All user reviews for the M-Audio Fast Track Ultra 8R

8 USB external sound card channels with DSPs and internal effects processor.

Can be used as standalone prampli microphones 8 channels or as 8-channel mixer, according to rglages effectus advance on the computer.

- 8 combo XLR among - TRS
- 8 TRS outputs
- Between 1 - S / PDIF replacing the entries - analog outputs 7 and 8
- 8 pramplis Octane (which supports the XLR connectors among combo: the signal from among Jack disregard the pramplis)
- Between 1 - MIDI output
- Frequencies of chantillonnages supported: 44.1, 48, 88.2 and 96 KHz 16 bit and 24 bit
- Switchable phantom power supply for 4 channel group
- With attnuateur - 20 dB on each channel
- With among instruments and taken inserts on 2 among premires

USE

...dropoff Window

(Let me time to finish my opinion!)

IMPLEMENTATION

...dropoff Window

NOTICE GLOBAL

...dropoff Window

I bought these for 8 inputs, for maquetter drums and percussion. I use it with a laptop cpu: i5, 4 gigas ram. I also used the stage to manage sequences (Cubase, Ableton Live)

UTILIZATION

The drivers are stable, never crashed yet. I use Cubase 5 and Ableton Live.
I record 8 tracks simultaneously carefree and reading???? I've never been blocked read (20/30 tracks)

GETTING STARTED

Installation is no problem in Windows 7
not need the manual for the one who has the habit of computer music

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for 3 years so as to save read sequences. It is trimbalée right and left and still no problems.
What I like the most, 2 independent headphone outputs, 8 outputs standalone ...
What I like least: the software that goes with ...
excellent value for money

This is not the big card studio but it is great for work at home ...

8 channel external sound card with USB 2.0 and DSPs internal effects processor.

Usable as standalone preamp 8 channel microphone mixer or as 8 channels, depending on the settings on the computer beforehand.

- 8 XLR combo inputs - TRS
- 8 TRS outputs
- 1 input - S / PDIF output that is used in place of inputs - analog outputs 7 and 8 when activated
- 8 Octane preamps (which supports the XLR combo inputs: the signal from the input jack disregard preamps)
- 1 input - output MIDI
- Sampling frequencies supported: 44.1, 48, 88.2 and 96 KHz 16 bit and 24 bit
- Phantom clutched in groups of 4 channels
- With Attenuator - 20 dB on each channel
- With input jacks instruments and inserts on the first 2 entries

UTILIZATION

This unit does not meet my specifications time sound card. Yes, because I always use Adobe Audition v1.5 invincible as multitrack audio software. Yes, I know, this software is now in version CS6 (as of January 2013) but there are two main reasons why I am hooked to this old version. First, it supports MME / WDM individually on each track in multitrack. It means that I can assign, for example, track 1 on the input - output 1 sound card, track 2 on the input and output 3 5, etc.., Which has been possible since version 3 (newer versions not tested). What happens is that since this version, Audition has abandoned support for MME / WDM benefit well on ASIO. And the kicker is that in version 3 at least, it is not possible to assign individual track such as entry and exit as ASIO, you can make these settings globally on all software. And secondly, version 1.5 weighs less than 40 MB, which is really a featherweight compared to around 240 MB version 3.0 - and it has not so many new functions. And I'm not talking about that later versions are certainly more severe. So, I still use version 1.5 with support for MME / WDM and all goes well ... until I have my hands this sound card M-Audio FastTrack Ultra 8R.

In fact, I tried it on a Windows XP SP2 PC and another PC but Windows 8 64-bit and you will not believe your ears: MME / WDM sound card that comes with not only support the first 2 input - output card. 8 inputs - outputs are supported by the ASIO driver only. And again, routing audio to and from the computer does not pass through the internal DSP sound card! Therefore impossible (MME / WDM so) to assign incoming sound effects or 8 inputs to route audio channels 1 and 2 of the USB bus.

So here I am "fired bullets." At first I did not believe it, I thought it was a joke! I thought it was the drivers that are incompatible with Windows XP, need a newer version of Windows. But no, it's not because the mixer comes with software drivers to work, it under XP. I even managed to drive the DSPs internal sound card from there.

I also said that perhaps no MME / WDM driver is supplied with drivers (that only come with ASIO drivers) and, therefore, in MME / WDM, the USB driver generic audio Windows XP that is used but no, that's not it either, because otherwise he would wear, if I remember correctly, the "USB Audio" or "USB Device" instead of the name of map.

