Fast Track Ultra USB 2.0 M-Audio Reviews

[brandondrury]

Fast Track Ultra USB 2.0 M-Audio @ Musiciansfriend



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Is The Fast Track Ultra USB 2.0 M-Audio The Right Audio Interface For You?
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Fast Track Ultra USB 2.0 M-Audio Description
A next-generation mobile recording interface, the M-Audio Fast Track Ultra features high-speed USB 2.0 technology for advanced performance. This advanced interface delivers simultaneous 8x8 24-bit/96kHz audio via M-Audio's rock-solid low-latency drivers so you can record and route lots of audio. The MX Core DSP technology gives you flexible channel routing, monitor submixing, and effects processing to make handling all those audio signals straightforward and easy. 4 preamps with award-winning M-Audio Octane preamp circuitry give you premium sound.

Like FireWire, USB 2.0 delivers the high bandwidth necessary for professional 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.

Speed Comparisons in Mbps Connection: Maximum Speed USB 1.1: 12Mbps USB 2.0: 480Mbps FireWire 400: 400Mbps

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.

[Audio~Geek]

This is a great interface.
A huge step up in quality from the FT Pro.

[Limester]

Audio-Geek, have you used this interface? I was just wondering because I really like the features it has but have heard many horrible stories of Driver problems. If you do use it, have you had any problems?

[Audio~Geek]

I'm an M-Audio dealer, I haven't seen any problems with these in the year they've been available.
I have used it, not for recording but just in the store for demos and stuff.
The preamps are the same as in my interface, the Profire 2626, though possibly with lesser quality converters. Different converters are a barely audible difference anyway.
I also like that its portable, it can be bus powered and run as a USB 1.0 device giving you 2x2 I/O. That's a pretty unique feature.
I haven't had any problems with the drivers. Those complaints may be due to other computer problems anyway.
I don't like that it's made of plastic, but it makes it lighter and cheaper.

[jrgrv]

Hi Audio Geek

Ive just installed a Fast Trak ultra and think that the sound quality is slightly poorer than an Audiophile 2496 soundcard I have in place. I'm talking about playback. To me it sounds slightly deader and less rounded - as if coming through some slightly cheaper speakers? I'm testing this out by sitching devices on teh same piece of music from the devices setup within Cubase SL. Is it the case that PCI vs USB might be why or have I missed some adjustment somewhere? Thanks for your words of wisdom. JRGRV

[Audio~Geek]

That is shocking!
I've never A/B'd it with anything.

I'd ask the guys here: The Official M-Audio User Forums - Powered by vBulletin

[LPS]

I had problems with driver failure on my first FTU. M-Audio replaced it and the second one worked fine. They stand behind their products.

[georgeperez38]

Have been using the Fast Track for over a year. Not one problem.Now looking to upgrade to rack mount version.