Using standard PCI cards, typical in the CPUs of any ordinary computer, is no longer a problem when it comes to recording and handling your music. Some time ago, getting hold of an interface that avoided latency and other problems was more complicated and expensive. Today, even the simplest tools come perfectly equipped and at genuinely affordable prices. Our guest today is an interface with two inputs and four outputs that doubles as an interface and a control surface. Good design and something more than the basic features.
"Fast Track C400 leverages technology from higher-end products to deliver the best-sounding line of M-Audio interfaces, paying attention to the small details (from the shortest possible signal paths to audiophile-grade preamps, superior converters and other high-end components) to ensure the sound stays true to the source."
There are three concepts we should highlight in this unit. First, the two-in-one integration: audio/MIDI interface (via USB 2.0) and control surface. This feature lets us enjoy all the advantages of an interface without delays or latency, and it also helps us handle some basic parameters without a mouse. Physical touch under our fingers always speeds up the "routine" actions of recording and mixing.
A
s a control surface, it lets us control parameters such as master volume, the gain of each mic preamp (there are two), headphone volume, phantom power, input pads, output selection via push button/switch, and help in configuring headphone monitoring. It also has an LED meter that shows us the "meat" of the signal.
The second thing worth highlighting is that it has four outputs. That's not very common in an interface at this price and with these features. What is it good for? We can connect two pairs of monitors and listen to our mixes on one or the other, switching back and forth freely. This gives us more confidence in what we're hearing, since we'll know how the work sounds on different types of monitors, eliminating harshness or overly pronounced colorations (mids, lows, highs, wild tracks with peaks, etc.). The unit has two push buttons on its front panel that let us quickly switch from outputs 1-2 (first pair of monitors) to 3-4. (Four mono outputs, two stereo, as you would expect.)
The third difference compared with other products on the market is the ability to use effects in the headphone mix, but not through our plug-ins. What we use is the interface's own power, without taxing or slowing down our computer with monitoring plug-ins. It frees up RAM for other processes in the job.
Making sure the performer hears himself well and feels comfortable while tracking is essential for getting a good take. So if we can give him a good headphone mix, we'll have effects and volume independent of the headphones and can build a better monitor mix. The result: a better final take.
About its resolution and connectivity
It offers impeccable 24-bit/96 kHz audio fidelity, ensuring crisp, faithful recordings. It also has a 2-in/4-out design for capturing and playing back different sound sources.
On the rear panel we find the USB 2.0 port, MIDI in and out, digital outputs (S/PDIF), four female jack outputs (1/4" TRS) and two mic or line inputs that accept XLR or jack connectors (1/4" TRS).
The lower front section offers two instrument inputs (jack format, 1/4" TRS) for quick connection when recording and, of course, the corresponding stereo headphone output.
Software included in the package
There are two discs. The first contains the installation drivers for both Mac and PC. We went through the process: a guided, quick, simple, trouble-free and efficient installation.
The second DVD contains the little brother of the Pro Tools family. It is Pro Tools SE, below its M-Powered version, which came out (if I remember correctly) in September 2010 as the entry-level version. It's the little one, yes... but it's not small.
The included Pro Tools® SE software makes it easy to create elaborate productions with 24 audio and instrument tracks and more than 100 virtual instruments, plus EQ, reverb and other effects. You can also upgrade to Pro Tools MP (sold separately) for more tracks, effects and content. Visit www.avid.com for more information.
Once you're immersed in your new Pro Tools system and getting familiar with it, the possibilities for expansion and growth are almost endless, moving through various versions of the software that add ever more complete tools, all the way up to the mighty Pro Tools 10. Perhaps a bit complex if you're just getting started right now.
As for interfaces, the upward ladder follows the same path. From this C400, great for getting into your personal studio simply and completely, up to the more elaborate offerings from M-Audio and finally AVID, you'll come across countless alternatives until you reach the heights with their most professional products.
Workflow and compatibility with various DAW software
The new Fast Track C400 redefines the role of the audio interface in the creative process. Thanks to its reassignable transport controls and an assignable Multi button, you can capture every creative idea on the fly, performing all the important tasks without touching the mouse. For example, press the Multi button once to start recording, a second time to stop and return to where you started, and a third time to start another take. Imagine the possibilities of programming any sequence of up to eight steps (for any program that accepts ASCII key commands) or using the handy workflow presets for Pro Tools, Cubase, Logic, Live and Reason.
Conclusions
We can conclude, and we do, that this is a product backed by the AVID seal. In other words: good design, well thought out and sufficiently tested by its development departments before going to market. This makes for a reliable product that doesn't freeze or do "weird" things.
Its price is in line with its looks, ergonomics and attractive functionality. As I said at the start, it isn't your typical basic interface. The on-the-fly capture features, the improved headphone monitoring, the hardware buttons for the most common actions and, above all, the ability to listen to your mixes on several pairs of monitors make it a superior product compared with simpler offerings.
Pro Tools software, MIDI/audio hardware and a small control surface. If you have a computer (preferably not a prehistoric one) and a pair of monitors (at least), you don't need anything else to get your studio up and running.
