M-Audio Fast Track Ultra user reviews ( 6/10) - 28 user reviews

• 06/19/11

  Hatsubai's review "Average interface"

  Characteristics

  The M-Audio Fast Track Ultra is a fairly nice, multi input pre from M-Audio. It features 24 bit/96KHz audio, USB 2.0, 4 preamps, 4 XLR inputs, LED indicator lights, phantom power, 6 balanced inputs, 6 balanced outputs, 2 analog inserts, S/PDIF, MIDI, 2 headphone jacks with controls and even has phantom power.

  Utilization

  M-Audio did a pretty good job setting this whole thing up. The interface itself is nicely laid out, and everything is easy to use. There are no annoying breakout cables that cause a tangled mess. One thing I'm not a huge fan of, however, is the fact that they use USB 2.0. While USB 2.0 can work nicely, I find that it can be a pain once you start running lots of effects. The latency can get annoying, so you gotta monitor your latency more so than if you'd have a Firewire connection. M-Audio also tries to claim that USB 2.0 is faster, but anybody who knows about technology knows that theoretical output does not equal true output.

  Getting Started

  Setting up is very easy, just like any other M-Audio device out there. Simply plug in the devices to their corresponding ports, and you're good to go. I didn't experience any compatibility issues, and that's a great thing. This works with both PC and Mac, so nearly anybody can use it without a problem. I never read the manual, but I can't imagine a real need to unless you're trying to figure out how certain connections work. Anybody who has used an interface before should know exactly how everything works.

  Overall Opinion

  The price is kinda high, but there are a lot of features packed in here. It's a solid device that has good sounding converters. There are better devices out there, but they either lack the versatility this has, have breakout cables, are Firewire only and/or are Mac only. For the features this thing has, it's definitely worth checking out.
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• 10/29/11

  windigo's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " Of reliable and good preamps"

  Characteristics

  The characteristics were the number of inputs and outputs, the presence of preamps that have not up to their reputation.
  
  She is a nomad and I take part of all its inputs, especially with condenser mic on XLR or 4 dynamiques.j 'use of keyboards and synthesizers, guitars, multiple effects.
  
  Console interface excellent. Various configs, Seven and XP laptop, PC and XP Pro Seven.

  Utilization

  Drivers are impeccable, so much of a problem, there are always updates to the Site.
  
  Cubase Artist 6, Magix Music Maker 17, Mixcraft and others.
  
  I tested with six inputs and I think at this price is more than adequate for the stability and very low latency.
  
  A serious competitor of the Presonus Fire Wire with the advantage of 10 entries
  
  but the obsolescence of 1394.

  Getting Started

  The installation was no problem. The configuration of Be to Ba, we find the settings for Fast Tracks, simple. Comprehensive manual and no incompatibility with the software, except some "Light" in the trial.

  Overall Opinion

  I have been using for over a year, I have many interfaces and it is a revelation in quality and reliability, excellent preamps, a number of entries and exits as a generous R16, an unbeatable value for money I think, particularly good opportunity, but why separate them? If perhaps coming a USB 3.0 and again.
  
  This is an obvious choice.
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• 09/12/11

  JessePwc's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " Very satisfied with this product."

  Characteristics

  My choice was motivated by the number of mic / instrument / line XLR to record simultaneously on 4 channels, USB input on my laptop.
  
  I use it by plugging my 5-string banjo through my preamp Ultrasound DI Plus (More DI input jack to the Instrument In and XLR DI Out XLR Plus at Fast Track Ultra XLR), and my microphone Shure Beta 58 vocal through my TC-Helicon Voice Tone Harmony G XLR (Mic Input XLR and two cables at the output of Voice Tone, one for voice dry, exit Dry Right, and one for the vocal harmonies, Left Mono output, about two of the four XLR inputs of Fast Track Ultra). The control of the harmonies is through agreements banjo connected via an output jack Output of Instrument DI Plus Inst towards the entrance of Voice Tone In the Guitar output volume to zero to avoid double sound of the banjo in the output Harmonies (Left Mono) due to non-use of the output Instrument Through (the alternative scheme "banjo - Inst Inst In and Through the Voice Tone - Instrument Input DI Plus" does not in my banjo I like the sound output of the DI Out XLR Plus, either to the Fast Track Ultra or to an amp or console).

  Utilization

  The drivers are stable so far.
  
  I use Cubase LE which works simultaneously with all available channels but I have yet used the 4 channels of XLR front.
  
