M-Audio Rack-mountable 8 x 8 USB 2.0 Interface with MX Core DSP Technology... User manual
Fast Track Ultra 8R
User Guide
Rack-mountable 8 x 8 USB 2.0 Interface with MX Core DSP Technology
English
User Guide 1Fast Track Ultra 8R
1 Introduction
Thanks for choosing M-Audio Fast Track Ultra 8R. Fast Track Ultra 8R is a professional, high-quality audio and MIDI
interface for your Windows or Macintosh laptop or desktop computer. Using the convenience and dependability of a USB
2.0 connection, Fast Track Ultra 8R provides your computer with an exceptionally flexible audio interface that will handle
virtually any recording task with ease. Fast Track Ultra 8R delivers high-resolution 24-bit audio to and from your computer
at sampling rates up to 96kHz. Its on-board DSP gives you a useful selection of reverb and delay effects and versatile
monitoring options. Fast Track Ultra 8R also gives you sixteen channels of MIDI in and out – all in a sleek, rugged, compact
single rack space design. It connects to your computer with a single USB cable – no tools needed, no cards to install.
Fast Track Ultra 8R was created with the home or project studio user in mind. With eight inputs, eight outputs and eight
high-quality preamps featuring M-Audio’s award-winning OctaneTM technology, Fast Track Ultra 8R gives you a great
sounding, easy-to-use interface for your digital audio software. The eight combo XLR/TRS inputs can accommodate
microphone or line levels, with phantom power switchable in groups of four and individual 20dB pads. Channels one and two
also provide insert points, and are switchable to accommodate instrument level input. The rear panel also offers you MIDI
input and output ports, as well as dedicated S/PDIF inputs and outputs on the included breakout cable.
The front panel is also set up for easy monitoring, and features input signal and clipping indicators, two discrete headphone
outputs with independent level controls, MIDI input and output LEDs, and phantom power indicators, making
Fast Track Ultra 8R an ideal solution for beginning and advanced computer recording users alike.
Even if you’re an experienced musician and digital recording enthusiast, please take some time to read through this User
Guide and familiarize yourself with the features and operation of Fast Track Ultra 8R. You may also want to refer to your audio
software’s documentation to better understand how Fast Track Ultra 8R may be integrated with the program. Your experience
and enjoyment of your Fast Track Ultra 8R will be greatly enhanced by a good working knowledge of your audio software.
2 What’s in the Box
Your Fast Track Ultra 8R package contains the following:
• FastTrackUltra8R
• BreakoutcableprovidingMIDIandS/PDIFI/Oconnectors
• PrintedQuickStartGuide
• FastTrackUltra8RCD-ROM,includingdriversanddocumentation
• SoftwareBundleCD-ROM
• USBCable
• 9VDC4000mApowersupply
User Guide 2Fast Track Ultra 8R
3 Fast Track Ultra 8R Features
• Eightbalanced/unbalancedMic/LineInputsoncomboXLR/TRSjacks
• Twofront-panel1/4”Instrument-levelinputs
• Eighthigh-qualitymicrophonepreamps,featuringM-Audio’saward-winningOctaneTM technology
• Individualmicpreinputlevelcontrolswith20dBpads
• Dualfront-panelSignalandClipLEDindicators
• Eightbalanced/unbalancedlineoutputsonTRSjacks
• Two1/4”insertsonTRSjacks
• PhantomPowerswitcheswithfront-panelindicatorLEDs
• StereoS/PDIFdigitalI/Ooncoaxialjacks
• Twostereoheadphonejackswithindividuallevelcontrols
• MIDIInputandOutputwithfront-panelMIDII/Oindicators
• OutputLevelcontrolformainoutputpair1/2
• PowerfulonboardDSPprovidingfournear-zerolatency16x2monitormixers
• Built-inreverbanddelayeffects
• Supportssampleratesupto96kHz,withfull24-bitresolution
• Integratedrear-panelKensingtonsecuritylockport
• DriversupportforWDM/MME,ASIO2(WindowsXP,WindowsVista(32-biteditions))andCoreAudio
(MacOSX10.4.11/10.5.2orlater)
➜IMPORTANT NOTE: Fast Track Ultra 8R is a USB 2.0 device. USB 1.1 operation is
not supported.
➜IMPORTANT NOTE: Fast Track Ultra 8R must be powered via the included
power supply. It will not operate on USB bus power.
User Guide 3Fast Track Ultra 8R
4 Minimum System Requirements
Windows
FastTrackUltra8RissupportedunderWindowsXPwithServicePack2orlater,orWindowsVista(32-biteditions).Itis
not supported under Windows 2000, Windows 98, 98SE or Windows ME. Please see the note below regarding System
Updates before making any updates to your operating system.
