Musikmesse 08: M-Audio introduces new interface and pianos

Fast Track and ProKeys ranges expanded

The MusicRadar Team, Mon 17 Mar, 2:23 pm UTC

Fast Track Ultra 8R gives you eight inputs and eight outputs.

Audio interfaces and keyboards are arguably what M-Audio does best, so it came as no great surprise to find them launching products of both types at Musikmesse 08.

Fast Track Ultra 8R is the latest addition to the company’s range of I/O hardware. This is a rack-mountable USB 2.0 device that offers 8-in/8-out performance and comes with eight octane preamps.

The new interface is also notable for its MX Core DSP mixer. This enables flexible channel routing, monitor sub-mixing and effects processing.

Compatible with Mac and PC, the Fast Track Ultra 8R costs $630.

On the keyboard front, the company had the ProKeys Sono – a portable digital with built-in audio interface that comes in 61- and 88-key configurations. Both versions have semi-weighted, velocity-sensitive keys, line and mic inputs and a built-in General MIDI soundset.

In addition, the smaller Sono has five “high quality” keyboard sounds, while the 88-note model comes with seven. Prices are $450 and $550 respectively.

More detailed specs are available on the M-Audio website