I ended up injured because this subtlety was not mentioned anywhere in the instructions that came with that I consulted in PDF on the internet before buying. And I'm left with a device on the arms that I could possibly use as a preamp 8 channel microphone. For this point, I'm rather surprised by the good sound quality. Precision, cleanliness and discipline. Internal effects processor: a bit basic reverbs are very average. But now, buying a sound card 8 channel was more urgent to me that preamp 8 channels.

GETTING STARTED

Implementation quick and easy. Reliability depends heavily on the quality of the USB bus to which it is connected.

OVERALL OPINION

I'll have to separate myself from this card, one way or another. It's a shame because the 104 dB signal - noise, this was really tempting, especially at this price point ))

What I liked about this sound card:
- Its clean and precise
- Can operate as a standalone 8-channel preamp, among other
- All inputs are combo XLR-Jack on the back

What I hated about this sound card:
- The WDM / MME driver supports only the first 2 input - output
- Damage to the input - output 7 and 8 can not be assigned to the input - S / PDIF output for standalone mode, which would have allowed also to use as A / D converter and D / A 2ch .

I bought this card to plug in static and dynamic mics for recording acoustic instruments sound. Not use midi.
The card worked fine for 2 years and then dropped a track (big roar in the channel) I then phoned Music Comeback with whom I had bought the card, I was told that it was the fault of the model and the fault had bad capacitors invoice.
Then later cracking appeared and then disappeared after restart or stop map / disconnecting / reconnecting the USB cable.
Finally, the card gave up the ghost. It is no longer recognized by the computer. I went on Internet forums and it seems that it is a component on the USB connection that is causing the failure. This failure also seems to be fairly common on this model. So the card is irreparable for a reasonable sum.

UTILIZATION

Otherwise, the card itself is very good when it works! ! !
There is very little lag and a good bike, the eight tracks are working properly (Cubase SX)

GETTING STARTED

The facility is always a bit laborious with new equipment we do not know, but basically it ends quickly run the case by reading the manual!

OVERALL OPINION

Price / quality ratio low. Personally, do not redeem M-Audio.
I recommend buying this FastTrack Ultra8R

I need 8 inputs to decision-battery, which is nickel for me and saves me DSP CU. More MIDI input / output, and SPDIF.
Used windows 7 64 bit 3GB Ram, Cubase 5.

UTILIZATION

8-track recording and 8 audio outputs.
I've encountered the problem of stability before the driver Last updated!
I already put my PC to Zero problems POCs digital that nobody came to fix (help on fofo).

Apart from this a latency of 48kHz> 12ms (input-output) which is quite decent!

GETTING STARTED

VERY SIMPLE intallation! you download the driver, you throw it tell you to connect your HOP card and you can use it!
Need the manual? NO, it's still really not complex.

OVERALL OPINION

3 years of use, the only HIC for me is that I took one begins to blow, because too used ... I'm really careful, and since I'm still under warranty that the site I bought it, I'll probably try to make me change. =)

Apart from that, it is miraculous for a budget quite correct, it begins its Home Studio with a good sound card!

I would do much to choose from!

for the price
for usb 2
8 preamps for octane
for 8 analog outputs
for stand alone
for m-audio products in general
this interface is awesome!

UTILIZATION

drivers are stable
are no worries in order to register as a nomad, but I do not use it that way!
I use it as a preamp for my Delta 1010.
I try to record live via USB and the analog outputs of the fast track on my Delta 1010 and I must say I am satisfied with the result that is identical ... no loss of momentum, not breath and no deformation of the signal at all ... well good.

GETTING STARTED

no worries on my lap
on the other hand on my laptop, there are some problems of recognition ... yet it's the same OS installed with the same driver ... but nothing that really prevents its use.

OVERALL OPINION

very good USB2 audio interface
preamps are of good quality for this price
in it is great that blends in my HS because it meets my specifications ... lol
more I use these instrument inputs on the front to record my guitars live and be able to do réamp later ...

What motivated my choice, it is the large number of input / output. I use it for home recording only. For the rest of the chain: see my profile!

UTILIZATION

The drivers have never planted to date. I use it in a variety of program and I have never had a problem! Low latency, cash it without flinching!

GETTING STARTED

No worries for the installation (under win7 on my part)

Everything is simple headlock 0

OVERALL OPINION

In conclusion, good product. I read a lot of advice before you buy and I did not plant.


I think keep it a little more time because it satisfies me but I think my next system will be something a little more "pro" by decoupling Converto and preamp ... But not for now!

It's been two years since I use this card, I haven 't encountered concerns particular, who had two crashes my graphics card would run into a blue screen openings cubase and sound card. So update the map N Vidya (the fault) and resulting in more problems.
Used on dual core 2.4 ghz, 4 gb ram windows 7 pack 1 (do not forget to get the proper drivers on the M Audio site) and a UAD-2 Solo card which manages the plug-in.

