All user reviews for the M-Audio Fast Track Pro

M-audio is one of my favorite companies and they really pack a lot of stuff into this box. 2 Mic inputs. Pro tools compatible. Monitoring support. Tons of TRS outputs and digital outs. It's even got midi if you want. I had one of the regular fast tracks before I got this one and it's amazing how much more they have packed into virtually the same sized box.

I don't use pro tools very often, although it's nice that this is PT compatible. I basically use this as a mobile interface with my laptop. It fits very easily into a laptop bag or backpack or whatever I'm hauling.

UTILIZATION

Drivers are stable like almost all the m-audio stuff. Latency is good. But the fact is you will only get as much performance as your cpu hardware will allow. Don't blame the device for your bad latency. Cubase generally has good support for maudio products and this one is no exception. I have used a few of their interfaces and all of them have more or less worked great. This interface has two inputs and I haven't had any trouble with mixing them properly. Drivers are especially smooth with the pro for some reason. That's a welcome feature I suppose.

GETTING STARTED

I don't even know if there is a manual because I never read it. Everything is laid out for you and even a beginner can probably figure it out on his own. Sometimes when a unit has this many features packed in, things can get confusing but the pro is laid out pretty clearly. Functions are all easy to access and the best part is there are a lot of functions. To be honest I don't use the midi and I rarely use all the outputs so I can't attest to how it handles a high traffic audio situation.

OVERALL OPINION

I like the fact that it packs everything I need into a tiny box I can carry on the go. I do a weekly podcast at a friend's house, and the best thing about this is I can stick it in a laptop bag and take two mics with me for the whole show. Easy and done. I looked at the other models and this was the smallest interface that had all these features. The only competition is some of the Motu stuff but I believe they are slightly larger? Sound quality is great. I have said for years that digital preamps are every bit as good as the tube gear. I would know because I've used it all. The Pro is in line with my thinking there. I really recommend it.

The M-Audio Fast Track Pro is the next step up in the Fast Track world. You have a few more features that make it a bit more desirable. This pre features an insert cable for outboard processors, 2 balanced outputs, 4 unbalanced outputs, S/PDIF with 2 channel PCM, MIDI I/O, headphone output with level control, headphone A/B with source switch, input/playback mix control for monitoring, mono switch for playback monitoring, master output level, USB 2.0 and bundled software.

UTILIZATION

The device is setup pretty nicely. I'm a big fan that it has MIDI. For some reason, people don't like to include MIDI in all of these devices. I'm not sure why because MIDI is such an important part of the recording process in today's world. Heck, it was important even back in the 80s. There are no annoying breakout cables to have to utilize with this, so that's great. I'm a huge fan of self contained pres like this. Everything is laid out in an easy to use manner, and the quality is pretty good. The pres themselves don't sound the best, but they definitely get the job done. I've heard much worse converters out there.

GETTING STARTED

Getting this set up is super simple. You just plug in the devices to their corresponding ports, open up your DAW, set up your preferences (making sure this device is selected) and you're ready to make music. This comes with Pro Tools LE, and it's a great DAW to start using. Once you master this, you can really use any other DAW out there, and I'm glad they include that. That said, don't be afraid to try out other DAWs such as Reaper. There are some really great ones out there that have a bit more versatility when it comes to using VSTs and other plugins.

OVERALL OPINION

This is probably my favorite M-Audio device for the price. It's packed full of features, super simple to use and sounds pretty good. The converters aren't the best in the world, but they're certainly not the worst. I wish it was firewire, but that's a personal gripe I have with most of these devices today.

what my motivation?
Frankly I was the advisor and the seller did add a layer so for a rather affordable price is my choice to wear on this sound card

my config?
Windows XP 4GB RAM

Use?
Voice recording mainly

UTILIZATION

The driver?
Me I had no problem they are tele loadable for free from the site MAUDIO

software to use?
Cubase SX3

Number of tracks?
Generally I record a track at a time so no worries
To read an unlimited number

Latency?
The only downside being little. it happens to me Avira latency was recording
When too many plug-ins use the same time playing a little galley

GETTING STARTED

Installation?
No problem

configuration?
Some checkboxes is simple

incompatibility?
No

Manual?
I do not even know if he has a yen in any case he did not miss my

OVERALL OPINION

How long?
8 months

another model to test?
not

Most?
The simplicity and rendering

The least?
Latency

money?
for its price I find it excellent

you do again this election?
definitely unless I had several things simultaneously record

To see the features on the site M-AUDIO ... but certainly a big plus for the wealth of inputs / outputs

UTILIZATION

No problem install drivers on Windows XP sp3 with cubase ... for now tested a voice recording and AC runs perfectly.

