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.

Solotech Audiovisual Equipment

Solotech Audiovisual Equipment

NAMM 2008 M-Audio Fast Track Ultra USB 2 Audio Interface

Video thumbnail for NAMM 2008 M-Audio Fast Track Ultra USB 2 Audio Interface by Solotech Audiovisual Equipment

NAMM 2008 M-Audio Fast Track Ultra USB 2 Audio Interface

Solotech Audiovisual Equipment

Solotech Audiovisual Equipment

Video thumbnail for M-Audio Fast Track Ultra: M-Audio's David Muniz Shows Us This M-Powerful Interface by gearwire

M-Audio Fast Track Ultra: M-Audio's David Muniz Shows Us This M-Powerful Interface

gearwire

gearwire

Video thumbnail for M-Audio Fast Track Ultra High-speed 8 x 8 USB 2.0 Interface | SOFTPLANET LTD by John Montgomery

M-Audio Fast Track Ultra High-speed 8 x 8 USB 2.0 Interface | SOFTPLANET LTD

John Montgomery

John Montgomery

Video thumbnail for M-Audio - Fast Track Ultra by JRR Shop

M-Audio - Fast Track Ultra

JRR Shop

JRR Shop

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

Use cases and applications

  • The interface is valued for its extensive I/O options, making it appealing for users needing more connectivity than simpler units like the Scarlett 2i2.

    Source
Add

3.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 9 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
edr_studios

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.

maikel

Sounds great

Can Be a beter One in my next settup

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Flying Lotus uses M-Audio Fast Track Ultra USB 2.0 Audio Interface

Flying Lotus

Rapper, Music Producer

FLYamSAM

...
Verified via Photo

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.

See how Zardonic uses M-Audio Fast Track Ultra USB 2.0 Audio Interface

Zardonic

Singer, Keyboardist

...
Verified via Image-line

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!

See how MNCVE uses M-Audio Fast Track Ultra USB 2.0 Audio Interface

MNCVE

...
Verified via Photo

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.

See how Sergey Khavro uses M-Audio Fast Track Ultra USB 2.0 Audio Interface

Sergey Khavro

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "Звукоизоляция // Parks, Squares and Alleys" by ИМИ, Sergey Khavro is clearly seen using the M-Audio Fast Track Ultra USB 2.0 Audio Interface at the 2:08 mark.

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.

Zoom G5n
Zoom G5n Multi Effects Pedals
1
Danelectro 56 U2
Danelectro 56 U2 Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Oktava MK-105
Oktava MK-105 Condenser Microphones
1
Squier Classic Vibe '60s Jazzmaster
Squier Classic Vibe '60s Jazzmaster Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Mixcraft 8 Pro Studio
1
Casio SA-5
Casio SA-5 Portable & Arranger Keyboards
1

More M-Audio Audio Interfaces

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    davidino
    davidino

    Gear IQ 135