M-Audio ProFire 2626 High-Definition 26-in/26-out FireWire Audio Interface with Octane Preamp Technology Review

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(More customer reviews)A few months ago, i decided to update my MOTU 828 mkii firewire interface with something that has better DAC converters, so i did some research and i decided to purchase the M-Audio Profire 2626.
When i plugged this unit in my studio and listened to it, i was taken by the clarity of the DACs, i also did some testing of the preamp mics, and they are clean sounding and uncolored.
So, I thought i had a great deal.. a 192/24 firewire 8x8 interface for around $500. Unfortunately, as i started using the unit more and more in my studio, i realized the many problems m-audio has been infamous for: bad drivers and unreliable software.
1-The biggest problem with the unit is that the latest ASIO M-Audio 2626 Windows XP drivers will blue screen some XP workstations when changing the audio resolution from 96k back to 48k or 44k in a DAW or some other program that uses the unit's driver. There is a thread in the M-Audio's forum about this, and quite a few people are experiencing this problem. As of January 10th 2010, the problem is still unresolved.
The funniest and saddest thing of all, is that when i use the free ASIO4ALL drivers with the Profire-2626, they do not crash Windows when switching audio resolutions. This should tell you how bad M-Audio drivers are.
2-The marketing literature for the M-Audio is basically incorrect and will lead you to believe the digital mixer offers true mixing flexibility (like MOTU's CueMix software) of all inputs and outputs.. which is FALSE. You can use the digital mixer's faders to control the analog inputs coming into the unit, ONLY if the inputs are connected to the preamps via XLR plugs.. if you use TRS 1/4" jacks to connect to inputs 3-8, the signal bypasses the mic preamps and cannot be controlled in the digital mixer. How stupid is that?
I had to go out and order 1/4" to XLR adapters to connect some of my synths to be able to control their input in the digital mixer
My older MOTU 828 mkii unit never had this inconvenience...
3-Want to use the 2626 inputs and outputs to send digital signals from your DAW to an analog box and back into your DAW?
Good Luck.. it took me a while to figure out how to do it (nevermind i used to do this in the MOTU 828 mkii all the time) and then i wasn't able to monitor the return signals without listening to the return signal mixed with the send signal!
Yep.. you can't monitor return signals without going through the mixer unless you are using the XLR inputs.. because if you use the TRS inputs you cannot control or mute the signal!!
2010-02 UPDATE
4-About 10 months ago, a user in the m-audio forums discovered that the Profire 610 and the Profire 2626 are not sample accurate when recording. What does this mean? it means if you want to record a band playing together, the tracks are going to be out of sync with each other, and you will need to synchronize them by hand in your DAW.
M-Audio confirmed this was a problem with their drivers, but after 10 months of waiting a fix hasn't been released yet.
All this problems with M-audio's unreliable and poorly written software have lead me to eventually replace this unit with something that offers better software and hardware quality, like the RME fireface 800.. the thing stopping me is the price.. the RME Fireface goes for about twice the price of the Profire 2626.. and for a good reason.
The experience with the profire 2626 has taught me a lesson: Don't buy another M-Audio product ever again.
But, don't just take my word for it.. point your browser to M-audio's profire forums and you will see all the problems users are having with this unit..


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Building on a legacy of award-winning FireWire audio interfaces, the M-Audio ProFire 2626 brings next-generation performance to your PC or Mac host-based recording system. This powerful interface delivers 26 x 26 simultaneous I/O, complete with an onboard DSP mixer sourced from up to 52 audio streams. It features every kind of connection you needincluding award-winning Octane preamp technology on all eight analog inputs, ADAT, S/PDIF, word clock and MIDI. Critically acclaimed JetPLL jitter elimination technology ensures pristine audio quality and reliable synchronization all the way up to high-definition 24-bit/192kHz resolution. In addition, ProFire 2626 offers easy FireWire connectivity, extremely low latency, dual headphone outputs, front-panel instrument inputs and standalone operation. ProFire 2626 is compatible with most major audio software, including Pro Tools M-Powered.* * Compatible with Pro Tools M-Powered 7.4 with downloadable update. Please visit m-audio.com for update availability. 96kHz and 18 x 18 I/O maximum with Pro Tools M-Powered.

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Shure PGDMK6-XLR 6 Drum Mic Bundle Review

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(More customer reviews)I recently purchased this set of microphones and all I have to say is... I love them!! Definitely a very good buy!

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Connective Dj System Review

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(More customer reviews)I looked at reviews for these systems, bought this one based on price and features, comes with a ton of built in features. I am an old school vinyl purist, but to play digital tracks one must do what one must do. Played a big party with it last night and had a lot of background noise picked up on the left table, did not affect playback surprisingly. I would say if this system was crap and it is not. Worth double the price and I still have not explored all of the features. Used on laptop w/ Vista, 4 gig ram, 5400rpm hard drive and not any problems.. I am going to a 7200 rpm hard drive shortly (for space and speed)to see if it makes a difference.

