M-Audio Fast Track Ultra 8R - USB 2.0 Audio Interface
The Fast Track Ultra 8R from M-Audio is an audio/MIDI interface for computer audio applications that delivers eight analog inputs and eight analog outputs, using high-speed USB 2.0 connectivity. In addition, the unit provides MX Core DSP mixing/effects and eight preamps using M-Audio's Octane technology.
The onboard converters deliver superior 24-bit/96kHz fidelity, while 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 a 16 x 8 configuration. While delivering flexible routing and monitoring, the DSP software also provides audio processing using delay and reverb.
Two completely independent headphone outputs can take advantage of the DSP mixer's powerful routing options to create the right mix for any performers, complete with reverb and delay. With reliable, low-latency drivers, and compatibility with most major recording software, the Fast Track Ultra 8R puts the core of a project studio in a single rack-mount unit.
Note! Fast Track Ultra 8R must be powered via the included power supply. It will not operate on USB bus power.
- USB 2.0 digital audio interface with eight, balanced/unbalanced microphone/line inputs on combo XLR/TRS jacks 1
- Two front-panel 1/4" instrument-level inputs
- Eight, high-quality microphone preamps, featuring M-Audio's award-winning Octane technology
- Individual microphone preamp input level controls with 20dB pads
- Dual front-panel signal and clip LED indicators
- Eight balanced/unbalanced line outputs on 1/4" TRS phone jacks
- Two "send/return" inserts on 1/4" TRS jacks for channels 1 and 2
- Phantom power switches with front-panel indicator LEDs
- Stereo S/PDIF digital I/O on coaxial jacks
- Two stereo headphone jacks with individual level controls
- MIDI input and output with front-panel MIDI I/O indicators
- Output level control for main output 1 and 2
- Powerful onboard DSP providing four, near-zero latency 16 x 2 monitor mixers
- Built-in reverb and delay effects
- Supports sample rates up to 96kHz, with full 24-bit resolution
- Integrated rear-panel Kensington security lock port
- Driver support for WDM/MME, ASIO 2 (Windows XP, Windows Vista 32-bit editions) and CoreAudio (Mac OS X 10.4.11 / 10.5.2 or later)
| Converters | 24-bit |
| Sample Rates | 44.1, 48, 88.2 and 96kHz |
| Analog In |
8 x 1/4" TRS/XLR combo 2 x 1/4" TS phone Instrument (front panel) 2 x 1/4" TRS phone Send/Return (shared with output) |
| Analog Outputs |
8 x 1/4" TRS phone (balanced or unbalanced) 2 x 1/4" TRS phone Headphone |
| Digital Input Connectors | 1 x RCA S/PDIF coaxial (on breakout cable) |
| Digital Output Connectors | 1 x RCA S/PDIF coaxial (on breakout cable) |
| MIDI In/Out | Yes (16-channel I/O on breakout cable) |
| Sync In/Out | S/PDIF |
| Headphone Output | Yes |
| THD + N |
Line: 0.002% @ -1dBFS, 1kHz Microphone: 0.003% @ -1dBFS Instrument: 0.005% (-92.3dB) @ -1dBFS, 1kHz |
| Dynamic Range | 103dB, A-weighted |
| Frequency Response |
Line: 20Hz to 22kHz, +/-0.3dB @ 48kHz Microphone: 20Hz to 22kHz, +/-0.1dB @ 48kHz Instrument: 20Hz to 22kHz, +/-0.3dB @ 48kHz |
| Minimum System Requirements |
Mac PowerPC G4 1GHz or Intel CPU OS X10.4.11/10.5.2 512GB RAM Native USB 2.0 port PC 1.6GHz CPU Windows XP SP2 or Vista 32-bit 512GB RAM (1GB RAM for Vista) DirectX 9.0c for Windows XP USB 2.0 port |
| Specialties | +48V phantom power switchablwe in groups of four |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 6 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
80%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (4)
- Excellent sound (4)
- Low distortion (4)
- Good power output (3)
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur recording (4)
- Home studio (3)
- Professional recording (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Professional musician (4)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 6 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-6
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about M-Audio Fast Track Ultra 8R - USB 2.0 Audio Interface:
I use this product on my studio.
