Top Features
high-speed USB 2.0 interface > simultaneous 8 x 8 24-bit/96kHz audio
MX Core™ DSP technology > flexible channel routing, monitor sub-mixing and effects processing
4 preamps with award-winning M-Audio Octane™ technology > premium input circuitry
compatible with Mac and PC > works with most audio production software*

The Fast Track® Ultra 8 x 8 audio/MIDI interface takes M-Audio’s acclaimed mobile recording line to the next level with high-speed USB 2.0 connectivity, MX Core™ DSP mixer and four preamps with award-winning Octane™ technology. Featuring both analog and digital I/O, it allows recording on all eight channels simultaneously with pristine 24-bit/96kHz fidelity—while M-Audio’s mature low-latency drivers ensure rock-solid stability and performance. The on-board MX Core™ DSP mixer processes eight hardware inputs and eight software returns to the eight hardware outputs, delivering flexible routing and monitoring with delay and reverb. Compatible with most major audio software*, Fast Track Ultra lets you record the way you want—in the studio or on the go.

*Compatible with all ASIO- and Core Audio-based applications.

High-speed USB 2.0 Technology
The next generation of mobile recording interfaces has arrived—the Fast Track Ultra features high-speed USB 2.0 technology for advanced performance. Like FireWire, USB 2.0 delivers the bandwidth for 24-bit/96kHz audio resolution throughout the recording and monitoring process. The increased data speed lets you enjoy exceptional fidelity on all of your inputs and outputs simultaneously.

Speed Comparisons in Mbps
Connection Maximum Speed
USB 1.1 12Mbps
USB 2.0 480Mbps
FireWire 400 400Mbps


Built-in Effects Processing
Tired of tracking vocals and instruments dry? Fast Track Ultra features MX Core DSP technology that gives you reverb and delay on the headphone outputs with separate sends for every channel. Adding effects is an easy way to inspire creativity and infuse a performance with new energy—without taxing your CPU resources.

Make the Connection
Fast Track Ultra provides a complete recording solution, with six channels of analog inputs and outputs plus 2-channel digital S/PDIF I/O. Unlike most USB interfaces, it features two dedicated inserts on the first two channels, giving you the ability to insert outboard processing before A/D conversion. Easy connection via a single USB 2.0 cable delivers both audio and MIDI communication with your computer. Compatibility with most major audio software, means seamless integration into any studio setup.

MX Core DSP Technology for Sophisticated Channel Routing
The Fast Track Ultra makes it easy to create multiple monitor mixes when recording other musicians. The robust MX Core™ mixer employs an array of eight individual DSP cores to deliver near-zero latency and a matrix for sophisticated channel routing options—accessible via an intuitive control panel that utilizes a separate mixer for each pair of outputs. The mixer expands the total I/O to an impressive 16 x 8 configuration, allowing you to connect synths and outboard gear to any of the interface’s hardware inputs, then mix them with the eight audio streams coming from your computer.

Professional Octane Preamp Technology
The quality of your recordings is only as good as the initial signal. The Fast Track Ultra features four preamps with multi-award-winning M-Audio Octane™ technology, creating a premium front end that delivers amazing audio clarity. You get professional, low-noise, high-gain preamplification with enough channels for a variety of miking applications. Features include +48V phantom power for condenser mics, signal/peak LED indicator lights and a pull-out gain knob that activates a 20dB pad for recording at high volumes. See why world-class artists choose the M-Audio Octane preamp.

Dual Headphone Amp
Whether you usually track vocals or an ensemble, you’re likely to need multiple headphone mixes. Fast Track Ultra has two completely independent headphone outputs so you can take advantage of the DSP mixer’s powerful routing options and create the right mix for your performers-complete with reverb and delay.

