All user reviews for the M-Audio Fast Track

This material has bought t too fast and with some bad advice Vendor

I use a Rode NT1, 2 lecto acoustic (Folk and nylon) and electric, a master keyboard usb,

It is supposed to be used to record good quality models

Config small unpretentious aves 4GB of Ram.

USE

The drivers are very stable

Software: Cubase, WaveLab and plugs adquats

Very few tracks are coutables the same time. I record track by track

No start date

Latency is randomized (depending on the mood of the hardware)

IMPLEMENTATION

Installation without any worries

Simpler configuration

It is incompatible with me

What are you talking about manual?

NOTICE GLOBAL

2 months

Before dcrocher a little home studio I had an Edirol UA-25

His only utility in the home studio of tinkering, otherwise it is perfect for listening to music ... like the internal sound card of the PC ... and worse

Well, 90 it can always serve someone I know who wants dbuter.

With the experience I change ds tomorrow and even if there are better from this manufacturer, I have a horrible priori

I bought this card starting in computer music, my first need was able to record my guitar and some taken from sound via the microphone input. For both tasks the map proves rather effective. I work in Live with Phenom and 4GB of RAM, it will run without any problem!

UTILIZATION

Level drivers no worries! I regularly change the desktop (mac / pc) and everything works every time without problems! card is very easy to use, adjust, and also very easy to route from Live. The main drawback is the lack of punch from the guitar input, however in this small downside Live adjusts very easily!

GETTING STARTED

This card is truly plug n play! I never installed any driver to use (except Asio!)

OVERALL OPINION

I bought this card as I had very little knowledge of computer music. It made me very great services, and given the purchase price I think it was largely amortized! However, if you move quickly computer music, you'll quickly new desires (for me it was swinging my 8 tracks in an analog console) and you will NECESSARILY move on!

What characteristics have motivated your choice?
The price and single USB connection priori

Which instruments and systems (console, preamp, DTD ...) you use it and how connections? ...

Just a headphone listening and connecting to my stereo chain.

For what purpose? What is your config (Motherboard / CPU / Ram / Hard, ...)?

Work my songs with my new laptop art.

UTILIZATION

The drivers are stable? Are they often updated? What software do you use most often? What you get lag? How many tracks you get record / playback simultaneously? ...

Yes they are stable and updates abound, latency is correct on my Ableton Live
but I only have a few tracks and I started working in 44.1 kHz / 16 bit so it's normal too

GETTING STARTED

The installation is done it without problems? Have you experienced any incompatibilities? The general configuration is easy? The manual is clear and sufficient? ...

The installation went well and is recognized without problem but after it goes bad, inconsistency between the official drivers and those windows (which to choose?) Error message the little icon to configure the card disappears from my taskbar must hack, search the forums is tedious.

Then conflict between USB devices, disconnect, reconnect, change usb taken my midi keyboard (usb too) begins to falter along the way.

After two three days of searching the net, I gave up, sold my laptop and went back to my old pc with the pci card I had kept in a corner that eventually turns better and faster (go figure .. ).

OVERALL OPINION

I used (well tried) two weeks without really achieving a system that holds up.
I already had the Audiophile 24/96 PCI in which frankly is much more stable compared to the latter.

I do not have that choice, M-Audio USB sucks (at least on my pc).

Its affordable price and good reputation in the field of avid. I wanted to record some guitar parts, and try me singing ....

Sennheiser Microphone, Guitar yamaha, electric epiphone casino, Vox AD30VT amp, Korg A3 and G3 zoom effects, depending on the mood.

I think the question of the connection does not arise since ca flows from source on this interface! 6.35 for the guitar and XLR microphone.

config:
Intel dual core 2.5ghz, 8GB ram, win 7 64 bit.

UTILIZATION

drivers have nothing to be ashamed of. Even better, without having to install the official, windows takes care of its own USB connection, it can not be simpler. Avid seems to be the soft side software, and SHIFT, do not count on it too?

