Pro Tools Express 10 supports 16 mono or stereo audio tracks, eight instrument tracks and eight auxiliary input tracks.
On the face of it this doesn't seem to be a huge or expensive drawback, but users may run into trouble on laptops with two USB ports, since the Duo requires a second USB port for the iLok authentication system! Adding a powered USB hub really impacts upon the portable capabilities of such a device, and as such it is a real shame that MIDI couldn't be included to make this box more of a 'one-stop' solution. No MIDI I/O is included, giving the unit a similar feature set to that of the simpler M Boxes. The two line inputs and outputs utilise balanced TRS jacks. A dedicated 'Tablet' port is provided, via which the Duo can connect with an iPad (2 or later). On the rear panel is a Kensington lock socket, a global phantom power switch and USB connection. Finally, there are two LEDs on the far right-hand side to indicate USB power and phantom power being present. There is no input/output mix control or even the option to switch between mono and stereo direct monitoring modes - capabilities that are often found on units of this size. Direct monitoring is controlled with a single on/off toggle switch. This feature compares favourably with rival interfaces of this size, which tend to have a single instrument input, or jack sockets on combination connectors that toggle between line and instrument level.Īt the rear of the Fast Track Duo we find the phantom power switch, tablet connection and USB ports, and, all on quarter-inch jack sockets, stereo inputs and outputs.On the right-hand side of the front panel, there are main output and headphone level controls, with a 6.3mm socket for the latter. This is incredibly handy if you wish to leave a line-level device such as a synthesizer permanently plugged in without the need for constant re-plugging. A switch is provided for each input to select between the combination connector on the front and a dedicated line input on the rear of the unit. A simple monitoring facility is provided, with a green LED representing a signal being present at the input and a red LED indicating overloading. Each input has a simple gain control that provides some 48dB of amplification to a microphone signal with no pad or high-pass filter present. On the front panel there are two combination XLR/jack inputs for connecting either a mic or a direct-injection guitar or bass. There are large, tough rubber strips on the base of the unit to keep it stable on a work surface. This is a relatively minor quibble, though, as the action is firm enough to avoid the switch being moved in error. Switches and pots feel both positive and hardy, although the phantom power toggle switch does seem to jut out a fair way.
There are no bright colours here and it almost seems like there is a transfer missing from the front panel. Out of the box the ABS case seems very robust and well weighted, if a little industrial looking. Avid's Pro Tools Express version 10 is included as part of the package, so this interface represents a good prospect for those making their first foray into Pro Tools production in a home studio setting. Whilst its M Box counterparts are capable of higher sample rates, they lack the iOS functionality of the Fast Track. It sits within Avid's 'consumer' range, above the Fast Track Solo (which has but a single mic input) and below the better-specified M Box and M Box Pro. The Fast Track Duo is a two-in, two-out USB interface with iOS compatibility. With its bundled Pro Tools Express software, Avid's new interface could be just the thing for anyone getting started with music production.