M-Audio Fast Track II Review

[Laz786]

will it work with Pro tools MP 7.4 ????????

[theweeklyreblog]

@Laz786 Probably, but it comes with PT8 Essential.

[youuuu2700]

@theweeklyreblog when you turn the input gain down could you yell into the mic?

[SwillyNation1991]

Ugh sorry again... Is the software you get with it not the correct software for me to achieve this?

[theweeklyreblog]

@SwillyNation1991 I mean, it comes with Pro Tools. So yeah, but you have to learn how to use it.

[SwillyNation1991]

@theweeklyreblog oh right ok. i will learn :) and tell me this... what is the cheapest microphone i can use with this? im talking less than €50 :\

[SwillyNation1991]

Ok just realised I left a comment before... My bad lol. Can you answer this one anyway? :)

[SwillyNation1991]

What kind of effects can this do to your vocals? Can it improve your signing? And does it matter what kind of microphone you use, seeing as you don't get a microphone with it.

[SwillyNation1991]

Ok so I want cover songs and upload them to YouTube. Record vocals separately then record guitar seperately. Will this unit allow me to do that? And then put the vocals and guitar together and add an audio track of the song I'm doing? Also am I able to add effects to my vocals? Respond ASAP please :)

[theweeklyreblog]

@SwillyNation1991 Yeah, but you need the right software.

[takemefromthisplace]

Can you use this interface with audacity? or just with the software it came with?

[caseyh539]

Can you record the guitar and microphone at one time? If you plug the mic in xlr and guitar in jack? Will it work doing it at once? Please replyyy :)

[theweeklyreblog]

@caseyh539 As long as your software allows for multiple inputs, yes.

[Musicforever305]

Can you use it on windows 7??? I might buy it

[callumstewart21]

@Musicforever305 Yeah they work on windows 7 32 and 64 bit aswell as windows xp (sp3) or higher.

[LilJoeyyy]

can we connect a usb microphone to it? If not, which Microphone should I get? The one you were using sounded pretty good, what model is it ! I want to search it up

[theweeklyreblog]

@LilJoeyyy If you were to get a USB microphone, there would be no need for the interface. The mic I bought was a CAD GXL3000. Although I've since purchase an AKG mic (more expensive), the CAD mic served me very well for a long time. I purchased the mic with a pop filter and shock mount for $100 on eBay.

[LilJoeyyy]

@theweeklyreblog Yeah, I am looking for a new microphone aswell, do you know which condenser mic would be good that isn't usb? price isn't really an issue

[theweeklyreblog]

@LilJoeyyy A great mic to start off with is the CAD GXL3000. You can pick it up online for less than $100, and it gets the job done. My other mic is a AKG Perception 220. I believe it's 2-3 times the price of the CAD, but it's definitely in a different class.

[LilJoeyyy]

@theweeklyreblog Yeah, I'm getting the AKG Perception 220 one of my friends linked me to it, should be good man ! thanks a lot

[KRPunK77Guitarist]

@theweeklyreblog will the usb allow me to record directly into my computer? i'm confused.

[jaywillzo]

where do you connnect the usb wire to, once you plug it to the interface box.?

[theweeklyreblog]

@jaywillzo It goes from the interface to your computer's USB port.

[fwifvesson]

hey man do you get like, cables and such with it? like USB cable?

[theweeklyreblog]

@fwifvesson It's USB powered, and it comes with the cable.

[BNROEC]

where to connect the piano keyboard?

[theweeklyreblog]

@BNROEC If you're looking for MIDI connectivity, this isn't the interface for you.

[harmandai]

can you connect a midi keybord controller instead of conecting the guitar?

[sherekhan1992]

hey how do you record the video together with the audio from m-audio?

[DJGPR2]

it lucks 96khz though...

[thepeterpipperpick]

Does this work also if i use cubebase instead?

[SBZ2746]

pon music at the start

[theweeklyreblog]

Yeah, it does. And thanks :D

[Speekerful]

Does the USB output split the audio of the XLR and 1/4 inch into two separate inputs on the pc? Great video.

[McDylbot]

@Speekerful Yes it does.

[xxsladedethxx]

which digital audio workstation is compatible with this? i got an older m audio fast track usb from like 2006 or something and the software that came with it is out of date an wont work with windows 7, so i went ahead an downloaded a demo version of line 6 pod farm and it sounded horrible and couldnt even get enough gain or clarity. i duno if its the compatibility of the interface or not but whats a good digital audio workstation thats good an easy to use with my interface?

[samtachyons]

does the vocals get recorded in the recording software with the direct monitoring on??... because i have heard in one of the review that it doesn't record vocal with direct monitoring on... pls help ....i want to buy this one....