No, what makes me the note stopping beauty (and answers the passage various issues) is the inability to record a guitar in stereo using Audacity software Swiss army knife extremely powerful and royalty free.

Whatever we do, though nebulous menus hack in the sound card, it is always the same: the guitar was right, the left microphone, even by mixing in mono. Why not use the included software, t tell me you?

Because I know by heart audacity, and when I buy a USB recording interface, I refuse to be imposed upon me such and such software, I want to do what I want with it, I paid, point, Ableton or Steinberg does not interest me.

the unit and its original drivers are unable to mix the guitar recorded in stereo, only software that overlays the reconaisssent can. Farewell delay and other stereo phaser funny zoom above.

Latency is imperceptible, but after such a disappointment, it does not matter.

GETTING STARTED

Installation is very simple. a USB port, a jack and an XLR microphone at the end, anyone can do it.

config FOLLOWS her even, no incompatibility deplore the hardware level or software, see my resumé above.

The manual is in PDF on a CD, this is the norm now, but the good old paper would have been more fun.

OVERALL OPINION

3 months that I use.

No other model tried, if not hacks to save me.

I like most, its simplicity.

What I hate, mono sound recording off dedicated software.

A product that breaks the price, it's not as bad, but imposes unacceptable constraints to enjoy.

I never would do such a choice if I had known!

I began by computer music I needed to register on my pc my voice and some guitars. it seemed to me a great deal. this is. the version I have is the fastTrack before, not the one in the photo. is the design that changes the characteristics do not change.
comes with a simplified version of Ableton Live 6 at the time, once connected, it worked directly.

UTILIZATION

since I went mac, but still works very well. recognized live a little breath out but good for home studio models, that's enough.
I recently used with mainstage 2 but I have not yet had the opportunity to use live, I wonder if it would shock ...?

GETTING STARTED

it really is plug and play par excellence. pc mac as is instantaneous. no need to read the manual (I do not even know if there was one ...) even for a novice it is super simple.

OVERALL OPINION

4 years since I use for my models, it's just a pure product to start. I probably would change for usb table twelve o'clock soon but I will keep the fast track for my small models, given the small size, and speed of implementation. to all those who started in computer music, this gem is for you. coupled to a same basic DAW, you can do his little delusions 3 times for nothing.

I knew nothing, but then nothing, computer recording gear / at the time of purchase.
Simplissime
Before:
- Port 1 XLR (with a microphone designed to side)
- 1 port jack (with a guitar drawn side)
- 1 port jack (with headphones designed ... childish!)
Rear
- USB port
- RCA ports


One branch, is installed, you click, you can play, record ... Easy!

UTILIZATION

Minimum version of pro tools "provided" software (see how below) only two recording tracks (anyway there are only two entries ...) minimum "widely vital for me" in settings ( compression, equalizer, reverb, effects ...).
I did not make any update or other, nothing downloaded, I have little or no problems, I do not even know how I say ram, but my cheap PC always want the shock to some I do not superimpose a dozen tracks.
Never had a problem of latency or other type ...

GETTING STARTED

Easy installation of the card from the cd / driver, but have to download protools while it is supposed to be on the driver, it has never been "released" from his cd.
1 worries: sometimes, when everything works, I sound the boititer is not recognized by pro tools, it is not the card once launched, it must restart the PC and sure it works every time. ..
You should go in trying / fiddling without departing from live on a big project.
I have never used a manual ...

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for almost two years I have been recording in a pro and I am not going to compare things that are not comparable ...
Become familiar only with pro tools is difficult and sometimes you know people who know ... but what if you walk starts manage!
I never used the manual, very terse, but I think music must often rely on a self and just try ... experiment!
I used to record my bass live sound is a little disappointing, but the good retouching something nice we get, I also did amping.
I also used to singing and got a result not too bad with a crappy mike!
I also placed a drum machine that protools has boosted with simple settings ... short there are enough to make a decent enough model.
I appreciate the extreme simplicity of the thing, which is more the price has dropped significantly (about 50 € in 2 years) since my purchase. Today for just € 80 you can become familiar with the recording, listen to play with good sound ...
Frankly I do not regret this purchase!
Now if you want something really professional this is not the case and you have to pay the price ...