Minimum System Requirements*
Windows XP with SP2
•1.6GHzCPU
(CPUrequirementsmaybehigherforlaptops)
•DirectX9.0c
•USB2.0port
•512MBRAM
Windows Vista (32-bit editions)
•1.6GHzCPU
(CPUrequirementsmaybehigherforlaptops)
•USB2.0port
•1GBRAM
Mac OS X
FastTrackUltra8RissupportedbyIntel-basedandPowerPC-basedMacsrunningMacOSXversion10.4.11or10.5.2
or later.
Minimum System Requirements*
PowerPC
•MacOSX–10.4.11/10.5.2
•nativeUSB2.0port
•512MBRAM
•G41GHzCPU
(G4acceleratorcardsnotsupported)
Intel
•MacOSX–10.4.11/10.5.2
•nativeUSB2.0port
•512MBRAM
•IntelCPU
*M-Audio suggests that you also check the minimum system requirements for your audio software, as they may
be greater than the above.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Fast Track Ultra 8R has been designed as a USB 2.0 device. USB
1.1 operation is not supported.
A Note About System Updates: Please check the M-Audio driver download page at
http://www.m-audio.com/drivers for the availability of an updated driver before you decide
to install operating system updates.
Before new M-Audio device drivers are released, they are tested for use with the
operating system versions that are available at that time. When updates for an operating
system are released by Microsoft or Apple, all M-Audio device drivers have to be retested
and possibly updated to ensure proper operation.
M-Audio recommends refraining from installing operating system updates until a driver
has been posted to the M-Audio website for that specific operating system.
User Guide 4Fast Track Ultra 8R
5 Controls and Connectors
Front Panel
1. Instrument Inputs 1 and 2 (Inst) –Thesefront-panelconnectorsprovideinstrument-levelinputsforchannels1and2.
Eachofthesetwoinputswillacceptahigh-impedanceinstrumentlevelsignalonanunbalanced1/4”plug.Setthe
Mic/Line - Instrument switch 2tothe“in”positiontoactivatethecorrespondingfront-panelinput.
2. Mic/Line - Instrument Level Switches ( / ) – These switches select the input source for
channels1/2betweenthefront-panelInstrumentinputs 1and the rear-panel Mic/Line inputs 20 .
3. LED Clip Meters (Clip) – These red LEDs illuminate when an input signal reaches a sustained clipping level. Reduce
the channel’s Input Gain level 5if the LED glows steadily red.
4. LED Level Meters – These green LEDs illuminate when an input signal of -40 dBFS is present at the corresponding input.
5. Mic/Instrument Gain/Pad 1-8 (Mic/Inst Gain Pull -20dB) – These knobs adjust the input gain level for channels
1through8.Pullingtheknoboutwillengagea20dBpadontheMicandInstrumentinput.Pushingtheknobinwill
disengagethepad.(NotethatthelevelcontrolsonlyaffecttheXLRmicandfrontpanelinstrumentinputs,butdonot
affecttheline-levelinputs.)
6. Phantom Power Switches (Phantom Power) – Pressing these switches activates the phantom power circuitry for the
correspondinggroupoffourmicinputs(1through4or5through8),illuminatingthePhantomPowerLED 7and sending
48VpowertothefourassociatedXLRinputs20 , for use with condenser microphones requiring external power.
7. Phantom Power LED – These red LEDs light to indicate that the corresponding phantom power switch 6has been
pressed,applying+48Vphantompowertotheselectedgroupoffourmicinputs.
8. Headphone Output Levels ( 1/ 2) – These two knobs control the volume level for the two headphone outputs 9.
9. Headphone Outputs ( 1/ 2) –Thesetwo1/4”stereo(TRS)jacksareindependentofthemainaudiooutputlevel,
and are controlled by the headphone output knobs 8. The first headphone jack outputs the same audio signal as
rear-paneloutputs1/2whilethesecondheadphonejackoutputsthesameaudiosignalasrear-paneloutputs3/4.
10. Main Output Level (Output) –Thisknobcontrolsthemainoutputlevel(outputpair1/2).
11. MIDI Input LED (MIDI In) –This green LED lights when MIDI data is present at the MIDI input 18 .
12. MIDI Output LED (MIDI Out) – This green LED lights when MIDI data is present at the MIDI output 18 .
13. Power Switch ( ) – Pressing this button will power on Fast Track Ultra 8R, illuminating the front-panel Power LED 14 .
The unit must be connected to the external power supply.
14. Power LED (Power) – This blue LED lights when the power switch 13 has been pressed and power is being received
from the external power supply.
User Guide 5Fast Track Ultra 8R
Rear Panel
15. Power Input ((9V DC 3.5A - 4A) – Connect the included power supply to this jack.
NOTE: Fast Track Ultra 8R is designed to work with 9V DC power supplies with
a 3.5-4Arating.Ifyouneedtopurchaseanadditionalpowersupplyforyour
Fast Track Ultra 8R, be sure to buy one with the correct rating and polarity. Replacement
power supplies are available at the M-Audio webstore.