GETTING STARTED

Setting clear, I hardly looked at the manual ...

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for about 3 months ... before I had a sound card integrated ... is day and night.
Issue price / quality ratio is the top ... nothing wrong I'm really happy and I would not change it for anything except to go over really big equipment ...

I bought this sound card for its versatility!
Pianist, I need to plug my keyboard in midi (out and in) to work with Cubase ... I also need to record the buff or concerts (I bought a pair of super-cardioid microphone XLR-connectors) it works perfectly.
It has 2 XLR combo inputs beautiful / jack, so there branch what we want ... the phantom power is also there (for microphones - XLR), the button is at the rear.

Whether for live or studio, this little fact the case! =)

UTILIZATION

So I am using this sound card with Cubase AI4, I've never had a problem, and it's been a year since I use it!
The latency is 2 ms ... without touching the settings.
DO NOT forget to pause your antivirus program when you bump with sound card + sequencer: Your processor will be much more responsive to the requirements of sound processing! (Same for all sound cards).
Otherwise there could be some spitting if you overlay a dozen tracks of virtual instruments ... (which is not always the case, but for me quite often). This is due to overloading ASIO.


GETTING STARTED

Implementation and installation simple and effective. Nothing more to say!

OVERALL OPINION

I recommend the M-Audio Fast Track Pro to any young person embarking on computer music in the studio, etc. ... It's a sound card is easy to use, accessible and versatile.
Around me, guys who are professional use (knowing also other sound cards) and are satisfied ...

In short, good value for money of course!

I would do this choice, but why not the Fast Track Ultra for a number of entries more interesting to live a good record?

What motivated my choice is the simplicity of use is the rendering quality. I use it on a PC that is 4 years old. I plug my bass directly into a guitar amp and keyboard set for EZdrummer.

UTILIZATION

I had a little difficulty to accept the M-Audio ASIO for my Cubase SX3 due to the presence of another internal sound card. Otherwise it drove up there's no long ...

GETTING STARTED

no worries of installation, the config is easy to access, I do not even know if there 's a manual

OVERALL OPINION

I have since November 2009, I bought it without trying (I knew someone who used)
I like to use SimpliCTI
The value for money then I put a caveat. I actually recently one of my entries (line 2) which produces noise continuously and even its zeroed tjs hear this sound, more and more my line transplanting interferences mentioned above, produces making crackling noises inaudible what I record.
Where does the problem I dunno, I just hope this does not have the quality and workmanship that I just had no luck and I fell on the wrong lot. Waiting for news of my known German dealers. This is very damaging that after so long I may encounter this problem. To be continued

I am a producer and I wanted an external soundcard so that I could hook up my monitors, Sub woofer and Synthesiser all together.
I am also a DJ with a live show so an external soundcard is needed when recording/broadcasting over the internet.
I heard that this soundcard was very good for the price that it was from a few friends so I decided to get this model.
The way in which my set up is hooked up is as follows...
Balanced 1/4 inch jacks out to my monitors, RCA out to my sub and midi in for my synthesiser.
Everything works fine.

UTILIZATION

Latency with this product is not big of a deal whilst producing.
I do get occasional cracks from latency but nothing that puts me off the product.
Whilst recording a DJ set there is no latency at all, it all works perfectly fine and I am very impressed with it.
I run windows 7 so the drivers are updated automatically whenever there is a new update.


GETTING STARTED

Ah, the manual... this was probably the worst part about the fast track pro.
There was no manual at all, I had to try and work everything out by myself. This was ok because I know my way around these things but for someone that does not, they would be lost definitely.
With the actual running of the fast track pro I have to swap from line 1 and 2 to S/PDIF for different uses.
For example if I want to listen to itunes I would have to set it to line 1 and 2.
If I want to use my DAW then I will have to set it to S/PDIF. This can be annoying some times if I forget and no sound comes out.
No compatibility issues at all with this, that is probably because I am running windows 7 though and everything updates automatically.