I bought this external sound card for kicki 'brand, for the price, and the fact that it allows you to use the Avid software, ie Pro Tools.

For use is not simple: an XLR input for a microphone (including condenser, because the sound card has phantom power supply (+48 v)), and Jack input: Guitar, bass, etc ... And the headphones that I use for my headphone as well as my monitor speakers.
3 Knobs for volume, one for the XLR, one for the jack, one for audio output once again, there's no simple, when the red LED lights: the input level is adjusted.

UTILIZATION

Latency: 0.0!
Stable drivers
This sound card is UNIVERSAL and can use the software AVID Pro Tools, etc. ..
Obviously it is partion the beginner home studio that records his voice and his guitar at best a few acoustic instruments, small percussion, shaker.
(Registration not simultaneously of course, track by track)

GETTING STARTED

To install is simple: You plug the sound card into the USB port, you install the drivers on the CD, and in 10 minutes you can serve you the sound card, I use it for 5 months still effective, no configuration to do, no need to read the manual, more ergonomic and easy you die!

OVERALL OPINION

If I had to do it again I buy at this price, I think there is no better sound card for the beginner, and even for the amateur who needs a sound card for short recordings.

It was my first sound card, my next purchase will be a mixer to record multiple beats simultaneously with multiple microphones also.

Bought for his side compact, mobile, designed to equip a "B" notebook.
The price is attractive and famous brand.

UTILIZATION

Works fine with my old MacBook Pro Methuselah, no problem drivers.

GETTING STARTED

Install and config very easy on Mac. Works with all common software.
In contrast, rotate protools SE comes with light path to cross, musts mail exchange with Avid, a result FRO. Unless you pay more expensive updates the craft itself.

OVERALL OPINION

2 years, intermittently.

Weak preamps is indeed very annoying, forcing the push knobs for gain, and then there hello breath ..

I will try to find a more efficient, giving me advice from people sharp as it abounds in these forums.

The phantom power to motivate my choice.

I use it in USB.

Used for making way.

UTILIZATION

Be used with pro tools.
Low latency.

GETTING STARTED

Installation is simple as the general configuration.
No incompatibilities.
The manual is clear.

OVERALL OPINION

I used 6 months.
This is my first model.
What I like most is its affordable price, the less it is a lack of accuracy in potentiometers.

With experience it is clear that I would resume a sound card M-Audio.

But for now I am forced to sell my fast track.

At the time, the software provided with the MKII (Pro Tools M-Powered Essential or light), to test and see if an improvement
compared to the previous one was obvious. Yes for convenience settings above, I would say yes, the technical side, nothing changed. Low pre-amplification of the microphone. for latency, forced latest drivers, stability, I think, given the notice also that the laptop used to play at the level of USB power. I have not had any stability problem. Micro AKG and Shure dynamic, AKG, condensate and other 'for tests.Guitares.
With an Ultra hard not to be negative.

UTILIZATION

Stable drivers.
I use several software with an average of 24 tracks. Latency is variable depending on the laptop from 0 to 5, when all is well.

GETTING STARTED

Very simple installation.
Configuration software supplied Pro Tools M-Powered Essential, recognized on the interface, it is against a light version (VST them) trying to complete the purchase.
No incompatibilities. Manual unnecessary.

OVERALL OPINION

Long ago that I no longer use it, I had the Fast Track simple, in fact the same but more "Cheap", with less control, the same connection, so the most: Look, over the access, low latency, software provided interesting price.

