M-Audio Fast Track USB

[dcarey]

Anyone out there know anything about this gizmo?  I don't.

It's a Fathers Day gift from my oldest son because he wants to hear some of my stuff recorded.

All I know about it is what the instructions say.  Just figured I'd pick some brains and learn a bit more about it if possible.

Thanks,
Dan

[Gemnoc]

I briefly had the FastTrack Pro which is the same but for one more input. You can read the topic condenser mic where we had a discussion on home recording.

Do you have a mic?

[Gemnoc]

Oh, one thing before installing it... look into the box for any notice. Mine had one that stated that Windows XP SP2 was needed for the device to work. It may save you some aggravation to know beforehand. :WNK>

I know, I know, reading the manual first is not a normal thing to do. ^_^

[dcarey]

I briefly had the FastTrack Pro which is the same but for one more input. You can read the topic condenser mic where we had a discussion on home recording.

Do you have a mic?

Not yet. Just started looking. I'm in no hurry because I'm off to China in a couple days for a month of work. 8^(

[dberch]

Hi Dan, That Fast Track is a single channel digital interface.  It allows you to plug in a guitar or microphone (not both!) and record to your computer.  You will still need to have some type of recording software to accept the input and process it (adjust volume and EQ, etc).

It's an OK device, but you might be better served with a two channel interface like the Tascam 122 USB.  Both require USB 2.0 to work their best, so you'll want to make sure you computer has that.  Most newer PC's have USB 2.0.

Tascam 122: http://www.zzounds.com/item--TASUS122

Good luck, and let us know how if you have any other questions.  Let's hear some songs!

David

[dcarey]

Thanks all!

I'll be mic shopping this weekend but it'll be a while before I try anything serious.
It came with mixing software (don't ask the name....I'm blank right now) that is the "trial version"
requiring an upgrade to the "full featured" package. It's a start, right?

Dan

[Gemnoc]

Hey Dan,

Someone in the topic I linked mentioned the AT2020 condenser mic might not be a good match to the Fast Track.

In fact, I read a review on the Fast Track stating it is in fact designed to work with a dynamic mic. I'm sorry I lost the link to the review.

One dynamic microphone that is well considered is the Shure SM57. Or is it 58, I always forget which one. :EM>

BTW, on the subject of software supplied with it. It's called Ableton Live Lite and after trying to work with it, I've come to the conclusion it's more a loop sequencing software than a sound editor. You don't have much control. You'd be better off with Audacity (free) to record and edit, and then mix tracks in Live Lite. In some ways it's interesting to use, because you can divide your recording project into sections, like intro, chorus, etc.

[dcarey]

Hey Dan,

Someone in the topic I linked mentioned the AT2020 condenser mic might not be a good match to the Fast Track.

In fact, I read a review on the Fast Track stating it is in fact designed to work with a dynamic mic. I'm sorry I lost the link to the review.

One dynamic microphone that is well considered is the Shure SM57. Or is it 58, I always forget which one. :EM>

BTW, on the subject of software supplied with it. It's called Ableton Live Lite and after trying to work with it, I've come to the conclusion it's more a loop sequencing software than a sound editor. You don't have much control. You'd be better off with Audacity (free) to record and edit, and then mix tracks in Live Lite. In some ways it's interesting to use, because you can divide your recording project into sections, like intro, chorus, etc.

I'm looking at a CD labeled Live Lite4 that came with it.  I'll probably play around a bit tonight just to see what it's all about.
I definitely won't get too serious...been working 12 hour days for the past two weeks.
Wish me luck!

Dan

[Gemnoc]

Look at the small green or red card that should be included with the CD, it will give a link to download (free) Live Lite 5. If not, you should find the link on M-Audio's web site.

I used to have a lot of those 12-hour days... Hope you can get some free time soon. Take care!