16. USB Connector ( USB 2.0) –Connect a standard USB cable to this port, connecting the other end to
your host computer.
NOTE: Fast Track Ultra 8R is a USB 2.0 device and must be connected to a USB 2.0
port on your computer. USB 1.0/1.1 operation is not supported.
17. Kensington®Lock Port ( ) –ThisconnectoriscompatiblewithKensington®security cables to protect your
device from theft.
18. MIDI and S/PDIF Connector (MIDI S/PDIF) – The accompanying breakout cable connecting to this
multi-pinjackprovidesMIDIinputandoutputon5-pinDINconnectors,andS/PDIFinputandoutputoncoaxial
RCA connectors.
•WhentheSyncSourcedrop-downmenuissetto“External”intheControlPanel,inputchannels7and8
will receive their signal from the S/PDIF input instead of analog inputs 7/8.
•TheS/PDIFoutputsignalisidenticaltotheoutputofLineOutputs7/8.
•TheS/PDIFoutputwillalsosupportpass-throughofAC-3orDTSencodedsurroundformats.
19. Line Outputs –Theseeightbalanced/unbalanced1/4”(TRS)jacksprovideeightanalogoutputs.Thelevel
ofoutputpair1/2iscontrolledbythefront-panelmastervolumeknob10 . Signal present at outputs 7 and 8 is
duplicated at the S/PDIF outputs.
20. Mic/Line Inputs – These eight combo jacks provide eight
analog inputs, and can accommodate microphone or
line-levelsourcesviaXLRor1/4”TRSorTSconnectors.
Themicrophone(XLR)inputsroutesignalstotheinterface’s
preamplierswhiletheline-level(1/4”)jacksbypassthe
preamplifiers.
Theinputsourceforchannels1and2canbeselectedvia
the front-panel Mic/Line – Instrument switches 2between
Mic/Line inputs 20 or the front-panel Instrument inputs 1.
Selecting“External”fromtheSyncSourcedrop-downmenu
in the control panel will activate the S/PDIF input as the
signal source for input channels 7 and 8. Mic/Line inputs
7 and 8 will be disabled in this configuration.
21. Inserts – Insert jacks allow you to add analog outboard
effects(compressors,limiters,etc.)intothesignalpathof
the first two channels of your Fast Track Ultra 8R. Outboard
effectsare“inserted”betweenthepreampandtheA/Dconverter.
These1/4”TRSjacksareonlyactivewhenaaspecial“insert”cableisconnectedtothesejacks(seethebox
entitled“AboutInsertCables”tolearnmoreaboutthesecables).Ifnoinsertcableisconnected,thesejacksdo
not affect the signal path.
About Insert Cables:
An insert cable is wired in a way that lets you send
and receive signals over a single cable. This cable
features a “TRS” (tip-ring-sleeve) connector on one
side and two “TS” (tip-sleeve) connectors on the
other. The TRS side connects to one of the insert
jacks of Fast Track Ultra 8R. The TS connectors are
usually labeled “tip” (send) and “sleeve” (return).
Attach the “tip” connector to your external device’s
input and the “sleeve” connector to the device’s
output. This allows signals to be sent to the external
device and returned to the A/D converter on
Fast Track Ultra 8R.
User Guide 6Fast Track Ultra 8R
6 Installing Fast Track Ultra 8R
ForinstructionsoninstallingFastTrackUltra8R,pleaserefertotheaccompanyingQuickStartGuide.
7 Hardware Connections
Recording Microphones
Fast Track Ultra 8R can record audio from up to eight individual microphones simultaneously, connected to input channels
1through8viatherear-panelMic/Lineinputconnectors20 .Oninputs1and2,theMic/Line–Instrumentselector
switches 2mustbesettotheMic/Line(out)position.
Recording Line-Level Inputs
Fast Track Ultra 8R can record audio from up to eight individual line inputs simultaneously, connected to input channels
1through8viatherear-panelMic/Lineinputconnectors20 .Oninputs1and2,theMic/Line–Instrumentselector
switches 2mustbesettotheMic/Line(out)position.
Additionally the gain pots for the associated mic inputs should be turned down when using the line inputs to avoid
unwanted amplification of idle noise.
Recording Instruments
Fast Track Ultra 8R can record audio from up to two individual instrument-level sources simultaneously, connected to
inputchannels1and2viathetwofront-panelInstrumentinputs 1. The Mic/Line – Instrument selector switches 2must
besettotheInstrument(in)position.
Recording Digital Input
Fast Track Ultra 8R can record two channels of digital input signal, on input channels 7 and 8 via the rear-panel
S/PDIF input 18 . Connect a digital S/PDIF source to the rear-panel S/PDIF input. Go to the Settings tab in the
FastTrackUltra8RControlPanelandselect“External”asthesyncsourcetoactivatetheS/PDIFinputandensure
proper digital clocking. See the Sync Source section of this User Guide for more information on digital synchronization.