The least and it's a shame: The weakness of the preamp.
I can not judge the value for money but in nine to 85 € this is correct, on occasion we must find better (the Fast Pro is already a cut above example, the Edirol UA 4FX, line 6 pod UX 2, the Presonus Studio USB, etc..), it is within budget.
No I do again this choice, it provides little compared to the previous which is still sold elsewhere.

good

UTILIZATION

good

GETTING STARTED

good

OVERALL OPINION

I HAVE TO BUY THIS MATOS PUT ME ON PC TO RECORD my songs and making models
I have only one digital recorder next and I start really has operated the
Also you always have a good computer gear after and I'm not on Apple's software so that I use on the cuckoo, all is not compatible properly so I did not use it enough to leave an objective opinion on the other hand I used it as an external sound card on my lequelle recorder connected to my PC processes the sound and the spring via the external card and sound is pretty good
however say the overall functionality or the interest of this stuff I can not say that once you buy a good pc to apple or microsoft does not create Concurrency everyone takes what they want in terms of its budget and software they already own because Ca plays AC and that's what is a headache it will be brief in a next episode
Magix fingers
(Come to discover my songs on youtube http://www.noomiz.com/MagixFingers or by typing in the search magixfingers91100) thank you see you soon

I just needed a sound card to remove a latency that I had with my internal soundcard of my PC when I was using midi controllers, and also have a better audio output.

I plug in USB (beware if you have a PC idiot like me, there always plug into the same USB port it is sometimes capricious). I use it with the Launchpad and a MIDI keyboard.

UTILIZATION

The drivers are installed in 2 minutes, it works nickel, even if another M-Audio sound card was already used on my computer. No problem with the drivers.

I use it exclusively on Live, which is easily recognized. No problem there either.

GETTING STARTED

I do not have any latency problem. The RCA walk nickel, but only on mixers for example, equipped with a preamp. Can not use the RCA output for another headphone for example, you need a preamp.
It is thus provided with little output, which limits its use sometimes a little. But it is quite sufficient for the use I personally do.
Ask yourself these questions before you buy if you lack anything on this sound card (the second microphone input, more output jack, etc..).

OVERALL OPINION

A sound card quality at an unbeatable price, this is a small card with his honest little features, but will walk nickel.

Under XP I used the integrated card to my PC to do everything.
As Windows 7 handles sound like a crap, and be able to play a video while playing the guitar, I had to take a sound card.
I took a "good" (read "expensive"), everyone says it is too top coughed.
After much procrastination, I am taking this one, entry-level M-Audio, it cost a kidney but not nearly ...

UTILIZATION

The drivers are stable but not finished. The resident module I made a mistake, I had to disable it. Okay it is (really) useless.

However something much heavier: if you play a music or video in Windows (even on the web) before launching your app musical (and its ASIO driver, it was he who shits) you are entitled to a beautiful message that "the sample rate stuff foo shit."

Solution: leave your music application, close (your choice) the web page / your audio / video player and relaunch the app music. Annoying as can be, especially when you do not know what's the problem.
The defect has been known for years, documented, it's just waiting for drivers corrected. To the Editor of superprouti (sorry, ProTools, though restrained in passing in the version provided) fucks it still hurt.

When to WASAPI (the new protocol audio Win7), they have never heard it looks. Pfff.

GETTING STARTED

It installs the drivers, one branch, it works. A high impedance jack for guitar, with a XLR phantom activated, three knobs, it's good, it's simple.
The ASIO driver works well (apart from the problems already mentioned) and gives a reasonable latency, 6-10 ms depending on the application or configuration.

OVERALL OPINION

Used for eight months, I got used to launch my music software from the start of the PC, it avoids any problems then.
The sound is crystalline, both on the microphone and guitar input. The preamps are however a little weak, but this is sufficient since we can always turn up the volume in the app.
In contrast, only two inputs are insufficient quickly, and since I fell for a mixer that also includes a sound card. It is redundant but you can use the two together (I record four tracks at once ^ ^)

No regrets for the initial purchase, it's good stuff. However if I were to choose now I would take a card 4 (or more) entries of another brand (because of the "little turds" cited above), or directly to a mixer with USB.

