Fast Track Ultra USB 2.0 Review

I paid just a little over $280 for this audio interface, and that is a really good price. This machine:
-is USB 2.0
-has 4 inputs in the front for an XLR cable or 1/4" jack (mic and guitar)
-supplies phantom power (essential if you use a condenser microphone)
-has really good quality pre-amps
-has two separate inputs for the headphones (which you can control separately, if you want)

Also, it comes with a version of Ableton Live Lite.

In general, it is easy to install (I use Windows XP) and to operate.

The control panel is not particularly useful if you use Ableton, since you can control everything from Ableton.
By the way, the only glitch I encountered was that the control panel did not open properly, so I called support and they told me it is a problem they are trying to fix. If you encounter the same problem, it can be resolved this way:
Start > Run > type 'regedit' > scroll down on the left of the window until you find 'M-Audio' > open 'MAUSBFTUCpl' > delete 'MAUSBFTUCpl'.

P.S. I had to contact the support after I switched to a new laptop running Windows 7, and I must say their online customer support is simply awful. I think they are awful on purpose, so one will call their phone support. In fact, after the first 30 after purchase, all calls to customer support are $2.50/minute. Ridiculous.

Then open Control Panel > double click on M-Audio Fast Track Ultra, and the control panel will open just fine.

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Product Description:
The Fast Track Ultra 8 x 8 audio/MIDI interface takes M-Audio's acclaimed mobile recording line to the next level with high-speed USB 2.0 connectivity MX Core DSP mixer and four preamps with award-winning Octane technology. Featuring both analog and digital I/O it allows recording on all eight channels simultaneously with pristine 24-bit/96kHz fidelity--while M-Audio's mature low-latency drivers ensure rock-solid stability and performance. The on-board MX Core DSP mixer processes eight hardware inputs and eight software returns to the eight hardware outputs delivering flexible routing and monitoring with delay and reverb. Compatible with most major audio software Fast Track Ultra lets you record the way you wan--?in the studio or on the go.

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Small Diaphragm Condenser Mic Review

I own other Audio Technica products in my home studio and thats why I considered adding a new one to suit my needs. If you are looking for a small diaphragm cardioid condenser mic look no further. This little mic is superb!
Ive never had better captures of my acoustic guitar.

This mic is intended to record acoustic instruments like strings, piano, choral groups, brass instruments even drums.

Dont get fooled by its size this is a real monster.

As with any condenser mic this requires phantom power be sure your audio card, recording interface /mixer has it or else buy a mic preamp or a phantom power supply.

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Product Description:
The PRO37 has established itself as a versatile solution for studio recording and live performace. With a low mass element for superb transient response and a low-profile design, this mic excels in high SPL apllications.

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Samson C02 Stereo Pair Condenser Microphones Review

I can't bring myself to be super-critical of the Samson C02, because in spite of my occasional dissatisfaction it does have a lot going for it. I've had my pair for about a year, and I use them frequently as overheads on the drum kit, on acoustic guitar, and as "room sound" mics for vocals.

For the latter two applications they are totally adequate and I have no complaints. Unfortunately as overheads they have been a little disappointing, and this is what I primarily wanted to use them for. I think I'm not hearing enough sonic detail, and when there are lots of "things" going on that is important to me. I don't have the technical vocabulary to really articulate what I mean, but to my ears the sound is a little thin and lacks the presence and clarity that I want to hear in drums, especially cymbals. I guess when it comes to overheads I still haven't found what I'm looking for. The bad news is that the $400-$700 price bracket is apparently where I have to look next.

And maybe this the real reason it's hard for me to say a lot of nasty things about my Samson CO2s. They are so, so cheap for what you get. My griping aside, they do work "well enough" as overheads that I (usually) don't cringe when I play back the drums. In other applications, such as acoustic guitar, I actually prefer using one of these to a large-diaphragm condenser or a dynamic mic (like an SM-57). I would definitely recommend them to beginning engineers, people on a recession budget, or to anyone looking to keep a couple budget mics on hand. Nitpicky, OCD engineers, like I am apparently turning into, might want to save up for something a little nicer.

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Product Description:
Samson C02 Condenser mics let you capture and record all the ambience and dynamic depth of acoustic guitars, piano, overhead drums, acoustic instruments, and vocals - in stereo!C02 microphones can be used either individually or in pairs for stereo recordings, neck and sound hole placement for miking acoustic guitars, and low/high octave placement in acoustic pianos.The C02 is an extremely sensitive cardioid condenser (10mv/pa) with an expanded frequency response of 40Hz to 20kHz and a maximum SPL of 134dB. What's all this mean? It means that the C02 delivers professional performance at an incredible price and will make a dramatic difference in every recording. C02s are shipped in pairs with shock mounts and a molded, foam-lined carrying case. 48volt phantom power required.

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