As fans of the old M-Audio Fast Track as an entry-level interface for the home user (it has since moved under the Avid brand as the Avid Fast Track Solo), we’ve tried several of the other M-Audio interfaces over the years. One that became a bit of a staple in our small video production room was the M-Audio M-Track, a great 2-channel USB interface (which has also updated to the MKII). While the company has toyed with a few variations of the M-Track formula in the past, they seem to be going all-in this year.
At the winter NAMM show, M-Audio announced a whole range of new M-Track interfaces, from the M-Track Solo (2×2)…to the USB-C wired M-Track 84 (8×4)…to the M-Track 1212 (12/12). The team at M-Audio really do seem to be trying to appeal to a wide range of users, and we’re looking forward to getting our hands on one or two of them in the future. That studio could use an upgrade 😉
Here is the full press release from M-Audio:
M-AUDIO RAISES RECORDING QUALITY AND CONVENIENCE TO NEW HEIGHTS WITH LATEST M-TRACK AUDIO INTERFACE SERIES
Family of five devices makes it simple for composers and musicians of any level to participate in the world of computer-based recording with an intuitive, easy-to-use interface.
Ash Vale, UK (January 21, 2016)— M-Audio (m-audio.com), synonymous with innovative music production technology, today announced the introduction of their latest versions of their renowned M- Track audio recording/monitoring interfaces. The M-Track family gives composers and musicians of any level the ability to participate in the world of computer-based recording with an intuitive, easy-to- use interface.
There are five models in the family. The first four models have full 24-bit studio-quality audio performance, along with a pro-grade rugged all-metal chassis, high-headroom pre-amps and class- leading audio performance on the inputs. The top model—the M-Track 1212 12-in/12 Out USB-C High Speed Audio Interface—boasts 32-bit 192kHz studio-quality audio, significantly raising the performance bar for elite audio interfaces. All models feature a striking, modern industrial design with large central control for simple, ergonomic operation.
Details on each model:
M-Track Hub
USB Monitoring Interface with Built-In 3-Port Hub
- Studio-quality audio with 24-bit resolution on playback
- (2)Balanced1⁄4”main outputs with dedicated large metal level control
- Powers three separate USB MIDI devices
- Headphone out with independent level control
M-Track Solo
24/192 USB-C High Speed 2×2 Audio Interface
- 24bit/192kHz resolution for professional recording and monitoring
- (1) Dedicated XLR/TRS combo input and(1) dedicated instrument input — perfect for solo artists
- USB-C high-speed audio interface (compatible w/ USB-A) with zero-latency monitoring with USB/Direct Balance control
- Headphone out with independent level control
- Included software
- AIR Creative Collection FX (20 World Class FX AU/VST plugins as made famous by Pro Tools®)
- Ableton Live Lite
- AIR Strike
- AIR Xpand!2
- AIR Mini Grand
M-Track 22
24/192 USB-C High Speed 2×2 Audio Interface
- 24bit/192kHz resolution for professional recording and monitoring
- Switch between (2) XLR/TRS combo inputs or (2) instrument inputs on the fly with auto sensing front and real panel jacks
- 5-pin MIDI Input/output for connecting all external MIDI gear
- USB-C high-speed audio interface (compatible w/USB-A) with zero-latency monitoring with USB/Direct Balance control
- Included software
- AIR Creative Collection FX (20 World Class FX AU/VST plugins as made famous by Pro Tools)
- Ableton Live Lite
- AIR Strike
- AIR Xpand!2
- AIR Mini Grand
M-Track 84
24/192 USB-C High Speed 8×4 Audio Interface
- 24bit/192kHz resolution for professional recording and monitoring
- (4) XLR/TRS combo inputs, (2) instrument inputs, with dedicated pre-amps for maximum recording control
- (2) 1⁄4” Headphone outputs with independent source select switches (1/2 or 3/4) and level controls for recording 2 musicians with 2 separate mixes
- USB-C high-speed audio interface (compatible w/USB-A) with zero-latency monitoring with USB/Direct balance control
- Included software
- AIR Creative Collection FX (20 World Class FX AU/VST plugins as made famous by Pro Tools)
- Ableton Live Lite
- AIR Strike
- AIR Xpand!2
- AIR Mini Grand
M-Track 1212
32/192 12-in/12 Out USB-C High Speed Audio Interface
- 32-bit 192kHz studio-quality audio, raises the performance bar for elite audio interfaces
- Switch between (2) XLR/TRS combo inputs or (2) instrument inputs on the fly
- Fully expand your recording session with the smallest footprint with the (2) included DB25 8-channel TRS connectors for connecting 8 line-level inputs and outputs
- Control Panel application built from the ground up for engineers and producers creating mix groups, and routing sub mixes
- Included software
- AIR Creative Collection FX (20 World Class FX AU/VST plugins as made famous by Pro Tools)
- Ableton Live Lite
- AIR Strike
- AIR Xpand!2
- AIR Mini Grand
“We are extremely enthusiastic about these latest M-Track audio interfaces,” said J.C. Sutherland, M- Audio Product Manager. “Their full-featured specifications and no-compromise performance guarantees that musicians and recording engineers of every level will enjoy immediate, impressive results that bring a new dimension of sophistication and depth to their productions.”
MSRPs for the M-Track Audio Interfaces will be as follows:
M-Track Hub £49.99
M-Track Solo £84.99
M-Track 22 £99.99
M-Track 84 £209.99
M-Track 1212 £279.99
They will all be available during Q2 2016
Find out more at M-Audio.com.
