M-Audio Fast Track MKII USB Interface Review

When you need to get your vocals and instruments into individual tracks in the mixing software on your pc or mac you need a box like this to get the job done. As you can only record one instrument and one vocal at a time, this isn’t a solution for recording a band. However, for a singer-songwriter, looking to take a first step into digital recording, this is the perfect solution. I’ve been using one of these for a few years and have been very happy with it. For around £80 ($120US) I don’t think there’s a better option out there.

Basically, you get two inputs, an XLR microphone input and a1/4 in. (6.5mm) instrument input, both with individual gain controls to set levels before recording. The Fast Track features 48v ‘phantom power,’ allowing the use of condenser microphones, which are often recommended for higher quality vocal recording. One of the few weaknesses of this product is that the sensitivity of the mic input is a little low – so you’ll often need to set the mic gain way up to about 90%.  This has never caused me a problem though. The 1/4 in. input is standard guitar jack size, meaning you can plug your guitar straight in. It can also used for keyboard or any other instrument though – it’s fairly versatile.

In addition to the USB output (to connect to your computer) and the standard RCA connectors, there is also a headphone socket. This is audio standard 1/4 in., so you’ll need a 3.5/6.5mm  adapter (you can pick these up for £1) if you only have headphones with the smaller jack. The point of the headphone socket, is that you can listen, via the direct monitoring feature, to your performance directly – rather than after it is processed by your computer, eliminating potential latency issues (latency is basically just the lag between those pre and post processed sounds). I haven’t had any latency trouble with the Fast Track – but different computers or software could cause it – making direct monitoring an absolute necessity.

The Fast Track comes bundled with Pro Tools Essentials – a stripped down version of the full program. I use a fairly obscure program called Kristal Audio Engine, but the Fast Track is reported to work just fine with Garage Band, Reaper or any other software of your choice. I had an issue once, where my software could only pick up one track, (the mic and instrument inputs together) rather than splitting them – but a quick re-install fixed this straight away.

To my ear, the clarity of sound from the Fast Track is outstanding. Professionals and dedicated audiophiles will certainly be able to get better sound with vastly more expensive equipment – but the law of diminishing returns comes into play.  I don’t believe that you will get better sound by spending a few hundred extra pounds/dollars. Not until you are spending thousands more would you notice much difference.