I was looking for an audio interface to record me on guitar and vocals and make small models.
A product of AIR correspond to the needs of the beginner like me Mao: XLR input for mic input jack for guitar, small software supplied computer music (Pro Tools Essentials).
You plug in usb on the computer and ...

UTILIZATION

BIG DISAPPOINTMENT:
First the software: it seems to come back in the 80s: mediocre design. They had better not try to represent visually the effects: not only is it ugly, but it's super annoying to deal with the mouse!
But more serious is the box itself: Do NOT HOPE TO CONNECT A GUITAR OVER directly: the power is too low (even with large humbuckers). So you have to push the volume and then, inevitably, BIG BREATH.
But that's not all: your beautiful sound of guitar synth becomes Bontempi!
The best for last: the LATENCY. Frankly, I can not heard me play with such a shift!

GETTING STARTED

Installation is no problem. The manual is terse.

OVERALL OPINION

I bought it too quickly by reading other reviews. I used it two days before giving up. When reviewing the opinion in detail (DO IT) we find that those who appreciate only use that as a microphone interface. If use the guitar input, it is with a great preamp and external effects. Anyway, they have other programs, other drivers too, they were hacked to decrease the latency ...
In short, given the beautiful promotional video, the product looks like a plug and play guitar for beginners and enthusiasts in computer music, and it does not fulfill these functions decently.
If you're new and you buy it anyway, expect a significant budget for an amp, a good microphone, a real software, and hours and hours to get to do any work!

This card deserves a 10/10 as we know it is configured only, and perfectly, for recording guitar / bass.
It is possible to connect the synth live and enjoy the stereo, but no MIDI.
I have an Original Floyd LAG with which I can go live and then add my effects, or by first passing by my pedal Digitech RP3 sound to work.

I installed XP Pro only one partition dedicated music only Nuendo (Cubase cousin) and its plugins are installed and, miraculously, with my little Athlon 1.2 Ghz and my 256 MB of RAM, it turns impeccable.

What motivated me to throw myself on it:
Sufficient technical data: 24 bits / 48 Khz
Certainly not 96 Khz, but as I already use some of my effects pedals, I will not mistreat the sound excessive.
Ease of use
Mobile sound card
Latency it seems feeble
Sound card designated hardware and software for recording guitar / bass with extra, an XLR for a mic asset I have in my possession, an old relic of an old podium as a springboard ...

UTILIZATION

Installation is extremely simple and effective. Never seen that!

As usual, you have to fight with his Pro sound card, USB or not to release something, well, it installs in 15 seconds.

What about if I waited any message, my guitar on his lap. I stayed a while to fix my screen where n'apparraissait nothing special, then I scraped a rope and, surprise, I heard.

GETTING STARTED

So we know that is limited to recording one track at a time.
The quality is impeccable! Whether in its natural or through my or my Shred Master pedal, reproduces the sound was smooth and I can rework it in abundance.

The big idea is to have an integrated audio mixer to agree directly. No need to use the return on the recording software, which saves even more system resources.
So, with my very feeble config (remember Motherboard DFI AD77 deficient + 256 MB RAM + Athlon 1.2 Ghz) it turns impec with several cascading and see several MIDI tracks using hypersonic, it turns impeccable.

With Nuendo, no worries. Once this one set to use ASIO drivers for Fast Track, the latency obtained, and not even a background is 6 ms .. Therefore negligible. Config with a more robust (but also own a facility) lla latency must be able to get around the 2-3 ms in 24 bit 48 Khz.

A gain control input guitar could have been added. This is the only fault I could find.

OVERALL OPINION

A 9 / 10 when I put all of 10/10?

And yes, this sound card is limited in its use is its only flaw.

Otherwise, for what is to register with his small guitar or the bass should be, as Spinal Tap, to put a small 12/10, it would not fly.

