6
User Guide
Fast Track
7
Hardware Connections and Setup
Begin by connecting Fast Track to your computer via a USB cable, according to the installation instructions in
the printed Fast Track Quick Start Guide.
Recording Microphones
If you are using a microphone that requires phantom power, activate the Phantom Power switch
(14)
after
the microphone has been connected to the Microphone Input
(2)
. Then follow the instructions for setting
recording levels in the section titled "Using Fast Track" later on this page. In your recording software,
select the Fast Track Microphone Input as the input source for a mono track. You can select the
Microphone Input in your recording software by selecting the first (left) input of Fast Track.
NOTE: If the Guitar Input is not being used, turn the Guitar Gain knob (9) fully counter-clockwise to
maintain the best possible signal-to-noise ratio.
Recording Instruments
Connect an electric guitar, bass, or other instrument to the Guitar Input using a standard 1/4
"
instrument
cable. Then follow the instructions for setting recording levels in the section titled "Using Fast Track" later
on this page. In your recording software, select the Fast Track Guitar Input as the input source for a mono
track. You can select the Guitar Input in your recording software by selecting the second (right) input of
Fast Track.
NOTE: If the Microphone Input is not being used, turn the Mic Gain knob (8) fully counter-clockwise
to maintain the best possible signal-to-noise ratio.
Adjusting the Output Level
Connect the Line Outputs
(12)
to a mixer, amplifier or powered monitors. Connect headphones to the
Headphone Output
(6)
. The volume of the Line Outputs and the Headphone Output are both controlled
by the Output knob
(10)
. Remember that the back-panel Line Outputs are disabled when headphones
are connected.
8 Using Fast Track
Setting Your Recording Levels
To set the gain levels for the Microphone Input
(2)
or Guitar Input
(4)
, begin by turning the Gain knob
(8, 9)
for that channel fully counter-clockwise. While the sound source is playing at its loudest levels, slowly turn
the knob clockwise until the red LED of the Signal/Clip Indicator
(3)
begins to illuminate. Then, turn the
knob counter-clockwise until the Signal/Clip Indicator no longer illuminates red. At this point, you should be
ready to record with the optimum gain setting.
Setting the Sample Rate and Bit Depth of your Session
Fast Track can operate at two sampling rates (44.1 or 48kHz) and two different bit depths (16 or 24-bit) in
order to accommodate a variety of projects. It is recommended that you decide on a sample rate and bit
depth for your project before you begin recording to maximize fidelity and avoid potentially time consuming
format conversions.
If you are unsure about what settings to use, the following general guidelines should help you decide on a
format:
Music Projects:
If your final mix is intended to be played back on a CD player, portable media player (such as an MP3
player), or other "music" device, it is recommended that you work at 24-bit resolution with a sampling
rate of 44.1kHz. Note that the final output file will have to be at 16-bit resolution for playback on a CD
player (as well as some audio player applications).
