M-Audio Fast Track Pro: any reviews?

[tapslore]

Hi guys, been doing some research in this forum and around the web and i'm definitely thinking about getting the Fast Track Pro.  I have a MacBook and a 2.4Ghz Core2Duo PC (I Gig RAM, 160gig sata HD) using XP, and i wanted an interface i can use for both.  This product is supposedly compatible for either and the price is just right.

Unfortunately, i've been reading a lot of bad reviews over the net: incompatible drivers for PC and multiple installs.  A real nightmare to setup.  But then again, these are American reviews, so who knows if they're on the level or just complaining for the sake of complaining .

Would really appreciate some first-hand accounts from guys who've setup and recorded with this.  Is it really that hard to install? Are there better alternatives?  Hope you guys can help me out, thanks.

[KitC]

I think most of the pc related problems are with regards to Vista since I know M-audio has been having a difficult time with Vista drivers for most of their gear (XP drivers are not a problem AFAIK). If  M-audio has mac drivers on their site, you should be good to go.

[tapslore]

thanks for the reply sir KitC!

For your money though, would you settle for the Pro, or would i be better off spending the extra bucks for the Ultra version?

[KitC]

Haha! It's like you were reading my mind. Personally, the more inputs to begin with, the better because you never know when you will need them... but that's just me.    Seriously though, if you think your needs will not grow beyond what the FT Pro offers, you could always spend the difference on better preamps or mics.

[tapslore]

Hehe that's the big question!  I'm using software right now to emulate my drums, but who knows, i just might invest in a drumkit down the line - mucho mics, mucho inputs, mucho cash.  Thanks for the replies sir. 

[bloodshedd]

I've used the Fast Track Pro on a slow pc running on XP... if it runs on that without even installing the drivers then I think you would not experience any problems...

         But if you're gunning for a bigger interface... We also have the DELTA 1010 and 1010LT (desktops only) and the FIREWIRE 1814... These come with 8+ inputs though some have no or limited number of mic/instrument preamps. We also have the PROJECTMIX I/O control surface and interface with mic/instrument preamps.

Check the M-AUDIO website for complete details... (Or call me at 556-0301)

***If you see the PROFIRE 2626... Its still not available as per our last order...

Rak!!!

[tapslore]

pm sent, sir bloodshedd

[KitC]

Byke,

Any word on the Fast Track Ultra yet?

[bloodshedd]

No arrivals of that as of the moment...

We're just re-stocking as per our last order...

Most of the new items are backorders... Even the Octane (which I badly need) is a backorder...