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Torq Conectiv--including the revolutionary Torq DJ software and Conectiv bus-powered 4 x 4 USB audio interface--is the breakthrough hardware/software system designed for DJs who perform and produce tracks with a laptop. Torq Conectiv delivers high-fidelity audio, all the right kinds of I/O (including dual phono preamps), and the ability to mix, beat-match and cue digital files with ease. Use it as a completely digital solution or process your vinyl and CDs on the fly.
You can also create a hybrid digital/vinyl DJ rig with specially encoded Torq Control CDs and Torq Control Vinyl disks (both included). Torq supports popular file formats such as MP3, WAV, WMA and AAC files and is configured to automatically work with Conectiv right out of the box. And unlike most digital DJ systems, the Conectiv interface works with other third-party software as well.

Start Spinning Tonight Torq Conectiv instantly turns any compatible Mac or PC into a powerful DJ rig--no configuration issues or prep work. That's because M-Audio's SynchroScience design group created the included Torq software and Conectiv interface to work seamlessly together right from the start. Just plug in your Conectiv interface, fire up Torq, and get down to business.
The Best of All Worlds Torq gives you everything you need to DJ in a single, easy-to-use workspace. Torq includes an integrated two-channel mixer with three-band EQs, level controls, headphone cueing and a crossfader, just like a traditional DJ setup. Then the power of digital DJing kicks in. The program has two virtual decks where you can load, cue and mix digital files--including MP3, AIFF, WAV, WMA and AAC--and it will even automatically beat-match the files the instant you load them. Torq also organizes all of your digital files into an easily searchable database, letting you pull up the perfect track or change up your set in an instant. You can even access your entire iTunes library through Torq, so you can truly have all of your music at your fingertips.
Conectiv The Conectiv USB interface delivers world-class M-Audio technology, outfitting your digital DJ rig with two pairs of RCA stereo inputs and outputs, microphone input and phono preamps. Two large knobs allow you to seamlessly mix between the incoming audio from a turntable or CD player and the output of a connected Mac or PC. Conectiv also includes standard DJ cueing capabilities, so you can listen to any track in your headphones before sending it out to the house system. And with a maximum output level of +2dBV, Conectiv gives you enough volume to go toe-to-toe with any DJ hardware on the market.
Universal Compatibility While Torq and Conectiv are designed to work seamlessly together, Conectiv is also compatible with any Mac or PC software using CoreAudio and ASIO drivers--delivering low-latency performance as a recording interface for DAWs like Ableton Live, Logic, Cubase, Digital Performer and more. Of course, it's also compatible with Pro Tools M-Powered 7.3 or later as your entrance into the world of industry-standard recording.
The Ultimate DJ Effects Unit Torq supports the vast world of third-party VST effects plug-ins and allows you to create recallable snapshots of your favorite EQ, effect and mixer settings. You even get 10 exciting built-in effects right out of the box. Beyond using these effects on your digital files, you can use Torq Conectiv to turn a laptop into the most versatile DJ effects unit ever conceived for your vinyl and CDs. Imagine the possibilities of stacking multiple distortion, EQ, reverb, chorus or bit reduction effects and using the knobs on Conectiv to blend the dry and processed signals.
Live Remix Machine With Torq, you're never limited to just basic beat-matching and crossfading between tracks. With a 16-cell, tempo-synced sampler, easy looping capabilities and multiple cue points, you can chop up a song--on the fly--and reorder, remix and extend any section you want, all while staying perfectly in time. The QuickScratch feature even lets you instantly scratch with any two loaded samples. With the option of adding multiple effects, you can turn a song into a completely original piece of music and even record it on the spot with the integrated performance recorder. And for the DAW-savvy DJ, you can route the output of Torq to any ReWire-compatible host application like Pro Tools M-Powered 7.3 or later and share synchronization information between the programs.
Take Control Torq lets you work the way you want to work. Rather than limiting you to DJing with just a mouse, Torq can also be controlled via keyboard or MIDI controller--like the X-Session Pro or Oxygen 8 v2. And with a compatible audio interface like the M-Audio Conectiv and M-Audio's specially encoded Torq Control CDs or Torq Control Vinyl disks (both included), you can control digital files loaded in Torq with the feel of a traditional DJ setup. Torq includes multiple operating modes that can make playback behave like a traditional turntable or a DJ CD player--and there is even a hybrid mode that blends the strengths of both vinyl and CD-style control.
What's in the Box Torq DJ Software, Conectiv USB Audio Interface, Two Torq Control Vinyl Disks, Two Torq Control CDs

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M-Audio Fast Track Ultra 8R Review

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(More customer reviews)Both this and the Presonus FireStudio are quite awesome audio interfaces. Never heard a pop and static is phenomenally low. It is built like a TANK and I'm sure it could withstand a beating. Preamps work great. The only downside, and I mean the only bad thing about this interface is that MIDI requires a breakout cable. Not a big deal but it's just something you could lose easily. I definitely recommend getting this. It really is great.

