Author Topic: M Audio Fast Track Pro (Read 12342 times)

markgarrigan · « **on:** April 15, 2006, 02:22:29 PM »

Has anyone had any experience with the http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/FastTrackPro-main.html? It seems to be similar to the Edirol UA-5. Which is what I once used but sold it a while ago. I used the walmart dvd battery with my UA-5. Does anyone know if that battery would work for the Fast Track? Thanks for any info.

RebelRebel · « **Reply #1 on:** April 15, 2006, 03:18:21 PM »

yep, 9V DC. looks like it is just a matter of getting the battery and the right plug. it isnt standalone I dont think. The ua5 is able to be modded for standalone usage, without a PC to interface with.

you using it with a computer?

markgarrigan · « **Reply #2 on:** April 15, 2006, 03:43:29 PM »

Using with JB3 for live concerts and PowerBook G4 for podcasting. So the I/Os don't work unless attached to usb? Even the analog? I was using a stock UA-5 > jb3 (Analog). I just need a decent pre-amp that i can use in both the analog and digital domains.

Jamos · « **Reply #3 on:** April 16, 2006, 07:28:40 PM »

Quote from: markgarrigan on April 15, 2006, 03:43:29 PM

So the I/Os don't work unless attached to usb? Even the analog? I was using a stock UA-5 > jb3 (Analog). I just need a decent pre-amp that i can use in both the analog and digital domains.

I was going to get one of these, as I thought it would be a great unit to record into my Powerbook, but also to be able to use out in the field w/a MT 24/96...

I talked with tech support, and they assured me that it definitely will not function as a standalone unit...

I'm not sure if it could be modded to do so or not, but it won't do it right outta the box.

Bummer too, as it's an affordable unit w/lots of options...

$:-\$

markgarrigan · « **Reply #4 on:** April 16, 2006, 10:03:16 PM »

Damn... it does look like a nice unit to do exactly what I want it to do. What's wrong with making a unit just like this that has all I/Os available whenever you want them?

branas · « **Reply #5 on:** June 06, 2006, 10:48:14 AM »

I had this same problem because I wanted to use my MAudio Firewire 410 Card (very similar to the fast track) and you can't route the signal without being hooked to the computer. Bummer. All it needs is a button on the front panel that assigns output to SPDIF.

poorlyconditioned · « **Reply #6 on:** June 19, 2006, 01:21:22 PM »

Quote from: branas on June 06, 2006, 10:48:14 AM

I had this same problem because I wanted to use my MAudio Firewire 410 Card (very similar to the fast track) and you can't route the signal without being hooked to the computer. Bummer. All it needs is a button on the front panel that assigns output to SPDIF.

See if you can try it out in the store.

The docs definitely say it will run standalone!!! (I mean the Fasttrack pro.)

Richard

Jamos · « **Reply #7 on:** June 19, 2006, 03:42:55 PM »

Quote from: poorlyconditioned on June 19, 2006, 01:21:22 PM

Quote from: branas on June 06, 2006, 10:48:14 AM
I had this same problem because I wanted to use my MAudio Firewire 410 Card (very similar to the fast track) and you can't route the signal without being hooked to the computer. Bummer. All it needs is a button on the front panel that assigns output to SPDIF.

See if you can try it out in the store.

The docs definitely say it will run standalone!!! (I mean the Fasttrack pro.)

Richard

well i talked to m-audio tech support about a month ago, and asked this question specifically...the guy had to check it out and get back to me. He said there was absolutely no way it would function standalone, which was the main reason I didn't buy one.

haven't looked into it since then, but maybe something's changed?

poorlyconditioned · « **Reply #8 on:** June 19, 2006, 04:05:16 PM »

Quote from: Jmos on June 19, 2006, 03:42:55 PM

Quote from: poorlyconditioned on June 19, 2006, 01:21:22 PM
Quote from: branas on June 06, 2006, 10:48:14 AM
I had this same problem because I wanted to use my MAudio Firewire 410 Card (very similar to the fast track) and you can't route the signal without being hooked to the computer. Bummer. All it needs is a button on the front panel that assigns output to SPDIF.

