Pricing and availability
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
Unlock the potential of your home recording studio with the M-Audio Fast Track Ultra USB 2.0 Audio Interface, a versatile solution designed for musicians and producers who crave quality without sacrificing flexibility. This power-packed interface is perfect for those looking to capture crisp, professional-grade audio without breaking the bank.
With its USB 2.0 connectivity, the Fast Track Ultra ensures high-speed data transfers, keeping latency low and performance high. Its Advanced Octane™ preamp technology enhances sound clarity, making it a standout choice for recording vocals and instruments. The interface accommodates a variety of inputs, featuring six ins and outs, including two instrument inputs and four mic preamps, ensuring you have everything you need to capture your creative ideas. Whether you're laying down a multi-track session or simply jamming with bandmates, this interface adapts to your needs.
Crafted with intuitive controls and a robust build, the M-Audio Fast Track Ultra is more than just a piece of equipment; it's a gateway to professional sound, wrapped in an affordable package. Ideal for both budding musicians and seasoned pros, it seamlessly integrates with any home studio setup, promising reliability and superior audio quality.
Key Features:
- USB 2.0 connectivity for high-speed data transfer
- Six inputs and six outputs for versatile recording options
- Two high-quality instrument inputs and four mic preamps
- Advanced Octane™ preamp technology for enhanced sound clarity
- Compatible with most DAWs for seamless integration
Product specs
| Brand | M-Audio |
| Model | Fast Track Ultra USB 8x8 Audio Interface |
| Finish | Gray |
| Year | 2000s |
| 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 | Half Rackmount |
| Number of Analog Inputs | 6 |
| Number of Analog Outputs | 6 |
| Number of Channels | 16 |
| 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 | 4 |
| Sample Rate | 96 khz |
| Simultaneous I/O | 8 x 8 |
FAQs
-
What are the main connectivity options for the M-Audio Fast Track Ultra USB 2.0 Audio Interface?
-
The M-Audio Fast Track Ultra offers USB connectivity, allowing it to connect to both Windows and macOS systems. It features 8x8 simultaneous I/O, including 6 analog inputs and outputs, and S/PDIF digital I/O, making it versatile for various recording setups.
-
Is the M-Audio Fast Track Ultra compatible with my DAW software?
-
The M-Audio Fast Track Ultra is compatible with most major DAWs on both Windows and macOS platforms. It supports popular software like Ableton Live, Pro Tools, and Logic Pro, ensuring seamless integration into your recording workflow.
-
How many mic preamps does the M-Audio Fast Track Ultra have, and are they suitable for professional recording?
-
The Fast Track Ultra features four mic preamps, providing high-quality sound capture suitable for professional recording. These preamps deliver clean and transparent audio, making them ideal for capturing vocals and instruments with precision.
-
Does the M-Audio Fast Track Ultra require an external power source?
-
Yes, the M-Audio Fast Track Ultra is not bus-powered and requires an external power source to operate. This ensures stable performance and reliable operation during recording sessions.
-
Can the M-Audio Fast Track Ultra handle MIDI devices?
-
The Fast Track Ultra includes one MIDI input and one MIDI output, allowing you to connect and integrate MIDI devices such as keyboards and controllers into your recording setup.
-
What is the maximum sample rate supported by the M-Audio Fast Track Ultra?
-
The M-Audio Fast Track Ultra supports a maximum sample rate of 96 kHz, providing high-resolution audio capture for detailed and professional-quality recordings.
Videos
Solotech Audiovisual Equipment
NAMM 2008 M-Audio Fast Track Ultra USB 2 Audio Interface
Reviews
PROS
-
Excellent value for its price, offering great sound quality
-
Numerous inputs and outputs, including 6 line inputs and dual headphone jacks
-
Solid preamps, providing reliable sound quality
-
Includes MIDI ports, freeing up USB ports on computers
-
Features SPDIF and inserts for versatile connectivity
-
Reliable driver performance on older systems like Windows 7
-
Signal indicators perform well even at low levels
CONS
-
Only two out of four channels work without external power
-
Can be difficult to use as a system soundcard for non-DAW applications
-
Volume knobs are overly sensitive, impacting precision control
-
Design could be improved with combined XLR/jack ports for all inputs
-
Build quality could be sturdier for long-term durability
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 USB 2.0 Audio Interface.
Software and compatibility
-
Modifying the drivers inf file to replace '6.0' with '10' allows Windows 10 installation, as Vista and 7 drivers are compatible with 10.
Source -
The Fast Track Ultra works well with ASIO-compatible DAWs on Windows 10, but struggles with non-ASIO software, rendering it nearly unusable outside DAWs.
Source -
Drivers from 2014 can still function with Windows 11 for DAW use, providing a workaround for those seeking to keep the interface operational on modern systems.
Source -
While the interface functions with ASIO on Windows 10, its compatibility issues with general Windows audio suggest it's best used in a controlled studio setting.
Source
Features and functionality
-
The software mixer is appreciated for its usefulness, despite some issues with phantom power affecting only the TRS component of combo jacks.
Source
Setup and maintenance
-
Powering on before USB connection is crucial to avoid limiting the interface to two XLR inputs, due to bus power issues.
Source
Build quality
-
The power switch may fail over time, requiring a bypass with soldering to maintain functionality.
Source
User experience
-
Some experience a plastic feel, and preamps are noted to be noisier compared to higher-end interfaces, but it remains functional for basic recording needs.
Source -
Owners report the interface is "pretty usable" within a DAW environment, indicating it's a viable option for studio use if ASIO compatibility is the only requirement.
Source
3.5 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 9 Ratings
40
pros and cons.. hmmmm
ALL this being said, the unit works well & these are just critiques on optimisation and what I personally would tweak & my opinions of it.
Signal lights work well, unlike my scarlet interface which doesnt indicate signal at reasonably low levels has midi ports & thus saves extra usb ports on your laptop/pc having 6 jack outs and inputs on the back is a big pro for the unit allowing it to be used with external fx processors. AND having two headphone jacks works well for colab with artists eliminating the need for a headphone amp most of the time :)
annoying that only two out of four channels work without external power, but oh well - usb power is usb power... Can be frustrating to use as a system soundcard.. (my laptops sound drivers spaz a bit if i try to get youtube or etc to play through it) - works fine with DAWs Individual phantom power controls / divided group controls would be a nice option Volume knobs are a bit touchy Also shouldnt be too hard to convert the last two xlr ports into composite xlr/jack like the first two.. so could be designed a bit better.
Artist usage
Add artist
In a photo titled "Percussion_with_Ableton_Live" on Wikimedia, Flying Lotus is seen using the M-Audio Fast Track Ultra USB 2.0 Audio Interface.
As for the hardware part, got a couple Pioneer SDJ-08 monitors, Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro Headphones, AKG Perception 220 condenser microphone, Roland R-05 Wave/MP3 Recorder, M-Audio Keystation 88es, KORG Monotron and Monotron Delay, M-Audio Fast Track Ultra, and a custom made chiliGREEN laptop which pretty much works as a desktop replacement. It's a monster!
MNCVE highlights the reliability of the M-Audio Fast Track Ultra USB 2.0 Audio Interface, describing it as compact and perfectly suited to their needs. Despite considering a replacement, the interface's durability keeps it in their setup. This sentiment is shared on an Instagram post by mayen_music.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use M-Audio Fast Track Ultra USB 2.0 Audio Interface, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
More M-Audio Audio Interfaces
Accessories & Related Items
Community setups
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Audio Interfaces
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
davidinoGear IQ 135
-