Fast Track Ultra interface?

[jnorman]

i need to supplement my studio setup with a laptop based DAW for some remote work. i need to select a decent audio interface, either USB2 or FW (into a IBM thinkpad t61), and i want at least 4 decent preamps.

are the preamps in the m-audio fast track ultra good enough to do decent small ensemble classical/chamber work? how about the alesis multimix units? next up the ladder to tc konnekt or mackie onyx involves a lot more money - are the preamps in those units that much better to make it worth it to throw down the extra bucks? any other units worth a look? thanks.

[matthewd]

Hi there

I have a similar requirement for a customer and one dealer I spoke to recommended the Focusrite Pro 40 which is a not much more than the M audio you mention - the advantage of the M-Audio as far as I can see is compatibility with Pro Tools M Powered if that is what you want to use. My client is more likely to use Pyramix so the Focusrite seems ideal. I will report back if we go ahead and I actually get to hear it.

Matt

[Fab4ever]

Fast Track Ultra's preamps are fine.... clean and quiet. However, I encountered a few hiccups installing it, and it seems to take several steps to get it up and running every time you have to unplug and plug it back in.