Log in
Log in

or
Create an account

or
< All Mindprint TRIO reviews
Add this product to
  • My former gear
  • My current gear
  • My wishlist
Mindprint TRIO
Images
1/82
Price engine
Classified Ads
Forums
Los Teignos Los Teignos

«  Atypical therefore interesting but perfectible »

Published on 05/09/11 at 04:50
This is an original utility, designed to computer music and which includes a slice transistor and a monitor section, all interfacing with analog or S / PDIF with your sound card. The housing is relatively compact and fits on a desktop without worries, while the knobs as switches are easily accessible ...

In addition to Back 'DAW' on which to connect the output of your sound card (unless you go to S / PDIF), it has 3 inputs: a Mic / Instrument (with Mute, Record Level, 2-band EQ and low-cut filter nonparametric gains and phantom power), a line input (with Mute, Record Level, EQ, two bands not configurable) and an auxiliary input. The monitoring of the 3 sources is a zero latency, with the ability to assay the level of each with 3 knobs at the center. It's simple ...

In terms of connectivity, we are entitled to the XLR (not hybrid) for the microphone, Jack 6.35 per instrument and line input, and RCA auxiliary. Surprise: it even has an effects loop for voice Mic / Inst on Jack 6.35, although we can not assay the sending ...

Monitoring side, the Trio can handle two headphones (each with its own volume) that connects to Jack 6.35, and 3 pairs of monitors (one connected in 6.35, the other two in CAR, with extra output Direct Out to RCA). Activation / deactivation of a pair of enclosure is via switches on the right side (each with a small LED). It also has a mono button, ideal for checking the compatibility of a mix and a DIM to reduce the level quickly done well. A big knobs ends this section to adjust the overall volume of the machine.

You end up with 2 VU meters to 10 segments (one for each channel) that allow either listen to the inputs or outputs, and the chef's surprise: a circuit TalkBack with a small micro and small volume : really amazing on an apparatus for home studio ...

It should be noted that this description to finish the TRIO can work in 44 or 48 kHz and the input / output S / PDIF optical format: a little sweet snack for the coup as sound cards are not managing it the most numerous ...

UTILIZATION

The manual is not very detailed, but the joke is.

The overall use is extremely simple although I admit he never used the talkback. The One Button side of the compressor and EQ is a big plus rudimentary usability side, though I admit that over time I use it mainly as a controller monitoring ...

SOUND QUALITY

The preamp section is quite good considering the price of the machine, with the compressor that inflates One Button though EQ signal and relatively efficient.

Bypassing the compressor and with the EQ to zero, the sound was unremarkable but when we play a bit on these settings, it is certainly colorful.

OVERALL OPINION

TRIO a very good addition if you have a small sound card type M-Audio Audiophile and that you can solve the problem of connections S / PDIF (what a pity not to have RCA connectors for digital).

Only problems I think:

1. The unit heats up too much in my opinion.
2. I admit I had problems with hum boring to use 'controller monitoring'.

In conclusion, to 149 €, I do not regret my purchase but I certainly would not put the 400 € that cost the bike behind without being disappointed because I think there is better monitoring controller (with Presonus Mackie or in particular) as a preamp for mic / instrument not too expensive (SPL. ..).

But at 149 €, what about ...