Adjusting the Output Level
Connect the rear-panel line outputs 19 toamixingconsole,amplierorpoweredmonitors.Outputpair1/2canbedirectly
controlled by the front-panel main output level knob 10 . Other outputs are controlled via your DAW application or the
Fast Track Ultra 8R Control Panel.
Headphone Monitoring
Usethe“Monitor1/2”and“Monitor3/4”ControlPaneltabstocreateseparatemonitormixesforthetwofront-panel
headphoneoutputs.Seethesectiontitled“MonitorTabs”formoreinformationaboutcreatingmonitormixes.
User Guide 7Fast Track Ultra 8R
8 Using Fast Track Ultra 8R
Setting Your Recording Levels
Using the Mic, Line or Instrument Inputs
Connect your microphone, instrument or line level source to the Mic/Line - Instrument inputs 1, 20 . Make sure the
associated channel’s Mic/Line - Instrument switch 2is set to the correct position for your chosen inputs, and that
the input gain is turned fully counter-clockwise to the lowest level. If you are using a condenser microphone, be
certain to activate the Phantom Power switch 6forthecorrespondinggroupofinputchannels(afterconnecting
themicrophonetotheXLRinput).IfyouareusingtheMicrophoneorInstrumentinputs,slowlyraisetheinputlevel
until the Input Signal LED 4shows input with a fairly steady green signal while audibly testing your input levels
(i.e.,strummingtheguitar,orspeakingintothemic).Ifyourmicrophonesignalcausesaninputtoclipevenatthe
minimum gain setting, pull the Mic Input Gain knob 5toactivatethe20dBpad.Thiswillfurtherattenuate(reduce)
signal levels to prevent distortion at the input.
➜IMPORTANT: When recording from a microphone and monitoring in the same room,
it is recommended that you turn off your speakers and monitor with headphones. This
will greatly reduce the possibility of creating loud feedback loops that may damage
your equipment (or hearing).
Using the Coaxial S/PDIF Inputs
Connect the S/PDIF output of your external audio device to the S/PDIF Input, located on the rear-panel breakout
cable 18 . The signal level you receive at the S/PDIF In will be the signal level that you record. Any adjustments to
that signal level must be made at the source. If you have an output level control on the device that you’ve connected
to the S/PDIF inputs, adjust that output level control to change the recording level. Most recording software will
allow you to add gain to a recorded track that was made at a level that is initially too low, but be careful that the
recordinglevelisnotreachingdigitalclipping(signalgoingintothered)whilerecording.
Note: To use the S/PDIF input, you will need configure the sync source of
Fast Track Ultra 8R to “External.” Refer to the section below on the Control Panel and
your software’s documentation for more information.
Setting the Sample Rate
ThedefaultsamplerateforFastTrackUltra8Ris44.1kHz.Supportedsampleratesare44.1,48,88.2and96kHz.Most
applications allow you to change the sample rate from within your audio software. You can also change the sample rate
in the Control Panel. It is recommended that you do not change the sample rate from the Control Panel while your DAW
application is running, as this can cause some applications to exhibit unexpected behavior.
In order to receive a digital signal via the S/PDIF input, you will need to change the Control Panel’s Sync Source setting
(intheSettingstab)to“External,”afterwhichFastTrackUltra8Rwillautomaticallydetectanincomingdigitalsignaland
receive its sample rate from that incoming S/PDIF source.
User Guide 8Fast Track Ultra 8R
Monitor Mixing
FastTrackUltra8Rfeaturesfourseparate16x2monitormixers.ThesefourmixersarefoundintheControlPanelunder
thetabslabeled“Monitor1/2”,“Monitor3/4”,“Monitor5/6”,and“Monitor7/8”androutetheirmixedoutputstohardware
outputs1/2,3/4,5/6,and7/8,respectively.
Eachofthesemixerscanbeusedtocreateastereo,near-zerolatency,“monitormix”consistingofanycombinationof
hardwareinputsorsoftwareoutputs.Thisisaveryconvenientfeaturetohavewhile“overdub”recordingsinceitallows
you to easily set up customized monitor mixes for up to four different people. For example, you can create separate mixes
for the vocalist, guitarist, bassist, and drummer of a band and provide each member with an individual mix to suit their
personal preference.
Furthermore, since monitor mixing is handled by the powerful MX Core DSP within Fast Track Ultra 8R, you do not have
to worry about audio latency that may occur when monitoring through your audio recording application—all hardware
inputs and all signals output by your recording software* can be mixed with virtually no latency and sent to the hardware
outputs.
* Software Output Signal Routing:
When selecting output channels 1/2 from your audio application, the signal is not sent
directly to the physical hardware outputs on the rear-panel of Fast Track Ultra 8R; The signal
is first sent to the Monitor 1/2 section of the Control Panel.