See if you can try it out in the store.

The docs definitely say it will run standalone!!! (I mean the Fasttrack pro.)

Richard

well i talked to m-audio tech support about a month ago, and asked this question specifically...the guy had to check it out and get back to me. He said there was absolutely no way it would function standalone, which was the main reason I didn't buy one.

haven't looked into it since then, but maybe something's changed?

Well, I would trust the docs more than a single tech/sales rep. To be sure, just try it out next time you're in a music store that has one. Plug the walwart in, but leave the USB off. Then see if there is an SPDIF signal coming out of it.

Richard

cmoorevt · « **Reply #9 on:** June 19, 2006, 06:26:37 PM »

Here is the line from the manual on standalone mode:

Stand-alone Mode
The Fast Track Pro can act as a stand-alone mic preamp with 24-bit/44.1kHz A/D converters. Inputs 1 and 2 are sent to the S/PDIF Out and analog Outputs 3 and 4 post inserts.

Does the jb3 even allow for 24bit recording?

bconnolly · « **Reply #10 on:** June 19, 2006, 06:34:49 PM »

Quote from: cmoorevt on June 19, 2006, 06:26:37 PM

Here is the line from the manual on standalone mode:

Stand-alone Mode
The Fast Track Pro can act as a stand-alone mic preamp with 24-bit/44.1kHz A/D converters. Inputs 1 and 2 are sent to the S/PDIF Out and analog Outputs 3 and 4 post inserts.

Does the jb3 even allow for 24bit recording?

The JB3 allows for up to 16/48.

cmoorevt · « **Reply #11 on:** June 19, 2006, 06:42:21 PM »

Quote from: mojomonkee on June 19, 2006, 06:34:49 PM

The JB3 allows for up to 16/48.

yeah, thats what I thought. thanks. looks like the original poster won't get very far with this, but I'll give it a shot next time I get to the store that sells em around here.

Jamos · « **Reply #12 on:** June 20, 2006, 04:27:51 PM »

Quote from: cmoorevt on June 19, 2006, 06:26:37 PM

Here is the line from the manual on standalone mode:

Stand-alone Mode
The Fast Track Pro can act as a stand-alone mic preamp with 24-bit/44.1kHz A/D converters. Inputs 1 and 2 are sent to the S/PDIF Out and analog Outputs 3 and 4 post inserts.

friggin' M-Audio...
guess their tech support people don't even know what the hell they are talking about. Honestly, after owning the Microtrack and a few other pieces of their gear, I don't know if I'd ever actually have confidence that their products do what they say they will do.

$:-\$

azama · « **Reply #13 on:** July 02, 2006, 04:23:01 PM »

I bought it and test it in standalone mode with a pair of Oktava Mc 012.
This is working well and this is a nice light box.

The preamps seems good to me but I think there won't be enough gain in some situations.

poorlyconditioned · « **Reply #14 on:** July 02, 2006, 04:38:02 PM »

Quote from: azama on July 02, 2006, 04:23:01 PM

I bought it and test it in standalone mode with a pair of Oktava Mc 012.
This is working well and this is a nice light box.

The preamps seems good to me but I think there won't be enough gain in some situations.

Great news! Glad to hear it is working for you.

If you get a chancel, I would love to see the innards of this gear. How easy is it to take apart? If you can do it, snap some close up pics and post here.

Thanks,
Richard

azama · « **Reply #15 on:** July 03, 2006, 07:43:14 AM »

I didn't manage to remove all the covers. There must be a trick with some plastic clips.
Some free space inside !

Designed in the USA, made in China ...

batchain · « **Reply #16 on:** July 03, 2006, 09:36:35 AM »

Wow! This looks like a good deal for around $200. So you good do a board/mic matrix with this?

poorlyconditioned · « **Reply #17 on:** July 03, 2006, 10:03:36 AM »

Thanks for the pics. +++++++++T.

You tease! How much further can you go (without breaking anything!)?

I want ot know the chip #'s, etc.

To answer the OP, I think you can only do two inputs at a time. Well, you can do two *analog* inputs. If you have another digital input (like an Edirol UA5, etc), you could get four inputs. But the unit does not mix in standalone. I'm talking about if you use it as a computer interface, you could record four tracks (2 analog, 2 digital).

