction is absolutely rock solid. It can be programmed to turn off various circuits with a selectable delay, so I have all my peripherals turn off, followed two seconds later by my A/V receiver. Phone lines and satellite or cable connectors all run through it, so your valuable A/V equipment will be insullated as well as possible from the outside world. Total setup time is about 20-30 minutes. You can set any circuit (such as a satellite TV receiver) to "always on".
LISTENING and WATCHING: Now, I love video, but I am first and foremost a stereophile. After getting everything connected through it, I and my wife sat down to listen to some LPs and to some SACDs. After all, what good is protection if it makes your music sound worse? We were amazed at the way the stereo image opened up on good jazz or orchestral recordings, and we were able to distinguish instruments that had been obscure before. As for video, we immediately noticed better fine detail in DVDs (lines on faces, grass, etc), and better defined and graduated shades of black.
DOWNSIDE: The only downside is that the system will trigger by "dirtyness" that I would not ordinarily have noticed. Then you have to go over and turn it on again. If you are watching satellite TV, you have to wait for the satellite receiver to come "back up", but otherwise this is a minor inconvenience which is protecting your valuable investment anyway.
IN SUMMARY, this is a very reasonably priced piece of equipment, which provides good protection for a system, saves you money by actually turning off your plasma TV, receivers, DVD players, etc., and also makes video better but stereo sound especially. I highly recommend it.


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The fact is, analog audio equipment is sensitive to a different type of noise than video, just as video is sensitive to a different type of noise than digital, and so on. In the past, manufacturers have used filters to combat the problem of noise introduced via power sources. Unfortunately, the filters were not optimized to attenuate at the different frequencies that are unique to digital, analog audio, and video realms. Products that managed to deliver truly cleaner AC power were thousands of dollars in price, out of reach for most people. Enter Head Monster Noel Lee. An uncompromising audiophile, Lee joined forces with Richard Marsh, the world\'s foremost expert on AC power, to develop affordable solutions to AC power problems. The result? Monster Clean Power.
More Than Just Surge! -Monster Clean Power The following overviews of Monster\'s isolated, specially tuned Clean Power filters demonstrate the methodology behind Clean Power\'s development. The higher the Clean Power stage, the more advanced the noise filtration. The more advanced the noise filtration, the higher the level of component-to-component isolation.

Isolated Clean Power Digital Filters Optimized to reduce noise generated by digital equipment digital filters isolate digital components from connected analog audio and video components for maximum rejection of interference.

Isolated Clean Power Video Filters Optimized to reduce noise generated by video equipment, video filters isolate video components from connected digital and analog audio components for maximum rejection of interference.

Isolated Clean Power Analog Audio Filters Optimized to provide maximum noise rejection for sensitive analog audio components, audio filters isolates audio components from connected digital and video components for maximum rejection of interference.

Isolated Clean Power Ultra-High Current Filter Optimized for maximum noise rejection, ultra-high current filters provide maximum current to high power components such as surround sound amplifiers.
Reference Home Theater Power Monster PowerCenters also offer the most comprehensive home theater system protection available, featuring higher joule ratings for faster acting, full capacity surge protection. Monster\'s Multiple SurgeGuard and Tri-Mode Circuitry instantly detects any voltage surge or spike and immediately suppresses it before it can reach your components. And, for your total peace of mind, the latest generation of Monster Home Theatre Reference PowerCenters come with higher Connected Equipment Guarantees (CEGs). Unlike other surge protectors, the PowerCenters\' ultra low-loss RF circuitry provides maximum protection with virtually no signal loss, especially important with the advent of HDTV. In addition, all PowerCenters display current draw and voltage. Monster recognizes that convenience is vital, too. The PowerCenters feature component-assigned color coding with matching power cord labels for easy identification, and all are rack mountable, for easy integration into custom installed rack mount systems. Get All The Performance You Paid For With Monster Power\'s Home Theatre Reference PowerCenters, you\'ll get the best possible audio and video performance from your home theater system.

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DVD DVR VCR Bracket DSS Receiver Cable Box Wall Mount MD01W 1KE Review

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(More customer reviews)This bracket came in the mail and when I first opened the package and saw the box, I immediately thought I received a used product. The box was damaged and dirty. I opened it to see the contents and the bracket itself looked to be in fine shape and felt like it would be sturdy so I decided to go ahead and try to install it. I found the hardware package but there were no instructions. In addition, it lacked hardware to install the plastic cable cover over the bracket. Deciding I could do without the cable cover, I went to install the bracket itself. I measured the size of the drywall anchors and chose the exact size drill bit and drilled three holes for the anchors. I inserted the anchors which had a snug fit in the hole. However, when I went to insert the screws into the anchors, the anchors were too small for the screws and the screws just pushed the anchors through the drywall. As a result, installation is impossible. Unless this bracket changed its hardware package, I would NOT recommend purchasing it. Next time I'll definitely go for one that has been reviewed rather than take a chance on a product that hasn't yet been reviewed.