By default, the monitor mixer on this Control Panel tab then passes the unaltered signal on
to hardware outputs 1/2. However, this tab gives you additional control over signals sent to
hardware outputs 1/2.
You can use the faders, pan knobs and other controls on the Monitor 1/2 tab to add and
blend signals from the physical inputs 1-8 and from the remaining six software return
channels and create a stereo mix that is then routed to the rear-panel hardware outputs 1/2.
The same principle applies when selecting output channels 3/4, 5/6 or 7/8 from your audio
application. These signals are sent to their respective Control Panel tabs “Monitor 3/4”,
“Monitor 5/6” and “Monitor 7/8”, mixed with other signals if desired, and then routed to their
respective physical output pairs 3/4, 5/6 or 7/8.
User Guide 9Fast Track Ultra 8R
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User Guide 10Fast Track Ultra 8R
9 The Software Control Panel
The software Control Panel for Fast Track Ultra 8R is designed to provide a simple, intuitive interface to control and monitor
signals from your DAW and from Fast Track Ultra 8R’s inputs and outputs. To open the Control Panel:
In Windows, open the Fast Track Ultra 8R Control Panel by double-clicking on the M-Audio icon in the system tray, or
fromStart>ControlPanel(ClassicView).
Windows XP Windows Vista
Double-click on the
red M-Audio icon
In Mac OS X, click the M-Audio icon in the system preferences window.
User Guide 11Fast Track Ultra 8R
The Control Panel features eight tabs across the top of the screen. These tabs provide access to specific features of
Fast Track Ultra 8R. These tabs are described in detail below.
Monitor Tabs
The four Monitor tabs are similar in layout and in operation and allow you to create four separate monitor mixes from the
eight hardware inputs and eight software returns from your audio application.
Each tab controls a separate pair of outputs:
Monitor1/2→HardwareOutputs1/2(andHeadphoneOut1)
Monitor3/4→HardwareOutputs3/4(andHeadphoneOut2)
Monitor5/6→HardwareOutputs5/6
Monitor 7/8 →HardwareOutputs7/8(andS/PDIFoutput)
The Monitor tabs’ outputs correspond to Fast Track Ultra 8R’s hardware outputs. Monitor outputs 7/8 are duplicated at
the analog Line Outputs 19 and the S/PDIF digital output 18 .
User Guide 12Fast Track Ultra 8R
Input Channels
The first eight channels on each of the Monitor pages correspond to the eight analog inputs. Inputs 7 and 8 are
switchable between the analog inputs and the S/PDIF digital inputs, via the Sync Source drop-down menu in the
ControlPanel.Whenthesyncsourceissetto“External,”inputchannels7and8receivetheirsignalfromthe
S/PDIFinput.ThenexteightchannelsarereturnsfromyourDAWapplicationsoftware.Anyofthese16channels
can be sent to any of eight possible output busses by selecting the Monitor tab for the desired output pair and
setting the levels for the input and software return channels respectively.
Each channel provides the following:
< Level meter – monitors the channel’s input level
< Pan control – sets the position of the signal within the left and right output channel pair
< Solo button – solos that channel’s output signal in the output channels
< Mute button – mutes that channel’s output signal to the output channels
< Link button – links a pair of channels together. When the Link button is active, changes made to one channel
affecttheadjacent(linked)channelaswell.
< Level fader – controls the level of that channel’s signal sent to the output channels.
< Send control – controls the level of that channel’s signal sent to the internal DSP effects.
NOTE: Only Monitor outputs 1/2, and 3/4 and can utilize the Fast Track Ultra 8R’s
internal DSP. Therefore the Monitor mixer tabs for outputs 5/6 and 7/8 do not provide
Send controls.
➜IMPORTANT: Note that changes made to the monitoring mix are completely
independent from, and do not affect signals being recorded to your DAW.
Output Channels
The right side of each Monitor tab provides level meters and faders for its corresponding stereo pair of outputs.
Each Monitor tab’s output faders control the output level sent to that pair of hardware outputs.
The Monitor tabs correspond to each pair of hardware Line outputs 19 . Monitor outputs 7 and 8 are duplicated at
the analog Line Outputs 19 and the S/PDIF digital output 18 .
Between the sixteen channel inputs and the two channel outputs is a Bypass button. Activating this button will
bypass the internal DSP effects, allowing you to monitor the signal without effects.
NOTE: Only Monitor outputs 1/2 and 3/4 can utilize the Fast Track Ultra 8R’s internal
DSP. Therefore the Monitor mixer tabs for outputs 5/6 and 7/8 do not provide Bypass
buttons.
User Guide 13Fast Track Ultra 8R
Settings Tab
Sample Rate Settings
The“SampleRate”drop-downmenuletsyouselectthecurrentsampleratefortheinternalclockof
FastTrackUltra8R.Availablesampleratesare44.1,48,88.2and96kHz.Thedefaultsamplerateis44.1kHz.
