Upgrading Fast Track Ultra

  • Thread starter Thread starter DrummingGuitar
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DrummingGuitar

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Hello, it has been a long while since I have posted here, but I wanted to get everyones opinion. I have been working on Pro tools 9 MP with fast track ultra for two years now. I have never loved the fast track, but it got the job done (however in the past year inputs 3 and 4 have stopped working). I haven't upgraded earlier because, for what i am doing, two inputs is enough. However, now, I am looking to upgrade my interface. Since I am running pro tools 9 MP I am limited to what interfaces I can use. So i was thinking I should cross grade to pro tools 10 or 11 and then purchase a new interface (I am leaning toward Apogee duet 2). Would the Duet be a significant upgrade sonically for the price (around $800-900 with the PT upgrade)? For the same price I could buy one or two preamps and bypass the ones in the fast track. So just wondering what everyones opinion was and if you had any more options I should look into.
Thanks, I appreciate it
 
Hi there,
Since the maudio has 6 line inputs and 4 preamps, 2 of the line inputs are going to be clean paths straight to conversion.
That means you could just pick up a 2 channel preamp and use the maudio converters.

The maudio also has S/Pdif so you could even buy a 2 channel preamp with conversion built in and effectively bypass the fast track all together. You'd just be using it as a data interface.


I suppose the question is this:
Have you any other reasons that you'd like to upgrade?
Does the maudio, or the PT version, limit you in any other way?

If it works out that the cost is the same either way I'd probably go with the upgraded PT version and a new interface, but make sure your computer will support the current version of ProTools first and if you're looking at PT11 factor in the cost of an ilok 2.

Personally I'd be looking at interfaces with more inputs but that's me. If you're certain you won't need more in future then the apogee is a great little unit!
 
Thanks for replying.

My main reason for wanting to upgrade is sound quality in my recording. The PT 9MP doesn't limit me other only being able to use m-audio interfaces and I know at some point an upgrade to the new standard PT is inevitable. The m-audio doesn't limit me at all in functionality. What do you think would improve my sound more, spending 900 on a two channel preamp or the PT upgrade and Apogee Duet? Also, If I were to look at an interface with more inputs, what would you recommend?
 
Eugh. It's one of those ones where no one can really help you.
If PT 9 doesn't limit you then spend all your money on a nice 2 channel pre, but if the upgrade is inevitable why not jump ship now and get the apogee.

Not much help, I know……Do some shopping and see which path your wallet likes.

RE:Interfaces with more preamps, I don't have vast experience to be honest. I use 12 very nice preamps into motu line inputs.
RME get great rep as do apogee. They get verity pricey very quickly though.
 
I'll do some more thinking and let my wallet decide. Thanks for taking the time to answer and share your thoughts
 
No problem. I know it wasn't much of an answer but it's just one of those things. :)
 
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