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

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/96kHz fidelity. The on-board 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/96kHz 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 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 for sophisticated channel routing
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 with Octane Technology
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.

Technical Info

24-bit/96kHz professional audio on all I/O simultaneously

High-speed USB 2.0 interface

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

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

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.

Eight I/O channels at USB 2.0 speeds! This rackmount interface gets the whole band connected at 24-bit/96kHz resolution. Features eight Octane preamps, onboard DSP effects, and low-latency monitoring.