Notethatthisdrop-downmenuisdisabledifFastTrackUltra8Rissettosynctoexternalclock.
External Signal Status
This box displays messages indicating the current synchronization status:
IfthestatusintheSettingstab(seetheClocksectionbelow)issetto“Internal,”theSignalStatuswilldisplaythis
message:
“Because the sync source is internal, the sample rate may be adjusted and external
digital signals will be ignored.”
You will be able to adjust the sample rate using the Sample Rate drop-down menu.
It is recommended that you do not change the sample rate from the Settings tab while your DAW application is
running, as this can cause some applications to exhibit unexpected behavior.
IfthestatusintheSettingstab(seetheClocksectionbelow)issetto“external,”andavaliddigitalsignalisreceived
at the S/PDIF input, the Signal Status panel will display this message:
“Because the sync source is external, the sample rate may not be adjusted. However,
since there is a valid external digital signal, the sample rate will automatically match it.”
The Sample Rate is determined by the external device and cannot be changed from the Fast Track Ultra 8R Control
Panel. Because of this, the Sample Rate drop-down menu will display the incoming sample rate, but will not allow
changes.
IfthestatusintheClockpanel(seetheClocksectionbelow)issetto“External”butnovaliddigitalsignalis
received at Fast Track Ultra 8R’s S/PDIF input, the Signal Status will display this message:
“Because the sync source is external, the sample rate my not be adjusted. While there is
no valid external signal, the sample rate will remain 44.1 kHz..”
User Guide 14Fast Track Ultra 8R
Sync Source
This drop down menu lets you select the clock source of Fast Track Ultra 8R. To synchronize the interface to an external
digitalsource(i.e.,theincomingS/PDIFsignal),selectthe“External”setting.TosynchronizeFastTrackUltra8Rtoitsown
internalclock,select“Internal.”Pleaseseetheboxbelowformoreinformationaboutthedigitalinputandexternalclocking.
About External Clock
Digital audio is based on samples. For example, a digital recording at a sample rate of 44.1 kHz contains 44,100
samples, or digital “snapshots,” per second. Each digital audio device has its own internal clock, or crystal, to generate
and control the exact rate and timing of these samples during every second. In order for two or more digital audio devices
to function together, only one of their clocks can be in control (the Master), while any other devices must be synchronized
to that device’s clock (the Slave). Otherwise, the resulting audio will sound distorted, play at the wrong speed, or have
clicks and pops.
You can set Fast Track Ultra 8R to run as the Word Clock Master (“Internal”) when digitally connected to other digital
audio devices:
Connect the S/PDIF output of Fast Track Ultra 8R to the S/PDIF input of another digital audio device and configure
that device to synchronize to its S/PDIF input (making it the word clock Slave).
Alternatively, you can set another device to act as the Word Clock Master and designate Fast Track Ultra 8R to run as the
word clock slave:
Connect the S/PDIF output of a 3rd party audio device to the S/PDIF input of Fast Track Ultra 8R. Select ”External”
as the clock source setting from within the Fast Track Ultra 8R Control Panel. Fast Track Ultra 8R now runs in sync
to the digital S/PDIF signal generated by the other device.
Note that Fast Track Ultra 8R can only receive input signal from its S/PDIF input when the clock setting has been set
to “External.” In this configuration, Input channels 7 and 8 receive their signal from the S/PDIF input instead of from
Mic/Line Inputs 7/8.
Driver Settings
ASIO/WDM Buffer Size (Windows only)
Latency is defined as the time it takes for your input signal to pass through your audio software and appear at
the outputs. This latency can result in a delay that is undesirable when overdubbing to existing tracks.
This drop-down menu lets you select the size of the buffer in samples. Smaller buffer sizes result in lower
latency, but may not function well with slower systems, causing clicks, pops and dropouts in the audio
playback.
Thedefaultbuffersizeis256samples.Ifyouareexperiencingclicksandpopsinyouraudio,tryincreasingthe
buffer size.
ASIO Direct Monitoring (Windows only)
Many Windows applications that support ASIO 2.0, also support ASIO direct monitoring. ASIO Direct
Monitoring allows your ASIO-compatible software to remotely access and control some routing and monitoring
functions of the Fast Track Ultra 8R Control Panel. If you prefer to not use ASIO Direct Monitoring, uncheck
theboxmarked“ASIODirectMonitoring”onthistab.PleaserefertoyourDAWapplication’suserguidefor
more information on implementing ASIO direct monitoring.
High Performance Mode (Windows only)
Clicking this box engages High Performance Mode, which further reduces software monitoring latency and
also reduces the load placed on your CPU. Most computers support High Performance Mode, however, if you
experienceanyunexpectedresults(e.g.,systeminstability,unresponsiveness,etc.),disableHighPerformance
Mode. By default, this box is left unchecked.
