Avid has announced the release of M-Audio Fast Track with Pro Tools M-Powered Essential, a combination of hardware and software that Avid says "delivers all the studio-quality features and tools needed to create professional-sounding recordings right out of the box". Building on the success of the M-Audio Fast Track USB recording interface, the Fast Track with Pro Tools M-Powered Essential is claimed to be "the easiest way to record audio on a PC or Mac".

M-Audio Fast Track
The Fast Track interface has been completely redesigned to provide improved usability and "lend a sleek new look to any desktop". Simply connect the unit to any computer via its USB 2.0 connection and use the upgraded preamps to capture any audio source in better than CD quality sound. Customers can record guitar and vocals at the same time, without any latency, and capture performances without the distraction of hearing delayed playback through headphone monitors. Additionally, they can use the onboard +48v phantom power to connect professional condenser microphones and add studio quality sound to any project. Compatible with most popular music recording applications from studio-standard Pro Tools M-Powered and GarageBand, Fast Track provides professional results in a compact, portable package.

Pro Tools M-Powered Essential
Pro Tools M-Powered Essential is a recording application for Windows or Mac OS X computers based on the full Pro Tools software platform. Now, customers can take advantage of the power of Pro Tools at home, recording songs and audio projects on 16 available tracks and polishing their mixes with effects like reverb, delay and more. Audio recordings can be enhanced with instruments like drums, piano and more by using the included Structure Essential virtual instrument which offers a comprehensive library of instrument sounds and 3GB of audio loops.

Pricing and Availability

Fast Track with Pro Tools essentials is available in September 2009 and carries a US MSRP of $149.99.