I love its ease of use, qualities Audio Pro with a sampling of quality and background noise exist (despite my proximity to the screen and an electrical installation not terrible). I love the guitar mixer / audio output that can even make his lines all while watching a Divx, if you want to work the soundtrack of Star Wars for example ...

Best of all, a nice software that simulates comes with a whole bunch of effects and allows playback to play on his favorite songs to work (ie health).

As for the quality / price ratio ... less than 100 € used, and even found the net nine ports available € 109 .... There is really, really no better.

My previous card was a Maxi Studio ISIS. I have seen other pro cards run on other machines, often more comprehensive, more expensive .... But none as "Plug'n Play".

If it again, I buy a lot sooner!!

I do not specify the features, just look at this site.
I bought it for registered Guitar, Synth, Bass and Voice ... basically to make my demo.
Hardware, I use it on a PC with P4 2.8 Ghz, 768 MB RAM, 160 GB hard drive, finally something that runs well ...
It is very simple but well set, the Fast Track works perfectly.

UTILIZATION

Installation is simple, but I knew a problem comptatibilité loprsque I wanted to install it on my laptop, Packard EasyNote C3300 Belle ... and nothing to do, excessive latency and parasite when recording ...

With the tower described above everything works perfectly and the latency is 6 ms since using the ASIO4ALL driver (freeware particularly effective)

GETTING STARTED

The drivers are stable, overall it works well with the software I use (Cubase SX3 and Audacity for samples quickly ...), as well as VST (GuitarSuite, Cortex ...)
Latency level, I'm really satisfied with ASIO4ALL 6ms.
For cons, the defects:
It can only record one track ...
Entry guitare.instru delivers a really low level, it is therefore essential to use a preamp with simultaneous HP, otherwise it is very very low.
The microphone input (XLR) it has a built-in preamp that works not too bad for the voice, it suits me me.

Biggest problem for the guitar input (remember that the FT is made to the source!)

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for 6 months.
For my use (samples and recording demo) it works very well despite that I am missing some devices (a good monitor and a console).
I have tried any models before, and I bought it for its price and very attractive because the opinions I read were pretty good.
The value for money is really good.
I remake that choice if I were to buy a sound card, but you definitely need a preamp.

CONCLUSION: If you have a preamp, it's all good ... Otherwise plan to buy one for a correct result.

I purchased this product as the first external sound card for my job in its college.
With an Athlon 64, 512 ram ..
I used this card with my first micro behringer c1 (where I had an external preamp PCQ there is no phantom power supply on this map), then m69n beyerdynamic, AKG D196, at9100, pg52, directly in ..
For the price, features okay

UTILIZATION

Installation is easy, there is a small software with effects ...
No problems of incompatibility, everything is simple, not need the manual.

GETTING STARTED

on the other hand, sometimes I had problems with drivers, perhaps because of my windows version was "unofficial", and there, I download more recent drivers on the site, unable to install ... not cool.
The only way I've found is to unplug the barbarian, then reconnect, and there it goes.
J'utlise Cubase sx2. I do not remember the exact latency, but there is the small wheel "mix" that can play between incoming signal and outgoing signal, we can work without latency, this handy little knob.
An entry, then a recording track.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for 2 year (PCQ I stop I just bought a motu 828), but it holds up, it fell countless times and no problems.
The instrument input is correct, the preamp does not fart fire god, but is still better than the cheap external preamp (ART, behringer ...), there is a bit of steam when pushed too, but the sound is clear enough.
The possibilities are quite limited, but to use that I did, it is enough.

Use home studio, connected with various ordis. branch of a hi-fi

UTILIZATION

We have all of the problems has set up all the mess the first time in guitar rig and cubase, but once that's done more than touch too ay. The driver is available on the website of M a good audio if you have the CD to install Palm

GETTING STARTED

Stability point of contention. The card market six months without problem but after a recurrent problem is the card looks like: It crashed the computer! Ay not default to manufacturing ... MAUDIO says nothing as it is out there ay be guaranteed

Other than that it runs well with res nimporte what music software. It distorts the natural sound of lightweight instrument and digital to analog conversion produces a lot of noise but overall we reach the limits of what can be done with a card 100 euros

OVERALL OPINION

3 years of use. Very good report quality price. I find it much better than having an "amplifier of study." Connected to a hi-fi you get a very good sound!