  Audacity, meanwhile, does not, unfortunately, with more than two simultaneous channels with Windows because it does not Asio.
  
  Ableton Live Lite, however, comes with Fast Track Ultra, does not more than 2 simultaneous channels and M-Audio have been making an effort on this point: Cubase LE Tascam foun well with the US-144 that has Yet only two input channels.

  Getting Started

  The installation and configuration do I have posed no problem on XP SP3 or Vista SP2 32-bit and I have not met any inconsistencies.
  
  The manual (in French) seemed clear but I am far from having used all the features of the interface.

  Overall Opinion

  I use it for two years, and, as I said above, the number of simultaneous channels over two that determined my choice.
  
  I had previously bought a Tascam US-144, but it is limited to two channels of XLR inputs.
  
  It costs two times more than the US-144, but has three times as many input channels (+ 2 S / PDIF), including 2 XLR times.
  
  I would definitely do it again this election unless I need more input channels (12 or more to register my group for example).
  
  
  
  Jesse.
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• 07/24/11

  katsina666's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " great"

  Characteristics

  really superb external sound card / with numerous inputs and outputs /
  
  I use: for my keyboard and mic / my style of music is more techno and hardcore with lots of guitar or drum sample

  Utilization

  stable software / map nikel - I'm on mac is simple in use

  Getting Started

  problem-free installation

  Overall Opinion

  I use it for 4 months and I definitely do it again the same choice as not very excessive price.
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• 06/16/11

  chamb's's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " report quatit prices impeccable"

  Characteristics

  Card ultra compact, easily transportable.
  
  I find the right converter plutt same as my setup does not allow to jug prcisment trs. Yet even taken on "fine", before modulation jobtiens my breath plutt good sign:)
  
  It can receive all forms of connectivity and can receive an external sync via S / PDIF.
  
  Only 2 Port Midi (in / out), too bad.

  Utilization

  I use it with several soft without compatibility problem.
  
  Are large by default against its drivers silent, unstable (ncessitait an almost systmatique APRS Reinstalling the lighting of the map). Rsolue problem since thanks to new drivers (put rgulirement day) and my time in 64bit Windows (I did both at the same time change). Since then, his works fine!
  
  Second problem of routing software: it does not route the two inserts.

  Getting Started

  Implementation very easy thanks to the soft and simple routing ddi of use. I regret labsence an equalizer on the utility output to correct the Linari card and my speakers (home studio requires) in lieu of a rverbe unusable.

  Overall Opinion

  I use it for about a year.
  
  I have not had the opportunity to try MODELS this price range, which does not give me a comparison of references, up from Mbox ugly ...
  
  Still, I think for this price, the choice is again. It offers everything you asked even a little over-exploit (o everything is connected)!
  
  
  
  I wanted a card not CHRE trs (300 in the neighboring side of the Rhine the era) that just do everything without esprer perfection, a goal reached!
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• 05/27/11

  madnazgul's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " Very practical"

  Characteristics

  What characteristics have motivated your choice?
  
  I needed a simple interface with several good cheap entry to exit.
  
  
  
  The reputation of both preamps and headphone motivated me for this card, and compatibility Pro-tool which in the future is a plus.
  
  
  
  With which instruments or systems (console, preamp, DTD ...) and you use the connection with what? ... For what purpose? What is your config (Motherboard / CPU / Ram / Disk ,...)?
  
  
  
  I use a macbook to record guitar, vocals, bass and electronic drum (V-drum), I also monitor connected over Adam A3X.

  Utilization

  The drivers are stable?
  
  
  
  I've never had a problem, sometimes to start my mac crashes when the fast track is the default audio output.
  
  
  
  What software do you use most often? What latency you get? How many tracks do you manage to record / playback simultaneously? ...
  
  
  
  I use it with Garageband and Logic, so far I have recorded 6 tracks simultaneously without worries, and read up to 70 tracks beyond it gets really tedious.

  Getting Started

  The plant was a driver has finished DL and it works only tt.
  
  
  
  The implementation is simple it's plug'n'play, the configuration is very simple, the gain knobs have a race quite sensitive, very logarithmic, power is the limit.
  
  
  
  I served with microphones where the guitars with direct input and it works very well, he has a latency between return and direct passage through the DAW is quite normal.

  Overall Opinion

  I use it for 6-7 months it works really well, it is portable which is great practice for recording of repeat or quickly make friends with a few microphones and a computer.
  