OVERALL OPINION

The thing I like most about this product is how everything can be input into it, I would buy the fast track ultra if I had the money as I think this lacks inputs if you were wanting to record more into your DAW.
Least favourite thing would be the lack of manual to actually set the thing up in the first place, this really aggravated me and I feel as though M-Audio should really sort this out.
This is definitely worth the money and now you can pick it up for even cheaper.
Quality is great, can not say anything bad about that.

- For specifications, see M-Audio website or other notices.

- For my part, I use it mainly with a guitar and an amp for transplanting.

- My setup is basically: dual core 2.2GHz, 2GB of ram ... the "home assembled" works well, basic configuration. Enough for the home studiage basic account does not record 10 tracks simultaneously.

UTILIZATION

- Drivers, I directly downloaded the update for Seven is also faster than installing from the CD.

- on the other hand, it seems to me that I did not GT Player. I have Guitar Rig so it goes. Now it may be gasping for those who rely on the supplied software.

- For my part I use Ableton Live 7 and it goes really well with no concern for recognition etc.. I record 2 tracks max at the same time and that's fine.

- Question ... RAS latency is too low to hear.

GETTING STARTED

- The implementation is not difficult. Drivers, one branch and hop!

- I configured the card for what is the default sound card.

- The only real problem I had is to have the stereo track on ableton. Input 1 goes left, 2 right mono. On ableton in entries must simply choose not 1 / 2 but 1 or 2 depending on the entry. Thus, it was all in stereo (it's stupid but hey ...).

- Otherwise very simple because the sound is good enough to use simple, effective and powerful enough preamp. The outputs are not very difficult because the instructions on the site clearly explains. I put my hi-fi system in the CAR and no worries.

Personally, I'm really happy with this card. She has both the pro side, which allows to do things properly and one side "too complicated" that allows the amateur to navigate.

OVERALL OPINION

I recently and frankly, no regrets.

My goal is really to record my guitar amp for recording group. I wanted something better than my Toneport GX, more comprehensive and pro without spending 400 € and it's all good here!

What characteristics have motivated your choice?
For less than 150 €, was the only audio interface to offer a preamp and entry and exit south.

For what purpose?
I use it as main sound card to replace the internal sound card on my PC, to make recordings of my piano digital input jack on the front, to play virtual instruments from the keyboard to midi, interfacing with vessels monitoring for the headphones ...


UTILIZATION

I had no problem with the drivers in Win7.
There is no perceptible breath with headphones or speakers when the sound comes from the PC. on the other hand if mixed with an instrument input (mix turned fully clockwise), there is a slight hiss that is heard (but that may just be my audio cable jack / jack connected to the front).
The latency is great because I get 5.8 ms under Live. But according to the number of effects, instruments, tracks, sometimes I have to increase the latency of 6.5 ms to avoid hearing the "pops".
The preamp is a bit lightweight headphone. I am obliged to put out the max with a headphone than 80 ohms impedance (I use a DT770 Pro 80 ohms) to provide a proper level. However this is very acceptable and can spare her ears.
The ergonomics are well thought for monitoring.


GETTING STARTED

No problem for installation. Just download the latest drivers on the site of M-AUDIO, install, plug the interface into the USB port and it works.


OVERALL OPINION

For how long have you been using it?
I use it for four months.

Did you try many other models before getting this one?
No, I trusted the reviews I found on the web. And I do not regret it.

Pros:
The ergonomics, sound quality, the integration of the midi interface, very low latency, mic preamps

Cons:
I do not see at the moment

What is your opinion about the value for the price?
very good to less than 150 €

Knowing what you know now, would you make the same choice?
Yes, certainly.

I chose it because I was looking for a sound card and a MIDI menu and I did not need a lot of entries. I also was looking for a USB (not Firewire)

I use it in a home studio and a little DJ from an iMac or a laptop Windows XP

In home studio, she is connected to a GEM keyboard input for sound and especially for MIDI
Output monitoring it feeds 2 Yamaha and a headphone.