Richard

markgarrigan · « **Reply #18 on:** July 04, 2006, 09:36:14 AM »

Quote from: cmoorevt on June 19, 2006, 06:26:37 PM

Here is the line from the manual on standalone mode:

Stand-alone Mode
The Fast Track Pro can act as a stand-alone mic preamp with 24-bit/44.1kHz A/D converters. Inputs 1 and 2 are sent to the S/PDIF Out and analog Outputs 3 and 4 post inserts.

Does the jb3 even allow for 24bit recording?

So this does, however, mean that you can use it stand alone and analog in to the jb3. Correct?

Also for azama => What was your entire set up when you tested with the mc012s. Power? Output? Input?

azama · « **Reply #19 on:** July 04, 2006, 01:07:43 PM »

My setup for the test was:

- 1 matched pair of oktava mk012,
- 1 Maudio Fast Track Pro,
- 1 Hi-Md Sony MZ-NH900

The connection between the Fast Track and the Hi-Md was analog, at line level.

The Fast Track was powered by 6 AA batteries connected in series. The test lasted 4 hours.

markgarrigan · « **Reply #20 on:** July 04, 2006, 08:56:12 PM »

thanks azama... that means the Fast Track can do what I need it to do. Now I just need to find some sample recordings.. any leads?

poorlyconditioned · « **Reply #21 on:** July 04, 2006, 09:03:39 PM »

Quote from: azama on July 04, 2006, 01:07:43 PM

My setup for the test was:

- 1 matched pair of oktava mk012,
- 1 Maudio Fast Track Pro,
- 1 Hi-Md Sony MZ-NH900

The connection between the Fast Track and the Hi-Md was analog, at line level.

The Fast Track was powered by 6 AA batteries connected in series. The test lasted 4 hours.

Why don't you get an optical cable and run optical out of the Fast Track into optical in on the MD? (Optical in uses the same 1/8" mini socket as line in on the MD.) Then you can benefit from the (presumeably) better ADC in the FastTrack.

Oh yeah, can you get more pics/part numbers from this. I'm really curious, esp. if it can be modded easily.

Richard

markgarrigan · « **Reply #22 on:** July 04, 2006, 09:08:55 PM »

Quote from: poorlyconditioned on July 04, 2006, 09:03:39 PM

Why don't you get an optical cable and run optical out of the Fast Track into optical in on the MD? (Optical in uses the same 1/8" mini socket as line in on the MD.) Then you can benefit from the (presumeably) better ADC in the FastTrack.

Oh yeah, can you get more pics/part numbers from this. I'm really curious, esp. if it can be modded easily.

Richard

I was assuming the optical was inoperable when in stand alone mode. Like the stock ua-5. But, does someone know differently?

poorlyconditioned · « **Reply #23 on:** July 04, 2006, 09:29:26 PM »

Quote from: markgarrigan on July 04, 2006, 09:08:55 PM

Quote from: poorlyconditioned on July 04, 2006, 09:03:39 PM
Why don't you get an optical cable and run optical out of the Fast Track into optical in on the MD? (Optical in uses the same 1/8" mini socket as line in on the MD.) Then you can benefit from the (presumeably) better ADC in the FastTrack.

Oh yeah, can you get more pics/part numbers from this. I'm really curious, esp. if it can be modded easily.

Richard

I was assuming the optical was inoperable when in stand alone mode. Like the stock ua-5. But, does someone know differently?

The *manual* says it should work. Please try it and let us know. That is what we mean when we say "stand alone", that the box functions as a preamp+ADC. (Well, some people just want the Preamp, but most want both.)

Richard

markgarrigan · « **Reply #24 on:** July 04, 2006, 10:49:25 PM »

I've seen "stand alone" in the context of using without being connected to a computer via firewire or usb. That is the meaning I've been using.

