High-speed 8 x 8 USB 2.0 audio interface with 8 Octane preamps and MX Core DSP

Designed for comprehensive studio work, the Fast Track Ultra 8R audio/MIDI interface delivers 8 x 8 I/O, high-speed USB 2.0 connectivity, MX Core DSP mixing/effects, and eight preamps with award-winning Octane technology. Record drum kits and full bands on all eight inputs simultaneously in 24-bit/96kHz fidelity. The onboard MX Core DSP mixer processes eight hardware inputs and eight software returns to the eight hardware outputs, expanding the total I/O to an impressive 16 x 8 configuration. It also delivers flexible routing and monitoring with delay and reverb. Its reliable, low-latency M-Audio drivers and compatibility with most major recording software allows you to put the Fast Track Ultra 8R at the core of your powerful project studio in a single rack-mount unit. High-speed USB 2.0 Technology The Fast Track Ultra 8R utilizes high-speed USB 2.0 technology to deliver the bandwidth for 24-bit/96kHz audio resolution throughout the recording and monitoring process. With a maximum data transfer speed of 480Mbps, this jump in performance allows you to enjoy outstanding sound quality on all inputs and outputs simultaneously.

Built-in Effects Processing Tired of tracking vocals and instruments dry because plug-in effects introduce too much latency? Fast Track Ultra 8R features MX Core DSP technology to give you reverb and delay on the headphone outputs with separate sends for every channel. Now you can inspire creativity by adding effects without taxing your CPU's resources.

Make the Connection The Fast Track Ultra 8R was designed to provide all the I/O you need for a project studio. Eight channels of analog inputs and outputs plus 2-channel digital S/PDIF provide input flexibility with room to grow. Unlike most USB interfaces, it features two dedicated analog inserts on the first two channels, allowing you to insert outboard processing before A/D conversion. Easy connection via USB 2.0 delivers both audio and MIDI communication with your computer. The unit is compatible with most major audio software and seamlessly integrates into any studio setup.

MX Core DSP technology for sophisticated channel routing This interface 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, all 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.

Eight Professional Preamps with Octane Technology The quality of your recordings is only as good as the initial signal. The Fast Track Ultra 8R features four preamps with multi-award-winning M-Audio Octane technology, creating a premium front end that delivers your 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.

Dual Headphone Amp Whether you usually track vocals or an ensemble, you're likely to need multiple headphone mixes. Fast Track Ultra 8R 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.

M-Audio Fast Track Ultra 8R USB Interface Features:

• 24-bit/96kHz professional audio on all I/O simultaneously
• High-speed USB 2.0 interface
• Comes with MX Core DSP technology
• Monitor with effects while recording
• Flexible channel routing options
• Expands DSP mixing interface to 16 x 8
• 8 preamps with award-winning M-Audio Octane technology
• 8 XLR/TRS combo jacks for mic or line-level inputs
• +48V phantom power
• 20dB pad on each preamp
• Signal/peak LED indicator lights
• 2 front-panel 1/4" instrument inputs
• 8 balanced TRS analog outputs
• 2 analog inserts
• S/PDIF digital I/O
• Built-in 1 x 1 MIDI interface
• 2 independent headphone outputs with individual volume control knobs
• Rugged, lightweight metal chassis
• Full ASIO 2.0, WDM, MME, Core Audio support
• Compatible with most major audio production software
• Dual headphone amp with two completely independent headphone outputs

Give yourself more I/O options, the power of MX Core DSP and award-winning Octane preamps. Order today!

M-Audio Fast Track Ultra 8R USB Interface Specifications:

• Compatibility
• WDM, Core Audio, ASIO II, MME
  
  Minimum system requirements
• (PC):
• Windows XP (32-bit) with SP2 or higher
• DirectX 9.0c or higher (included in XP)
• USB 2.0 port
• Windows Vista (32-bit versions)
• 1.6GHz processor (CPU may be higher for laptops)
• 512MB RAM
• (Windows Vista Home Premium, Business and Ultimate require 1 GB RAM)
  
  (Mac):
• Mac OS X 10.3.9 or higher
• USB 2.0 port
• 512MB RAM
• 1GHz CPU

M-Audio Fast Track Ultra 8R USB Interface

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Average of 7 User Ratings

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High Quality multi-tracking

Posted by Anonymous Musician on Oct 19, 2009

Experience w/product: I have heard about it

Reviewer's Background: Home recorder and part time gigger

Reviewer's Play Style: rock

This thing is a dream come true. The preamps are super quiet and perfect detail. I use it with a 2 mxl990s, 2 SM57s and a beta 52a on my kick drum. It handles all the mics perfectly and provides phantom power for the condensers. I've tracked up to 6 tracks at once. The built in reverb is great on your vocals when you are tracking. I use it on a dual core machine running vista and have had not had any problems with latency.

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Great Interface

Posted by Kenny from Okinawa, Japan on Aug 31, 2009

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Active Musician

Reviewer's Play Style: Hip-hop, R&B, Pop

I previously recorded on Cubase 4 w/ an Edirol UA-101. I just switched to Pro Tools 8 M-Powered w/ the Fast Track Ultra 8R. I'm not sure if it’s the PT8 or the interface but my pre-mix quality has improved exponentially. I don't like using DAWs for their plug-in effects because it taxes the CPU. The Fast Track Ultra 8R has plenty of I/O options so I can send/return audio to my outboard gear with little effort. In Pro Tools it’s as easy as changing the input/output channels for the particular tracks.

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Crackling Issues

Posted by scottenj from Boston area on Aug 31, 2009

Experience w/product: I have used it

Reviewer's Background: Recording Engineer

Reviewer's Play Style: All types

I did a lot of reserach before buying this. I needed something that worked with USB, I wanted 8 and a specific feature set and this had it all. When it arrived I was impressed with the build qualiy and the premaps are quiet. Unfortunately I could not make it record without crackling. There are many articles in their knowledge base and forums about crackling so this is apparently a very common problem. I tried everything they list and two diffent notebook computers but couldn't make it work. Thankfully Muscian's Friend took it back no problem.

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Great buy for person who wanted for New MBP

Posted by lilesan206 from Seattle on May 7, 2009

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Hobbyist

Reviewer's Play Style: Rock, Hip-Hop, Rap

I'm highly recommended this interface for person who using new apple macbook pro and apple logic pro 8, this will be ur great buy whoever couldn't afford to buy Apogee or RME its all about USB not FW800. I have this over a month now have no problem with this unit (make sure you check M-Audio's site for new driver update too) I LOVE THIS UNIT!!

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Great INTEFACE... BUT friends have had issues with

Posted by ollie olarte from Bogotá, Colombia on Mar 21, 2009

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Active musician, trying to record my own stuff

Reviewer's Play Style: Reggae

I just bought it my friends tell me that it is a stunishig recording interface as log as it lasts. Many hav had trouble with it the usb port has burn out etc and they recommend me to sell it... anyone has had any trouble with it or with m audio in general???

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M-Audio Fast Track Ultra 8R USB Interface

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M-Audio Fast Track Ultra 8R USB Interface

Read 6 Reviews