  
  
  I also have a PCI interface on a PC, which in most ESI 10/10 E & S, but less portable and less convenient so that a bit dated, latency and performance limits were soft.
  
  
  
  I find the value for money very good, good quality preamp, this is a bit fragile I have fallen several times and the fact I farted and I have an LED holes pierced opposite the button because the hull is moved ... more than just end it unless the interface ...
  
  
  
  With the experience I referrer the same choice when perhaps j'obterai for the Fast Track Ultra 8 for more entries.
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• 01/27/11

  baresom's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " A (very) good value for money!"

  Characteristics

  -What characteristics have motivated your choice?
  
  Four input preamp, I / O noon, two headphone jacks ...
  
  
  
  "With what instruments or systems (console, preamp, DTD ...) you are using and how connections?
  
  nothing at all: I am a poor music
  
  
  
  -For what purpose?
  
  computer music and play multimedia
  
  
  
  -What is your config (Motherboard / CPU / Ram / Disk ,...)?
  
  I have a laptop running 64bit with 4Gb win7 of ram and a 2.53GHz processor-

  Utilization

  The drivers are stable?
  
  Contrary to other opinions, in my opinion they are a little ways in stability: I had to reinstall 2 or 3 times before the card is fully operational (at one point I 72.154ms input latency and Output ...)
  
  
  
  -Are they often updated?
  
  this I know, I have consumed downloaded once and I'm not returned to the site since
  
  
  
  -What software do you use most often?
  
  cubase studio 5 and it works nickel (by the way, when I use vlc, the sound crachotte not bad, surprisingly)
  
  
  
  -What latency you get?
  
  after multiple relocations of the drivers, I get to 5.67ms input and output: either something more than enough for what I do (and what a lot of people did, I think;)
  
  
  
  -How many tracks do you manage to record / playback simultaneously?
  
  I dunno, I never managed to reach the limit (there is there a?)

  Getting Started

  -The installation is done it without problems?
  
  As I said, should be insistent (and persistent too =)
  
  
  
  -Have you encountered any incompatibilities?
  
  not at all!
  
  
  
  -The general configuration is easy?
  
  to be honest, I never bothered to be interested in the software part of the MPO, but at the hardware level, even an elephant cul-de-bowl can use it!
  
  
  
  -The manual is clear and sufficient?
  
  a manual? where it's a manual?

  Overall Opinion

  -For how long have you been using it?
  
  it must now 7 months
  
  
  
  "What thing do you like most/least about it?
  
  dual headphone output: a real treat!
  
  
  
  -Did you try many other models before getting this one?
  
  nyet, none. and instead I was lucky because I bought a few at random (well loved member of the AF really helped me anyway)
  
  
  
  -What is your opinion about the value for the price?
  
  simply amazing
  
  
  
  -Knowing what you know now, would you make the same choice?
  
  no, I do not do it again this choice: I would not buy one, I would buy 5 or 6!
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• 08/27/10

  Alex081's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " Ideal"

  Characteristics

  Chosen after careful consideration as interface quality, comprehensive and excellent value for money.
  
  I wanted a mobile product, which manages the South

  Utilization

  I only got it today, so not yet tested

  Getting Started

  Intallation fast and bp on a PC running Win 7 64 bit

  Overall Opinion

  The main areas for improvement would be to propose a better management of effects and mix live use, but especially for the meters to make levels! A single LED that is useless.
  
  Incidentally the registration of 192 Hz would be a plus, and a AA battery power for portable use away from the area without pulling the battery from the phone via usb.
  
  The price / quality ratio is excellent.
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• 05/31/10

  Bothspirit's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " It performs its function, and does it well!"

  Characteristics

  I was looking for a reliable USB audio interface with no latency integrated with good preamps for recording various instruments (guitar, bass ...) and singing.
  
  
  
  Enough said! The Fast Track Ultra fulfilled all its objectives. Octane preamps are excellent. The number of entries is quite sufficient for me. 8ms latency drops to 44.1 in 16bits. Perfect for monitoring register online! I very rarely then realigned by compensating these 8ms when really it audible (for very rhythmic passages requiring perfect sync).
  
  
  
  The dual headphone is enjoyable!
  
  
  
  Config:
  
  Laptop (dual core, 2GB RAM)
  
  Windows 7 Ultimate

  Utilization

  The drivers are stable (Windows 7)
  
  When recording, I use Ableton Live 8
  
  
  
  4 tracks simultaneous max.
  
