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MGR/Laklander « M-Audio FastTrack USB Interface »
Published on 01/04/10 at 15:00The M-Audio FastTrack is a compact, single input USB Interface for connecting an instrument or a microphone to your computer for recording. It's silver and black.
Purchased in 2007 at BestBuy. I was looking for an inexpensive USB interface to allow me to get guitar, bass and keyboard signals into my PC. $99.99 including some basic recording software.
The FastTrack is easy to use and very intuitive. Controls are simple: on the back panel, a single 1/4' input with a switchable guitar/mic button, an XLR jack for microphones, left and right out RCA jacks; and a USB out jack. On the front panel, a mic input level control, a mix control to blend live and recorded playback signals; stereo/mono pushbutton, 1/8' headphone jack; and an output level control. Setup is simple also: install the driver from the included CD, then hook up the FastTrack to a USB port.
Input level isn't the highest: In most cases it can be difficult to hear what you're playing unless you boost the signal before putting it into the FastTrack. Mic level seems to be better.
The FastTrack is solid, but I wouldn't call it rugged. the plastic case is designed for home use, though, so it's not a big problem.
For the money, the M-Audio FastTrack is a great deal for anyone who wants to start recording basic tracks quickly. The studio software included with the unit I bought was quite basic; new FastTracks come with Pro Tools M-Powered Essential software, which is a step up. The FastTrack box itself has been redesigned, putting all inputs on the front panel and making the three control knobs larger and moving them to the top of the box. The XLR mic input now also includes phantom power for condenser mics. The unit now also has a direct monitoring feature designed to solve latency problems.
This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com
Purchased in 2007 at BestBuy. I was looking for an inexpensive USB interface to allow me to get guitar, bass and keyboard signals into my PC. $99.99 including some basic recording software.
The FastTrack is easy to use and very intuitive. Controls are simple: on the back panel, a single 1/4' input with a switchable guitar/mic button, an XLR jack for microphones, left and right out RCA jacks; and a USB out jack. On the front panel, a mic input level control, a mix control to blend live and recorded playback signals; stereo/mono pushbutton, 1/8' headphone jack; and an output level control. Setup is simple also: install the driver from the included CD, then hook up the FastTrack to a USB port.
Input level isn't the highest: In most cases it can be difficult to hear what you're playing unless you boost the signal before putting it into the FastTrack. Mic level seems to be better.
The FastTrack is solid, but I wouldn't call it rugged. the plastic case is designed for home use, though, so it's not a big problem.
For the money, the M-Audio FastTrack is a great deal for anyone who wants to start recording basic tracks quickly. The studio software included with the unit I bought was quite basic; new FastTracks come with Pro Tools M-Powered Essential software, which is a step up. The FastTrack box itself has been redesigned, putting all inputs on the front panel and making the three control knobs larger and moving them to the top of the box. The XLR mic input now also includes phantom power for condenser mics. The unit now also has a direct monitoring feature designed to solve latency problems.
This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com