The Perfect Combination
Apple's latest MacBook and MacBook Air laptops don't include FireWire connectivity—the latest models are all about USB 2.0. If you want to make music with a MacBook, the Fast Track Ultra high-speed USB 2.0 interface delivers the perfect solution. Whether you’re a musician, producer or DJ, the powerful combination of Apple and M-Audio gives you everything you need to put together a high-powered personal studio. Full Features
24-bit/96kHz professional audio on all I/O simultaneously
high-speed USB 2.0 interface
MX Core™ DSP technology


 • digital effects processing with assignable parameters
 • flexible channel routing options
 • expands DSP mixing interface to 16 x 8

4 preamps with award-winning M-Audio Octane™ technology

 • 4 XLR microphone inputs—including 2 XLR/TRS combo jacks for mic or instrument level inputs
 • 20dB pad on each preamp
 • signal/peak LED indicator lights
 • phantom power

6 balanced line inputs
6 balanced analog outputs
2 analog inserts
S/PDIF digital I/O
built-in 1 x 1 MIDI interface
2 independent headphone outputs with individual volume controls
full ASIO 2.0, WDM, MME, and Core Audio support
compatible with most major audio production software*
USB bus power**
*Compatible with all ASIO- and Core Audio-based applications.
**USB bus power enables analog channels 1 and 2, S/PDIF I/O, and headphone output 1; included power supply required for full 8 x 8 operation.

Specifications

All specs measured at 48kHz sampling rate unless otherwise stated

Mic Inputs (A/D)
Input Impedance 1.7k ohms unbalanced, 3.4k ohms balanced
Maximum Input Level from +21dBu @ min gain (with pad) to -50dBu @ max gain (no pad)
Channel-to-Channel Crosstalk < -110dB
SNR (min gain, no pad) -103dB, A-weighted
Dynamic Range (min gain, no pad) 103dB, A-weighted
THD+N (min gain, no pad) 0.002% (-94dB) @ -1dBFS, 1kHz
Frequency Response 20Hz to 20kHz, +/- 0.1dB
Preamp Gain > 60dB
Pad -20dB
Instrument Inputs (A/D)
Input Impedance 1M ohm, unbalanced
Maximum Input Level from +14dBV @ min gain (no pad) to -40dBV @ max gain (no pad)
SNR (min gain, no pad) -103dB, A-weighted
Dynamic Range (min gain, no pad) 103dB, A-weighted
THD+N (min gain, no pad) 0.005% (-86dB) @ -1dBFS, 1kHz
Frequency Response 20Hz to 20kHz, +/- 0.1dB @ 48kHz sample rate
Preamp Gain >45dB
Pad -20dB

Line Inputs (A/D)
Input Impedance 28k ohm balanced / 20k ohm unbalanced
Maximum Input Level +3.4dBu, balanced/+1.2dBV, unbalanced
Channel-to-Channel Crosstalk < -110dB
SNR -103dB, A-weighted
Dynamic Range 103dB, A-weighted
THD+N 0.002% (-94dB) @ -1dBFS, 1kHz
Frequency Response 20Hz to 20kHz, +/- 0.1dB

Input Inserts (analog)
Maximum Level Send +6dBV, unbalanced
Maximum Level Return +6dBV, unbalanced
THD+N 0.002% (-94dB) @ -1dB from max level, 1kHz
Frequency Response 20Hz to 20kHz, +/- 0.1dB

Line Outputs (D/A)
Output Impedance 150 ohms, unbalanced / 300 ohms, balanced
Maximum Output Level +10dBu, balanced

+1.8dBV, unbalanced
Channel-to-Channel Crosstalk < -100dB
SNR -104 dB, A-weighted
Dynamic Range 104dB, A-weighted
THD+N 0.002% (-94dB) @ -1dBFS, 1kHz
Frequency Response 20Hz to 20kHz, +/- 0.1dB

Headphone Output (D/A)
Maximum Output 0dBV at THD < 0.05% into 32 ohms
Channel-to-Channel Crosstalk < -55dB
Frequency Response 20Hz to 20kHz, +/- 0.7dB
Working Range 24 to 600 ohms

Compatibility
WDM
Core Audio
ASIO 2.0
MME

Minimum System Requirements (PC)
Windows XP (32-bit) with SP2**
DirectX 9.0c or higher (included in XP)
USB 2.0 port
Windows Vista (32-bit versions)
1.6 GHz processor (CPU may be higher for laptops)
512 MB RAM*
* Windows Vista Home Premium, Business and Ultimate require 1 GB RAM.
** Home and Professional Edition only. Windows Media Center Edition is not supported.
*** Please check the minimum system requirements of your DAW software as they may be higher.