[theweeklyreblog]

@samtachyons Direct Monitoring has no effect on recording itself. You can use it if you'd like, or turn it off if you have monitoring enabled through a program.

[FASTNINJAKICK]

do you need to have speakers or headphones plugged in for it to actually record? because I don't have either with me and it won't work.

[theweeklyreblog]

@FASTNINJAKICK You don't have to, but if you can't monitor what you record, you may as well not record. Or you may just search online for some cheap headphones. I picked up a pair of Sennheiser HD 203's for like 30 bucks.

[88Garcia88]

hey dude

Im having issues with my pc sound board........ Yes i know, nothing to do between audio board and audio interfaces..... But (I will use for studio purposes to) it is possible to use it as an audio board/card too? (Like using the fast track like for the same purpose that a soundblaster is used? I dont bother about 5.1 systems)... Thanks

[theweeklyreblog]

@88Garcia88 Interfaces act as sound cards, so yes.

[00tortoise]

So if i get this i won't need to buy a phantom power supply for condenser mic?

Does it supply the phantom power or just support it?

Thanks!

[aRiitorVocals]

@00tortoise It supplies it :)

[lucasjuniorzinho]

In cubase i can not adjust the buffers on control panel. why? Even theres no software to adjust the latency or buffers and KZ resolution. help please. ty

[1969wmb]

what kind of mic did you use to record this video?

[ChrisGalinato]

i have a blue spark mic and requires +48v and the interface only supplies 48v. i dont get what the difference is? Anyways i try to attach my mic and the green signal light goes on for 2 seconds and then go's. does that mean anything? if anyone has a suggestion

[TheSelfishEffect]

man fl studio fucked up my laptop smfh and why is only one side of my headphones working ? when i plug it in ?

[marwich]

1 question: which gear did u use to record the whole thing? i mean, ok the audio comes from the fast track, but did u have to mount audio and video separately with a video editing software, or you're recording audio and video at the same time in some way? and if it's this case, how u did that?

[ChrisGalinato]

bought a blue spark and wouldn't work

[ArGyProductions]

@ChrisGalinato

OMG dont say that o_O i'm about to buy a Blue BlueBird and this interface

Is there a problem with the Phantom power?

[ChrisGalinato]

@ArGyProductions ya dude my mic wont work something to do with the interface not supplying enough phantom power. my mic mic needs +48v and it only has 48v. i guess if you get the mic then youll be ok. check the reviews on the blue bird

[TheSelfishEffect]

HELP 2 PROBLEMS , 1). ONLY ONE SIDE OF MY HEADPHONES IS WORKING WHEN I PLUG IT IN 2). PROTOOLS SE WONT LET ME RECORD HELP ME OUT IM GOING CRAZY

[theweeklyreblog]

@TheSelfishEffect 1) Try different headphones or a different adapter 2) Use software that has a nice learning curve. FL Studio for Windows or Logic Pro for Mac.

[TheSelfishEffect]

@theweeklyreblog I TRIED TO DIFFERENT HEAD PHONES I THINK ITS THE ADAPTER

[ijamhxc4him09]

does this work with FL Studio 9?

[theweeklyreblog]

@ijamhxc4him09 Yep, it works with any DAW as long as you have the drivers for the device (which come with it on a CD).

[skyresa]

Does it work with Cubase?

[tgjrevo9]

the XLR cam seperate though right?

[danielstudios]

@OnlyOneWeaver yea

[theweeklyreblog]

@OnlyOneWeaver I have a MacBook Pro, and yes I do.

[CDKUnlimited]

@OnlyOneWeaver Phantom Power works with every condenser microphone, Blue, Samson, ect...

[theweeklyreblog]

@OnlyOneWeaver For future reference to anyone who might read this; yes, this interface works with condenser mics, and it also provides phantom power. I mentioned this in the video.

[PBnJaime]

I was told to get this along with the Audio Technica AT2020 XLR Mic because it would be the better way to go in the long run if I want to do any kind of vocals since XLR is better than USB, would you agree? I will just be making like parody songs and doing game commentary, skype calls, but won't be using any live instruments as far as I know, but I do want my songs to stand out. Any suggestions as well?

[HourlySmoker]

I heard people experienced white noise with ProTools SE when they were recording/listening, did you?

[theweeklyreblog]

@HourlySmoker I use Logic Pro, so I have no idea. But with Logic, there is absolutely no white noise.

[randyfletcher86]

@theweeklyreblog If mic is set to min gain I too have no problems with gain but as soon as i slide this up to 40% I can notice pretty clear noise. And as you adjusted it to the max I noticed it also.

