Questions about the M-audio Fast Track mkII

Agen0

New member
Hey!

I'm quite new to audio interfaces and have quite a few questions. Right now I have a Behringer XM8500 hooked up to a eurorack UB502 and also a Scecher Omen 6 electric guitar and an M-Audio Keysation 88es via USB. So basically the eurorack is there to mix and amplify the signal of the mic and guitar to recordable level. An integrated Relteck HD sound card does the recording.

As you can probably guess I have to use ASIO drivers to get the latency to a bearable 11-15ms.

What function does an audio interface like the M-audio Fast Track mkII actually have? I understand that it's for recording - so basically using that would improve my sound quality as well as the latency, right? My question is - does the Fast Track completely replace my int. sound card? Would all of my audio improve when I'm using it or would it only work on the recording?

It has a headphone out channel, so if I plug a decent pair of headphones in there could I expect to hear everything from my computer with better sound quality that right now?

Also for some strange reason I need to use ASIO drivers for even the Keystation. I don't understand why that is. Doesn't the fact that it's connected via USB mean the the signal is already digital and it doesn't need a converter (or sound-card) that could slow it down? Weird. Perhaps the Fast Track could resolve this problem even thou I cant connect the keystation directly to the Fast track as it has no midi or USB in.

Thanks for your time.
 
i have the fast track, it works really well,
an audio interface uses asio, and other forms of drivers, to process your sound into a usable format. sound quality is really good on this interface. ( also look for M-Audio fast track pro like $40 more) plugging in headphones allows you to hear everything in real time

ive never had a problem with a usb/midi controller, try looking on m-audio's website to see if there are any drivers.
 
I'm kinda on a tight budget as I'll need a pair of decent headphones too (50-100 bucks). The pro doesn't seem to have a 1/4'' instrument in and I don't need it's second mic in anyway.

Will the Fast Track power my headphones too btw? Maybe it needs phantom power for that?
 
both interfaces have 1/4" inputs, but i can assure you that everything will work with the fast track mkII ( headphones, guitar, mic) the fast track has phantom power as well.

if you are on a tight budget Musiciansfriend.com has good recording packages.

i suggest sennheiser headphones. (specifically HD 280) great quality and cheap.
 
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