M-Audio Fast Track Ultra High-Speed 8x8 USB 2.0 Interface

by M-Audio

Product Features

• High-speed USB 2.0 interface
• MX Core DSP technology
• 4 preamps with award-winning M-Audio Octane technology
• Compatible with Mac and PC
• 6 balanced analog outputs

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 13 x 11 x 3 inches ; 3 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B000Z8U0IY
• Item model number: Fast Track Ultra
• Average Customer Review: 3.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #12,084 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments)

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The Fast Track Ultra 8 x 8 audio/MIDI interface takes M-Audio's acclaimed mobile recording line to the next level with high-speed USB 2.0 connectivity, MX Core DSP mixer and four preamps with award-winning Octane technology. Featuring both analog and digital I/O, it allows recording on all eight channels simultaneously with pristine 24-bit/96kHz fidelity--while M-Audio's mature low-latency drivers ensure rock-solid stability and performance. The on-board MX Core DSP mixer processes eight hardware inputs and eight software returns to the eight hardware outputs, delivering flexible routing and monitoring with delay and reverb. Compatible with most major audio software*, Fast Track Ultra lets you record the way you want--in the studio or on the go.

Record the way you want--in the studio or on the go. Click to enlarge.

Six inputs and outputs plus 2-channel digital in/out. Click to enlarge.

Two headphone outputs for your convenience.

Great for Apple's latest MacBook and MacBook Air laptops, which don't include FireWire connectivity.

High-speed USB 2.0 Technology
The next generation of mobile recording interfaces has arrived--the Fast Track Ultra features high-speed USB 2.0 technology for advanced performance. Like FireWire, USB 2.0 delivers the bandwidth for 24-bit/96kHz audio resolution throughout the recording and monitoring process. The increased data speed lets you enjoy exceptional fidelity on all of your inputs and outputs simultaneously.

Built-in Effects Processing
Tired of tracking vocals and instruments dry? Fast Track Ultra features MX Core DSP technology that gives you reverb and delay on the headphone outputs with separate sends for every channel. Adding effects is an easy way to inspire creativity and infuse a performance with new energy--without taxing your CPU resources.

Make the Connection
Fast Track Ultra provides a complete recording solution, with six channels of analog inputs and outputs plus 2-channel digital S/PDIF I/O. Unlike most USB interfaces, it features two dedicated inserts on the first two channels, giving you the ability to insert outboard processing before A/D conversion. Easy connection via a single USB 2.0 cable delivers both audio and MIDI communication with your computer. Compatibility with most major audio software, means seamless integration into any studio setup.

MX Core DSP Technology for Sophisticated Channel Routing
The Fast Track Ultra makes it easy to create multiple monitor mixes when recording other musicians. The robust MX Core mixer employs an array of eight individual DSP cores to deliver near-zero latency and a matrix for sophisticated channel routing options--accessible via an intuitive control panel that utilizes a separate mixer for each pair of outputs. The mixer expands the total I/O to an impressive 16 x 8 configuration, allowing you to connect synths and outboard gear to any of the interface's hardware inputs, then mix them with the eight audio streams coming from your computer.

Professional Octane Preamp Technology
The quality of your recordings is only as good as the initial signal. The Fast Track Ultra features four preamps with multi-award-winning M-Audio Octane technology, creating a premium front end that delivers amazing audio clarity. You get professional, low-noise, high-gain preamplification with enough channels for a variety of miking applications. Features include +48V phantom power for condenser mics, signal/peak LED indicator lights and a pull-out gain knob that activates a 20dB pad for recording at high volumes. See why world-class artists choose the M-Audio Octane preamp.

Dual Headphone Amp
Whether you usually track vocals or an ensemble, you're likely to need multiple headphone mixes. Fast Track Ultra has two completely independent headphone outputs so you can take advantage of the DSP mixer's powerful routing options and create the right mix for your performers--complete with reverb and delay.

