Others say...

"Interface and Software are a great package"
I wasn't aware when I purchased this that the audio interface came bundled with audio editing software. This I must say is what makes the product. The audio interface is great considering it is the first one I have ever used. Nevertheless, haven't had any problems with it. I also purchased Sony's Acid Music Studio editing software and I don't even use it because I like the friendly user interface on the M-Audio's Software.

"Not bad for the price."
I am using this with a Pentium 1.7 GHz PC with Windows XP and SP-2. It installed easy enough, grabbed the latest drivers off the M-Audio website. Have to agree with others in that the documentation is not the greatest. Once I figured out to use an RCA to phono converter and plug it into the sound card then select the Fast Track as default playback and Sound recording device I was in business. Added bonus is that I can play along with the songs I want to record from I-Tunes and make sure I have the parts right. Get a decent set of headphones and plug them into the unit, makes a big difference with the sound quality. I really like the Session software; the last time I did any recording I had a Teac 4 track reel to reel and an 8 channel mixer, so this is definitely a step up for me. May not sound completely professional, but what do you want for the price.

"For consumer grade item, not bad at all..."
I've been using this for a while now under both Mac and Windows. Setup on the Mac was dead simple, but I never did figure out how to manually set the latency in OSX. The latency in GarageBand can get a little rough when you add some effects, but that's likely more to do with my processor (a G4 PowerBook) than the interface. But overall I don't even remember setting it up on my laptop, which is probably a good sign.

On Windows I didn't have too many problems once I got the Vista drivers. I've been using CakeWalk Music Maker 4, and once you get the right audio setting in the application (which can be a bit of a pain, but again not M-Audio's fault) you're set. Though I will say that disconnecting the USB cord while the sound card is busy is the one time I've managed a blue screen in Vista! But that's not entirely unreasonable. As far as latency goes, I've got a fast enough processor that if I set the latency on the Fast Track to the minimum (this can be set through the control panel in Windows) I get no perceivable latency. Oh, and if you're not using the ASIO drivers, that's probably part of your problem.

I've been using the 1/4" jack with little problem...I have to up the input levels in my application (which is a pain in GarageBand, easier in Cakewalk) but as long as I stay away from the monitor and fluorescent lights I don't really get any considerable noise. I may try the XLR route anyway, though.

This is a perfectly serviceable item for somebody just looking to do some casual recording on the PC, or in place of an amp when traveling (also allows for a wide array of amp/effect combinations without buying hardware). If you're looking to do anything even semi-serious (such as recording multiple instruments, or record actual tracks with a band) you might want to spend a little more. But for "personal" use thing thing's great...better than anything else I've seen or sampled in the same price range.

Also I've noticed that a large number of the negative reviews seem to have more to do with setup problems (or incompatibility problems) than the actual quality of the product. Like I said, I don't even remember setting it up on a Mac and on Windows (Vista) it was relatively simple. Provided you're moderately competent with computers you should have little trouble.

"no session given"
i haven't opened the box because they haven't even sent me the session software package.this is not what i ordered. i am waiting to hear from them , hoping i will get what i ordered.

"Vista Users Beware!"
I purchased this item today from Best Buy and was not sure if it would be compatible with Vista (it says min reqs are Win XP SP1) but after conversing with the Geeksquad guys, they said there was a driver download for Vista on the website. So I splurged and got it. Boy was I wrong. I got home excited to try out my new toy. I started to install all the drivers and software, only to have it take quite some time. The install programs drained my RAM to 0 (which I have yet to do with any program on this computer) and took a long time. I finally got everything installed or so it seemed. I then opened Session only to have it crash and go unresponsive. I probably restarted/logged off at least 8 times because the I couldn't even end the process. After playing with compatibility options I got it to stay open for a while and I played around with the loops. When i tried to export the file it froze again. (Note: All other programs run fine on my computer. Photoshop CS3, Sony Soundforge, etc.) I never could get anything through the input (mic or guitar). And the output sound from the card was terrible. Very scratchy and of poor quality.

The downlow is: If you have XP this is a good buy. My friend has it and I love the program and have played with it at his house. Vista users beware.