"M-Audio, the way to go!"
Sound:
The sound quality is incredible. I use an audix i5 mic, marshall MG 250 100 watts (two speakers), along with two Ibanez guitars, one acoustic, one electric. I was unsure when I purchased the product because the price was not what I expected ($100), but needless to say I was astounished by the quality of sound. I also use an M-box, and to be honest, Fast Track seems to have a slightly fuller sound. If you only need one mic input, and one guitar/line input, Fast Track would be the best option.
Feature:
The product came with the features it advertised, and for the price, more then what I expected. The Fast Track comes bundled with GT Player Express, a guitar effects processor, which I wasnt too entusiastic about, too much feedback, as well as hum. It also came bundled with Ableton Live 4 Lite, which I cannot say enough good things about, although it will take some time to figure out all the functions, and by then you can decided if an upgrade option is needed, right now I fine with the Lite version. I dont use midi funtions, which is the bench mark of Live 4, so you'll have to figure that out on your own. Again only 1X1 inputs, so if you need more look to purchase M-Audio with 2 mic, 2 guitar/line inputs...it isnt that much more expensive, only $135, which I am considering purchasing.
Quality:
Again, great sound quality. Built fairly well, but only time will tell. So far I have no reason to worry about the quality of the product. I have heard good things about M-Audio products, so I will worry when I need to.
Manufacturer Support:
I have had to use their website once...I went through the knowledge base, but the subjects were somewhat confusing, so I just ended up calling the place I purchased the product from and resolved the issue (clipping). Other than that I havent had any issues which I needed customer service for. I would recommend that if you have a problem, try talking to the person/store you purchased the product from, i.e. music store. Usually these people will have knowledge of how the product works, and how to get optimal effeciency from the product.
Value:
Great value, period!
The Wow Factor:
I threw out my playboy magazines once I brought this puppy home....right....Please tell me how on earth can an audio interface have "sex appeal"? Maybe I am looking at this question the wrong way....umm..no, no I'm not.
Overall:
For the price ($100), the product is worth every penny, plus some more. This product is simple enough for those just getting their "feet wet" into the multi-track recording world, yet it should satisfy even the most maticulous players, such as myself. If your considering purchasing an M-box, take a look at the M-Audio products. Digidesign does put out good products, but in part, you are paying for the digidesign name, it is reguarded as the "industry standard". But you know what, the "industry standard" just isnt for some people. The M-box does include a superior bundle, such as IK Multimedia, Ableton Live 4 *(which comes with Fast Track), Reason Adapt, Pro Tools LE, and Pro Tools Plug in bundle. Pro Tools is a good program, if you know what you doing. I found Pro Tools very difficult to get around in. On top of that, it consumes a majority of your CPU's processing, it is recommended that it be the only program running. The "free bombs factory plug ins" are at best mediocore. Although, if you get a chance try out waves plug ins. I would have to say that these are some of the best plug ins out there. All in all, M-Audio is fantastic, and is compatible with just about any standalone recording suite, key word here is stand-alone. Pro Tools must be run with a digidesign audio interface. If you have the money and you have the experience, Pro Tools might be for you, but if your like me, and just love music, go with M-Audio.
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