M-Audio Fast Track II & Pro Tools Essentials

Stingray_EB · #1 02-22-2010, 08:44 PM

Hey guys,

Looking to start recording some of my solo bass things to put on myspace in order to get some backing and interest. I am using a laptop with Windows 7 64-bit so I understand that limits my options with regards to things like Mbox and Digidesign.

I have however been looking at this:

http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/FastTrack.html

All I need is the ability to record my bass then record a vocal track afterwards for some songs. My concern is latency, I have heard USB boxes have more issues with latency than Firewire but I do wish to stick with USB.

Anyone have any experience with this little fella?

Also does anyone know if Mbox 2 Mini / Pro Tools LE 8 works with Windows 7 64-bit?

Thanks guys.

j.kernodle · #2 02-23-2010, 07:34 AM

Wish I could help, but I'm very interested in the reponses you're going to get. Just bought a 64 bit Windows 7 computer and I'm interested in the M-audio fast track and the Mbox 2 mini. Musicians friend specs don't say that either are necessarily compatible.

Stingray_EB · #3 02-23-2010, 09:13 AM

Thanks for the bump! Its so difficult to have any faith when buying recording gear when using a PC. Ideally I would love to have an Mbox 2 mini with Pro Tools LE 8 but Im just too scared to bite the bullet incase it doesnt work.

MNAirHead · #4 02-23-2010, 09:17 AM

Fact... the world kind of runs on Protools.. it is a cult.. once you buy hardware you're bound to the program.

Opinion -- I'd be considering other interfaces that allow you to use other programs

Tim

Stingray_EB · #5 02-23-2010, 09:36 AM

Ive used Pro Tools in our bands studio for around 5 years and I must say imo of course I find it to be extremely easy to work with and would agree it is the best. However I am not against looking at other units. I have heard good things about Abelton (spl?) and Cubase but have had no experience with the programs.

VroomVroom · #6 02-23-2010, 09:41 AM

I've got the predecessor to this and have had no complaints. In fact, I prefer the interface to my Lexicon one because of the XLR input. Bass > your favorite DI (mine is the Radial JDI) > interface > PC provides a very good representation of your tone. For your needs I don't think you'd be disappointed.

It's good to see the new version come with more sophisticated software. When I bought, the interface was bundled with their "Session" offering. Not bad for a beginner (which I certainly was at the time), but you quickly outgrow its usefulness. FYI, I've found that the interface itself will work with other software, including CuBase and Sonar. In my case, the restriction was the other way around - the Session software used the interface as a hardware key, and wouldn't run without it being attached.

I've not encountered any latency issues, and I've been really pleased with the results. Probably worth keeping in mind that my goals for this stuff are somewhat minimal - lay down ideas, track for demos and pre-pro efforts, and occasionally have a bit of fun. Here are a coupla' samples:

Latin w/ my Roscoe sixer

Grease w/ MTD 535

The only potential downside may be in finding the correct drivers. I had trouble with XP stuff, so I imagine Windows 7/64 may be a bit of a challenge. Good luck...

MNAirHead · #7 02-23-2010, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stingray_EB

Ive used Pro Tools in our bands studio for around 5 years and I must say imo of course I find it to be extremely easy to work with and would agree it is the best. However I am not against looking at other units. I have heard good things about Abelton (spl?) and Cubase but have had no experience with the programs.

I own both.. Ableton is more of a DJ/live program.. I love it.. but then again I'm strange...

Sony Acid, Garage Band or MAudio Sessoin may be your pals.

Stingray_EB · #8 02-23-2010, 08:21 PM

I think I will stay focused on Pro Tools whether it be LE or M Essentials. The issue I am not facing is Mbox 2 Mini or Fast Track II. Price is not an issue obviously if it was the Fast Track II wins but I am looking at the overall picture.

Stingray_EB · #9 02-24-2010, 12:23 PM

bump.

ohskigod · #10 02-24-2010, 12:31 PM

I use fast track pro with Garageband in a Mac. works like a charm, as long as it is usb 2.0 latency shouldnt be much of a problem. I used the S/pdif digital jacks to combine it with a fast track Ultra and recorded my whole band with it. 4 mic's, keyboard, guitar (i did the bass tracks later) and there was no latency issues at all (using a base model macbook). I was kind of surprised, as I expected a problem.

