M-Audio Fast Track Ultra 8R USB 2.0 Audio Interface

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M-Audio Fast Track Ultra 8R USB 2.0 Audio Interface, Main
M-Audio Fast Track Ultra 8R USB 2.0 Audio Interface, Back
M-Audio Fast Track Ultra 8R USB 2.0 Audio Interface, Front
M-Audio Fast Track Ultra 8R USB 2.0 Audio Interface, Main M-Audio Fast Track Ultra 8R USB 2.0 Audio Interface, Back M-Audio Fast Track Ultra 8R USB 2.0 Audio Interface, Front
Designed for the studio, the M-Audio Fast Track Ultra 8R has eight robust preamps, 8x8 96 kHz/24-bit recording, and sophisticated built-in effects.

Designed for comprehensive studio work, the Fast Track Ultra 8R audio/MIDI interface delivers 8 x 8 I/O, high-speed USB 2.0 connectivity, MX Core DSP mixing/effects and eight preamps with award-winning Octane technology. Record drum kits and full bands on all eight inputs simultaneously-with superior 24-bit/96 kHz fidelity. The onboard MX Core DSP mixer processes eight hardware inputs and eight software returns to the eight hardware outputs, expanding the total I/O to an impressive 16 x 8 configuration and delivering flexible routing and monitoring with delay and reverb. With reliable, low-latency M-Audio drivers and compatibility with most major recording software, the Fast Track Ultra 8R puts the core of your powerful project studio in a single rack-mount unit.

High-Speed USB 2.0 Technology

The next generation of recording interfaces has arrived. Fast Track Ultra 8R utilizes high-speed USB 2.0 technology to deliver the bandwidth for 24-bit/96 kHz audio resolution throughout the recording and monitoring process. With a maximum data transfer speed of 480Mbps, this jump in performance allows you to enjoy outstanding sound quality on all inputs and outputs simultaneously.

Built-in Effects Processing

Tired of tracking vocals and instruments dry because plug-in effects introduce too much latency? Fast Track Ultra 8R features MX Core DSP technology to give you reverb and delay on the headphone outputs with separate sends for every channel. Now you can inspire creativity… read more by adding effects-without taxing your CPU resources.

Make the Connection

The Fast Track Ultra 8R was designed to provide all the I/O you need for your project studio. Eight channels of analog inputs and outputs plus 2-channel digital S/PDIF provide input flexibility with room to grow. Unlike most USB interfaces, it features two dedicated analog inserts on the first two channels, allowing you to insert outboard processing before A/D conversion. Easy connection via USB 2.0 delivers both audio and MIDI communication with your computer. Fast Track Ultra 8R is compatible with most major audio software and seamlessly integrates into any studio setup.

MX Core DSP Technology

Fast Track Ultra 8R makes it easy to create multiple monitor mixes when recording other musicians. The robust MX Core mixer employs an array of eight individual DSP cores to deliver near-zero latency and a matrix for sophisticated channel routing options-accessible via an intuitive control panel that utilizes a separate mixer for each pair of outputs. The mixer expands the total I/O to an impressive 16 x 8 configuration, allowing you to connect synths and outboard gear to any of the interface's hardware inputs, then mix them with the eight audio streams coming from your computer.

Eight Professional Preamps

The quality of your recordings is only as good as the initial signal. The Fast Track Ultra features four preamps with multi-award-winning M-Audio Octane technology, creating a premium front end that delivers amazing audio clarity. You get professional, low-noise, high-gain preamplification with enough channels for a variety of miking applications. Features include +48V phantom power for condenser mics, signal/peak LED indicator lights and a pull-out gain knob that activates a 20dB pad for recording at high volumes. See why world-class artists choose the M-Audio Octane preamp.

Dual Headphone Amp

Whether you usually track vocals or an ensemble, you're likely to need multiple headphone mixes. Fast Track Ultra 8R has two completely independent headphone outputs so you can take advantage of the DSP mixer's powerful routing options and create the right mix for your performers-complete with reverb and delay. read less

- 24-bit/96kHz professional audio on all I/O simultaneously
- High-speed USB 2.0 interface
- 2 front-panel 1/4 in. instrument inputs
- 8 balanced TRS analog outputs
- 2 analog inserts
- S/PDIF digital I/O
- Built-in 1 x 1 MIDI interface
- 2 independent headphone outputs with individual volume control knobs
- Rugged, lightweight metal chassis
- Full ASIO 2.0, WDM, MME, Core Audio support
- Compatible with most major audio production software

MX Core DSP technology:
- Monitor with effects while recording
- Flexible channel routing options
- Expands DSP mixing interface to 16 x 8

8 preamps with award-winning M-Audio Octane technology:
- 8 XLR/TRS combo jacks for mic or line-level inputs
- 20dB pad on each preamp
- Signal/peak LED indicator lights
- +48V phantom power

Minimum System Requirements (PC)
- Windows XP (32-bit) with SP2 or higher
- DirectX 9.0c or higher (included in XP)
- USB 2.0 port
- Windows Vista (32-bit versions)
- 1.6 GHz processor (CPU may be higher for laptops)
- 512 MB RAM*

*Windows Vista Home Premium, Business and Ultimate require 1 GB RAM.

Minimum System Requirements (Mac)
- Mac OS X 10.3.9 or higher
- USB 2.0 port
- 512 MB RAM
- 1 GHz CPU

Please check your audio software for additional minimum system requirements.

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 401-658-5765
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Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. (18 ratings)
Submitted February 5, 2009 by a customer from aol.com

"Awesome"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I really like it. Its fun to use. If I needed to upgrade for more than 8 inputs Id get the profire to do travel recording and use this for at home.

Sound
Great sound. Way better than my yamaha mixing board. The preamps are really quiet and clear.

Features
The unit came with a driver cd and some recording program that can record 4 inputs so I didn't bother installing that. I ordered the new pro tools 8 and this works fine with it. I saw this video on this one website about this guy testing each feature. He said the biggest problem was when you pull the knobs out to engage the -20 pad they would come off. Mine didn't so I assume M-Audio fixed that problem. Download the drivers from the maudio website and if you look around on there you'll find some plugins you can use with the unit for free. Other than all that the description to the right is pretty darn accurate. But it came with a line lump. ---{X}--- keep it away from your gear so you wont get any interference from it.

Ease of Use
USB, plug and go. Very simple interface. Inputs on the back, knobs on the front.

Quality
Im sure I'll have this for a while, at least a few years. Its built to last. Maudio didnt skimp out on anything to mkae it cheaper so thats always good. Everythings metal and solid. When you pull the knobs out they click in to position. The box it comes in has alot of squishy foam so its… read more NOT going to get hurt during shipping.

Value
I think the price is right compared to anything else out there but I dont think Id pay anymore than what its selling for.

Manufacturer Support
I never needed to call about anything so that makes it a 10.

The Wow Factor
I wanted the profire 2626 because I wanted to be able to expand my inputs but I didn't want to bother with the TI chipset for firewire so I settled for the fast track. This unit is plug and play.

Musical Background:
Musician with recording on the side.

Musical Style:
Metal read less
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