M-Audio Fast Track Ultra 8R - USB 2.0 Interface with Pro Tools SE Software
The Fast Track Ultra 8R from M-Audio is an audio/MIDI interface designed for comprehensive studio work, delivering eight inputs and eight outputs via high-speed USB 2.0 connectivity. The interface has eight premium preamps that supply phantom power and also feature 20dB pads. The unit is housed in a single rack space enclosure.
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, delivering flexible routing and monitoring with delay and reverb. Reliable, low-latency drivers provides compatibility with most major recording software.
Pro Tools SE includes a 3GB loop library. Additionally, one can choose from over 100 different instrument sounds and then add effects that include reverb, delay, EQ, compression, chorus, flanger, and many others, polish the tracks, and share them with anyone. The Pro Tools software contains a wide array of music creation templates for creating hip-hop, electronic, pop, funk, jazz, and rock and blues tracks.
- 24-bit/96kHz professional audio on all eight I/O simultaneously
- High-speed USB 2.0 interface
- MX Core DSP technology allows for monitoring with effects while recording, provides flexible channel routing options and expands DSP mixing interface to 16 x 8
- 8 preamps with 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" 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
- USB 2.0
-
- 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
-
- MX Core DSP technology provides reverb and delay on the headphone outputs with separate sends for every channel
- Now you can add effects without taxing your CPU resources or introducing latency
- I/O
-
- 8 channels of analog inputs and outputs plus 2-channel digital S/PDIF provide input flexibility with room to grow
- 2 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
- Channel Routing
-
- Create multiple monitor mixes easily when recording other musicians
- The robust MX Core mixer employs an array of 8 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 a 16 x 8 configuration, allowing you to connect synthesizers and outboard gear to any of the interface's hardware inputs, then mix them with the 8 audio streams coming from your computer
- Preamps
-
- 8 preamps with M-Audio Octane technology create a premium front end that delivers exceptional audio clarity
- Low-noise, high-gain pre-amplification with enough channels for applications like mic'ing drum kits or recording complete ensembles
- Features include +48V phantom power for condenser microphones, signal/peak LED indicator lights and a pull-out gain knob that activates a 20dB pad for recording at high volumes
- Headphones
-
- Whether you usually track vocals or an ensemble, you're likely to need multiple headphone mixes
- 2 completely independent headphone outputs allow 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
- Pro Tools SE Software
-
- Award-winning Pro Tool composing, recording, editing, and mixing features
- Mix up to 24 tracks (16 audio tracks, 8 virtual instrument tracks)
- Record 2 simultaneous audio tracks
- Integrated learning tools make it easy to create music
- Built-in composing features, including MIDI sequencing and score editing
- Includes over 100 different virtual instruments
- Powerful, pro-quality effects including reverb, EQ, and guitar amp/distortion effects
- Comes with over 3GB of audio loops to quickly construct songs and ideas
- Easily record up to two instruments at once
- Compatible with PC and Mac computers
| Converters | 24-bit |
| Sample Rates | Up to 96kHz |
| Analog Input |
8 x XLR/TS combo Microphone/Line 2 x 1/4" TS phone Instrument (front panel) 2 x 1/4" TRS phone Insert |
| Input Impedance |
Microphone: 1.6kΩ unbalanced, 3.2kΩ balanced Instrument: 1MΩ unbalanced Line: 18kΩ balanced, 9kΩ unbalanced |
| Maximum Input Level |
Microphone: From +28dBu @ minimum gain (with pad) to -45dBu @ maximum gain (no pad) Instrument: From +12dBV @ minimum gain (no pad) to -41dBV @ maximum gain (no pad) Line: +20.2dBu balanced/unbalanced Insert Return: +2.2dBV unbalanced |
| Gain | >53dB, no pad |
| Analog Output |
8 x 1/4" TRS phone 2 x 1/4" TRS phone Headphone |
| Output Impedance | 470Ω unbalanced, 940Ω balanced |
| Maximum Output Level |
Line: +20dBu balanced, +11.8dBV unbalanced Headphone: +2.8dBV @ THD <0.003% into 32Ω Insert Send: +2.2dBV unbalanced |
| Digital Input | 1 x RCA coaxial S/PDIF (on breakout cable) |
| Digital Output | 1 x RCA coaxial S/PDIF (on breakout cable) |
| MIDI In/Out | 2 x 5-pin DIN MIDI I/O (on breakout cable) |
| Headphones |
Power into Ω: 60mW into 32Ω Working Range: 24 to 600Ω |
| Dynamic Range |
Microphone: 106dB, A-weighted (minimum gain, no pad) Instrument: 107dB, A-weighted (minimum gain, no pad) Line Inputs: 106dB, A-weighted Line Outputs: 104dB, A-weighted Headphones: 104dB, A-weighted |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz to 20kHz, +/-0.1dB |
| THD + N |
Microphone: 0.0028% (-91dB) @ -1dBFS, 1kHz (minimum gain, no pad) Instrument: 0.003% (-90dB) @ -1dBFS, 1kHz (minimum gain, no pad) Line Inputs: 0.003% (-90dB) @ -1dBFS, 1kHz Line Outputs: 0.0025% (-92dB) @ -1 dBFS, 1kHz Inserts: 0.0022% (-93dB) @ -1dB from max level, 1kHz |
| SNR |
Microphone: -106dB, A-weighted (minimum gain, no pad) Instrument: -107dB, A-weighted (minimum gain, no pad) Line Inputs: -106dB, A-weighted Line Outputs: -104dB, A-weighted Headphones: -104dB, A-weighted |
| Crosstalk |
Microphone: <-110dB Line Inputs: <-110dB Line Outputs: <-110dB Headphones: <-85dB |
| Power Requirements | 9VDC via adapter with + center post |
| System Requirements |
Mac OS X Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7 USB 2.0 port |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Weight | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Specialties | 20dB input pad |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 6 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Excellent sound (6)
- Easy to use (5)
- Low distortion (5)
- Versatile (4)
Cons
Best Uses
- Home studio (6)
- Amateur recording (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Experienced (3), Professional musician (3)
Reviewed by 6 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-6
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Studio
Comments about M-Audio Fast Track Ultra 8R - USB 2.0 Interface with Pro Tools SE Software:
I purchased this product as an upgrade to the M-Audio Delta 1010LT - and it is a big improvement.