The Perfect Combination
Apple's latest MacBook and MacBook Air laptops don't include FireWire connectivity--the latest models are all about USB 2.0. If you want to make music with a MacBook, the Fast Track Ultra high-speed USB 2.0 interface delivers the perfect solution. Whether you're a musician, producer or DJ, the powerful combination of Apple and M-Audio gives you everything you need to put together a high-powered personal studio.

Bundled Software

• Ableton Live Lite
  Ableton Live Lite delivers much of the functionality of Ableton Live--the revolutionary, multi-award winning music production solution that allows you to spontaneously compose, record, remix, improvise and edit your musical ideas in a seamless audio/MIDI environment. Live brings your acoustic, electronic and virtual instruments--as well as your digital audio recordings and MIDI sequences--together in a single interface with unparalleled ease of use.
  
  
• inTone | Express Bundle
  Creative Software Applications for M-Audio Hardware Products. Your M-Audio hardware is compatible with a suite of creative applications that enable you to start making music right away. Designed by leading audio effects provider Audiffex, the inTone series provides a broad array of tools--from guitar and bass stomp boxes to virtual mixers and much more. Each software program lets you arrange channel routing and effects in a variety of ways, so you can develop a sound that's truly unique.

What's in the Box
M-Audio Fast Track Ultra, Software/Driver CDs, AC Adapter, USB Cable, User's Manual

Product Description

The Fast Track Ultra 8 x 8 audio/MIDI interface takes M-Audio's acclaimed mobile recording line to the next level with high-speed USB 2.0 connectivity, MX Core DSP mixer and four preamps with award-winning Octane technology. Featuring both analog and digital I/O, it allows recording on all eight channels simultaneously with pristine 24-bit/96kHz fidelity--while M-Audio's mature low-latency drivers ensure rock-solid stability and performance. The on-board MX Core DSP mixer processes eight hardware inputs and eight software returns to the eight hardware outputs, delivering flexible routing and monitoring with delay and reverb. Compatible with most major audio software, Fast Track Ultra lets you record the way you want--in the studio or on the go. The next generation of mobile recording interfaces has arrived--the Fast Track Ultra features high-speed USB 2.0 technology for advanced performance. Like FireWire, USB 2.0 delivers the bandwidth for 24-bit/96kHz audio resolution throughout the recording and monitoring process. The increased data speed lets you enjoy exceptional fidelity on all of your inputs and outputs simultaneously. Tired of tracking vocals and instruments dry? Fast Track Ultra features MX Core DSP technology that gives you reverb and delay on the headphone outputs with separate sends for every channel. Adding effects is an easy way to inspire creativity and infuse a performance with new energy--without taxing your CPU resources.Tired of tracking vocals and instruments dry? Fast Track Ultra features MX Core DSP technology that gives you reverb and delay on the headphone outputs with separate sends for every channel. Adding effects is an easy way to inspire creativity and infuse a performance with new energy--without taxing your CPU resources.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent product, but documentation could be better, January 14, 2009

By 

W. Burke - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: M-Audio Fast Track Ultra High-Speed 8x8 USB 2.0 Interface (Electronics)

I've been using the Fast Track Ultra for about a month now.

System:

Gateway MC7801U Laptop

Pentium Duo 2 core 2Ghz T5800

4G RAM

Vista 64 Home Premium

Sonar 8 Producer 64 bit

I almost returned the product initially because it was locking up my laptop. After some persistent searching, I found a message buried on the MAudio website that fixed the problem:

[The high-performance mode can be a bit tricky on some systems and what you are seeing is not a surprise. High-performance mode basically misuses the host computer CPU clock. On typical PC systems this allows the driver to increase the performance of the USB bus. On computers that are already tweaked for high performance or have high performance graphics cards or the like, this mode can !!!!cripple the operating system. It works best with older PCs!!!...]