I was able to multitrack each mic and intrument seperatley. I hear USB 1.1 does not work so well though

Geddyfleaharris · #11 02-24-2010, 04:21 PM

After just purchasing a new recording rig I am pretty sure my research found that Pro Tools does not work with 64 bit. So far Digidesign's website does not even say Pro Tools is compatible with Windows 7.

But maybe actual users have found out different.....

Stingray_EB · #12 02-24-2010, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geddyfleaharris

After just purchasing a new recording rig I am pretty sure my research found that Pro Tools does not work with 64 bit. So far Digidesign's website does not even say Pro Tools is compatible with Windows 7.

But maybe actual users have found out different.....

Thats the issue, I am aware of Digidesigns stance - that is saying that a future Windows 7 version will be released.

However, I have found a ton of people who have no problems running it and hardware but then again alot of users who have major problems. I guess I wont know until I try.

Geddyfleaharris · #13 02-25-2010, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stingray_EB

Thats the issue, I am aware of Digidesigns stance - that is saying that a future Windows 7 version will be released.

However, I have found a ton of people who have no problems running it and hardware but then again alot of users who have major problems. I guess I wont know until I try.

My suspicion is that the Windows 7 would be ok with Pro Tools. My take is that Digidesign just doesn't want to give it the thumbs up until they have gone over it. They haven't said it ISN'T compatible - just that they haven't tested it yet. They haven;t developed any upgrades yet as you are aware.

But the 64 bit thing seems to be a flat out no no. When I was shopping the computer sales people told me that you can reinstall Windows 7 and select a 32 bit install. You will lose a bit of RAM doing that but it shouldn't be an issue if you have 4 gigs to start with.

One reason why I went with an iMac. Didn't want the hassle of having to re-install Windows 7. I usually manage to mess something up doing those types of things.

jmain · #14 02-27-2010, 08:01 AM

http://www.m-audio.com/index.php?do=...drivers&f=1063

Looks like the Win 7/64 Bit driver is available for the audio device.

http://www.digidesign.com/index.cfm?...0&itemid=38973

And like GFH said, the website says they're working on it but its not ready yet.

I don't have any hands-on experience with PT's compatibility.

j.kernodle · #15 03-01-2010, 08:02 AM

Stingray, just picked up an M-audio interface this weekend. Like the poster above me said, the Windows 7 64 bit drivers are up now on the M-audio site.

They did not have the basic fastrack in stock, but I had a coupon that applied toward a higher end M-audio interface. Ended up walking out with the fastrack Ultra. That unit does not come with the M-powered essentials Protools like the $120 fastrack does. It does seem to be a much more flexible unit though with loads more inputs and outputs. The Ableton Lite software seems to be working okay so far on my windows 7 machine, but the learning curve is gonna be steep for me.

PATMANG · #16 05-06-2010, 02:41 PM

The fast track II is what I initially started with and then bought the ULTRA for more inputs...The Ultra kept giving me POPPPING and Static Noises - Never had any problems with the Fast Track II though.

I sent the Ultra Back and I am sticking with the FT II.

Bad Unit? Bad Driver? Tried different computers and everything...I dunno?

Just my experience...Not stating your results will be the same, although I have read this in other places as well.

patmang.

Jonathan1990 · #17 05-06-2010, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MNAirHead

Fact... the world kind of runs on Protools.. it is a cult.. once you buy hardware you're bound to the program.

Opinion -- I'd be considering other interfaces that allow you to use other programs

Tim

I use this very interface with Adobe Audition, and I love it. I just can't get used to working with Protools.

drumNbass28 · #18 07-30-2011, 03:53 AM

The M-audio FastTrack is a very nice apparatus for recording you bass, I bought it this week and recorded a little piece two days ago. You can listen it on youtube and see (read) how it's done

Click here for my recording