User manual M-AUDIO FTPRO

[. . . ] FAST TRACK PRO 4 x 4 Mobile USB Audio/MIDI Interface with Preamps User Guide English Table of Contents English . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 . . 2 1 Introduction 2 What's in the Box . 3 Fast Track Pro Features . 4 Minimum System Requirements Operating Systems . 14 English Fast Track Pro User Guide Thank you for choosing the M-Audio Fast Track Pro. The Fast Track Pro has been designed to give you a professional, portable audio and MIDI interface for your Windows or Macintosh laptop or desktop computer. [. . . ] These inserts are only active when a connector is inserted, and are otherwise bypassed. The TRS jack is configured as follows: Tip=Send; Ring=Return; Sleeve=Ground. 6 > Hardware Connections < Connect the Fast Track Pro's Balanced Outputs 1 and 2 to your amplifier, powered monitors or mixer. < Connect your outboard effects units or dynamic processors to the Fast Track Pro's Insert 1 and Insert 2 jacks, using an insert- configured Y-cable (balanced TRS-to-dual 1/4-inch mono). < Connect your S/PDIF digital equipment (DAT or CD recorder, etc. ) to the Fast Track Pro's S/PDIF digital in and out connectors. (NOTE: the S/PDIF output is only active when Outputs 3 and 4 are activated in the control panel. ) < Connect your headphones to the Fast Track Pro's front-panel headphone output. < Connect a microphone (using XLR or TRS/TS connector) or instrument (using TRS/TS connector only) such as an electric guitar or bass to the front-panel Mic/Inst input channels 1 and 2. If connecting a 1/4" connector, make sure the Inst/Line button is set to the correct input level. < Connect your MIDI device's MIDI output to the Fast Track Pro's MIDI input. < Connect your MIDI device's MIDI input to the Fast Track Pro's MIDI output. 5 English 7 > The Software Control Panel This section will explain the features of the Fast Track Pro's Control Panel. Bandwidth Tab Fig 7. 01 ­ Windows Control Panel ­ Bandwidth Tab Fig 7. 02 ­ Mac Control Panel ­ Bandwidth Tab 6 Fast Track Pro User Guide Open the Control Panel by clicking on the Fast Track Pro icon in the Windows Control Panel. On the Mac, click on the Fast Track Pro icon in the System Preferences pane. In most digital audio applications, you may also access the Control Panel via the program. In Windows, the Control Panel shows three tabs: Bandwidth, Latency and About. Descriptions of the functions within each tab are detailed in this section. Channels In this field, you can activate and deactivate input and output channels. Based on the number and configuration of channels selected, the Maximum Sample Rate will change to reflect the maximum sample rate available at the selected setting. Sample Depth In this field you can choose between 16-bit or 24-bit operation. Based on the setting you choose, the Maximum Sample Rate field will change to reflect the maximum sample rate available at the selected setting. Maximum Sample Rate This field will change to reflect the maximum sample rate available, based on the sample depth selected in the Sample Depth section, and the number of inputs and outputs selected in the Channels section. Note that the Maximum Sample Rate field is a display-only field. Configurations At 16-bit operation, the Fast Track Pro operates as a four-in, four-out device at a maximum sample rate of 48kHz, with analog and digital inputs available: < Analog Input 1 & 2 and S/PDIF input < Analog Output 1 & 2 (available on both TRS and unbalanced Outputs 1 and 2) < S/PDIF Output (mirrored at unbalanced Outputs 3 and 4) At 24-bit operation, the Fast Track Pro operates as a two-in, four-out device or a four-in, two-out device at a maximum sample rate of 48kHz, with analog OR digital inputs available: < Analog In 1 and 2 or S/PDIF < Analog Out 1 & 2 (available on both TRS and unbalanced Outputs 1 and 2) < S/PDIF Out (mirrored at unbalanced Outputs 3 and 4) Or < Analog in 1 and 2 < S/PDIF In 1and 2 < Outputs 1 and 2 or 3 and 4 At 24-bit operation, the Fast Track Pro can also operate as a two-in or two-out device at sample rates of 88. 2 and 96kHz. Analog or S/PDIF can be selected for input or output. 7 English Latency Tab (Windows XP only) Fig 7. 03 ­ Windows Control Panel ­ Latency Tab Latency In this field, you can regulate the latency you wish to work with. (Latency is defined as the time it takes for your input signal to pass through your audio software and appear at the outputs). The slider settings 80 through 2048 represent varying degrees of latency, with 2048 being the longest and 80 the shortest. A shorter latency time is achieved by utilizing a smaller buffer size, while increasing the buffer size creates a longer latency time. Shorter latency is always more desirable, but working with smaller buffer sizes may make some slower systems unstable. This setting may adequately 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 larger buffer size by selecting a higher latency setting. 8 Fast Track Pro User Guide Fig 7. 04 ­ Windows Control Panel ­ About Tab Fig 7. 05 ­ Mac Control Panel ­ About Tab This field contains information on your hardware, current firmware and driver software versions. This information may be helpful if you ever have to update the driver software or need to call for technical support. Clicking the links will connect you directly to our website if you are currently online. 9 English About Page 8 > Using the Fast Track Pro The following sections address a number of real-life situations that you may encounter while using your Fast Track Pro. Also check the M-Audio website from time to time for additional tutorials or FAQs. Setting Up Your Recording Levels Using the Mic/Inst Inputs Connect your microphone, instrument or line level source to the Fast Track Pro's front panel Mic/Inst inputs. [. . . ] Although it is theoretically possible to chain many multiple USB devices in series, doing so has the potential to degrade your audio performance. Generally, USB devices do not suffer from the IRQ conflicts often encountered with PCI cards on Windows PCs. If you are having trouble getting audio in or out of your Fast Track Pro, please check the following: If you have no sound: > Check to see if the Fast Track Pro drivers are properly installed. < In Windows XP, go to the Control Panel and double-click the System icon (under Performance and Maintenance if you are in Category view). < Select the Hardware tab and click the Device Manager button. < Click the plus sign ("+") next to Sound, Video and Game Controllers, and locate the Fast Track Pro listing. [. . . ]