M-Audio announces the Fast Track Ultra 8R ($629.95) 8×8 audio/MIDI interface in a 1U rackmountable metal chassis, which is compatible with most major audio software. It offers USB 2 connectivity, and provides eight channels of analog I/O, plus two channels of S/PDIF. The first two channels provide dedicated analog inserts for outboard processing prior to A/D conversion.
Its eight preamps incorporate M-Audio’s Octane technology and include 48-volt phantom power for condenser mics. In addition, all eight inputs accept line-level signals. Fast Track Ultra 8R also provides two front panel 1/4-inch instrument inputs, and has signal/peak LED indicator lights and a pull-out gain knob that activates a 20dB pad.
The Fast Track Ultra 8R interface incorporates M-Audio’s MX Core DSP technology. The MX Core mixer employs an array of eight individual DSP cores to deliver near-zero latency, effects and a matrix for sophisticated channel-routing options, which are accessible via a control panel that uses a separate mixer for each pair of outputs. MX Core technology enables users to apply reverb while tracking vocals, and create separate monitor mixes using the two independent headphone outputs, without burdening the computer. The mixer provides for up to a 16×8 configuration.
M-Audio expects to ship the Fast Track Ultra 8R in the second quarter of 2008.
For more information, visit M-Audio’s Website.