UTILIZATION

I use it mostly in my home studio with Cubase 6 artist and sometimes taken to make external (drums).
I like the preamp card that are good but not monstrous to autant.En addition I use a Joe Meek preamp Three Q and I plan to buy a Universal Audio 710 Twin Finity this will bring a more.
Very good recording quality, the converters of the map are the job well, I set all my projects in 44/24.
Low latency buffer set to 256.

GETTING STARTED

Installation is simple as long as you follow the procedure.

OVERALL OPINION

2 albums made with this card, great value for money.
I stink compare it with a motu 828 mk2 the difference is not phenomenal in the motu enregistrement.Les converters may be a little better?
Brief for more you need to type in the side of RME.
finding a card less than 400 euros with 8 inputs and outputs over spdif,
I find it somewhat (Mickey's dog) cool.

At first glance, a very attractive bike with 8 inputs for a USB unbeatable prices. In addition, the build quality is obviously good with a product that has to face. However, it is the only pleasant surprise. Because after, it goes bad ...

UTILIZATION

And there is the drama ... Is the sound card is not recognized as such (recognized as a standard USB device) or the computer plant, or the sound is muted (crachottements thoroughly, etc etc). So you tell me, "but it is a computer that patapizza Brel, just install drivers and configure it properly."
Not at all. After 10 years of computer music, and testing of a dozen other interfaces, this is the first time I see it ...
Impossible to use it, not least with Windows Media Player.
Hop, direction back to the sender.

GETTING STARTED

If only I could have run even once, I could tell you a little more, but there ...

OVERALL OPINION

Illico returned with a guaranteed "money back" at my favorite retailer. What amazes me is that I had traded my M-Audio ProFire against the Fast Track because of firewire chipsets compatible with my computer (HP DV7 Core2 Duo). We called M-Audio set to the shop, telling them stated that it was nowhere, except for funds from the FAQ site ... They confirmed without giving valid reasons.
On the Fast Track Ultra 8R, I do not understand how drivers can be marketed as being unstable. I have worked with a slew of external interfaces (Digi 002, FA-66, UA25X, Motu Ultralite, etc etc), this is the first time I see a brand as unprofessional as bad with SAV. Never had problems with other brands.

Anyway, I never will not buy the M-Audio, faith zicos! Much to pay the price ...
A word!

Motivations for choice: I needed to replace my ESI ESP1010 because it is not compatible with QuadCore.
Need: 8 Entrées/8sorties, 2 headphone outputs, 24bit/96KHz Converters, USB, noon, no breath,> 110db performance
Config: CM Asutek P5Q, QuadCore 3GHz, 4GB Ram DDR2, 1TB HDD 32MB cache 7200T/mn, Cubase 4 and as compound of EASTWEST (SoundonLine)
Usage: Home Studio, miking group or singer, composition Me, etc. ..
Associated equipment: Preamp Guitar Preamp Microphones Joemeek ONEQ and SixQ, Compressor / Expander DBX266XL, Micro Seinnheiser E935, APEX435
Connectors: XLR and Jack6.35mm

UTILIZATION

Stability: Stable under XP SP2, even with a forty tracks, half of which end with Audio Send active and the other half in Midi Plugins assets. (It was very limited with ESP1010)
Software used: Cubase 4 Plugins, and EastWest.
Latency of about 5ms, but I'm not trying to be less, for my part I do not shift below 10ms.

GETTING STARTED

Installation was trouble-free, the config is done largely in Cubase.
The interface seems a bit complex at first, but once we understood the principle is well designed.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for 6 months, and I admit I was disappointed to have to separate myself from the ESP1010, finally I am very happy because the sound quality is better converters and settings offers many more possibilities for takes.
Including the ability to make a comeback in the headphones of ways that you want to level with a different gain for each channel returned is really convenient for the singer or instrumentalist, and for me.
Tried other cards: Audigy 4 Pro, M-Audio Delta24/92 ESI ESP1010.
What I like most: It is my need each entry is adjustable + + quality + sound mixer outputs.
It is USB, so no PCI card that heats or conflicts with another device. (Bp choice IRQ ... etc.)
What I like least: The interface could be more visual (looking for the little beast)
Value for money: Compared with a Fireface 800, it is 2.5 times less expensive, and it is USB for my hand "wins" less than FireWire, so I think the price / quality ratio is excellent.
Repeat this choice? ah yes without hesitation, I recommend to anyone even want a home studio at an affordable price with excellent sound card.