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M-Audio Fast Track Ultra High-speed 8 x 8 USB 2.0 Interface Review

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(More customer reviews)I've been using the Fast Track Ultra for about a month now.
System:
Gateway MC7801U Laptop
Pentium Duo 2 core 2Ghz T5800
4G RAM
Vista 64 Home Premium
Sonar 8 Producer 64 bit
I almost returned the product initially because it was locking up my laptop. After some persistent searching, I found a message buried on the MAudio website that fixed the problem:
[The high-performance mode can be a bit tricky on some systems and what you are seeing is not a surprise. High-performance mode basically misuses the host computer CPU clock. On typical PC systems this allows the driver to increase the performance of the USB bus. On computers that are already tweaked for high performance or have high performance graphics cards or the like, this mode can !!!!cripple the operating system. It works best with older PCs!!!...]
AHA! I had enabled "high-performance mode" and that appears to have been he cause of the system lockup.
After uninstalling / reinstalling the driver AND LEAVING "high-performance mode" OFF, the unit has been performing flawlessly. I have enough confidence in it now that I will shortly be placing it into service in live performance for a weekly contemporary worship service.
It would be beneficial if MAudio would update their documentation - or even provide a pop up confirmation / warning when the high-performance mode is enabled - to advise users of the dangers of "high-performance mode".
1 star deducted for not documenting this "feature".

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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 want--in the studio or on the go.

High-speed USB 2.0 Technology The next generation of mobile recording interfaces has arrived--the Fast Track Ultra features high-speed USB 2.0 technology for advanced performance. Like FireWire, USB 2.0 delivers the bandwidth for 24-bit/96kHz audio resolution throughout the recording and monitoring process. The increased data speed lets you enjoy exceptional fidelity on all of your inputs and outputs simultaneously.
Built-in Effects Processing Tired of tracking vocals and instruments dry? Fast Track Ultra features MX Core DSP technology that gives you reverb and delay on the headphone outputs with separate sends for every channel. Adding effects is an easy way to inspire creativity and infuse a performance with new energy--without taxing your CPU resources.
Make the Connection Fast Track Ultra provides a complete recording solution, with six channels of analog inputs and outputs plus 2-channel digital S/PDIF I/O. Unlike most USB interfaces, it features two dedicated inserts on the first two channels, giving you the ability to insert outboard processing before A/D conversion. Easy connection via a single USB 2.0 cable delivers both audio and MIDI communication with your computer. Compatibility with most major audio software, means seamless integration into any studio setup.
MX Core DSP Technology for Sophisticated Channel Routing The Fast Track Ultra makes it easy to create multiple monitor mixes when recording other musicians. The robust MX Core mixer employs an array of eight individual DSP cores to deliver near-zero latency and a matrix for sophisticated channel routing options--accessible via an intuitive control panel that utilizes a separate mixer for each pair of outputs. The mixer expands the total I/O to an impressive 16 x 8 configuration, allowing you to connect synths and outboard gear to any of the interface's hardware inputs, then mix them with the eight audio streams coming from your computer.
Professional Octane Preamp Technology The quality of your recordings is only as good as the initial signal. The Fast Track Ultra features four preamps with multi-award-winning M-Audio Octane technology, creating a premium front end that delivers amazing audio clarity. You get professional, low-noise, high-gain preamplification with enough channels for a variety of miking applications. Features include +48V phantom power for condenser mics, signal/peak LED indicator lights and a pull-out gain knob that activates a 20dB pad for recording at high volumes. See why world-class artists choose the M-Audio Octane preamp.
Dual Headphone Amp Whether you usually track vocals or an ensemble, you're likely to need multiple headphone mixes. Fast Track Ultra has two completely independent headphone outputs so you can take advantage of the DSP mixer's powerful routing options and create the right mix for your performers--complete with reverb and delay.
The Perfect Combination Apple's latest MacBook and MacBook Air laptops don't include FireWire connectivity--the latest models are all about USB 2.0. If you want to make music with a MacBook, the Fast Track Ultra high-speed USB 2.0 interface delivers the perfect solution. Whether you're a musician, producer or DJ, the powerful combination of Apple and M-Audio gives you everything you need to put together a high-powered personal studio.
Bundled Software
Ableton Live Lite Ableton Live Lite delivers much of the functionality of Ableton Live--the revolutionary, multi-award winning music production solution that allows you to spontaneously compose, record, remix, improvise and edit your musical ideas in a seamless audio/MIDI environment. Live brings your acoustic, electronic and virtual instruments--as well as your digital audio recordings and MIDI sequences--together in a single interface with unparalleled ease of use.
inTone | Express Bundle Creative Software Applications for M-Audio Hardware Products. Your M-Audio hardware is compatible with a suite of creative applications that enable you to start making music right away. Designed by leading audio effects provider Audiffex, the inTone series provides a broad array of tools--from guitar and bass stomp boxes to virtual mixers and much more. Each software program lets you arrange channel routing and effects in a variety of ways, so you can develop a sound that's truly unique.

What's in the Box M-Audio Fast Track Ultra, Software/Driver CDs, AC Adapter, USB Cable, User's Manual

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