AHA! I had enabled "high-performance mode" and that appears to have been he cause of the system lockup.

After uninstalling / reinstalling the driver AND LEAVING "high-performance mode" OFF, the unit has been performing flawlessly. I have enough confidence in it now that I will shortly be placing it into service in live performance for a weekly contemporary worship service.

It would be beneficial if MAudio would update their documentation - or even provide a pop up confirmation / warning when the high-performance mode is enabled - to advise users of the dangers of "high-performance mode".

1 star deducted for not documenting this "feature".

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome product, had it since it came out without any problems., April 30, 2009

By 

Dmitri Zyuzin "Audio Ruso" (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: M-Audio Fast Track Ultra High-Speed 8x8 USB 2.0 Interface (Electronics)

I don't understand what all the fuss is about. I've gone through many different operating systems and computers, and drivers and have not had ANY issues with this product. It works flawlessly on XP/XP SP1/2 and Vista. It has a couple very minor issues on Vista X64 but nothing that would break the work flow noticeably.

I'll begin by saying that it has probably the best layout I have ever seen on a sound card. It is also the most powerful at the time for USB sound cards all together. It has 6 1/4 inch inputs on the back very well laid out, and 6 matching 1/4 inch outputs on the back aswell... this setup keeps wires nice and neat (unlike others where you gotta plug stuff in all over the place in all directions.....

on the front you could either hook up four mics or two mics and two instruments.... what nice is that the first two inputs can either be xlr or 1/4 inch..... All four inputs have knobs right there on the front to control the preamps for each channel individually. Also on the front.... TWO, not one, TWO headphone outputs with individual volume controlls and LED's to indicate clipping and signal (that can be assigned to play different channels alltogether). And of course there is a volume control, right there on the front. What I should note is that there are four buttons to switch from the front inputs to the back ones.

Some other nice features include an input and output for an insert effect (so you can hook up for example a compressor)... the only flaw with it (actually what' nice is that I called m-audio and they took a unit from their warehouse, set it up, and tinkered with it trying to figure it out).... but anyways the only flaw is that it cannot be inserted to any channels but channels 1/2..... Of course the thing has phantom power but if you choose to run with it off you can still use normal mics... What's also so nifty is that if you want to go somewhere with a lap top for example you can ditch the power supply alltogether and still have channels 1/2 for input and output powered by the USB bus.

The latency on this card is great... I can't say it's as perfect as I want it to be (especially with Vista x64) but I can safely run a 128 sample buffer running under 10ms completely safely and if no input is needed and those are disabled a 4 ms delay is pretty safe and works great....

Another great thing is the software mixer, you can route just about anything into anything else, it simply makes this card have no limits as far as routing (except for that insert effect thing but I don't really use it anyways since I use the daw for that)

The only serious issue is that after switching to Vista x64 I have not been able to get the "High Performance Mode" to work which affects the buffer a little bit.

Other then that, solid 5/5... I've recommended this product to many people, all have bought it, all had no problems.

The biggest issue with this card is people, people that can't install the damn driver. It's a little bit more of a pain in the butt then simply installing a CD but if you follow directions it will work.

Would buy again but I'm more then happy with the one I got :)

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Quality & Flexible with Faults, December 7, 2009

By 

Cosmos Joseph "fireonline" (St. Lucia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: M-Audio Fast Track Ultra High-Speed 8x8 USB 2.0 Interface (Electronics)

I've work with this for over a year now, it got all the inputs and outputs I need, the recording quality is nice and clean, the effects on the headphones is the perfect thing to get my artist 'in the mood' to perform. M-Audio Fast Track Ultra got a driver issue, sometimes my pc just don't see it, I've tried and tested it with different systems and OS even 64bits systems. The second problem is input 1 & 2 controls behave more like a switch rather than a level control, very big difference in levels in just a small turn and the meters response to audio is difficult to measure. It's a nice product but should be $75 less, I still give it 4 stars.