June 24 - 12:30am EDT   M-Audio on Monday unveiled the Fast Track Ultra 8R 8x8 MIDI USB 2.0 interface, offering users an MX Core DSP mixer, and eight Octane-powered preamps. The device can transmit audio at 24-bit/96kHz resolution across USB 2.0, giving users access to low-noise, high-gain pre-amplification for drum kits or ensembles. Fast Track Ultra 8R features +48V phantom power, signal/peak indicator lights, and a pull-out gain knob that activates a 20dB pad for high recording volumes. [full story]

March 12 - 6:30pm EDT   M-Audio today unveiled two new portable digital pianos, as well as a rack-mountable 8 x 8 audio MIDI interface. The Fast Track Ultra 8R features an MX Core DSP mixer and eight Octane-enabled preamps, and delivers connectivity through a single USB 2.0 connector. M-Audio advertises that the Ultra 8R low-noise, high-gain preamplification, and near-zero latency. M-Audio is selling the Fast Track Ultra 8R for $650, and will be available during the second quarter. [full story]

December 1 - 3:25pm EST   M-Audio has released Pro Tools M-Powered 7.4, adding a number of new music features and workflow enhancements, including a new music composition and production tool, Elastic Time. Elastic Time allows users to change the tempo and timing of loops, music, and other sound files, without cutting up the tracks. Users can audition or import sounds into a session – including REX and Acid files – and the files will automatically sync to the tempo. Elastic Time can also quantize audio to the session grid or extracted grooves, providing fine-tuning control over every beat. M-Audio is currently selling the Pro Tools M-Powered 7.4 upgrade for $50 from v7.3, and $75 for all other ... [full story]

November 28 - 7:40pm EST   M-Audio today unveiled the MicroTrack II, a handheld 24/96 digital audio recorder. The device records to CompactFlash cards and Microdrives, providing 48V of phantom power to condenser microphones so that musicians can make use of the device while writing songs, playing practice sessions, and gigs. The MicroTrack II records in 24-bit/96KHz format, and can take signals from the quarter-inch TRS inputs, or the S/PDIF input, with sound monitoring available through the RCA or eighth-inch headphone jack. M-Audio is selling the MicroTrack II for $400, which includes an electret T-shaped microphone, software, a carrying pouch, an eighth-inch stereo extension cable with lapel ... [full story]

November 28 - 11:25am EST   Hardware and software maker M-Audio is preparing a new audio interface, the Fast Track Ultra. The unit is an 8x8 device with MIDI support, and connects to a Mac or PC via USB 2.0; six analog inputs and outputs are provided, along with a two-channel S/PDIF I/O. The Ultra can actually be used as a 16x8 device however, due in part to an eight-core DSP processor, which also minimizes latency and allows effects such as reverb. Four preamps boost the signal, and audio is streamed to a computer in 24 bits at 96kHz. [full story]