Manual Fast Track USB
Manual Fast Track USB
com
Table of Contents
Introduction..........................................................................................................................................................................................................2
Windows .........................................................................................................................................................................................................2
Macintosh.......................................................................................................................................................................................................3
Windows XP ..................................................................................................................................................................................................5
Mac OS X ........................................................................................................................................................................................................5
WDM/MME .....................................................................................................................................................................................................6
ASIO ................................................................................................................................................................................................................6
Mac OS X ........................................................................................................................................................................................................6
Specifications .....................................................................................................................................................................................................7
Please take the time to read this brief Users’ Guide. It will explain how to install the Fast Track USB on your computer, and tell you how to
get the best performance out of your Fast Track USB audio interface.
< Fast Track USB audio interface < M-Audio Driver CD (includes driver installation software)
< One (1) standard USB cable < Users’ Guide and warranty card
System Requirements
Windows
Minimum: Recommended:
< Pentium II 350 MHz < Pentium III 500 MHz or faster
< 64 MB RAM < 128 MB RAM or more
< Windows XP < Available USB 1.1 port
< CD-ROM drive < Windows XP
< Available USB 1.1 port
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Macintosh
Minimum: Recommended:
< G3, G4, iMac, iBook or PowerBook with native USB support < G3, G4, iMac, iBook or Powerbook with native USB support
< 64 MB RAM (USB hubs are not supported)
< CD-ROM drive
< Mac OS X version 10.2.8 “Jaguar” or later, or Mac OS X
< 128 MB RAM
version 10.3.4 “Panther” or later < Mac OS X “Jaguar” version 10.2.8 or later
1. Input Level – Adjusts the gain level for the rear-panel XLR input (14).
2. Peak LED – Indicates presence of peak input level from XLR input. Lights when input signal approaches –3dB
before overload.
3. Signal LED – Indicates presence of input signal from XLR input. Lights when input signal level approaches –40dB.
4. Input/Playback Mix Control – Controls the ratio of input signal to playback signal from your DAW. (When you record, you should mute
the track you’re recording. Otherwise, you’ll hear the analog input signal AND latency delayed recorded signal.)
5. Mono Switch – When pressed, this switch sums the input signals to mono for direct monitoring.
6. Headphone Output – Standard 1/8” stereo headphone output.
7. Output Level – Adjusts overall output volume level. This control affects both the rear panel RCA outputs (11) and the headphone
output (6).
8. Power LED – Lights when the unit is powered on.
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Rear Panel Controls
9. Kensington Lock Connector – Connect a standard laptop-style cable locking device here to protect your Fast Track USB from theft or
accidental breakage.
10. USB Connector – Connect the included USB cable here, and connect the other end to your computer’s USB port.
11. Line Outputs – Left and Right stereo outputs. Connect these outputs to powered monitors such as the M-Audio DX4s, or to the inputs
of your stereo amplifier or receiver.
12. Input Level Switch – Input level selector for the 1/4” TRS input (13). When connecting a balanced line level input here, the switch should
be set to LINE position. When connecting an instrument, the switch should be set to the GUITAR position.
13. Guitar Input – TRS 1/4” input for line/instrument level input. The input level is determined by the Line/Instrument Switch (12).
14. Mic Input – Balanced XLR input for connecting a dynamic microphone.
Software Installation
Your Fast Track USB is class compliant in Mac OS X (10.3.4 or later). offering true plug-and-play operation. Just plug it in, and you’re ready
to start recording.
Your Fast Track USB also comes with M-Audio’s exclusive low-latency driver software for Windows XP that allows for faster communication
with your computer operating system.
Your Fast Track USB comes with a standard USB cable. The squared end of the cable connects to the Fast Track USB; the flat end connects
to your computer’s USB port.
If you use Windows XP, install the software first following the directions below. Do NOT connect the Fast Track USB to your computer until
instructed to do so.
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Windows XP
1. Place the Fast Track USB CD into your CD-ROM drive. Do NOT connect the Fast Track USB to your computer’s USB port at this time.
A menu will automatically appear. If Autoplay is disabled, browse the CD content and double click the Fast Track USB folder. Then
double click the Fast Track USB Installer Icon.
2. The M-Audio Fast Track USB Installer screen will appear, asking you to confirm that you wish to install Fast Track USB. Click “Next” to
continue.