It has 2 pairs of audio output (RCA format) + a headphone jack with volume control and output assignment
There is also a setting to mix between the sound made on the audio inputs and the return PC (Direct Monitoring)
And of course there is a gain adjustment on each of the 2 audio inputs (which are formatted or XLR jack).
There is also an input / output S / PDIF and 2 inserts but I never used.
The DAW I use is Ableton Live, with no worries.


UTILIZATION

Drivers stable home, do not hesitate to get good versions on the site of m-audio.
I never save more than one track at a time.
Latency in Live

GETTING STARTED

Installation OK (Live in imac without installing anything)
On my PC (XP) a little annoying point: once installed, it must always connect the same USB port otherwise it is not recognized.
The driver is simple to configure. In PC is ASIO compatible.



OVERALL OPINION

I use it for 4 years and intensified over the past 1 1 / 2 year

The value for money looks good to me.

The preamps are weak people it seems from other users but I use just the audio, it does not bother me.
The headphone lacks a bit of fishing.

The A / D converter seems ok to me, anyway it sounds good on the external speakers.

I recommend it for personal use: all in one solution, if not need much I / O, ease of use (you plug a USB cable and that's enough).

Last thing at the time of my purchase, there was with Ableton Live Lite software offered and guitar (Guitar Rig I think)

* What characteristics have motivated your choice?
The full connectivity, MIDI, power from the USB port, the versatility of the types of input signals accepted ...
With which instruments or systems (console, preamp, DTD ...) and you use the connection with what? ...
Connecting guitars, microphones or line level signals sometimes. I connect the outputs on a pair of powered Fostex monitors. Use a MIDI keyboard to control expanders also virtual, program batteries.

UTILIZATION

The drivers are ok, a few crashes to the integration of input jacks (digital hard blows found with 2 different interfaces on 2 computers, so a problem it seems recurring) requiring rebooting the system. Latency is very correct about 9ms, but it depends very much on the power of the computer.

GETTING STARTED

No particular problem encountered when installing Win XP SP3.
The manual seems comprehensive enough.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for 4 years, I have a edirol UA7OO interface that works very well too.
What I prefer: the ease of use (light, no power supply), the next all-in-One (audio and MIDI), the connection quite complete.
Minimum: the microphone preamps a little soft for dynamic microphones.
With the experience I do not regret this purchase, I would do it possibly taking account of equivalent products on the market today.

What characteristics have motivated your choice?

I just did not have an interface, I first bought the Alesis IO2, but I sent it back immediately (driver problems ... a pain).

With which instruments or systems (console, preamp, DTD ...) and you use the connection with what? ...
I use both to borrow a guitar amp with a condenser microphone (48V power supply handy) a bass line or output mix head amp (switch line / instr also good), at noon for a electronic drum, ..

For what purpose?
What is your config (Motherboard / CPU / Ram / Disk ,...)?
For now I use a laptop with 2GHZ processor and 4GB RAM, pending change to a much more powerful desktop PC and the M-Audio Fast Track Ultra 8R, I do not use board with laptops, Can too powerful for such applications (except high-end PC can be) because I have some problems with crackling recording and playback, fortunately minims once exported the song, but it shook the same with any other interface I think .

UTILIZATION

The drivers are stable?
Yes, but no updates.

What software do you use most often?
Adobe audition 3.0, Presonus Studio One, AmpliTube 3.

How many tracks do you manage to record / playback simultaneously? ...
I've never tried to see how far he could go, but I can read at least 15 runs without problems.

What latency you get?
Well settled, almost none.

GETTING STARTED

The installation is done it without problems? The general configuration is easy?
Absolutely.

Have you experienced any incompatibilities?
not.

The manual is clear and sufficient? ...
Yes even if it did not take very long, but just a quick overview.

OVERALL OPINION

For how long have you been using it?
Soon 1 year, at least 1 time per week on average.

What thing do you like most/least about it?
Plus, the practical side, compacte.Le least, is that the coup, the number of input / output is very low.

Did you try many other models before getting this one?
The Alesis IO2 totally discouraged.

