MOTU828 USB-C Audio Interface

MOTU 828

The MOTU 828 is a USB-C audio interface boasting incredibly low latency and a plethora of advanced routing/mixing options too numerous to list in a single description. Like other recent MOTU interfaces, ESS Sabre32 DACs are at the heart of the 828's converter circuitry and boast clean sound with impressive dynamic range. And with 60 simultaneous tracks available to you—28 inputs and 32 outputs—that performance and clarity matters.

With its generous number of I/O channels, the 828 is a dependable workhorse interface. 10 input channels, two of which feature crisp and clean MOTU microphone preamps, ensure you have plenty of room for instruments and outboard gear. Channels one and two even feature dedicated insert loops—ideal for compressors and the like, but can function as additional inputs in a pinch. An abundance of outputs is not only useful for multichannel monitoring setups, but MOTU interfaces feature DC-coupled outputs that may be used to send control voltages to modular synthesizers.

The new 828 employs the latest in USB technology to bring incredible transfer speeds and, crucially, low latency. Speaking of latency, the 828's robust mixing functionality allows you to monitor channels directly from the interface—before they hit the converters and travel into your DAW. With the free CueMix 5 software, you can go even further with EQ, DSP effects and more, either from your desktop or wirelessly via iPad.

There's also ample room to expand your 828 with other pieces of gear. Use the optical ports to connect ADAT preamps, while MIDI I/O lets your synths get in on the fun, too. All in all, the 828 is a remarkably well-rounded professional audio interface.

828 Features

• High-speed USB-C audio interface
• 28 inputs / 32 outputs
• Vibrant metering and control from front panel display
• Standalone operation lets you program your mixes at the studio and then bring the 828 to your gig with no computer needed
• Compatible with CueMix 5 for macOS, Windows, and iOS
• Two front panel combo jacks provide hi-Z 1/4" guitar input or low-Z XLR mic input with phantom power, pad, and plenty of gain
• Mic/guitar instrument sends - add your favorite outboard EQ, preamp, reverb or other processor to the two mic/guitar inputs, before the signal goes digital
• DC-coupled outputs for multichannel monitoring, outboard gear
• Flexible optical I/O - 16 channels of ADAT lightpipe, 8 channels of SMUX (96kHz) or two pairs of stereo TOSLink
• Connect a MIDI controller and/or sound module with no separate interface needed
• Separate XLR main outs and front-panel headphone jacks, each with independent volume control
• Class-compliant plug-and-play operation with your Mac or iOS device
• Front panel volume control for monitoring - Stereo, Quad, 6.1, 7.1 and user-defined surround monitoring setups available
• Two front-panel headphone jacks with independent volume controls
• International 100-240V, 50-60 Hz auto-switching power supply