M-Audio Fast Track Ultra

The Fast Track Ultra 8 x 8 audio/MIDI interface takes M-Audio's acclaimed mobile recording line to the next level with high-speed USB 2.0 connectivity, MX Core DSP mixer and four preamps with award-winning Octane technology. Featuring both analog and digital I/O, it allows recording on all eight channels simultaneously with pristine 24-bit/96kHz fidelity - while M-Audio's mature low-latency drivers ensure rock-solid stability and performance. The on-board MX Core DSP mixer processes eight hardware inputs and eight software returns to the eight hardware outputs, delivering flexible routing and monitoring with delay and reverb. Compatible with most major audio software*, Fast Track Ultra lets you record the way you want—in the studio or on the go.

*Compatible with all ASIO- and Core Audio-based applications. High-speed USB 2.0 Technology


The next generation of mobile recording interfaces has arrived-the Fast Track Ultra features high-speed USB 2.0 technology for advanced performance. Like FireWire, USB 2.0 delivers the bandwidth for 24-bit/96kHz audio resolution throughout the recording and monitoring process. The increased data speed lets you enjoy exceptional fidelity on all of your inputs and outputs simultaneously.

Speed Comparisons in Mbps
- Connection Maximum Speed
- USB 1.1 12Mbps
- USB 2.0 480Mbps
- FireWire 400 400Mbps


Built-in Effects Processing
Tired of tracking vocals and instruments dry? Fast Track Ultra features MX Core DSP technology that gives you reverb and delay on the headphone outputs with separate sends for every channel. Adding effects is an easy way to inspire creativity and infuse a performance with new energy-without taxing your CPU resources.


Make the Connection
Fast Track Ultra provides a complete recording solution, with six channels of analog inputs and outputs plus 2-channel digital S/PDIF I/O. Unlike most USB interfaces, it features two dedicated inserts on the first two channels, giving you the ability to insert outboard processing before A/D conversion. Easy connection via a single USB 2.0 cable delivers both audio and MIDI communication with your computer. Compatibility with most major audio software, means seamless integration into any studio setup.


MX Core DSP Technology for Sophisticated Channel Routing
The Fast Track Ultra 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.

Professional Octane Preamp 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 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.

Features

- 24-bit/96kHz professional audio on all I/O simultaneously
- high-speed USB 2.0 interface
- MX Core DSP technology
- digital effects processing with assignable parameters
- flexible channel routing options
- expands DSP mixing interface to 16 x 8

- 4 preamps with award-winning M-Audio Octane technology
- 4 XLR microphone inputs-including 2 XLR/TRS combo jacks for mic or instrument level inputs
- 20dB pad on each preamp
- signal/peak LED indicator lights
- phantom power
- 6 balanced line inputs
- 6 balanced analog outputs
- 2 analog inserts
- S/PDIF digital I/O
- built-in 1 x 1 MIDI interface
- 2 independent headphone outputs with individual volume controls
- full ASIO 2.0, WDM, MME, and Core Audio support
- compatible with most major audio production software*
- USB bus power**

*Compatible with all ASIO- and Core Audio-based applications.

**USB bus power enables analog channels 1 and 2, S/PDIF I/O, and headphone output 1 - included power supply required for full 8 x 8 operation.


Compatibility
- WDM
- Core Audio
- ASIO 2.0
- MME

- Minimum System Requirements (PC)
- Windows XP (32-bit) with SP2**
- 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.
** Home and Professional Edition only. Windows Media Center Edition is not supported.
*** Please check the minimum system requirements of your DAW software as they may be higher.



- Minimum System Requirements (Mac)
- Mac OS X 10.3.9, 10.4.11, 10.5.1
- USB 2.0 port
- 512 MB RAM
- 1 GHz CPU

Please check your audio software for additional minimum system requirements.

- Dimensions: 10'' x 5.5'' x 1.6'' (25.5cm x 14cm x 4cm)
- Weight: 1.9 lbs. (.86 kg)