3. The installer will begin to copy the Fast Track USB files to your computer’s hard drive.
4. In Windows XP, The Software Installation window may appear one or more times, warning you that the driver software has not
passed the Windows Logo testing. Click the “Continue Anyway” button.
5. Upon rebooting, the M-Audio Fast Track USB Control Panel icon will appear in the system tray. Connect the Fast Track USB to your
computer’s USB port. Windows will display the Found New Hardware dialog and will open the New Hardware Wizard.
6. Choose the default selection, “Install the software automatically,” and click “Next.”
7. The New Hardware Wizard will write the remaining files to your system. You may once again see the warning that the driver software
has not passed the Windows Logo testing; click “Continue Anyway” and allow the installation to complete. Click “Finish.”
8. After the installation is complete, you may double-click on the M-Audio Fast Track USB Control Panel icon to open the Fast Track USB
Control Panel. See the section “Fast Track USB Control Panel” for more information on the Control Panel’s features and functions.
Mac OS X
1. Plug the Fast Track USB in to your computers USB port.
2. Go to “System Preferences” in the Apple Menu. Select the “Sound” preference panel, and click the “Output” tab. Select “M-Audio Fast
Track USB” to choose the Fast Track USB as your default output device.
About Page
This page will show you the Fast Track USB’s current driver and firmware versions, and allow you to connect to the M-Audio website for
updates.
Hardware Page
The Hardware Page allows you to adjust the unit’s buffer size here, in order to achieve the optimal balance between system stability and
audio latency. It also allows you to set the unit’s bit depth to 16- or 24-bit.
Latency is defined as the time it takes for your input signal to pass through your audio software and appear at the outputs. Smaller buffer
sizes result in lower latency, but may not function well with slower systems. This drop-down menu selects the buffer size that Fast Track
USB uses to handle digital audio streaming.
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The default Latency setting is “Medium.” This setting should serve your purposes, but you can experiment with lower settings if you wish.
If you experience stuttering or crackling in your audio playback, try using a higher latency setting.
ASIO
Fast Track USB also supports Steinberg’s ASIO protocol under Windows XP, used in applications such as Cubase, Reason, Live, Logic
and other programs. Fast Track USB’s ASIO drivers are installed from the M-Audio Fast Track USB driver CD-ROM. If you have other
audio devices installed in your computer, you may need to select Fast Track USB as the ASIO device in your audio software. Refer to the
instructions in your audio software for details.
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Specifications
mic in (balanced): line out (unbalanced):
maximum input: -2.2dBu maximum output: +2.0dBV
signal-to-noise ratio: 100dB (a-weighted) signal-to-noise ratio: 104dB (a-weighted)
dynamic range: 100dB (a-weighted) dynamic range: 104dB (a-weighted)
THD+N: 0.005% (-86dB) @ -1dBFS THD+N: 0.004% ( -88dB) @ -1dBFS
variable gain: 50dB frequency response: 20Hz - 20kHz, +/- 0.2dB @ 48kHz
frequency response: 20Hz - 20kHz, +/-0.2dB @ 48kHz
headphones (32 Ohm load):
instrument in (unbalanced): maximum output: 2.1Vpp (-2.5dBV)
maximum input: +3.2dBV signal-to-noise ratio: 103dB (a-weighted)
signal-to-noise ratio: 96dB (a-weighted) THD+N: 0.075% @ -2dBFS
dynamic range: 96dB (a-weighted)
THD+N: 0.005% (-86dB) @ -1dBFS sampling rates (k): 44.1kHz, 48kHz
frequency response: 20Hz - 20kHz, +/- 0.2dB @ 48kHz
line in (balanced):
maximum input: +2.1dBV
signal-to-noise ratio: 98dB (a-weighted)
dynamic range: 98dB (a-weighted)
THD+N: 0.004% (-8 dB) @ -1dBFS
frequency response: 20Hz - 20kHz, +/- 0.2dB @ 48kHz
USBGB_UG_EN1
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Contact Information
If you have any questions, comments or suggestions about this or any M-Audio product, we invite you to contact us by using the
following information:
Warranty Registration
Thank you for registering your new M-Audio product. Doing so immediately both entitles you to full warranty coverage and helps M-Audio
develop and manufacture the finest quality products available. Register online at www.m-audio.com/register to receive FREE product
updates and for the chance to win FREE M-Audio gear.
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