The M-Audio Fast Track is a low-cost, two-input USB interface for recording to a computer. The Fast Track includes a 1/4-inch phone jack for accepting guitar, bass and keyboard inputs as well as a switchable phantom-powered XLR connector to handle a microphone. Controls are simple, including gain adjustment for both microphone and instrument input, along with a level control for output, which is via stereo RCA plugs on the rear and a stereo 1/4-inch headphone jack on the front. A direct monitor switch on the front face allows for zero-latency monitoring.
Each channel has a two-part LED. Signal is monitored by way of a green LED with clipping indicated with a red LED. A blue power indicator is on the right, and a red LED on the left shows when 48-volt phantom power is switched on via the rear-panel switch.
Connecting via a standard USB cable, the Fast Track operates under USB 2.0 with a 24 bit, 48 kHz sampling rate, exceeding the quality level of standard audio CDs. Power to the unit is supplied via USB. There is no contingency for other means to provide power. The Fast Track is plug-and-play compatible and is designed to be a simple, intuitive interface, allowing a user to set up and start recording quickly.
Equally at home in PC and Mac systems, the Fast Track ships with a version of Pro Tools software made for use with M-Audio interfaces. Described as a "streamlined" version of Pro Tools, it can handle 16 tracks, mono or stereo, and comes with many features of a complete Pro Tools version. The Fast Track is also easily integrated with other software packages as an audio input and output manager.