What is your opinion about the value for the price?
Excellent.

Knowing what you know now, would you make the same choice? ...
As a first interface, without hesitation, but for a more advanced and needs that I have now, I would opt instead for something more powerful, but certainly the side "mobile" and less, and any other price ...

I needed an external sound card to enable me to computer music. Representative to the FTP a good compromise quality / price for someone who wants to beginners and then continue his way a bit with the same card.
And actually bet true: it is only that I trsrcemment possible issue a card to buy more efficient ... Yet I am the path from computer music!

The FTP silent first used with a laptop (IBM TP40p), then on a desktop PC ddi computer music (dual proc, 4GB RAM, Windows XP - 2 internal 600GB HDD).

Above, I connect my midi keyboard and Jack, Jack my guitars and my condenser microphone with XLR (48v power supply ghost included in the FTP). Everything works nickel, this prs I can not quite connect at the same time!
But that's enough for 2 people (1 + 1 keyboard or guitar or keyboard 2 guitars + guitar + microphone or microphone).


UTILIZATION

Well, at the driver level we must look a bit ... there is a particular problem for M-Audio rcurrent requiring leave connects the internal soundcard of your PC! Once done, everything is OK.
Prcisons my PC is ddi computer music, so no problem of conflict (on a PC use, see).

The sound card is used mainly to run Cubase with several instrumentals in between audio (guitar, keyboard and / or voice, cf. Above), and several Controller noon (in this case a Nocturn and KontrolPad).
Whether recording (where I never recorded more than 2 beats both, but mostly because of the sound card entries), or read (I use an o 10aine runways in roughly 1 and 1 VSTi VSTfx per track), I have no problem. Neither latency (between 6 and 8 ms), nor his jumping, we can find its config IDAL.

GETTING STARTED

Installation OK, but little problem finding the driver OK with its config (on Windows XP SP3, the driver is stamped "not work on XP SP2 SP3" sometimes work better than ddi "XP SP3").

Once the driver is found more adequate share touch!

OVERALL OPINION

I could not try other cards, but from my setup I find it perfect.
We would like sr a little more power under the elbow, and may be few among supplmentaires ... but that is precisely what makes the difference with more expensive models!

The main advantage of this sound card is that since I have I am pos billions of questions about my musical and computer hardware ... but never on the sound card!
She lets herself forget to leave room for the rest. What's better?

For my part, the choice was motivated by the affordable price, and the Summary option is little that I needed. the view was very positive about this sound card

I only used with Cubase I've basically taken to work in midi and do some voices.

UTILIZATION

The driver are stabble No I have not had to reinstall it, I watch little update, I happened to save a lot of ground without soucy, latency is not widely acceptable audible m hand if n is recording noon, but realigned to correct tt ca!

GETTING STARTED

The installation is simple but can be a problem when the feature is not tt to welcome the fast track. I remember that was my first installation I had not no windows xp sp 2 and it does not lmarchais. on the other hand once you install sp2, it had no soucy nya. configuration is simple and the manual is largely well detailed.

OVERALL OPINION

I possess this sound card from 3-4 years, I had used before in a friend who was a motu very well but much more expensive.
I love the fact what possesses the most part, I think in this price range was the very best
I love hindsight at least the fact that it has these limitations therm quality.

I think the price / quality ratio is very good, I think c is a good sound card for model on the other hand I think that it takes at least a good preamp to get to the semi-pro, only it is very good but not enough to compete with quality stuff.

with lots of hindsight I would not be only choice because I think that he would have been wiser for me to invest, but certainly more expensive prospect of evolution have today. if not the first sound card is very good.

Characteristic evoked by more, so we will not repeat.

It runs on iMac Driver

UTILIZATION

simple stable.
Use with logic, most notably after many plug KOMPLETE.
Miking guitar, bass, more sample vinyl ...

on the other hand I obtain exactly the same latency with or without the card.

For making sound, it lacks gain and it blows.

GETTING STARTED

Installation, config ultra simple. on the other hand I did not have the manual.

OVERALL OPINION

It would have been nice, but ultimately this card does absolutely nothing. I branch or not everything is borne by the processor of the iMac.
I do not do it again 2 times the same error.

