M-Audio Fast Track Ultra Audio Interface
by Chris Hafner | Published March 2008 | In the Mix Archives
M-Audio is well-known for manufacturing a variety of audio gadgets, from finger triggers for drum machines to this, a USB-connected audio interface for home studios. The Fast Track Ultra is a so-called "8x8" device, with eight hardware inputs and eight hardware outputs. Think of it as the "hub" connecting an array of keyboards and other music-making machines.
The important thing for an interface is speed - some early generation hardware had the effect of slowing studio work down to a crawl while it sorted out various signals. This thing blazes, though, capable of processing 24-bit/96kHz audio on all inputs and outputs simultaneously. The manufacturer also includes in price of the Fast Track Ultra a copy of the Ableton Live Lite 6 software - a puzzling choice since anyone in the market for a tool like an audio interface probably already has "full" copy of Ableton's industry standard studio software.
M-Audio Fast Track Ultra Audio Interface
Retail price:
$349.00 from Madman Audio, 847 W. Belmont, 773-477-5555, madmanaudio.com.
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