[theweeklyreblog]

@randyfletcher86 It picks up whatever is there. If I were recording in a soundproof booth as opposed to my bedroom, there would be no noise. Plus, I only notice the noise when I turn it to max gain. And you would never actually record with max gain.

[TooRellOfficial]

Do I need this even though i create beats without any live instruments?

[theweeklyreblog]

@TooRellOfficial If you don't have live instruments, what purpose would this serve? If you wanted to buy this along with a condenser mic for quick vocal effects to play around with in your beats, that may not be a bad idea. But other than that, I'm not sure how you would use this.

[shakeyken]

@theweeklyreblog the whole purpose is that it is designed for use it with live instruments!

[ru7thsin]

@TooRellOfficial If you use Vsti technology, you may have some problems with latency using the onboard audio interface of the pc.

An external sound card is recommended to reduce latency and improve the sound quality.

*sorry for my english*

[xxlovecrystal]

Can you plug an acoustic guitar in? Or a keyboard?

[StarprinceTV]

i need this os fuckin bad

[Fr0mTheBlind]

Should I get this or Steinberg CI1?

[FreshMusicAruba]

what mic did you use ?

[A3BeatsProductions]

lol, bare feet:P. thx for the review man!

[guitarguy951]

can a regular Stage Mic work on this?

[theweeklyreblog]

@guitarguy951 Any 1/4 or XLR mic will work.

[OphidianWithin]

If you have something on your computer like a song, could you record the song? For instance if I have a recording of drums, could I re record the recording with this interface? I used to use Audacity for it but it doesn't work anymore

[micmoable]

where'd you buy it and can a 2 gig Dell laptop run it?

[micmoable]

where did you get the package?

[Niiboy15]

is this good with at 2020 mic ?

[theweeklyreblog]

@Niiboy15 It's good if the mic is good.

[Niiboy15]

@theweeklyreblog Thanks for your respond ;)

[ddavidrojjas]

i have a question, and reaaaallyy need answer. When you install the interface, does it completely remove your computers sound card?? I'm on a mac.

I want to be able to switch between the external and the internal sound card, so i don't need to travel with the sound card. PLS RESPONSE!

[theweeklyreblog]

@ddavidrojjas No, it only uses the Fast Track in the programs you choose to use it in. And even then, your other sound cards are available. In short, yes. You can switch between the Fast Track and internal sound card.

[ddavidrojjas]

@theweeklyreblog i really appreciate your quick answer! thx ;)

[OfficialTBSR]

can you still use protools too mix down to mp3??

[theweeklyreblog]

@OfficialTBSR I'm pretty sure. I use Logic Pro and I can bounce to MP3 or whatever format I like.

[ilovescreampuff]

hi. i i love recording music at home but i wanna take it to the next level. i mean record it with some music stuff. i just bought a rode nt1a on amazon, and i will be using my mac pro (2011) with it. I just wanna know what else I have to buy to record a song like the ones that we see on youtube (covers). I'm planning on getting this one since its cheaper and sounds like it has good quality too! but still dont know what else to buy. btw im on a budget too. hehe.

[theweeklyreblog]

@ilovescreampuff Can't go wrong with this interface and a CAD GXL3000. On eBay, they're about a hundred bucks and include a shock mount and pop filter. I'm all about getting professional quality at a low price.

[ilovescreampuff]

@theweeklyreblog How do you call the USB that you connect with this (interface) to the mac? and do you know if the condenser will still work even without the interface?

[ViDeOKInGS11]

How are you using your mic with the camera. Plz help. I want to do that.

[theweeklyreblog]

@ViDeOKInGS11 Record the audio separately, then add it in to the video and line it up.

[ViDeOKInGS11]

@theweeklyreblog thank you sir.

[Jamalsish]

would you recommend to buy this only for guitar recording or also a mic, like which is better quality, using the guitar line in to the m audio straight to the pc or using the XLR with a mic ( T bone mic)

[theweeklyreblog]

@Jamalsish Quality is perfect for both, I'd recommend this for getting started recording. If you decide you need MIDI as well, I'd go with the Mbox 2.

[Jamalsish]

@theweeklyreblog only bad thing with if i only use line in, that u cant have no effects, and ul have to emulate the effects.. like cant i use my pedal in between or will it sound like ****

[theweeklyreblog]

@Jamalsish I actually prefer using effects in Logic Pro, because you can always enable or disable effects after recording. But no, quality is fine going from the pedal. Just kinda limits your options is all.

[GYPSYROMA777]

IS THERE LOW LATENCY OR ZERO LATENCY???

