The Focusrite Platinum Penta is a 2U rack-mount stereo analog preset compressor and channel strip, primarily designed for project and home studios in the early 2000s.
It is notable for combining a Class A microphone preamp and a versatile optical compressor with a user-friendly preset-based workflow.
Key Features and Design

• Stereo Preset Compressor: The core of the unit is its compressor, which features 16 professionally designed presets for various sources (e.g., Vocals, Bass Guitar, Loop, Crunch). While preset-based for simplicity, all presets are fully editable by the user. It is an optical compressor (opto circuit).
• Tube Sound® Technology (TubeTran): It includes a circuit designed to add controllable tube-style warmth and character to the sound, which can emulate a smooth, vintage tube compressor sound.
• Channel Strip Functionality: Beyond the compressor, the Penta acts as a front-end processing unit, including:
• Class A Mic Preamp: A clean, quiet preamplifier with both XLR and front-panel instrument (DI) inputs.
• Spatial Enhancer (Image Width Controller): An analog feature for altering the apparent stereo width of a mix.
• Connectivity: It can be used as a mono processor for tracking an instrument or vocal, or as a stereo processor for mix-down or final mastering.
• Optional A/D Converter: An optional internal card allowed for high-quality 24-bit/96kHz digital output for modern digital connectivity.

Sound and Application
The Penta is generally well-regarded for providing a musically satisfying and effective compression sound, often with a smooth, "tube-like blooming" warmth when using the Tube Sound feature.

• Tracking: It is excellent for tracking vocals (providing a steady, controlled level) or instruments like bass and electric guitar using the front-panel DI input.
• Mix Bus/Mastering: It can be used as a mix-down processor or even a final mastering processor, appreciated for adding analog depth and warmth to the entire mix. Some of the presets, like 'Mix [Pump]', are specifically geared towards mix compression.

The design with its fixed presets and minimal control changes was aimed at users who wanted a professional sound without getting lost in the technical details of complex dynamic controls.