M-Audio M-Track Duo - audio interface

M-Audio, with remarkable consistency, names its next products M-Track. The latest generation of these interfaces entices with exceptionally low price, Crystal preamps and bundled software.

It's hard to imagine, but a full 2x2 audio interface like the M-Track Duo is now cheaper than some guitar cables! Either the world has risen to the brink, or there is some secret in this device that is difficult to comprehend. Luckily, neither. A simple explanation for the low price is the use of a codec that also supports USB transfer. So, we have an analog-to-digital, digital-to-analog converter and a processor that controls their work in the form of a single integrated circuit, which in this case is the Burr Brown PCM2900. However, versatility, in addition to the convenience and low price of the entire solution, is associated with certain limitations.

Bits 16

The first is the use of the USB 1.1 protocol, a derivative of this state of affairs is 16-bit conversion with sampling up to 48 kHz. This results in a dynamic range that does not exceed 89 dB in analog-to-digital mode, and 93 dB in digital-to-analog mode. This is at least 10 dB less than most commonly used 24-bit solutions today.

However, if we assume that the device will be used only for recording in a home studio, then 16-bit recording will not be a serious limitation for us. After all, the average level of noise, interference and various kinds of ambient sounds, even in a quiet cabin, is approximately 40 dB SPL. Of the total 120 decibel dynamic range of human sound, only 80 dB is available to us. The microphone and preamplifier will add at least 30 dB of their own noise, so that the actual dynamic range of the recorded useful signal is on average 50-60 dB.

So why is 24-bit computing used? For more headroom and performance in a much quieter professional studio environment with less noisy high quality microphones and superior sound shaping preamps. However, there are at least a few reasons why 16-bit recording in a home studio will not be an obstacle to getting a satisfactory sounding recording.

design

Microphone preamps are carefully designed designs with a transistor input and voltage gain implemented by an op-amp. On the other hand, the line inputs have a separate amplification path, and the guitar inputs have a FET buffer. The line outputs are electronically balanced and buffered, while the headphone output has a separate amplifier. All this creates an image of a simple but thoughtful interface with two universal inputs, two line outputs and a headphone output. In hardware monitoring mode, we can only switch between listening sessions from within the DAW software; from mono inputs (both audible on both channels) and DAW; and in stereo (one left, one right) and DAW. However, you cannot mix the proportions of the input signal and the background signal.

Regardless of the monitoring settings, the inputs are sent to USB and are visible in DAW programs as a two-channel USB Audio Codec port. The combo inputs default to mic mode when an XLR plug is connected, while turning on a 6,3mm TS or TRS plug activates line or instrument mode, depending on the switch setting.

The entire body of the interface is made of plastic, and the potentiometers are located in conical recesses. Their rubberized covers make handling much easier. The input jacks are firmly attached to the panel, and the output jacks do not tend to wobble excessively. All switches operate smoothly and reliably. The LEDs on the front panel signal the presence and distortion of the input signal and the activation of the phantom voltage common to both inputs.

The device is powered by the USB port. We connect them to Mac computers without the need to install drivers, and in the case of Windows, ASIO drivers can be downloaded from the manufacturer's website.

On practice

There is no power-on indication on the interface, but this can be checked by momentarily activating phantom voltage for the inputs. The adjustment range of the microphone input sensitivity is approximately 55 dB. Optimal control of a DAW track with a typical voice-over condenser microphone signal can be obtained by setting the gain to approximately 75% of the adjustment range. In the case of electric guitars, it will be, depending on the instrument, from 10 to 50%. The line input has a sensitivity 10 dB lower than that of the microphone input. The level of distortion and noise at the output is -16 dB typical for 93-bit interfaces, so everything is as it should be in this regard.

A certain problem may arise when listening to a signal from the microphone inputs - in headphones, regardless of the settings, it will always be missed. This is a fairly common problem with most cheap audio interfaces, so I wouldn't fuss about it, though it certainly won't make your job any easier.

Mic preamps have a sharp jump in sensitivity towards the end of the control range, and Gain knobs swing too much - this is another beauty of cheaper solutions. The headphone output is the same signal as the line outputs, only we can adjust their levels independently.

Available software bundle includes 20 Avid plug-ins, Xpand!2 virtual sound module and Eleven Lite guitar amp emulation plug-in.

Summation

M-Track Duo is a functional, efficient and extremely low cost interface that allows you to record microphones and electric and electronic instruments in your home studio. There are no fireworks or exceptional technological solutions, but everything that allows you to complete the task with the least effort. First, we can use XLR, TRS and TS connectors, which is not so obvious in this price range. There are enough productive preamplifiers, a fairly productive headphone amplifier and the ability to connect active monitors without any adapters and vias.

Limitation in more advanced applications will be 16-bit conversion resolution and average quality control of the signal from the microphone inputs. You may have doubts about the stability of the gain controls, and you should definitely avoid setting them all the way up during active listening. However, these are not disadvantages that other products, even much more expensive ones, would be completely free from.

There is no doubt that in the form of M-Track Duo we have one of the cheapest 2x2 audio interfaces on the market, the functionality of which will not in the least limit the development of its user talent or ability to produce music. in a home studio.