M-Audio Fast Track - USB Audio Recording Interface
The Fast Track from M-Audio is a USB audio interface for both Mac and Windows computers. It enables you to transform your computer into a mobile recording studio that's capable of capturing, editing, and mixing excellent sounding music. It includes Pro Tools M-Powered Essential software, which is a basic version of the software used in countless recording studios and post-production facilities around the world.
This system has been designed to be easy to use and to give you the tools you need to start making music right out of the box. The included Pro Tools M-Powered Essential software comes with Structure Essential, which is a virtual software instrument with over 60 different sounds. Several gigabytes of audio loops are also included, so you can start composing and experimenting right away.
The Fast Track has a dedicated guitar input, so you can plug in and get optimum sound quality directly into your computer. A SansAmp guitar amplifier modeling plug-in is included, so you can make your guitar or bass sound like it was played through a huge stack. The dedicated XLR microphone input works with any kind of professional microphone, including phantom powered condenser microphones.
Pro Tools has been used by professional musicians and producers for a long time, and the Fast Track is the by far the most budget-friendly way to start using and learning the industry standard music production software. It's also fully compatible with most other popular music software, such as GarageBand and Ableton Live. If you're looking for a device to get you into the world of audio production, or if you've been into producing for years and need an inexpensive interface with Pro Tools, the Fast Track is the best way to go.
Fast Track Features
- 2-input, 2-output audio interface
- Compatible with most popular recording software including Pro Tools M-Powered 8 and GarageBand
- 24-bit/48kHz professional sound quality
- Plug-and-play USB connection
- XLR microphone input with gain control and 48V phantom power
- 1/4" instrument input with gain control
- 1/4" stereo headphone output
- Improved headphone output levels
- RCA stereo speaker outputs
- Output level knob for adjusting volume of headphones and speaker outputs
- Direct monitoring button
- Powered by USB - no power adapter required
Pro Tools M-Powered Essential Features
- 16 stereo/mono audio tracks
- 8 instrument tracks
- 8 MIDI tracks
- 4 aux tracks, 4 mono busses, 1 master fader, 3 inserts per track
- 2 audio inputs / 2 audio outputs
- Effects include reverb, chorus, delay, flanger, compression, and EQ
- Includes SansAmp guitar amp and distortion modeling plug-in for easy direct guitar recording without amplifiers
- Structure Essential virtual instrument includes over 60 incredible instrument sounds
- Over 3GB of audio loops to start creating with immediately
| Inputs |
1 x XLR Input 1 x 1/4" Instrument Input |
| Outputs |
2 x RCA (Left & Right Stereo) 1 x 1/4" Headphone Output |
| Panel Microphone Preamp | 1 Microphone Preamp |
| Phantom Power | Yes, 48V |
| Connectivity | USB |
| Sample Rate | 24-Bit 48 kHz |
| MIDI In/Out | No |
| Digital I/O Options | None |
| Minimum System Requirements |
Windows: XP (SP3 - Home or Professional version only - Windows Media Center Edition is not supported) Windows Vista 32/64 Pentium 4 2.0 GHz 1 GB RAM One Native USB Port
Pro Tools M-Powered Essential Software - Windows Requirements
Mac:
Pro Tools M-Powered Essential Software - Mac Requirements |
| Dimensions | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Weight | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 12 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (7)
- Good sound quality (4)
- Durable construction (3)
- Reliable (3)
Cons
Best Uses
- Computer equipment (3)
- Creative development (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Quality oriented (3)
- Primary use:
- Personal (3)
Most Liked Positive Review
Fast Track 2 = Awesomenes, PT E=Bad
BH sent this prety quick,
I record metal, alternative, reggaeton, hiphop.
the fast track its realy good, reliable, usb bus powered so you'l be portable. Fast instal and eas...Read complete review
BH sent this prety quick,
I record metal, alternative, reggaeton, hiphop.
the fast track its realy good, reliable, usb bus powered so you'l be portable. Fast instal and easy too! The quality of its mic pre is very good for volas and acustic instruments, its clear and it a bit of pad (about -5db or -10db) and its good for screaming vocals and loud guitar cabs.
The downside, pro tools is a pain due to its compatibility issues and im a pro tools guy but man does these guys have issues. Pro tools essentials its not good at all, its lumited to 16 tracks ( not bad for vocal tracking) but the real issue is that you cant use any third party plugins like waves, drumagog, autotune, well any whatsoever, only the ones from the program itself os pt essentials.
FastTrack=awesome
Pro Tools Essentials= baaad idea
Pro Tools in general= awesome
just isr cubase, logic, sonar, or nuendo
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Great hardware,,..Bad software
Fast track works wonderfully. I Needed an interface with phantom power. Great price. Easy to use. Protools software came with. Software did not work. System requirements needed windows xp. [...]...Read complete review
Fast track works wonderfully. I Needed an interface with phantom power. Great price. Easy to use. Protools software came with. Software did not work. System requirements needed windows xp. [...]
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 12 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-12
Pros
- Better than Behringer
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
Cons
- Finicky drivers
- Not the BEST audio
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
- Playing with headphones
Comments about M-Audio Fast Track - USB Audio Recording Interface:
I bought this as a replacement for my guitar amplifier since I play 95% of the time with headphones. The sound from it is FAR better than I got from the headphone jack on the amp, and way better than my $30 Behringer USB interface. I use this with Guitar Rig 4 - they work perfect together.
