M-Audio today made several announcements at the Summer NAMM conference, including Fast Track Pro mobile 4x4 audio/MIDI interface (pictured at right), the ProKeys 88 premium stage piano; shipment of delivers the same quality as M-Audio's acclaimed audio interfaces, including up to 24-bit/96kHz PCM. The unit can record via balanced 1/4" line inputs or built-in high-fidelity microphone preamps complete with phantom power for studio-quality microphones. Balanced 1/4" TRS line inputs also make it easy to take a feed directly from a studio or club mixer, while S/PDIF input provides for recording the output of digital mixers and performing transfers from other digital recording/storage devices. Monitoring is also provided via the 1/8" stereo headphone jack or RCA line outs.

MicroTrack 24/96 is powered via long-life lithium-ion batteries that provide for approximately eight hours on a single charge (or about three hours with phantom power engaged). The battery recharges by simply connecting MicroTrack 24/96 to a PC or Mac via USB, or using an optional power supply. The MicroTrack 24/96 is expected to ship in late summer for $500.

Fast Track Pro

M-Audio today launched its new Fast Track Pro mobile audio/MIDI interface, which delivers up to 24-bit/96kHz mobile or desktop operation, with I/O routing controlled via the host application or M-Audio's software control panel. The 4x4 interface features preamps along with two mic/instrument preamps on front-panel Neutrik connectors (XLR/1/4" TRS)--each with gain control, signal/clip LEDs, pads and ¼" TRS inserts for external processing. The front panel also presents a master volume control and ¼" stereo headphone output with dedicated volume control.

M-Audio said that Fast Track Pro also features near zero-latency direct hardware monitoring with mono button and input/playback mix control. Users can also record while monitoring software effects via low-latency ASIO software monitoring. Fast Track Pro can be powered via its USB bus connection or can be connected via the optional AC power supply for use with a hub or as a standalone DI box.

The unit is compatible with WDM, ASIO 2, and Core Audio with class-compliancy for Mac OS X 10.3.9 or higher. Fast Track Pro ships with Ableton Live Lite 4 realtime production software and GT Player Express virtual guitar rig software. Fast Track Pro is due in August for $300.

ProSessions Producer Series

M-Audio's new ProSessions Producer series of professional instrument libraries are co-produced by Sonic Implants and are available in EXS24, HALion, Kontakt, MachFive and Reason formats. ProSessions Producer is a comprehensive library of ensembles, professional performances and recordings that are designed for maximum playability and realism. The initial launch of the ProSessions Producer series includes five titles: Orchestral Strings ($120), Orchestral Brass ($120), Heavy Guitars ($100), Electric Bass Vol. 1—Rock ($100), and Afro-Cuban Percussion ($100). The ProSessions Producer series will ship in September.

Professional 24-bit loop and sample libraries

ProSessions 24 is distinguished from both the original ProSessions line and other industry titles by two factors, according to the company: the content is created in collaboration with major recording artists and producers, and all titles are recorded in 24-bit audio for high fidelity. The new line includes five titles, including Mike Garson Signature Piano, Antonio Dilillo Signature Electro Patterns Vol 1, Jimmy Chamberlin Signature Drums Vol. 1, Antonio Dilillo Signature Electro Patterns Vol 1, and Bunker 8 Beyond Foley Vol. 1—Inorganic & Vol. 2—Organic. The initial ProSessions 24 titles are expected to ship in August for $50 each.

"Our new ProSessions 24 line raises the standard for sample and loop libraries," says Adam Castillo, marketing director at M-Audio. "Seasoned talents like Jimmy Chamberlin, Mike Garson, Antonio Dilillo, and Bunker 8 deliver an entirely new level of quality in sound content. Going the extra mile with 24-bit sampling truly does justice to the quality of both the performances and recording. And our decision to keep the price the same as the original line reflects our ongoing commitment to providing top-quality tools at affordable prices."

ProKeys 88 Premium Stage Piano

The ProKeys 88 premium stage piano delivers many unique features including extremely realistic piano and other instrument sounds, hammer-action keyboard with MIDI controller functionality, sostenuto pedal input, three velocity layers with cross-fade support, a full USB MIDI interface, performance controls, on-board effects, and more.

The ProKeys 88 piano's full-range 88-key clavier features weighted hammer action to deliver an authentic playing experience in conjunction with 64-voice polyphony. It features three velocity curves tailored to different touches, as well as a fixed velocity for synth work. The keyboard also features split and layer capabilities and dedicated volume sliders (master, layer and split components. Adding to the ProKeys 88 piano's playability and realism is a sostenuto pedal input that complements the standard sustain pedal, according to M-Audio.

The ProKeys 88 is expected to ship in August 2005 for $750.

TimewARP 2600 Virtual Analog Synthesizer

M-Audio has released Way Out Ware's TimewARP 2600 virtual emulation of the classic ARP 2600 analog synthesizer. TimewARP 2600 replicates virtually every detail of this "venerable instrument popularized by music pioneers such as The Who's Pete Townsend, Weather Report's Joe Zawinul, Stevie Wonder and Edgar Winter, while adding features that make it invaluable in today's personal and commercial studios."

Endorsed by the creator of the original instrument, the synth reproduces the original's monophonic operation as well as offers polyphony of up to eight voices. Users can assign all TimewARP 2600 parameters to any MIDI controllers on an unlimited basis—including multiple parameters per controller. Options are also provided to invert the keyboard polarity and set custom range limits for any parameter.

TimewARP 2600 integrates with most popular host applications on Mac and PC via RTAS, VST and Audio Units implementation. It also functions in standalone mode for use with a controller live or in the studio. It runs on Mac OS X 10.3 or later and will ship in September for $250.