[theweeklyreblog]

@GYPSYROMA777 It all depends on your software. I'm using Logic Pro on the 2.3 Core i5 MacBook Pro and there's very little latency (around 7ms).

[GYPSYROMA777]

@theweeklyreblog I use mixcraft 5 on a pc windows xp

[theweeklyreblog]

@GYPSYROMA777 Depends also on your hardware. What kind of processor / how much memory are we talking?

[RizzoAstronama]

Using this with an SE microphone almost is unfair. The SE mic is a top of The line microphone with awesome clarity and precision. It's almost misleading because people will think that its the fast track making it sound so clear.

[theweeklyreblog]

@RizzoAstronama The mic I used is a CAD GXL3000. It was 100 bucks, definitely not top of the line. But it is a condenser.

[RizzoAstronama]

@theweeklyreblog Oh sorry I thought that was the Se Micprohone my bad.

[theweeklyreblog]

@bcw0821 Yeah, I uploaded this in March so I've had it for awhile. But I appreciate it. :D

[thatfingio]

Could not get this product to play back recording ,I`ve just returned it to the shop . On playback various errors codes came so I was unable to play back any recordings . I tried uninstall - reinstall ,downloading latest drivers and still no joy. I thought it was a great product for the money very easy to use and great software,but could not get it to work without errors and program not responding causing loss of data . I think there maybe issues with this and Windows 7

[theweeklyreblog]

@bcw0821 On their website it's 119, but okay.

[GhoulardiKris]

Does anybody knows if i can record guitar and vocals at the same time in 2 different tracks on my software?

[jackotell]

can i connect multi effects to M audio?

[TheLongLakeRockstar]

In your opinion what is the best Fast Track device quality wise worth buying?

[bloodbird6six6]

Can this run with Windows 7? and also can i record without using the pro tools or is that the only program that will work with this?

[ISRAEL630524]

@bloodbird6six6 yes it runs in W7. (: ... and yes you can use another software to record, not just pro tools, i have it and i record with cubase and audition (:

[dodohead6]

its not worjking the mic picks up low even when i put the gain high

[JaeY1207]

i have this but im considering getting a mbox 2. for better quality should i?

[DaequanMusic1]

@JaeY1207 YES

[theweeklyreblog]

@JaeY1207 I'm actually considering getting one myself. If I get one, I'll be sure to review it.

[wookster77]

Hi there, did you notice that the headphone monitoring is very quiet even with full volume? And what amount of noise are you getting with a dynamic mic and condenser mic?

[nottinmatterz2day]

Is the gain different from trim features on other interfaces?

[JTXRAY]

can you play more then just the guitar with it ?

[theweeklyreblog]

@JTXRAY You can record any device with an XLR or 1/4 in. output. It doesn't allow for MIDI, though.

[KerbyChanMusic]

@theweeklyreblog

can i use this with windows 7?

[p00123456789]

i have a electric drum kit it has a midi out and a left and right output

would i be able to record my electric drum kit into my computer using the m audio interface or what would you suggest for recording guitar and drums in to a computer and being able to mix them ? i also have a boss me 70 pedal would i be able to use the effects of there then run into the m audio interface ? please respond thanks

[yardee101]

SO ID THIS LIKE A SOUND CARD

[bstudway]

@yardee101 Yep, its basically a sound card, but a bit more advanced

[theweeklyreblog]

@yardee101 what bstudway said.

[auto4union]

@yardee101 Yeah mate ! It is a soundcard as well as an interface so you can play you CDs,DVDs etc through it as well !! I have the first version without the "Phantom"power so had to get one of those ART mic` preamps to power my condenser mic` ! I`d highly recommend

[JosephCee]

so in order to able to use my powered monitors i would need something like this right? and for a midi keyboard even though it plugs in via usb would i still need something like this also for that?

[theweeklyreblog]

@JosephCee You can use any A/V receiver and run it straight from your headphone jack if you get an adapter. I'd recommend the Mbox, because you can plug in to your monitors and use MIDI.

[JosephCee]

@theweeklyreblog so with the mbox i could plug in my monitors and midi controller at the same time?

[Djyinyyin]

@theweeklyreblog do you have to use pro tools or is it compatible with other recording programs?

[victorcarlos5]

Hey people, I've got a question about it and it's very important that someone tells me what I gotta do.

So, I don't how can I connect a MIDI controller to it.

Please answer the question fast, thank you.

(sorry for my bad english)

[theweeklyreblog]

@victorcarlos5 The Fast Track doesn't have input or output for MIDI. If you want MIDI compatibility, you may want to purchase an Mbox.