What characteristics have motivated your choice?

Like everyone else a little further interface with portable and especially 2 alims 48 V

For what purpose?

Virtual Instruments + pre-model acoustic

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

Core 2 Duo - 2GB memory under Windows XP and Laptops Drivers

UTILIZATION

same level very stable. Taken simultaneously in this map I'm never going beyond two (and for good reason, it is the physical limit of entries!) But playback of 10 audio tracks plus several virtual instruments do not crash.

GETTING STARTED

Immediate installation. I'm tired of hearing claiming that "it does not work." I knew that for my previous Quatafire 610, strong opinions of people who do not properly configure. There is still the world who works behind some serious discussion .. If it was impossible to configure it is not. Matching the classic couplet "I brought him to the store or I have a friend who works ..." brief.

The install is very simple, cons by the panel config is a rare poverty. If you're familiar with sublime environment config for RME is closer by the pure character mode.

OVERALL OPINION

This is not my only card, I use a laptop for traveling. It's fun, and I do not even reply to those that evoke a weak gain of the preamps for the microphones to tape. I also baguette comes very badly in the back of my Ferrari ... Objectively I never crash, and with some good plugs, microphones and NT1000 NT3 I did catch an acoustic guitar really nice. Sick of this stupid marketing makes use of the Fireface 800 by musicians Machine Boom Boom driven techno and consider that below the peak it does not work ...

One solution: the blind test. And never forget that a chain is only as its weakest link .... The musicality of the 50s Ampex is well established ... In short this nice little machine does the job and if you do not expect to make the sound sound of the century on a Martin 1942 you can throw an ear. Incidentally it is also very robust (mine loves to take the leap from desktop to wall carpeting)

I amuse myself not even sell it at a price where it is, but in any case I do not regret my purchase and highly recommend to anyone who seeks a card booster nomadic economic or card introductory honest computer music and accessible.

In short ..
Most
- Easy to implement
- Full (48V power supply)
- Aesthetics (yes I think!)

Least
- Config interface (but the drivers are very stable which is essential)
- Two inputs. We would have liked entries 3 and 4 line level

This is the M-Audio Fast Track Pro with 4x4 input lines with Midi In and Out, Phantom Power and a stereo out. I bought this as a foray into the world of digital recording and I haven't had to buy anything else.

The box is incredibly light-weight and durable (not scratch resistant, but durable). One of the features that really enticed me about the box was the unique front two ports on the box which allo you to either go 1/4 in or XLR in; they are dual purpose. I also took a hands on look of one of these at a store and was happy with the general lay out and ease of operation. Nothing complicated, you have knobs for input volume, panning, toggling PAD etc.

I use this box in conjunction with my Intel Dual Core Macbook, which I run Digital Performer on. It took a little work to sync it up correctly with DP but in the end it worked incredibly well. If you are also a Mac User and want to use Garage Band, its as simple as plug and play.

I have taken full use of ever port on this box. I've ran guitars, bass, vocals and microphones through the inputs; ran a MIDI controller into the back and Stereo-ed outed to a sound system. I'm impressed by the extreme capability and ease of use with this tool.

UTILIZATION

The package comes with Abelton software and drivers. The drivers installed with ease and allowed for plug and play connection with most simple software (like I said with DP, it was a bit harder). The Abelton softare never really grew on me, it was more geared towards guitarists who were just entering the world of digital recording/manipulation.

Fortunately enough the programs, drivers and box itself is highly compatible and will work on both PC and Mac (brownie points).

The one thing that irked me was the manual was a little soft on a few areas. As obvious and easy as the box is, there were a few things I had a hard time finding out (for example trying to utilize the stereo inputs).

It seems as if M-Audio wanted to make a great beginners box with a simplistic layout and good beginning software but didn't follow up with any reading material to come full circle.

GETTING STARTED

M-Audio has always been good about releasing updated drivers so as to keep all their products working throughout. Any and all drivers I have to update for this product have been done so with ease, though they are not released very often.

With this box, like I stated above I use Garage Band and Digital Performer with. I lent this box to a friend of mine who used it to record his band via his PC and Sony Acid. He too was very pleased with the plug and play ease and found the learning curve for general line in recording easy. Like me though, he said that using the handful of advanced features is slightly difficult and there is not much material on that.