User Guide 15Fast Track Ultra 8R
Effects Settings
This box controls the algorithm and parameters of the internal effects unit. Any channels routed to the internal DSP
section will be effected by selections made on this page.
➜IMPORTANT: Only the Monitor tabs for channels 1/2 and 3/4 have “send” knobs.
Signals from tabs 5/6 or 7/8 cannot be sent to the internal DSP.
Effects Algorithm Presets
This drop-down menu lets you select from a range of reverb and delay algorithms. The presets are:
• Room1
• Room2
• Room3
• Hall1
• Hall2
• Plate
• Delay
• Echo
The three controls beneath the algorithm display offer the following controls for fine tuning the effect:
• Duration • Feedback** • Volume
**Feedback is only available for Delay and Echo effects
Metering and Knob Control Options:
Peak Meter Hold:
ThemetersofFastTrackUltra8Rfeaturea“peakhold”functiondesigned
to assist in finding the loudest transients of a signal. This drop-down menu
determines how long the peak indicator will remain before resetting. Select
“Off”todisablethepeakholdfunction.Select“1Second”or“3Seconds”to
enableoneorthreesecondsofpeakholding,respectively.Select“Innite”to
indefinitely hold peak levels until the meters are cleared.
Knob Mouse Axis:
The knobs of the Fast Track Ultra 8R Control Panel can be adjusted by using up-down, left-right, or both
up-downandleft-rightmousemovements.Selecting“Vertical”allowsyoutoturnaknobclockwisebyclicking
anddraggingupward(theknobcanbeturnedcounter-clockwisebyclickinganddraggingdownward).
Similarly,selecting“Horizontal”allowsyoutoturnaknobclockwisebyclickinganddraggingtotheright.
Selecting“Both”allowsyoutoadjustaknobsettingbyclickinganddraggingoneitheraxis(e.g.,up-downor
left-right).
Saving and Recalling Settings
The“SaveSettings”and“LoadSettings”optionsundertheFilemenuallowyoutosaveandloadallofthe
parametersoftheControlPanel.Thisisusefulifyou’dliketosavevariouscongurations(i.e.,amulti-trackingsetup,
asurroundmixingsetup,etc.)sothatyoudonothavetomanuallyrecongureyoursystemeachtimeyouworkona
different type of project.
The“LoadRecentSettings”sub-menulistsuptoveofthemostrecentControlPanelcongurationsthatyou
haveloaded.The“ClearMenu”optionclearsthelistofrecentlyloadedles(thisoptiondoesnotaffecttheactual
congurationles—itsimplyremovestherecentlenamesfromthesub-menu).
The“ReverttoFactorySettings”optionallowsyoutoresetalloftheFastTrackUltra8RControlPanelparameters
to their factory default settings.
TIP: Peak levels can
be cleared at any time
by clicking the meters
in the DSP mixer.
User Guide 16Fast Track Ultra 8R
Meters Tab
Thistabfeatures16metersthatdisplaylevelsofyoureighthardwareinputsandeighthardwareoutputs.Thisisusefulin
setting up levels for live tracking or mixdown.
Flow Tab
This tab displays a graphic of the Fast Track Ultra 8R signal flow.
User Guide 17Fast Track Ultra 8R
About Tab
This page contains information on your hardware and current driver software versions. This information may be helpful,
should you ever have the occasion to call for technical support. Clicking the buttons in the lower right will take you to
useful pages on the M-Audio website.
If your computer does not see a valid connection to Fast Track Ultra 8R, or if the unit is powered off, you will see a
message noting that on this page.
User Guide 18Fast Track Ultra 8R
10 About Overdub Recording and Monitor Mixing
Muchofthepopularmusicthatyouheartodayiscreatedusingamethodcalled“overdub”recording.Overdubrecording
allows artists to record their music while listening to previously recorded parts of the song. For example, a vocalist may
record his or her parts while listening to the previously recorded guitar, bass, and drum parts in his/her headphones. This
method is popular because each recorded part is completely separate from the other parts and can be more easily edited
andmixedintoa“polished”song.Forexample,iftheguitaristisnothappywiththesolo,itispossibletoeditproblematic
notes,re-recordtheentiresolo,oreven“splice”togetherthebestpartsofmultipletakestocreateoneseamless
performance.Thiskindofdetailededitingisgenerallynotpossiblewith“live”recordingsituationsinwhichallsoundsare
captured at once.
Torecordoverdubs,eachartistmusthaveamonitoror“cue”mixsenttohis/herheadphones.Thismixcontainsthe
previouslyrecordedtrackscombinedwiththe“live”signalthatisbeingrecorded.Forexample,thevocalistwouldneedto
hear the guitar, bass, and drum tracks along with his/her own vocal performance as it is being recorded into the computer.
Fast Track Ultra 8R allows you to create up to four stereo monitor mixes using the first four tabs of the Control Panel.