[JukeBoxHD21]

Do you know if I can record my electronic drum with this interface please?

[DAL1417]

Dude, your video was the only one that explained how it worked and not just showed off whats on it. Thank you

[cesco11000]

hei man did they give you the usb cable together with the interface or did you buy it separately??? if you answer you do me a big favor because the online shops are never really precise about these information (and they're the most important!!!)

thanks man sorry about my not-perfect english!!

[theweeklyreblog]

@cesco11000 Yes, it is included. And don't worry about it, your English is fine. :D

[DjTr3]

I just bought this recently, It worked great at first but broke on me, all knobs turned down, nothing plugged in the inputs and both lights were blinking like crazy, all i got was LOUD static thru the headphones, coulda blew out my speakers. Nothing I could do about it so im returning it. Thought i was going to save money by buying this, I just ordered the Mbox3 which is well worth it for the long run. Seems like this FastTrack is working well for most people, didn't for me. which sucks. haha.

[chreezrockz]

Hey, amateur here. I'm thinking of getting myself a condenser mic + one of these. Just for acoustic guitar + vocals. Would I need a preamp if I get this? I've read that the volume can be pretty soft. And when it's cranked up to an audible level, you get a lot of noise. Would using a preamp to increase the volume be the same as doing it on this unit in regards to the noise? Thanks in advance and I hope you help me mate.

[josephkavalakat]

Rule 1 for audio products--dont buy TASCAM...i have 2 tascam audio products....and i am trying to get rid of it.....

[josephkavalakat]

good review.....i am gonna go for it....if anyone is in a confusion of buying fast track vs tascam us122......i wouldn't recommend tascam us 122 for win 7(64)......i bought and planning to return it as fast as possible..it s shit for guitar inputs........cheers

[LaPrincesaDeDios15]

what kind of headphones do u use???

[rosswood0602]

would this work with the rode Nt1-a?

[theweeklyreblog]

@rosswood0602 This interface supports XLR with Phantom Power, so, yes. :)

[rosswood0602]

@theweeklyreblog ok, Thanks :D

[guitarfan1979]

I just paid 51 for it brand new with pro tools

[theweeklyreblog]

@guitarfan1979 Nice!

[alaincitoow]

@guitarfan1979 where did you get it?

[bbck15]

hey, ive got a question about the mic input.

does it function as a vocal input only, or can i put a shure SM57 in the port and record my guitar cabinet with it?

(i'm new to recording)

tnx in advance

[theweeklyreblog]

@bbck15 It has an XLR port for a microphone, and a 1/4 port you can use to plug in direct from the amp or use a mic. Mic cables can be XLR or 1/4. M-Audio just has it set up to where you can use both.

[jyang16]

I have a question..I currently own this but is it okay to leave this thing on for 24/7?

this thing still remains on even though i turn off the computer

[tmoblak]

hi there, i have some questions and i´d be glad if you answer them. i am thinking about buying this little thingy, but still i am not sure about some things. my old sound card is still very good - its audigy 2 - and i´d like to know for example what latency does this fast track 2 has - for example, when i use it with ableton live and put like 10 effects on different tracks, or - when i plug in my bass and want to use some real time effects with it.. would it be all right with that? thank you!

[theweeklyreblog]

@tmoblak No problem. This device has very low latency. Of course some of the latency will be affected by your processor type and whatnot. I think you should be fine with the Fast Track. Do you have the specs of your computer?

[tmoblak]

@theweeklyreblog thank you for reply! well, my computer is AMD Athlon 7750 dual-core - 2,70 GHz, 4GB ram and i am running it on Windows 7 64bit. i hope this is good enough, my internal sound card is usually able to work with some 10 - 7ms latency most of the time when i am playing around with ableton live and some effects, so i hope this fast track would be at least as good as this.

[theweeklyreblog]

@tmoblak That is literally perfect. You'll be much more than satisfied with the Fast Track. I wish the best of luck to you.

[tmoblak]

@theweeklyreblog thank you so much! i think i am ready to buy :)..

[finsoto]

This guy is a Master of the Obvious :P

[theweeklyreblog]

@finsoto Thanks, man!

[DarkStar1O9]

Yea ebay's awesome, I bought this to play Piano virtual instruments with my keyboard, im excited :)

[theweeklyreblog]

@DarkStar1O9 That's awesome! Best of luck to you!

[DarkStar1O9]

I paid 80.00 for this :D

[theweeklyreblog]

@DarkStar1O9 Nice! Yeah, I saw it on Amazon for like 70, but the seller didn't accept Paypal, and that's all I have. So I did it all through eBay.