m-audio fast track pro gain issues

[ryanstapler]

I just picked up an m-audio fast track pro. I've got it installed and am running a shure sm-57 into it. The only way I can get an audible recording is to max out the gain for the mic input. Read some comment somewhere that this is just the way it is for this interface, but another stated that it was probably an installation error. Does anyone have any insight on whether this is a problem that can be corrected?

[DT Chris]

Are you getting the peak LED to light up with input?

Is the proper channel you're plugged into assigned to the proper channel in the software?

Have you ensured the device is read by your OS/Software?

Have you set the default Recording device in your OS under the Sound Properties?

Have you turned on the Pre-Amp button, or selected -10db or 0db setting for the appropriate line-in?

Have you read the manual ?

[ryanstapler]

Yes to 1-3 and 5. Im running windows xp sp2, and I've tried to set it as the default recording device but it doesnt show up on the drop down. After going through the manual, I'm not aware of a pre-amp button or -10db or 0db setting on the unit. Again, it records and sounds great using the packaged live lite software, but only when the gain is fully maxed out. If is any less than max (even a hair under) the software only a recognizes a miniscule signal.

[DT Chris]

If you don't follow the proper installation procedure, the installation will screw up and do this. Then suddenly it will set itself proper, sometimes on a reboot. When this happened to me with the USB, I simply had to keep trying to force it to set it as the Recording default. Then suddenly it would just do it. Keep trying different things.

[natenatenate]

I had the same problem, I have no idea how to fix it, I had a virus at the time reformatted my pc and it worked...

[DT Chris]

The singlemost thing that will cause the problem is by not following the installation procedure correctly.

The driver help file says you must install the driver before booting up Windows with the Fast Track plugged in. What happens is that Windows will install a default USB interface driver instead of the Fast Track and it causes this problem.

Check the Device Manager in Windows to see if the driver is actually installed or if it is conflicting with another device;

Start->Control Panel->System->Hardware->Device Manager->Sound, Video & Game Controllers-> M-Audio FastTrack Pro

If it has a "!" symbol next to it, you will have to remove it ( unplug FastTrack ->right-click-> Uninstall) and install the driver again. No need to re-format the computer.

[natenatenate]

If that don't work, this is what the people who work for maudio told me, repeat the process on all USB ports, after you uninstall the driver and delete your temp folders

[ryanstapler]

Is there a trick to reinstalling the drivers and interface? I've deleted the driver via control panel>sound and audio devices>hardware ,uninstalled using the provided disc, and delected temp folders. But on reinstall, following the install instructions (connecting usb after the drivers installed) on both usb ports, and I'm still getting the same issue. And the installed driver listed under hardware is the m-audio driver.

[natenatenate]

Is there a yellow exclamation point next to it in the device manager? or any other symbol?

[ryanstapler]

Nope, no symbols. And it says that the device is working properly.