The box is incredibly responsive as it is bus powered. The box can run off of pure USB power, but I prefer to also have an adapter so as to not put too much strain on the USB connection/computer.

The one thing that is very sketchy about the description of this box is that it says 4x4, which leads you to believe you can do 4 simultaneous recording inputs. Upon further review, the box itself can handle 2 mono/single line ins, or it can record a stereo track for two instruments (two mics/ins each hence the 4x4).

I was a bit disappointed by this and I begrudged the fact that M-Audio didn't make this very clear but in retrospect I still enjoy this product for what it can do.

OVERALL OPINION

I've been using this box for about 3 years. I've used it to record 4 piece bands or even just myself alone.

What I like most about it is that once you really fully understand how to use the box, there is a lot you can use it for. However, like I've stated before the learning curve is very fast in the beginning but then you hit a bit of a wall once you try to move beyond the simple line in features. If M-Audio had better support on these features, I believe this box would be widely accepted by many in all areas of recording.

I paid roughly 250 dollars American for this piece of equipment. I looked extensively at other models. Tascam recorders, other M-Audios, Line 6 and many more. What really turned me on to this box was the dual purpose inputs on the front and phantom power. I know that sounds pretty standard on some recorders but with my small budget this seemed to be the most bang for my buck.

For the price, which I think has dropped down to about 200 dollars due to the release of it's big brother, I think it's not a bad box. Definitely a great tool to use if you are starting out in the world of recording.

Knowing what I know now, I wish I saved a bit more to get something that has more line-ins or simultaneous recording. Those aspects seem to be absolutely golden when it comes to purchasing these, the more the better. But in reality, if you don't know how to utilize them you are better of with starting with something like this.

Ultimately, I have no regrets in buying this product. It has served me incredibly well and I have gotten my money's worth out of it. I wouldn't be so hasty to recommend it right of the bat to somebody but I believe that within the 300 dollar price range this tool is hard to beat.

M-audio’s fast track pro is a 4x4 Mobile Audio/Midi interface with preamps. It ships with Abelton live 4, which is a great software for someone just beginning in the world of recording music. I use Windows XP with a fairley new, cheap Dell computer and it runs flawlesly.What’s great about this particular interface is the extremely low latency; I have been using for over one year and have barely noticed any. The fast track pro has two front Mic/line inputs, which is something I love about it, there is no need to have to lurk behind the interface, the inputs are right there. Eight beside them is the level knob and two very handy buttons, the Mic/line button and the pad button, for when the signal you are trying to record is a little bit too much on the loud side. Beside that are the Mic volume knob and the Output volume knob, which I always found very convienient, because it sucks to have to get up and adjust the volume on your monitors, with the fast track pro you can do it without any effort. The last things on the front panel are the headphone volume knob and input. It really sucks that there is only one headphone input, but it’s something you can live with. On the back panel there s the midi inputs and outputs, 2 TRS inputs for outboard gear and 2 TRS outputs for your monitors. There are also the S/PIDF ins and outs, and the phantom power switch, which I really wish they put on the front panel because it gets annoying having to go behind the interface and switch it on and off. Last but not least is the power button and the AC input.

UTILIZATION

The Fast Track Pro is a bit difficlut to install, it took me a good 2 hours to do. Not because of compatibility issues though, the instructions in my personal opinion were just very hard to follow. Once you do get it up and going though, it works perfectly. I love the fast track pro and will not want a new interface for a long time.

GETTING STARTED

The M-Audio drivers are super stable, i have not had a problem with them once since buying the fast Track Pro. They are never updated really, which i like, less work for me. I use the Fast Track Pro with Abelton Live 7 and it works great.You can record two tracks at the same time, and get almost no latency.

OVERALL OPINION

I have used the Fast Track Pro for about 2 years. My favorite part about it is the super low latency, the only downside to the Fast Track Pro for me is there are only 2 TRS outputs on the back so i can't have surround sound monitoring. I did not try other models before the Fast Track pro, however i am totaly convinced it is the best for the money and i would make the same choiuce to buy it over and over again.