For many years, M-Audio has lead the charge as the music industry’s leading manufacturer for quality equipment on a budget. Early this week, the company announced a brand new interface to its line-up that holds up to that standard. The M-Audio M-Track 8X4M is an 8-input, 4-output USB/MIDI desktop recording interface, and an affordable all-in-one central hub for recording in a home studio or location recording setup. It is equipped enough to handle a substantial amount of incoming and outgoing signal at modestly high sample rates while simultaneously lightweight enough to port with you to your next project.
Specifications
The M-Track 8X4M contains 8 inputs: 1-4 are equipped for either balanced XLR or balanced 1/4″ TRS cables, just as you might see on, for instance, a Focusrite Scarlett interface. Inputs 5-6 are equipped for unbalanced 1/4″ TS cables. On the face, just below all 6 of these inputs are a gain control and a grid of 4 LED indicators (green, green, orange, red) to indicate the signal level in real time and let you know if your signal has clipped. Phantom power may also be applied to either input groups 1-2 or 3-4.
Inputs 7 and 8 are fixed, balanced 1/4″ TRS inputs with no gain control and one LED indicator each to monitor your input levels. Both of these inputs are also phantom power un-equippable.
The M-Audio M-Track 8X4M comes with 2 sets of stereo outputs as well, with 1-2 set as the default or “mains”. Each set of stereo outputs can also be assigned via a simple switch to either of the two equipped headphone outputs at the front of the unit as well.
Finally, the M-Track 8X4M comes standard with a small monitoring section, featuring a monitor switch at the top left corner of the face, and a big knob volume control front and center.
Pricing
As mentioned before, M-Audio is known for its low priced equipment. While not available directly through the company, starting on October 30th you can find and pick up your own M-Track 8X4M at your local M-Audio dealer store, or order online through the Guitar Center website for the price of just $299.