I have a $200 sound card in my PC and $200 cans, so I know good sound quality compared to low quality. When I was playing along with music on my Behringer, it was terrible. This is obviously not as good as my sound card, but it is pretty good for what it is.
I plan to get a surround sound system eventually and play guitar through that with the output jacks on the M-Audio.
Pros
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
Comments about M-Audio Fast Track - USB Audio Recording Interface:
i use this for casual recording of guitar covers of song and it works great with my bass too. Does exactly what I need it to with no problems. Very simple.
Pros
- Durable construction
- Highly Compatible
- Improves Performance
- Reliable
- Strong Connection Points
Cons
Best Uses
- Computer Equipment
Comments about M-Audio Fast Track - USB Audio Recording Interface:
This product was exactly what I was looking for and found for a great price. I needed something that could separate the vocals and a guitar feeding into my Mac. It did just that and easily. Very compact for travel and it's powered by USB so need for powere outlets it's totally mobile.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Durable construction
- Improves Performance
- Reliable
- Strong Connection Points
Cons
- Limited Compatibility
Best Uses
- Computer Equipment
Comments about M-Audio Fast Track - USB Audio Recording Interface:
Fast track works wonderfully. I Needed an interface with phantom power. Great price. Easy to use. Protools software came with. Software did not work. System requirements needed windows xp. [...]
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Durable construction
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Computer Equipment
Comments about M-Audio Fast Track - USB Audio Recording Interface:
The product itself is very good. It is quite simply a convenient method of playing and recording guitar or bass on the computer. The software is excellent and user friendly. The hardware is basically just an adapter to be able to hook a microphone and guitar or bass directly into the usb port of a computer. The price was fantastic [...]
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about M-Audio Fast Track - USB Audio Recording Interface:
Great product when all you need is one mic and/or an instrument. The construction feels a little cheap, but I'm comparing to the old Mbox devices.
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to Use
- Good Sound Quality
- Lasting Fun
Cons
- None
Best Uses
- Beginner Music Production
- Home Studio
Comments about M-Audio Fast Track - USB Audio Recording Interface:
Great product. I purchased this to go along with my MXL V88 and setup was a cinch. The quality is outstanding when recording either guitar OR vocals. A WARNING FOR PEOPLE THINKING ABOUT PURCHASING: If you are purchasing this because it comes with pro-tools, DON'T. The features in Pro-Tools are EXTREMELY limited and it keeps asking you to purchase the full version. I purchased this to use with my current recording software, so I was fine though.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Sound Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Creative Development
Comments about M-Audio Fast Track - USB Audio Recording Interface:
Excellent!
Pros:
Protools essential included
Great recording
Phantom Power
Guitar Switch
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Easy to Use
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about M-Audio Fast Track - USB Audio Recording Interface:
I have the M-Audio Fast Track Pro for my home studio and I purchased the Fast Track for my travel voice-over rig. Works just like the Pro Version for nearly half the price and the size is a perfect fit for my laptop bag.
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to Use
- Good Sound Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Creative Development
Comments about M-Audio Fast Track - USB Audio Recording Interface:
Purchase this for my son. This is a great sounding little box I was surprise of the quality. Great intro for Pro Tools.
Can't be beat for the price.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Sound Quality
Cons
- Few Features
- Flimsy
Best Uses
- Creative Development
- Special Needs
Comments about M-Audio Fast Track - USB Audio Recording Interface:
BH sent this prety quick,
I record metal, alternative, reggaeton, hiphop.
the fast track its realy good, reliable, usb bus powered so you'l be portable. Fast instal and easy too! The quality of its mic pre is very good for volas and acustic instruments, its clear and it a bit of pad (about -5db or -10db) and its good for screaming vocals and loud guitar cabs.
The downside, pro tools is a pain due to its compatibility issues and im a pro tools guy but man does these guys have issues. Pro tools essentials its not good at all, its lumited to 16 tracks ( not bad for vocal tracking) but the real issue is that you cant use any third party plugins like waves, drumagog, autotune, well any whatsoever, only the ones from the program itself os pt essentials.
FastTrack=awesome
Pro Tools Essentials= baaad idea
Pro Tools in general= awesome
just isr cubase, logic, sonar, or nuendo
Pros
Cons
- AMD cpu not supported
Best Uses
Comments about M-Audio Fast Track - USB Audio Recording Interface:
I only gave this 2 stars because I am unable to load the program. I have an AMD processor and the processor and the program have issues. Make sure you have an intel if you are using PC. Probably going to return it.
Displaying reviews 1-12
Cables
- Price: $14.95
- GBP 9.45
Headphones
- Price: $119.88
- GBP 75.78
Monitors
- Price: $88.24
- GBP 55.78
Software
- Price: $414.00
- GBP 261.69
- Price: $519.00
- GBP 328.06
What's in the Box
- Pro Tools M-Powered Essential Software
- Structure Essential Virtual Instrument
- Over 3 GB of Audio Loops
- SansAmp Modeling & Distortion Plug-In
- USB Cable
- 1 Year warranty
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