Pros
- Clean and sharp
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
- Mobile DJ
- Performances
Comments about M-Audio Fast Track Ultra 8R - USB 2.0 Audio Interface:
I use the Fast Track Ultra in my studio. I like the fact that all 8 inputs are on the back. That is studio convenient. Although it's not a biggie, I would like all the front gain controls to work for instrument inputs.
Pros
- Rack mountable
Cons
- Poor software
Best Uses
- Professional Recording
Comments about M-Audio Fast Track Ultra 8R - USB 2.0 Audio Interface:
Very problematic to setup software. Driver software is not always talking to recording software. No one takes reponsibility to make the whole system works. Computer crashes when FT is reset.
It comes w/ lite Ableton recording software, but only has 4 tracks avail. Ableton wants you to buy the upgrade for $$$ to get the full 8 tracks. More mixing capability using the hardware w/b nice.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
Comments about M-Audio Fast Track Ultra 8R - USB 2.0 Audio Interface:
I bought the Fast Track Ultra 8R to start a small home studio for personal use.
The interface has a lot of cool features and plenty of mic inputs to record a rhythm section together.
On the bad side, it is obvious that Avid is still not fully prepared for Windows 7 64 bit.
Be careful NOT to check the High Performance Mode if you are using a 64 bit system.
It crashes the system, and you will need to uninstall the drivers for the Fast Track Ultra 8R (which sounds much easier than it actually is) and reinstall it.
Avid customer support is pretty terrible, and it takes them a few days to get back to you with a half baked answer.
As long as you keep away from the High Performance Mode it seems the interface works fine.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
- Powerful
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
- Professional Recording
Comments about M-Audio Fast Track Ultra 8R - USB 2.0 Audio Interface:
Great device, easy install, lots of features.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
- Powerful
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about M-Audio Fast Track Ultra 8R - USB 2.0 Audio Interface:
Inexpensive, sounds great, and easy to use! What's not to love!
Displaying reviews 1-6
Cables
-
- Original: $14.95
- Save: $1.49
- Price: $13.46
Snakes
- Price: $33.99
Headphones
- Price: $119.88
Monitors
- Price: $88.24
Software
- Price: $414.00
- Price: $519.00
Racks
- Price: $67.49
Additional Hardware
- Price: $48.00
- Click to see current price
What's in the Box
- External Power Supply
- USB Cable
- Breakout Cable for S/PDIF and MIDI I/O
- Software CD-ROM
- One (1) Year Warranty (To Original Purchaser)
Why Shop at B&H
Make your online shopping trip personal with our online Live Chat representatives. You can easily reach an in-house expert while browsing our site for your shopping needs. We have the most highly-trained staff in the industry who are pros in their fields, and their professional expertise will help you get the most from your purchase.
Place your domestic order with us for shipment via UPS, FedEx Economy, or FedEx Priority by 4 PM ET Monday through Thursday or 11 AM ET Friday and your order will be shipped that day. Visit our Shipping Delivery Times page for further details. Delivery times are subject to payment verification.
We appreciate your purchase from us, and we understand that sometimes the products you buy don’t turn out to be the right choice for you. We guarantee your peace of mind with our 30-day return policy. With no standard restocking fee and few restrictions, you’ll enjoy a return process as easy as shopping with us. Please visit our Return Policy page for further details.
We’ve made iPhone and Android mobile apps available for your service and shopping convenience. Use filtered search to find and purchase almost any item we sell and ship worldwide. Download product manuals and guides for many popular items. See high-resolution product images in close-up detail. Manage wishlists and view order history. Visit our Mobile Apps page to download.
See sample Newsletter
Help
Company Information
B&H Resources
