VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Deirdre · Posted: Tue Oct 17, 2006 5:59 am Post subject: M-audio Fast track pro

This puppy got an "Awesome" rating from MacAddict Mag.

http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/FastTrackPro-main.html

bobsouer · Posted: Thu Oct 19, 2006 3:02 pm Post subject:

Deirdre,

This looks really good. The only demerit (and maybe I'm just missing it) is that it doesn't appear to have phantom power for the mike inputs. At least for work on the road, that's something I would have to have.
_________________
Be well,
Bob Souer (just think of lemons)
The second nicest guy in voiceover.
+1-724-613-2749
Source Connect, phone patch, pony express

BenWils · Posted: Thu Oct 19, 2006 3:07 pm Post subject:

Hey Bob it has it:

"The Fast Track Pro delivers all the mobile recording flexibility of the Fast Track USB, plus even more professional features. You get 2 front-panel mic/line inputs complete with phantom power for condenser microphones"

Just an FYI.
_________________
Ben

"To be really good at voiceover, you need to improve your footwork and hip snap."

Jowillie · Posted: Thu Oct 19, 2006 3:15 pm Post subject:

Thanks for posting this. I sorta have been looking for a unit for some remote work and have been interested in this one.
My question for other uses would be.....can you run a "line" input from an outside preamp? Not an instrument line, not a mic line, just direct line with no internal preamp at all.
_________________
Wild Willie Edwards
www.hometowntvtoday.com
http://vomictest.blogspot.com

bobsouer · Posted: Thu Oct 19, 2006 3:18 pm Post subject:

Mainstreetprod · Guest

I have had this unit for several months and use it every day. I bought an Alesis 8 channel firewire baord with the intention of replacing it, however, as long as I only need two inputs (99% of the time) it works just fine. It is very low noise. The only limitations I have run into is (A) preamp gain is a bit low, at least with my AKG Perception 200. The gain is usually set at 9.5 out of 10. But as I said, noise is not a problem. ( cool

When I open my audio program (Apple Garage Band) I always have to reset the unit by powering off and back on, otherwise, only the built in Imac mic is enabled. The firewire connection does not seem to be made until this is done, at least with my setup.

kitstern · Posted: Mon Apr 16, 2007 11:09 am Post subject:

Ijust returned one of these and bought a Firewire Solo because I needed Firewire connectivity. Latency was an issue with the Pro, but then I reconfigured my laptop re: Sweetwater's recommendations and it doesn't seem to be an issue with the Solo. I don't know if it's because of the reconfiguration or the change to Firewire though.
_________________
Enjoy life, this is not a rehearsal.

http://www.kitziestern.com/

dhouston67 · Posted: Mon Apr 16, 2007 11:10 am Post subject:

Looking through the archives for this one. Just picked one up and installed it; anyone know if the Fast Track Pro will monitor in real-time (or as close to real time as the latency will allow)? No signal at all when recording, sounds fine on playback (with the gain and output cranked up a good deal, though).

EDIT: Now it seems that using the Fast Track as Adobe Audition's Wave In/Wave Out devices causes AA to crash. Repeatedly. I'm getting more and more frustrated with M-Audio products at this point.
_________________
Great Voice. Great Choice. For Voice Talking and stuff.
http://davidhoustonvoice.com
Do That Voice! - The DHV Blog

kitstern · Posted: Mon Apr 16, 2007 11:12 am Post subject:

oh, forgot to say the gain is a problem without a preamp. I moved my Earthworks over to the Solo (travel) rig and bought a Great River mic pre. The jury is still out on the Great River, there's some noise we're trying to address.
_________________
Enjoy life, this is not a rehearsal.

http://www.kitziestern.com/

Frank F · Posted: Mon Apr 16, 2007 11:33 am Post subject:

I do believe I mentioned this type of problem prior. M-Audio is owned by DigiDesign.

The result of this aquisition by DD is: less emphasis on compatibility with other DAW software, hardware, and OS's. M-Audio (although this is stated differently on their site) does not support Vista. The company's tech-(non)-support is not familiar with how to implement their products and Vista when contacted.

Many products offered by this company will only work in the Mac side of the Win/Mac machines without problems. Be very careful what you buy and from whom when purchasing equipment.

M-Audio has offered good products in the past. This reputation is why I own several 828 MKII's and Delta 1010's, B.D.D. (Before DigiDesign). I beleive in my heart, M-Audio will overcome this problem, but it will take time to implement properly.

This is my opinion only and does not reflect any other persons opinions or viewpoints. I will respond to any opposing viewpoints off the board via email. Delete if this post is not in the best interest of the board or it's members.

F2
_________________
Be thankful for the bad things in life. They opened your eyes to the good things you weren't paying attention to before. email: thevoice@usa.com

dhouston67 · Posted: Wed Apr 18, 2007 2:02 pm Post subject:

Works like a charm now, after some Windows and AA tweaking with Frank's help. The guru saves the day yet again...

Laugh

_________________
Great Voice. Great Choice. For Voice Talking and stuff.
http://davidhoustonvoice.com
Do That Voice! - The DHV Blog

bobsouer · Posted: Wed Apr 18, 2007 6:48 pm Post subject:

Deirdre · Posted: Wed Apr 18, 2007 6:58 pm Post subject:

Mister Houston--

I'm glad this little beauty is behaving for you now.
Tip of the hat to Frank for being Techie-on-the-Spot.
_________________
DBCooperVO.com
IMDB

Geronimo · Guest

Sorry to drag this old thread out of the grave, but had a couple of questions.

When using a pre such as the GR with this interface, is it best to connect the two with XLR (from the GR output to the MAudio's Line 1 input) or using an XLR->TRS cable?

I am assuming the latter, but in the event of using XLR->XLR connection, should the gain on the MAudio interface be turned all the way down?

georgethetech · Posted: Thu Feb 21, 2008 11:45 pm Post subject:

I believe that if you input your signal via the XLR connection then you are passing through the mic preamp, but with the 1/4" you are not. But I can't confirm this, someone else? MUCH better to come in by 1/4" TRS in your case.
_________________
If it sounds good, it is good.
George Whittam
GeorgeThe.Tech
424-226-8528
VOBS.TV Co-host
TheProAudioSuite.com Co-host
TriBooth.com Co-founder