All user reviews of 4/5 for the M-Audio Fast Track

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Hello,

I bought this preamp almost eight months ago because I wanted a preamp to start with my sc1100 (t bone) that was relatively inexpensive and made a good sound. Installation

UTILIZATION

therefore ultra fast, no worries, it's really easy. For me the most that my TRUE made me decide against any other (even more expensive) option is the "direct monitoring" which lets falls 0.00 ms latency because it does not go through the software but directly into the headphone. Royal is to register the return line.

GETTING STARTED

/

OVERALL OPINION

My overall opinion is 7 / 10.

Advantages: - Portability
- Simplicity (no need to read the manual, in 30 seconds is well controlled)
- Direct monitoring (a gem for me)
- Sound quality pretty good for what is done when we bought it (faithful instruments of price range, no worries!)
- No congestion spacial

Cons: - The big negative on my credit card is that it starts to saturate and it makes a big blast that hurt ear full registration (required to stop). Of course, because it saturates quickly with my microphone and my way of singing, after a story is volume control, but it's not really a worry because if the volume settings on the preamp sound good, no risk, it makes me when I did before yelled into my microphone with the microphone volume set wrong ^ ^. I am warning for fans
- Another point that bothers me is that I can not dub guitar and singing with two different mics, meaning that the lack of XLR port (one) for me.

Value for money excellent.

With the experience I would probably have taken an M audio fast track pro for the number of ports, but otherwise a tight budget is advised. Good stuff