Technical data sheet

I tried to get an audio interface with enough inputs to be provided to record quietly quiet my metal band:
Minimum of 4 tracks to record my brother on drums, knowing that my brother would need more entries for more pickups (currently 2 mics for snare, which go back to 5 drum mics)
Able to use both my Roland, my Clavinova and have access to MIDI.
Need for phantom power for condenser microphones.

January 2011 Edit: Actually, I realize more and more that to record an acoustic drum, it becomes fair 8 microphones, now, that's all I need battery, but if my brother adds a tom, I'm dead.
So this sound card is really the place to start in recording drums, but if you want then go into high gear, it will buy something better.

It should be noted that connecting converters S / PDIF can be mounted to 10 entries.

Personally, when I change gear, I would climb a budget of 900 to 2000 euros to be on the rise in quality and have 16 simultaneous audio tracks in my DAW.

UTILIZATION

The drivers are highly stable, the M-Audio has never unhooked from all sequencers that I use:
Magix 15 and Live8.

For the number of tracks played at the same time, I think I have so far arrested at 35/40, with no latency in Live, with 3 or 4 AFTERNOON. I'm a fan of analog sound taken: P.

The drivers are rarely updated, but take the SHIFT of 2009 does not change so much from the CD version, crashes are rare on this interface, whatever the latest drivers.

I am under Live from 3 to 4% of CPU.

In short, not bad at all.

GETTING STARTED

Installation is quick to accept still press the Continue button when Windaube Xp wonder if you still have to install the driver because he thinks it could damage the system, and passes like velvet.

The manual is clear, and French for the version I bought. One can also easily find the PDF on the Internet.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it since September 2009, so I already had an opportunity to test the beast can.

Well, I'll start with less.
I did not know the M-Audio has a slight defect with Notebooks Asus when I use Wifi and the M-Audio at the same time, the M-Audio crackling issues. It took me put out of use to succeed in finding the cause of the problem. Fortunately, bought from Thomann, I've been back in the days after delivery (they are really super loud), so a wait of 2 weeks before reuse.
Same with my laptop when I use my M audio with my external hard drive, the M-Audio turns creating a frying. After being switched off, unplugged the HDD and turned back on the M-Audio, frying disappears, but hey, other USB devices to avoid: /

Otherwise the most:
People, this interface is not intended to registrations. With its 10 outlets Jack (of which 2 with volume buttons assigned), it is a bomb for groups who want to mount a local quiet practicing at a lower cost.
8 instruments can be connected above and a keyboard / drum machine MIDI inputs and outputs, 10 headphones, and walk!
Need more amps, an effect pedal for guitars and valid. is the ideal electronic drum electric guitars, bass and synth, and a dynamic voice, and that parity

Edict of January 2011: Well, it's quite possible, but you have to buy headphones preamps to increase the volume of the rear exit of the M-Audio, and enjoy it completely, there are 20 euros or Behringer tbone on the market, it is really worth.

Well, for the record, I confirmed the opinion below, it's also really great, the converters are not bad and the really great preamp, and 8-track, what comfort to register a battery Home Studio!

Edit January 2011:
So, I bring some information after use:
The preamps are very fragile, I gun 2 times the 8 preamps since I have (but with 3-year Thomann warranty it does). Always observe the cycles to follow when they turn on / off the sound system (in this case be my 300W sound system, be my amp monitoring, depending on use) should always turn on the sound card first, then the amp, and when you turn it off, we begin with the amps, then the sound card.
Otherwise, I managed to use the effects of my DAW Ableton Live 8, and for the price, quality A / DD / A is doing more than honorable, I am satisfied. With virtual synthesizer, the MIDI is a killer.

JXB

I bought this sound card because I needed 8 inputs on one card (before I used several cards but the drivers were dropping out). Initially I bought it for recording voice in radio, now it serves me more than for recording acoustic instruments. So I use routinely preamps with XLR inputs on the card.

I use it on a computer that I built myself and is tailllé for sound (windows 7 32 bit Intel Core 2 Quad 2.66GHz, 3GB (the maximum 32-bit), 1.2TB (2 discs samsung F2 ), and USB port for dedicated sound card (no hub, there is only this device on the USB port)).

UTILIZATION

The drivers are extremely stable. In a year and a half of use, they have never planted or dropped out. That impresses me.
I use it especially in Reaper, recording 8 tracks simultaneously, and out 8 tracks (basically all inputs and all outputs).
I turn to 8ms of latency between the input of the soundcard, treatment with equalizers, compressors and delay (see reverb), and the output of the soundcard. I work almost always live, and I use it like a digital console.

