M-Audio Unveils Fast Track Ultra 8R

M-Audio announced the rack-mountable Fast Track Ultra 8R 8 x 8 audio MIDI interface, featuring high-speed USB 2.0 connectivity, MX Core DSP mixer, and eight preamps with Octane technology.

Designed for multi-track projects, the Fast Track Ultra 8R interface is housed in a 1U rack-mountable metal chassis, and boasts a FireWire serial (IEEE 1394) bus, high-speed USB 2.0, and 24-bit/96kHz audio resolution throughout the recording and monitoring process. Other 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. In addition, all eight inputs accept line-level signals. Fast Track Ultra 8R also provides two front-panel 1/4″ instrument inputs.

Like the Fast Track Ultra, the Fast Track Ultra 8R interface incorporates M-Audio’s MX Core DSP technology. The MX Core mixer employs an array of eight individual DSP cores to deliver near-zero latency, effects and a matrix for sophisticated channel routing options—accessible via a control panel that utilizes a separate mixer for each pair of outputs. MX Core technology enables users to apply reverb while tracking vocals to get more out of an artist’s performance, and take advantage of the two independent headphone outputs to create separate monitor mixes when recording multiple musicians—all without burdening the computer. The mixer provides for up to a 16 x 8 configuration, allowing users to connect microphones, synths and other outboard gear to any of the interface’s hardware inputs, then mix them with the eight audio streams coming from the computer without taxing the CPU.

The Fast Track Ultra 8R interface provides eight channels of analog inputs and outputs plus 2-channel digital S/PDIF for input flexibility. The interface also features two dedicated analog inserts on the first two channels, allowing users to insert outboard processing before A/D conversion. Easy connection via USB 2.0 delivers both audio and MIDI communication with a computer. The Fast Track Ultra 8R interface is compatible with most major audio software and seamlessly integrates into any studio setup.

The M-Audio Fast Track Ultra 8R is currently expected to ship in the second quarter of 2008 and will cost $629.95. More information on the M-Audio Fast Track Ultra 8R.

Author: FutureMusic

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