Also.... incase there is any confusion over some of my original questions.... I don't want to use the Fast Track analog and digital simaltaneously. I was just assuming that the digital outputs would only work when connected to a computer. And the analog outputs would work when using it in the field with no computer.

poorlyconditioned · « **Reply #25 on:** July 05, 2006, 12:33:53 AM »

Quote from: markgarrigan on July 04, 2006, 10:49:25 PM

I've seen "stand alone" in the context of using without being connected to a computer via firewire or usb. That is the meaning I've been using.

Also.... incase there is any confusion over some of my original questions.... I don't want to use the Fast Track analog and digital simaltaneously. I was just assuming that the digital outputs would only work when connected to a computer. And the analog outputs would work when using it in the field with no computer.

Yeah, so please let us know if the digital outputs work. It is a useful piece of gear if they do

.

Richard

azama · « **Reply #26 on:** July 05, 2006, 01:53:05 PM »

I confirm that the Spdif output is working in standalone mode (I made a recording on my computer without Usb but with an Spdif connection)

I made an other battery test: the Fast Track was powered by 6 AA new alkaline batteries connected in series: the test lasted 5 hours.

Quote

Why don't you get an optical cable and run optical out of the Fast Track into optical in on the MD? (Optical in uses the same 1/8" mini socket as line in on the MD.) Then you can benefit from the (presumeably) better ADC in the FastTrack.

I wish I could make a numerical connection between the Fast Track and the MD but the Fast Track has only an electrical numerical output whereas the MD has only an optical numerical input.
There is no harm because I think the A/N converter of the Sony MD is not bad.

I will try to do some more precise pics of the Fast Track in the next days...

markgarrigan · « **Reply #27 on:** July 06, 2006, 01:50:30 PM »

Thanks azama! Soo now to anyone else.... Would something like this ::> http://www.portlandmusiccompany.com/co2.html work for conversion... and does it color the signal at all... or perhaps introduce some diginoise?

rowjimmy · « **Reply #28 on:** July 13, 2006, 01:50:03 PM »

That or a HOSA ODL-276A will competently handle the coax > optical conversion.

OOK · « **Reply #29 on:** July 13, 2006, 05:16:00 PM »

IF this thing runs as a stand alone......thats awsome. This thing can be had for 200$ street cost......

Pair this with a pair of studio project C4's and a MT and you have a 24/48 sub 1000 rig...Holy Cow batman....

rsimms3 · « **Reply #30 on:** July 15, 2006, 08:02:42 PM »

I think someone said before it only does 24/44.1 as standalone.

treespine · « **Reply #31 on:** July 15, 2006, 08:12:43 PM »

Quote from: rsimms3 on July 15, 2006, 08:02:42 PM

I think someone said before it only does 24/44.1 as standalone.

will it do 20/44.1 or 16/44.1 as a standalone? Or just 24/44.1? Thanks

batchain · « **Reply #32 on:** July 24, 2006, 09:26:20 AM »

So does anyone have a reports from "stand alone" use of the Fast Track Pro? I'm thinking about picking one up for my C4's but I'd like to hear more from any current uses. Thanks.

mmmatt · « **Reply #33 on:** July 24, 2006, 11:52:11 AM »

Quote from: poorlyconditioned on July 03, 2006, 10:03:36 AM

Thanks for the pics. +++++++++T.

You tease! How much further can you go (without breaking anything!)?

I want ot know the chip #'s, etc.

To answer the OP, I think you can only do two inputs at a time. Well, you can do two *analog* inputs. If you have another digital input (like an Edirol UA5, etc), you could get four inputs. But the unit does not mix in standalone. I'm talking about if you use it as a computer interface, you could record four tracks (2 analog, 2 digital).

Richard

I wonder if you couldn't use the inserts to bring in 2 more analog channels. mixing it would be a little trickey, but if the inserts go to 3 and 4 then the "mix" knob would allow you to mix the two stereo signals. I'm guessing however that the insets go straight to the output so you would have to adjust the main output level and the mic input to get the right mix. A little trickey but probably doable. At least the knobs are all on the front!

matt

Ryan Sims · « **Reply #34 on:** August 22, 2006, 11:25:29 AM »

Any updates on field use for this thing? I'm very hopeful.

batchain · « **Reply #35 on:** September 06, 2006, 04:47:34 PM »