Nothing wrong with the Delta 1010LT (for my purposes) except that changing some of the input stuff required changing jumpers on the PCI card (inside my PC).
I bought the Ultra 8R to do "re-amping" method recording - so that I could make A/B comparisons between vacuum tubes and bias setings (I build amplifiers).
The direct instrument input option on the Ultra 8R is a bonus for that (since you don't need a DI box for the initial raw recording). Though you still need to use a DI box when "feeding the signal in to your amp".
While the hardware interface is great for what I'm doing - the SE version of Pro Tools that came with it is useless for reamping because you can't do channel routing.
Having said that - you can do a LOT with the SE version of Pro Tools, just not what I wanted to.
I already had Adobe Audition - which works perfectly with the ASIO driver - so I just use that instead.
- Similar:
- M-Audio Delta 1010LT
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
- Powerful
- Versatile
Cons
- Software inadequate
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Home Studio
- Performances
Comments about M-Audio Fast Track Ultra 8R - USB 2.0 Interface with Pro Tools SE Software:
I like the M-Audio hardware. It works well and does all I expect. It comes bundled with Avid's ProTools SE, which silly. The SE version only supports two input channels, so you have to spend another $ + to purchase the full version so you can use the 8 input channels available in the hardware.
Pros
- Compact
- 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 Interface with Pro Tools SE Software:
I bought this product because I was originally impressed with the M-audio interface (C400) that was bundled with Pro Tools MP9. Since then, I have since upgraded to Pro Tools 10, which oompletely fills my needs, and flawlessly I might add. However I needed at least 8 inputs for my studio so I needed to switch to a higher powered unit. I spent almost a month gathering info, looking at reviews, and was getting very frustated. I went back and looking at Avid's recommended list of hardware and there it was: the Fast Track Ultra 8R. I had seen it at another time but somehow overlooked it. I just received it from B&H for a great price and installed it without any problems whatsoever. I have a fairly active recording studio and I need everything to work on a daily basis and this fills the bill. This is a solid 8 input unit that is very well built, and fits in my rack. It is USB 2.0 connected, and my operating system is Windows 7 64 bit -- and the driver installation was easy. Don't take a chance and buy something that is not recommended for Pro Tools. I looked at others that were cheaper but why do that? Not worth it in the long run. Thanks to B&H I can die happy.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
Comments about M-Audio Fast Track Ultra 8R - USB 2.0 Interface with Pro Tools SE Software:
The Fast Track Ultra is a great device to function as the "Hub" of your recording system. The Ultra sports traditional pots for input leveling and those pots feel and function proper. I prefer pots to slides, as they are less prone to accidental disruption. It sports 8 input channels and virtual instruments for versatility. The 48V Phantom Power is needed for special mic arrangements. My Propeller Head 6.0 S/W found the device and connected without a hitch. The Ultra comes with a beginners version of Pro Tools. I recommend the Ultra for small studio use - it's a great device.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
- Versatile
Cons
- None yet
Best Uses
- Home Studio
- Professional Recording
Comments about M-Audio Fast Track Ultra 8R - USB 2.0 Interface with Pro Tools SE Software:
I was interested in getting an interface that would allow me to record several live tracks at once. After looking over the forums concerning firewire problems, I "settled" on this USB unit B & H pricing, delivery and customer service made it even simpler. I was amazed at the simple set up and how well it worked with Sonar. Pro Tools SE is adequate but have yet to research all the options. My one and only complaint is that I did not get this unit earlier. Would have saved time, money and the few hairs I have left.
Pros
- Excellent Sound
Cons
- Difficult To Use
Best Uses
- Home Studio
Comments about M-Audio Fast Track Ultra 8R - USB 2.0 Interface with Pro Tools SE Software:
I am happy that there is B / H, really gives confidence in making purchases are effective and we as customers are sastifecho
Displaying reviews 1-6
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- Original: $14.99
- Save: $1.50
- Price: $13.49
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- Price: $15.99
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- Price: $119.88
Monitors
- Price: $79.99
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- Price: $79.95
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- Price: $129.99
Additional Hardware
- Price: $48.00
- Click to see current price
What's in the Box
- External Power Supply
- USB Cable
- S/PDIF and MIDI Breakout Cable
- One (1) Year Warranty
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