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Description
The M-Audio Fast Track Ultra 8R USB 2.0 Audio Interface is your all-access pass to professional-grade recordings right from your home studio. Engineered for versatility, this interface combines high-speed USB 2.0 technology with M-Audio's renowned Octane mic preamps, providing you with pristine 24-bit/96kHz audio fidelity. Whether you're capturing the raw energy of a full band or the subtle nuances of a single instrument, the Fast Track Ultra 8R's eight combo XLR/TRS jacks ensure you have the flexibility to handle any recording situation.
Incorporating the powerful MX Core DSP technology, this interface offers sophisticated channel routing and near-zero latency monitoring with onboard effects like reverb and delay. This means you can mix and monitor with effects without overloading your CPU, letting creativity flow unimpeded. The interface expands to a 16 x 8 configuration, thanks to its eight hardware inputs and eight software returns to the eight hardware outputs, making it a robust choice for project studios.
Built for seamless integration, the Fast Track Ultra 8R is compatible with most major recording software and includes a built-in MIDI interface, two analog inserts, and a dual independent headphone amp. All of this is packed into a rugged, yet lightweight chassis, making the Fast Track Ultra 8R a reliable backbone for your studio setup.
Key Features:
- 8 x 8 USB 2.0 interface
- Eight Octane mic preamps with 20dB pad and 48V phantom power
- MX Core DSP technology for sophisticated routing and effects
- 8 XLR/TRS combo jacks for mic/line inputs
- Built-in MIDI interface and S/PDIF digital I/O
- 2 independent headphone outputs with volume controls
- 24-bit/96kHz resolution for high-quality audio
- Fully compatible with ASIO 2.0, WDM, MME, and Core Audio software
Product specs
| Brand | M-Audio |
| Model | Fast Track Ultra 8R USB 8x8 Audio Interface |
| Finish | Silver |
| Year | 2010s |
| Categories | Audio Interfaces |
| Bit Depth | 24-bit |
| Bus-Powered | No |
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS |
| Computer Connectivity | USB |
| Digital Input Format | S/PIDF |
| Digital Output Format | S/PIDF |
| Electronics | Analog, Digital, Solid State |
| Format | 19-inch Rackmount |
| Number of Analog Inputs | 8 |
| Number of Analog Outputs | 8 |
| Number of Channels | 20 |
| Number of Digital Inputs | 2 |
| Number of Digital Outputs | 2 |
| Number of Headphone Outputs | 2 |
| Number of MIDI Inputs | 1 |
| Number of MIDI Outputs | 1 |
| Number of Mic Preamps | 8 |
| Sample Rate | 96 khz |
| Simultaneous I/O | 10 x 10 |
FAQs
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What are the main connectivity options for the M-Audio Fast Track Ultra 8R USB 2.0 Audio Interface?
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The M-Audio Fast Track Ultra 8R offers USB connectivity and features 8 analog inputs and outputs, 2 S/PDIF digital inputs and outputs, and MIDI input/output, making it versatile for various studio setups.
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Is the M-Audio Fast Track Ultra 8R compatible with my DAW software?
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The M-Audio Fast Track Ultra 8R is compatible with both Windows and macOS, and it integrates well with popular DAWs like Ableton Live, Pro Tools, and Logic Pro.
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How many mic preamps does the M-Audio Fast Track Ultra 8R have?
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The M-Audio Fast Track Ultra 8R is equipped with 8 mic preamps, allowing for multi-microphone recording sessions.
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Can the M-Audio Fast Track Ultra 8R handle high-quality audio recording?
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Yes, the M-Audio Fast Track Ultra 8R supports 24-bit audio at sample rates up to 96 kHz, ensuring high-quality audio recording.
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Does the M-Audio Fast Track Ultra 8R require an external power source?
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Yes, the M-Audio Fast Track Ultra 8R is not bus-powered and requires an external power supply for operation.
Videos
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Reviews
PROS
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Durable, reliable performance over years
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Good design and user-friendly interface
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Built-in preamps are solid for the price
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Real-time reverb enhances vocal recording
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Efficient for recording multiple instruments simultaneously
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Essential features like +48v, gain, hi-z input
CONS
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Issues with Windows 7 64x, including blue screen crashes
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Lacks special features compared to some competitors
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Built-in preamps not on par with high-end models
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about M-Audio Fast Track Ultra 8R USB 2.0 Audio Interface.
Software and compatibility
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It's possible to install drivers on Windows 10 by modifying the .inf file to replace OS references, allowing proper functionality.
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Driver version 6.1.8 is necessary for Windows 11 compatibility, but some users report success with version 6.0.10 without compatibility mode adjustments.
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Use WayBackMachine to access older driver versions on the Avid website, as current versions may not be available directly.
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Some users found that integrating the interface with Reaper can involve detailed ASIO configuration to fully utilize all 8 channels effectively.
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Setup and maintenance
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Powering the interface on before connecting via USB prevents it from loading with bus power, which limits functionality to the first two XLR inputs.
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Users report needing to manually configure audio routing in Reaper to ensure playback through their desired output, addressing a common setup challenge.
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Features and functionality
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Owners note that the software mixer was a standout feature, though some experienced issues with phantom power shorting TRS jacks.
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The interface requires ASIO system usage in Reaper to recognize all 8 inputs, but playback issues may occur if not set correctly.
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The interface's "SW Out 1/2" designation in Reaper can redirect audio outputs, requiring users to adjust settings for proper playback.
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User experience
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A user bypassed a faulty on/off switch by soldering a wire, highlighting a potential weak point in the interface's build.
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Despite successful driver installation, some users encounter BSOD and audio crackling with certain driver versions, indicating potential software instability.
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Owners note that initial setup can be cumbersome, as default settings may not align with typical playback preferences, necessitating additional configuration.
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Comparisons
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Compared to the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 in its time, the M-Audio Fast Track Ultra was considered a budget-friendly, capable alternative.
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Critic Reviews
4.0 out of 5
Based on 4 Reviews and 10 Ratings
299
Not bad but has glitches
It was my first rig device, and I still use it for like 7 years, I guess. On my opiniom. it is an awesome interface by design, but has some troubles: I have bad problems with it on Win7 64x system. If I turn the device down while the OS is working I often get a sudden blue death screen. In ways of performance, it is great. Not bad preamps for in-built ones, plus it has a nice real-time reverb to make singing more comfortable.
208
Great multitrack starter
For most recordings I use this 8 track inferface. It doesn't have any special fetures or settings, it only has the most necessary things like, +48v, gain, instrument input/hi-z, headphones output and midi.
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