Description
The M-Audio M-Track Duo is a compact and highly-affordable USB audio interface designed for musicians, podcasters, and content creators who are just starting out. It provides an easy-to-use, plug-and-play solution for recording high-quality audio directly to a computer or mobile device.
The “HD” and “USB-C” suffixes in some product descriptions refer to a slightly updated or bundled version. The core features of the M-Track Duo remain the same, but the newer models typically have a USB-C port for connectivity and sometimes come with an enhanced software bundle.
Key Features and Highlights:
- Compact and Portable Design: The M-Track Duo has a small, lightweight form factor, making it ideal for home studio setups where space is limited, or for on-the-go recording. It is bus-powered, meaning it draws power directly from the USB port, so you don’t need a separate power adapter.
- Crystal Preamps: The interface is equipped with two of M-Audio’s “Crystal Preamps.” These preamps are designed to provide a transparent and low-noise signal, ensuring that you capture your audio with clarity. They offer a respectable amount of gain for most microphones, and the combo inputs allow you to plug in microphones (via XLR) or instruments (via 1/4″ jack).
- 48V Phantom Power: The M-Track Duo includes switchable 48V phantom power, which is essential for powering studio condenser microphones. This allows you to use a wide range of professional microphones for vocal and instrument recording.
- 24-bit/48 kHz Audio Resolution: The interface records at a resolution of 24-bit/48 kHz, which is the standard for professional audio recording and provides a higher level of detail and dynamic range than CD quality.
- Zero-Latency Monitoring: A crucial feature for recording, the M-Track Duo has a “Direct” monitor switch. This allows you to listen to your input signal directly from the interface, before it goes to the computer and back. This eliminates any distracting delay or latency that can occur when recording.
- Headphone and Main Outputs: The interface has a dedicated 1/4″ headphone output with its own volume control, as well as two 1/4″ main outputs for connecting to studio monitors.
- Software Suite: M-Audio provides a comprehensive software bundle with the M-Track Duo, which adds significant value. This typically includes:
- DAWs: Pro Tools | First M-Audio Edition and MPC Beats.
- Plugins & Virtual Instruments: A variety of plugins and virtual instruments from AIR Music Tech, like Xpand!2, and an amp simulator from Eleven Lite.