GETTING STARTED

Installation is fast and simple. The driver interface is perhaps obvious at first, but it is well thought out (to manage the routing of hardware inputs and outputs of software to hardware outputs). The default config is by far the most used. The possibilities are also very good.
I just found that m-audio has put too much time out drivers for Windows 7, especially since it is the same as those for Windows XP and Vista. They just blocked the execution of the install on their systems (I have been part of the team of beta testers of Windows 7).

OVERALL OPINION

It's been a year and a half that I use this sound card.
Before I was using the equipment a little more public.

What I like most:
The price, quality inputs and outputs, switchable phantom power 4 by 4.

What I find problematic:
That is key point that makes me post a message. Everything is beautiful in this sound card, except the resistance of preamps. I went to my second back guarantee. The preamp number 3 has been having a blast annormalement high after pulling the pad-20dB. This happens by whenever you pulls the pad-20dB, but then I just m'apperçevoir sound card that my store just lend me suffer the same problem but on input 4. The store where I bought my sound card has information to offer me the details to the problem, it would be a resistance that was undersized when designing the sound card, and the problem was recurring on a series of sound cards. He also told me they would replace the resistance, rescaled as before. The repair has taken place (and I have proof that I have recovered my sound card because there was always my converters jack headphone outputs on, I had forgotten to remove), and preamp functioning again. Until it releases about 1 year later.

With experience I will ever even when this choice because the audio quality is to go. I did not use monster sound card, so I can afford one month back in for repair. I also want to clarify that I had no problem with the after sales service.

What characteristics have motivated your choice?
I need 8 inputs to record acoustic drums so I'm leaning toward the 8 inputs;

With which instruments or systems (console, preamp, DTD ...) and you use the connection with what? ...

I plug my mic in XLR or many guitars / bass / piano jack into the front input jacks

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

Recording drums, guitars, bass, piano, voice, music
PC
Intel Core Quad CPU
Q9550@2.83GHz
2.83 GHz, Ram 3.25Go
Physical Address Extension


UTILIZATION

The drivers are stable?
Totally, supplied with installation CD, no worries
They are often updated?
No, and tell the truth, no need
What software do you use most often?
Cubase 5.1
What latency you get?
About 1ms, no latency
How many tracks do you manage to record / playback simultaneously? ...
I record a max 8 simultaneous tracks (the maximum possible it seems to me)
I read and close to 50 max in cubase (my pc allows me)


GETTING STARTED

The installation is done it without problems?
Yes, no worries on that side of

The general configuration is easy?
yes thanks to the interface and use the panel to direct the PC

Have you experienced any incompatibilities?
Not until now

The manual is clear and sufficient? ...
Who needs a manual? a real child's play!


OVERALL OPINION

For how long have you been using it?
Soon one year

Did you try many other models before getting this one?
Level sound card, a table of mix fx behringer Xenyx 2222

What thing do you like most/least about it?
I love the simplicity of instalation and use: One branch, we installed the drivers, is configured in its software and recorded! I made a config in cubase, and I opened it, she is ready for registration;
The two input jacks in the front are very practical too!

What is your opinion about the value for the price?
Excellent! B Stock purchased on an American website to view 150 100 € less than the price of french sites / European, I do not regret my choice!

Knowing what you know now, would you make the same choice? ...
Totally!
Whatever I would opt for perhaps 10 entries to be taken over for the battery (room, ect ...)

The 8 pre amp and 8 outputs are handy.
We also used the spdif, not bad for pre amp used for a digital console. The drivers are stable

UTILIZATION

whatsoever directly under windows, max / msp or protools 8.

I used to live in wavelab recording with record 3 hours without worry, I have not tested under No PT8 (I have no confidence).

on the other hand I mix in 3 hours rec hiut PT8 track as a real hell, completely unstable, PT loses sync between tracks and the timeline.
PT obliged to reboot every 10min.
I do not so sai ca vien PT or card but in any case, poor rating for M-Audio

GETTING STARTED

Install quickly and without problems with the drivers from m-audio site.
Both XP 32 and 64bit win7. I've used the

OVERALL OPINION

for 1 year and a half before I loose what sournoisment in benefits.
She walked in my nickel, I Emene on benefits and my PC does not recognize it more!
I try on three different PC and MAC, nothing to do!
The card is recognized but can not be identified as a sound card.

And as usual, the SAV is absent, the supplier Algam do not want to support.
Single solution, SAV Avid Toulouse with a bad reputation, or the trash!

In the future are what I will ever be a choice, I do not know.
Today, it is hard to find a USB soundcard with 8 pre-amp.
And firewire is almost over, has the high-end PC.

The next will probably be a tascam.