- Between XLR
- Recording guitar / vocals
- Acer Aspire 7720G, Intel Core 2 Duo 2.0Ghz, 2GB RAM
- Shure SM58 / Fender DG-10 CE

UTILIZATION

- Installation under Windows without problem, more difficult on Linux, but same happens when.
- No conflict
- Easy configuration
- Manuel a little lightweight

GETTING STARTED

- Drivers stable
- I do not know much
- I use Audacity
- Latency monstrous enough, it was also for that I sell.
- I record a single track simultaneously (XLR)

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for 1 year.

Goodies: XLR low price.

Cons: USB interface, latency absolutely intolrable, parasites, and I often redondent crpitements and other oddities.

Finally, I recommend the purchase of an interface similar specs but with firewire interface.

Personally, I spend the EDIROL FA-66 to continue the adventure exclusively on Linux (Ubuntu Studio 8.04) and have the possibility to record voice and guitar at the same time.

The fact that this interface is not CHRE possde and what it takes to record an introduction. She does not need matieriel spcial studio.

I used it first to record a bass guitar and singing a re re a battery since the advent of a more complete audio interface she used mostly listen to music from my computer to my stereo.

I possde a mac "PowerBook G4" and that there j'apprcie I need INTAL any driver on mac. You plug and go!

UTILIZATION

As prcdement say no problem with instalation on my part. Everything is alone sufficient to settle once the audio setup on "fast track" and once it chanque branch switch the computer on.

GETTING STARTED

First I used garage band (yes you have to start with something ^ ^) Then and now live reaper. No problem on these three programs. Latency obtained is relatively small for my APRS some rglages. You can record two tracks simultaneously (many of the fast track).

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for around 2 years

I particularly AIM's easy instalation and the possibility of directly connecting a hi-fi system with RCA connectors. I do that there are only two inputs can be disabling, but after all it is on it fauut not buy an AC to enregidtrement quality of a battery for example.

Having acquired a rcemment VAIO (Windows 7, i5) I tried a USB2 external sound card that can allow me to record my guitar and my bass or for couraging models easily with LIVE SUITE 8, REAKTOR, GUITAR RIG config nomad. After comparative study and other information collected my choice was the MKII FAST TRACK

UTILIZATION

M AUDIO drivers are stable and I use the FAST TRACK especially LIVE. I get a latency of 13.6 ms in IO LIVE (ASIO4ALL). But with the direct monitoring function enables the FAST TRACK zapper software and thus have a latency of 0 ms. Trs very practical ...

GETTING STARTED

Installation is free ... well almost pbs For I initially used a USB port whose IRQ silent shared with WiFi, Bluetooth and simply made use of the FAST TRACK not due to white noise random image of disappearance of the signal and plays numriques nuisance ... APRs have sought information about the problem so I tried to configure the VAIO (disable drivers can cause conflicts etc ....), But nothing worked. J'tais two fingers to bring the FAST TRACK to the store when a last resort I reinstalled the FAST TRACK troisime a USB port that has its own IRQ and is spar the other two USB ports on the VAIO ; and joy, more noise, just the sound of the FAST TRACK

OVERALL OPINION

I have the past two days and despite a start pnible I must say that the FAST TRACK to me not quite to the contrary. The converters are correct, stable drivers (ASIO4ALL Drivers for LIVE and home PROTOOLS M Powered). As also owner of a Mac Book Pro and a 800 RME FIREFACE I will not venture to do a comparison that does not happen to be between the two cards (they do not play in the same CATEGORY). I can compare it against in a UCG102 BEHRINGER is a good card but not of only one microphone and headphone ...
The ratio quality price is unbeatable FAST TRACK (less than 100 Roros) and despite the problem encountered during the install I do it again this choice without hsitation

The M-Audio Fast Track is a budget preamp for those who want to get to recording quickly without too much of a hassle. The pre features 2 inputs, 2 outputs, 24bit/48KHz audio, USB 2.0, XLR inputs with 48V phantom power, 1/4'' instrument input w/ gain control, 1/4'' stereo headphone output, RCA speaker outputs, output level knob for adjusting volume, direct monitoring button and bundled software.