I just picked up one of these for field use. Anyone know what are the DC power options? It states it needs 9V. Will the DVD battery packs work for this?

rowjimmy · « **Reply #36 on:** September 07, 2006, 10:40:12 AM »

Quote from: batchain on September 06, 2006, 04:47:34 PM

I just picked up one of these for field use. Anyone know what are the DC power options? It states it needs 9V. Will the DVD battery packs work for this?

most likely, yes.

batchain · « **Reply #37 on:** September 07, 2006, 02:10:43 PM »

Quote from: azama on July 04, 2006, 01:07:43 PM

My setup for the test was:

- 1 matched pair of oktava mk012,
- 1 Maudio Fast Track Pro,
- 1 Hi-Md Sony MZ-NH900

The connection between the Fast Track and the Hi-Md was analog, at line level.

The Fast Track was powered by 6 AA batteries connected in series. The test lasted 4 hours.

What tip do you need on the battery conncetion to the Fast Track? Is the +/- reversed like on the UA-5?

batchain · « **Reply #38 on:** September 15, 2006, 03:02:10 PM »

OK. I picked up a 9V DVD battery from B&H Photo, cheap too. The 4 supplied tips did not work, but I was able to get a tip at my local Ratshack and it works just fine. It was an Adaptaplug "N".

Now to do some recording, but that won't happen until I get back from vacation 2 weeks from now.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=375503&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

rowjimmy · « **Reply #39 on:** September 25, 2006, 08:06:07 PM »

polling again for updates...

anyone? anyone?

I'm days away from pulling the trigger on the konnekt8 but the budget-concious part of me wants to know how this thing flies...

azama · « **Reply #40 on:** September 27, 2006, 11:08:01 AM »

Bonjour tout le monde !

In aout and september I was in Lao where I made some field recordings.
As my budget was very low, I used the Fast Track Pro + 1 HiMd + 1 pair of Oktava mikes to do the work.

The conditions were not easy and everything went well with the Fast Track (so I think this is a proof a reliability...)

See the photos :-)

-

I found there is a trick with the outputs in standalone mode.

First, one thing I didn't understood at the beginning:

- the analog asymetric and the analog symetric outputs are working together (output 1-2),
- the other analog asymetric and the spdif outputs are working together (output 3-4)

That is not said in the userman, but the fast track keeps in memory the last config you used when it was working with a computer according to the M-Audio device panel.

To make the things clear:

Case 1:
____________

Uncheck everything, like this:

In that case and ONLY that case you will have output 1-2 working (that is to say one stereo symetric and one stereo asymetric, all analogic).

Case 2:
____________

Check everything like this:

In that case (and also with other cases) you will have output 3-4 working that is to say both analog3-4 and spdif.

____________

So for the price, I think the fast track is making a good job.
Two things I regret is that there are no high pass filters and no limiters.

cmoorevt · « **Reply #41 on:** September 27, 2006, 11:29:12 AM »

Nice work. T+

So in Case 2, when you check all those boxes, the only outputs that work are Outputs 3&4? Outputs 1&2 won't work in Case #2?

Also, I'm assuming you made these setting while the Fast Track Pro was connected to the computer, disconnected, powered down the Fast Track Pro, brought it into the field, powered it back up and it remembered the settings? Only reason I ask is because I believe M-Audio told me this wouldn't work, but I don't trust their tech support at all.

azama · « **Reply #42 on:** September 27, 2006, 11:41:39 AM »

Yes Cmoorevt, that is exact, in case 2, you will have 3-4 asymetric analogic and spdif outputs working together but 1-2 asymetric and symetric analogic outputs won't work.

batchain · « **Reply #43 on:** October 03, 2006, 10:06:11 AM »

I finally got a chance to use my Fast Track Pro for recording and I couldn't be happier. I used it to power my Studio Projects C4's and used the SPDIF into my MicroTrcak and everything went great. I used an AC power adapter from Radio Shack for power. Haven't have a chance to use the DVD battrey pack yet.

Author Topic: M Audio Fast Track Pro (Read 12342 times)

RebelRebel

cmoorevt

cmoorevt

treespine

cmoorevt