  
  
  I put 9 for the latency of 8 ms. At the same time it is often hard to beat, even by putting a high price!

  Getting Started

  No problem for installation.
  
  The configuration and the choice of the ratio kHz / bits is no problem via the m-audio interface (SETTINGS tab)
  
  The tab FLOW helps us understand the operation if necessary.
  
  The manual is clear and the VAS technique is very competent!

  Overall Opinion

  I use it for more than three months, I can not see myself without it.
  
  
  
  Pros: dual headphone output independently configurable, Octane preamps of good quality, latency, not that bad, I / O MIDI if necessary, SPDIF if need be! Quality semi-pro (quasi-pro?) For this price.
  
  
  
  Cons: the number of recording tracks may hinder some, but not in my case.
  
  
  
  I turn 10, she became indispensable to me!
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• 03/18/10

  Grem_777's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  Several Hi-Z inputs, can be powered via USB, two headphones, many outputs, midi, low latency, direct monitoring, compatibility win7 ... in short, everything I needed!
  
  I thought I would never use the built-in effects, but actually it is nice to record a guitar live monitoring or for playing over a video example. As against these effects are really bad quality, although I could not use them on the final render!
  
  
  
  I said that I bought from OCCAZ, but in mint condition (3 months of use low intensity).

  Utilization

  I downloaded the latest drivers on the site of m-audio win7.
  
  They are stable (except the user 'high performance'), but few seem to be updated ... (See below).
  
  
  
  I mainly use reaper and various plugins. I record without pb 2 tracks at the same time and I listen as much as my processor can read.
  
  
  
  latency 4 ms 24bits/48kHZ with some VST plugins.
  
  
  
  I put 8 for stable drivers but not yet mature on Win7.

  Getting Started

  I use two ordis: a fixed (Core2Duo 3.2GHz, 2GB RAM) with win7 x64, a netbook (eeepc 1000 Atom 1.6GHz, 2GB RAM) with win7 x86.
  
  In 2 cases, the installation was done in 30 seconds (say 1 minute on the netbbok!) Without a hitch. The card works immediately and the sound is excellent compared to my sound chipset.
  
  Just for the curious that I can even play with the netbook Ninjam reaper via a VST LePou, cab through a simulation of Kefir, and a VST emulation TubeScreamer!
  
  
  
  The setup is straightforward: a page of input levels for each pair of outputs. I have not read the manual: /
  
  I'm the type to press the buttons to test. Exactly ...
  
  There is a button 'High Performance' which made me the eye. I support it, the driver tells me I have to restart the map. = Card reboot the computer freeze full, I had never seen it since I switched to win7! Well ... I do a hard reset of my pc that restarts. I start the map re-freeze.
  
  
  
  I had to do a system restore to a state prior to installing the driver, then reinstall it to fix the problem! Fortunately I am not too computer neophyte, I did that right away and I took care to create a restore point in case ... m'enfin it's still a bit crappy.
  
  
  
  In good tester I do the same manipulation on the netbook, to see ... Rebelote: total freeze. After some research on the m-audio forum, it happens to be the pilot who win7 plant completely if you check this box famous 'High Performance'.
  
  
  
  This problem has been reported to m-audio since November 2009 and still no new driver. Super track. : (
  
  
  
  Well, apart from this incident, everything works perfectly and without tedious config so it suits me. I put 8.

  Overall Opinion

  I bought the MPO-hand two weeks ago. I like the sound, the number of connections, overall stability, the knobs on the front. I appreciate the same effects (pretty rotten but practical) on the monitor. I do not like the driver not finished and not updated, but recognize that it is stable when we know what not to touch.
  
  
  
  This is my first external sound card so I have no recoil. I was looking for an interface with multiple inputs Hi-Z, USB2 (netbook does not have firewire, besides the latest macbooks ... it does not bode well for the firewire), more than 2 outputs, noon.
  
  I briefly looked at all the interfaces to less than 250 € and FTU in OCCAZ seemed to be the best choice. For that price (240 fdp in with 2years and 9 months warranty) I think I could not find better.
  
  
  
  Having a card creative SB Live that sometimes walked xp (I swore never to buy Creative / E-MU drivers because of their m ****) I know what galleys may cause a sound card. This one works perfectly the first time, without conflict with my onboard sound card to switch between the two is immediate and automatic when I turn on / turn out the FTU. Brief apart from a small concern for 'high performance' which is not a problem since I have only 4 ms of latency in 'normal', it's all good.
  
  I would do this choice!
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