Eachtabcontrolsastereomixerwith16inputs(eighthardwareinputspluseightoutputsfromyouraudiosoftware).The
“SoftwareOutputSignalRouting”sectionofthisUserGuidecoversthistopicingreaterdetail.
Each tab routes signals to a separate pair of outputs as shown in the following table:
Tab Name: The output of this tab is routed to:
Monitor1/2 HardwareOutput1/2andHeadphoneOutput1
Monitor3/4 HardwareOutput3/4andHeadphoneOutput2
Monitor5/6 HardwareOutput5/6
Monitor 7/8 Hardware Output 7/8 and S/PDIF Output
Using the Monitor Mixer
To use the Fast Track Ultra 8R Monitor Mixer:
1. Selectthetabthatcorrespondstothehardwareoutputstowhichyouwould
like to send your monitor mix. For example, if you wish to create a mix that
routestoanalogoutputs7/8,selectthe“Monitor7/8”tab.
2. Adjust the level faders for the hardware input and software return channels to
create a comfortable monitor mix for the listener.
•Theeightchannelsontheleftsideofthemixerrepresentthe“live”hardwareinputs.Forexampleifyou
have connected a microphone and guitar to the first two inputs, signals from these devices will appear on
channels one and two of the mixer.
•Theeight“SoftwareReturn”channelscorrespondtotheoutputsofyouraudioapplication.
•Thelasttwochannelsontherightsiderepresentthemonitormixer’smasteroutputsthataresenttothe
mixer’sassociatedhardwareoutputpair(ontherear-panelofFastTrackUltra8R).
Keep in mind that this mixer is for monitoring purposes only. All signals received at the hardware
inputs are also sent directly to the recording application without being altered. The Monitor Mixer
receives duplicates of these input signals to allow you to create a near-zero latency monitor mix.
Changes made to the monitor mixer do not affect your recordings (or your audio software), since the
Monitor Mixer’s output is not actually being recorded.
For example, if the singer would prefer to not hear guitars while recording, the guitar channel of the
singer’s monitor mixer can simply be muted without affecting the recording application in any way.
TIP: Keep in mind that
the first and second
headphone outputs are
hardwired to analog
outputs 1/2 and 3/4. If
you would like to route
your monitor mixes
to the first or second
headphone outputs,
select the “Monitor
1/2” or “Monitor 3/4”
tabs, respectively.
User Guide 19Fast Track Ultra 8R
3. Usethepanknobtoadjustthepositionofasoundbetweentheleftandrightchannels.Notethat
double-clickingaknobwill“center”it.
4. Whencreatingmonitormixesviathe“Monitor1/2”or“Monitor3/4”tabs,youhavetheoptionofaddingreverb
ordelayeffectstoanyofthechannelsbyusingthe“EffectsSend”knobslocatedatthebottomofthetab:
Turning a channel’s send knob clockwise will increase
the amount of signal that is routed to the digital effects
processor; turning the send knob counter-clockwise will
reduce the amount of signal sent to the processor.
To hear the effects, make sure that the right-facing arrow
buttonisilluminated(i.e.,theeffectsareenabled)andthe
effects return knobs are turned up, as shown below:
If you would like to change the effect type or to adjust its
parameters,clickthe“Settings”tabandmakeanydesired
adjustmentstothe“EffectProgram”,“Duration”,“Feedback”
and“Volume”parameters.Thissectioniscoveredindetail
in the Settings Tab section of this manual.
5. IfyouareroutingsignalstoHeadphoneOutputs1and
2,makesuretheHeadphoneLevelKnobs 4are set to a
comfortable listening level. Alternatively, if you are routing
monitor mixes to external headphone amplifiers, make sure
those amplifiers are configured properly.
NOTE: When using the Fast Track Ultra 8R Monitor Mixer to create monitor mixes,
be sure to mute your DAW application’s active recording channels (or, if possible, turn
off the application’s monitor mixing functionality altogether) to prevent two separate
cue mixes from being created (this can cause undesirable effects such as phasing
and slap-back delays). Conversely, if you wish to use your application’s own monitor
mixing capabilities, you will need to bypass the Fast Track Ultra 8R Monitor Mixer to
prevent “double-monitoring” from taking place. This can be done by simply muting
the input channels of the Monitor Mixer.
Why use effects in a monitor mix?
Closely mic’ed sources often sound very
detailed, dry, and unnatural to performers
who are monitoring on headphones. This
can make performers uncomfortable
and may adversely impact the recording
session.
Many performers (particularly vocalists)
find it much easier to record overdubs
when there is a small amount of reverb
present on the recorded voice or
instrument. This is because the reverb
“smoothes out” the sounds that the
vocalist hears in the headphones and
makes him/her feel more comfortable (and
confident) about their performances. This
often results in better takes being captured
during the session.
Note that effects added through the
Fast Track Ultra 8R Control Panel will not
be present in your recordings. You will
only hear the effects in real-time while
monitoring. The actual recordings will be
captured “dry.”
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