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M-Audio Fast Track Ultra 8R £333

If you want to record multiple sources simultaneously, this rack-mountable interface is a winner

Fast Track Ultra 8R

The Fast Track Ultra 8R looks every inch a pro interface.

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Sound and summary

The supplied Octane preamps sound bold, clear and ever so slightly warm without being too coloured – somehow better than much of the competition out there. What's more, the whole operation of the 8R is child's play - you'll be making quality recordings with it in no time.

M-Audio has a well-deserved reputation for building quality interfaces and the Fast Track 8R isn't going to do it any harm. It sounds clean, it offers plenty of flexibility and, compared to the other interfaces in the Fast Track family, it has I/O to burn.

Principally, the additional four XLR inputs and more rugged housing are the main differences between the 8R and the standard Fast Track Ultra. So, if you need an interface that will let you record drums one day and a vocal session the next, the 8R comes thoroughly recommended.

Verdict

If you need eight quality mic inputs with preamps, this is an elegant solution.

MusicRadar rating:

4 of 5 stars

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MusicRadar rating

4 of 5

Pros

Eight mic/line inputs. MX Core DSP software. Logical and flexible layout.
Cons

Doesn't support USB 1.1.
Verdict

If you need eight quality mic inputs with preamps, this is an elegant solution.
Review Policy

All MusicRadar's reviews are by independent product specialists, who are not aligned to any gear manufacturer or retailer. Our experts also write for renowned magazines such as Guitarist, Total Guitar, Computer Music, Future Music and Rhythm. All are part of Future PLC, the biggest publisher of music making magazines in the world.

Where to buy

Specification

Fast Track Ultra 8R

Price:
£333
Country of Origin:
USA
Description:
High-speed 8 x 8 USB 2.0 Interface with 8 Preamps and MX Core DSP
Features:
esigned 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—with superior 24-bit/96kHz fidelity. The on-board 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 and delivering flexible routing and monitoring with delay and reverb. With reliable, low-latency M-Audio drivers and compatibility with most major recording software, the Fast Track Ultra 8R puts the core of your powerful project studio in a single rack-mount unit.
Year:
2008
Additional Requirements:
Not USB 1.1 Compatible
Available Inputs:
8 x Balanced XLR mic inputs, Left/Right 1/4 inch TRS instrument inputs, MIDI
Available Outputs:
MIDI out, USB 2.0
No. of Inputs (XLR Mic):
8
No. of Outputs (1/4-inch):
8
OS Requirements:
Apple Mac OS 10.4.4 or later, Microsoft Windows XP
Platform:
Mac or PC
Power Supply:
Mains, USB
Interface:
USB 2.0
No of Inputs:
8
No of Outputs:
8
Phantom Power:
true

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