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Universal Wall Bracket For VCR, DVD player,DSS tuner and Cable box Mount a VCR, DVD player, DSS tuner or cable box to the wall? No problem! This Universal VCR/DVD bracket attaches directly to the wall, underneath any of the Plasma or LCD TV mounts and accommodates most front-panel-accessible components. It doesn't get easier than this!

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Bush Furniture Platinum Mist Audio Tower Review

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(More customer reviews)This Media Tower was definetely money well spent. It is high-quality merchandise but not high priced. It went together in no time at all. I absolutely hate seeing wires, and this product hides them very well. If you need a good place to keep all you components, I highly reccommend it.

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When only ultra-contemporary will do, Platinum Mist's sleek open architecture offers maximum appeal.

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Yamaha YSP-800 82-Watt Digital Sound Projector, Black Review

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(More customer reviews)This unit is simply amazing! I first heard the original YSP-1 in December 2005 in a professional sound room at a local hi-end audio store. During the demo, the sound was actually coming from behind and next to me! I was in wonder. The clarity was amazing. The only thing that kept me from buying right then and there was the price tag of $1500.
So when I saw the new models online, and a price tag of nearly half the original (I actually got mine for less than half :o) I just had to put it on my list. And this one sounds even better!
Plus, no wires is key! And the look is simple elegance. Plus, to see the look on a friend's face when he hears the surround sound and can't find any speakers back there is priceless!
The cleancher for me was when I played the first "top sound quality" dvd - The Last Samurai. I almost jumped off the couch during the battle scene. This speaker rocked the house! Far surpassing the clarity of my past $400 Sony and Panasonic 6-speaker systems. And I didn't even have Yamaha's matching subwoofer yet.
Don't be dissuaded by the stringent room set up. My livingroom has one side wall of glass windows, and one broken wall with a couch. And still the sound comes from all around. With just a little thoughtfulness and tweaking (and the simple automatic microphone setup), I got full surround.
Now, I have the matching YST-FSW100 subwoofer. GET IT! This allows the speaker to focus solely on hi and midrange sounds and lets the deep base to the sub. So much better sound.
Just the idea that one speaker can do such an amazing feat is worth the purchase in my mind. And it does it so well. Five Stars Yamaha!

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Do away with bulky surround sound speaker systems while still bringing your movies and music to life with the Yamaha YSP-800 digital sound projector. Housed in a single bar-shaped body but equipped with 23 speaker drivers--each with its own digital amplifier--the YSP-800 delivers full-bodied, multichannel sound through a single elegant component. The device works by focusing the sound into "beams," and then projecting them at optical angles into the room via the analytical IntelliBeam function. At the same time, the YSP-800 controls the driver delay times and optimizes the level and frequency response of each beam. The resulting sound waves--both direct and reflected--create a soundscape that seems to be coming from speakers placed throughout the room, but in reality is playing through the digital sound projector.
The YSP-800 isn't just about sound, though. Its slim, contemporary design is also wildly convenient, as listeners no longer have to find complementary locations for five satellite speakers and a subwoofer, nor do they have to fuss with extra-long speaker cables running all through the house. Rather, listeners can place the YSP-800 next to or on top of their video display, or they can purchase an optional wall-mount bracket and hang it securely on the wall. The latter option is particularly handy for owners of moderate-sized flat-panel TVs and monitors, as it both saves space and visually complements the display. The projector is even versatile enough to work in corners or other unusual room configurations.
The projector's versatility extends to its variety of sound modes, which include a five-beam mode, a three-beam mode, a stereo mode, a stereo + three-beam mode, and a target mode. Each mode produces a unique effect that varies depending on the shape of the room, the orientation of the projector, and other factors. Meanwhile, a subtle blue LCD on the projector's base keeps listeners informed of the current surround setting and volume level.
Listeners will also dig the YSP-800's built-in 82-watt digital amplifier, which connects directly to A/V components. The amp offers a host of valuable features, including Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby Pro Logic II, and DTS Neo:6 decoding and a trio of Cinema Digital Sound Processing (DSP) programs (Movie, Music, and Sports). Connectivity stems from the three digital audio inputs (one coaxial and two optical) and two analog audio RCA inputs. The device also offers a subwoofer output terminal for listeners who want to enjoy a more robust bass performance.
The YSP-800, which is outfitted with twenty-one 1.62-inch tweeter/midrange drivers and a pair of 3.94-inch woofers, measures 31.5 by 6 by 4.5 inches (W x H x D) and is backed by a two-year warranty.
What's in the Box YSP-800 digital sound projector, remote control, IntelliBeam microphone, user's manual.