UTILIZATION

The device itself isn't too bad in the way they set it up. There are no annoying breakout cables, so you don't have to deal with that. A lot of times, people cram tons of features into a small box and then have a breakout cable. These cables can snag and cause all kinds of issues. By having it all self contained, you have a much cleaner work area. It's a pretty intuitive device, and it's easy to use. Drivers seem to be fairly stable, so no issues there. I used this with the bundled software and had no issues at all.

GETTING STARTED

The device is very simple to set up and start using. You simply plug everything into their corresponding ports, open up your DAW, set your preferences up and you're good to go. Making music is very easy with this. The pres themselves aren't the cleanest out there, but what do you expect from something this cheap? They definitely get the job done, but I wish it was firewire. I know some people dislike firewire, but it's still superior to USB 2.0 in real world applications.

OVERALL OPINION

If you're on a budget, this pre isn't too bad. If you can afford it, I recommend trying to get the Fast Track Pro. It'll have a few more features, although they basically sound the same. Try to find one of these used and use it in conjunction with your favorite DAW.

It speaks well of the new version of Fast Track comes with Protools M-powered Essential

Bought for 2 reasons: to replace my PCI card audiophile who does not work on my new PC and have a mobile solution to lug a computer to another.

The USB is not so bad and at least every computer has them.
In testing for 2 days at home, I use a config based on Intel dual core 7500 running XP SP3.
I tested only the entry with a guitar and a bass guitar and I balance out the mix on my desk. It all very well done its job. I found the quality quite correct my audiophile 24/96.
In my little home studio is very well

UTILIZATION

The driver supplied on the CD is not updated to run comes with the ProTools. Therefore directly download the latest version from M-Audio.

Apart from that, it's very stable.
There is a little latency but without direct monitoring is acceptable and I have not tried to settle.

I use Cubase Essential 5 recently and I wanted to taste this smaller version of protools essential, a few more goodies that guided my choice to the fastrack.

I make small models that use a 10zaine track. The 16 tracks of protools will provide a little bit but it just going to use like mine.
I read the demo songs without problem. it does not row and quality of recording on ProTools is the best I know

GETTING STARTED

Install easy except the fact that we should think about loading the latest driver from m-audio (-3 for!)

No special config, PT acknowledges the hardware and locks onto it. For other apps, ... Ben is like every time we select a asio driver, and presto!
Manual on CD in English. There is also a small map to guide a newbie MUI for installation.

OVERALL OPINION

Comparing with my audiophile PCI is kif kif. I have few other references.

What I like:
- The portability of the small USB box
- Sound Quality
- Latency correct rules better than I
- But there are basic connections essentially
- Setting the levels of inputs and outputs
- The phantom power (to test)
- The little bonus with Protools plugins QQE good

What I like to:
- Lack of noon (at least a midi in)
- The absence of a switch to cut it without having to unplug the USB cable
- The closed side of the essential PT (does not work on my audiophile (.... that since remarche) (no way to add a plug RTAS

For 100 E, there is nothing to say. I now have a mobile system purchase for my 3 computers (PC and Mac). The case does its job. It's been 25 years since I make music with at least 15 years of "home studio" with rudimentary but effective equipment. So I do not pete with the super pro hardware and it suits my level of usage.

I can resell at a time to sacrifice mobility, because I found what was wrong with my pci card.
Protools is great, but this version is a little too closed. For comparison, the version of Cubase Essential is much richer for a home recording studio. On this one, Digidesign has lagged behind.