Avid just announced the new Fast Track Solo and Fast Track Duo audio interfaces. I have talked much of the venerable Fast Track audio interface. It’s an affordable ($99.99) good quality microphone preamplifier/converter that plugs into your computer via USB. It has one microphone input, which is sufficient for voice-over home studios, as well as most music recording. I have recorded many an album entirely with a single input. It’s best for singer/songwriter stuff where you don’t need to record an entire band at the same time.
Well Avid just announced (in 2013) its brand new versions of both the Fast Track and the Fast Track Pro (the 2-mic input version, which was discontinued in 2012). They are the Fast Track Solo and Fast Track Duo.
Not only do both interface units sport the same compact and portable, high-quality preamps with mic and instrument inputs as their predecessors. They also come with Pro Tools Express. But get this: They now support the iPad!
Yup. You can plug this interface unit into either your computer via the standard USB connection, but also into your iPad, where it is compatible with any iOS recording apps. The specs say that it will work with iPad 2 or later, as well as iPad mini. And it appears that the connector is the 30-pin type. I base this on the statement on the Avid site: “ iPad (4th generation) and iPad mini require a Lightning to 30-pin Adapter (sold separately),” that the Fast Track uses the 30-pin connector, as opposed to the Lightning connector that is on the iPad 3 and 4 (now called the “iPad With Retina Display”). Though to me, the “tablet” outlet on the back (see pic on right) doesn’t look like a 30-pin iPad connector. As of 2017, I believe the iPad connector is a lightning type connector. But even if it isn’t, the adapters are easy to come by at just about any electronics store, including Best Buy and Target.
The new Solo and Duo are not universally available – at least not from online retailers like B&H or Sweetwater – as of this writing (April 20th, 2013) ARE available (as of Apr 29th)! You can get them from Amazon:
 |
 |
I’ll do a review of this new interface as soon as there is one within my reach. Watch this space.
Cheers!
Thanks for the heads up on these Ken, the iPad compatibility is going to be huge with these!
Rich.
You’re welcome, Rich!
hi
can i use just ipad without any computer?
Yes. You can. But there are mics and interface units that are specifically designed for iPads. It would be best to use one of those.
Ken
now what kind of connection is that?
does not seem an official usb connection?
i got the interface, but not the cable to connect my ipad!
Any help on this?
thank you for any help
rainer
It is official. From the manual – “When using Fast Track Duo with an iPad, you will need to power Fast Track Duo using the USB power adapter that was included with your iPad (or with a USB power adapter purchased separately).” As of 2017, I believe the iPad connector is a lightning type connector. But even if it isn’t, the adapters are easy to come by at just about any electronics store, including Best Buy and Target. Either way, you wont’ need one of those special “camera adapter kits.” This is straight iOS connectivity. Hope that helps.
Cheers,
Ken