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Monster Reference PowerCenter HTS 3500 MKII Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I was a mouse click or two from placing an order for this item, when I read a review for the PowerCenter 3600 Mk II, which pointed out that the 3600 wasn't a line conditioner (neither is the 3500). The reviewer confirmed that with Monster customer support.
What's a line conditioner? It's a unit that can adjust voltages that drop below or go above 120, back to 120. In the end, I bought a Tripp Lite Line Conditioner instead of the Monster 3500. It cost about the same, but would adjust voltages 87 - 140 back to 120, provides surge protection and noise suppression.
Perhaps the Monster units provide superior surge protection and noise cleaning, but it doesn't seem like they incorporated line conditioners into their PowerCenter products to actually stablize the voltage. They do have a line conditioner, the AVS 2000, but it'll burn a hole in your wallet, yet not provide surge protection or noise filtering. I don't understand why Monster doesn't provide an integrated power conditioning product.

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The fact is, analog audio equipment is sensitive to a different type of noise than video, just as video is sensitive to a different type of noise than digital, and so on.In the past, manufacturers have used filters to combat the problem of noise introduced via power sources. Unfortunately, the filters were not optimized to attenuate at the different frequencies that are unique to digital, analog audio, and video realms. Products that managed to deliver truly cleaner AC power were thousands of dollars in price, out of reach for most people.Enter Head Monster Noel Lee. An uncompromising audiophile, Lee joined forces with Richard Marsh, the world’s foremost expert on AC power, to develop affordable solutions to AC power problems. The result? Monster Clean Power.
More Than Just Surge! -Monster Clean PowerThe following overviews of Monster’s isolated, specially tuned Clean Power filters demonstrate the methodology behind Clean Power’s development. The higher the Clean Power stage, the more advanced the noise filtration. The more advanced the noise filtration, the higher the level of component-to-component isolation.

Isolated Clean Power Digital Filters Optimized to reduce noise generated by digital equipment digital filters isolate digital components from connected analog audio and video components for maximum rejection of interference.

Isolated Clean Power Video Filters Optimized to reduce noise generated by video equipment, video filters isolate video components from connected digital and analog audio components for maximum rejection of interference.

Isolated Clean Power Analog Audio Filters Optimized to provide maximum noise rejection for sensitive analog audio components, audio filters isolates audio components from connected digital and video components for maximum rejection of interference.

Isolated Clean Power Ultra-High Current Filter Optimized for maximum noise rejection, ultra-high current filters provide maximum current to high power components such as surround sound amplifiers.
Reference Home Theater PowerMonster PowerCenters also offer the most comprehensive home theater system protection available, featuring higher joule ratings for faster acting, full capacity surge protection.Monster’s Multiple SurgeGuard and Tri-Mode Circuitry instantly detects any voltage surge or spike and immediately suppresses it before it can reach your components. And, for your total peace of mind, the latest generation of Monster Home Theatre Reference PowerCenters come with higher Connected Equipment Guarantees (CEGs). Unlike other surge protectors, the PowerCenters’ ultra low-loss RF circuitry provides maximum protection with virtually no signal loss, especially important with the advent of HDTV. In addition, all PowerCenters display current draw and voltage.Monster recognizes that convenience is vital, too. The PowerCenters feature component-assigned color coding with matching power cord labels for easy identification, and all are rack mountable, for easy integration into custom installed rack mount systems. Get All The Performance You Paid For With Monster Power’s Home Theatre Reference PowerCenters, you’ll get the best possible audio and video performance from your home theater system.

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MEADE 20087 DS-2080AT-LNT 80MM Altazimuth Refractor Telescope Review

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(More customer reviews)We used our telescope for about 10 minutes. The plastic rack and pinion focuser stripped and the telescope is useless. This is a $300 piece of lightweight, plastic junk. Buy nothing until you find out the telescope has an all metal focuser.

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80MM Altazimuth Refractor Telescope

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