MOTU 828 (2024)

MOTU has earned a strong reputation for crafting high-quality interfaces and converters, particularly in the mid-to-high price range – and the MOTU 828 (2024) lives up to this legacy. Powered by ESS Sabre32 DAC technology, this USB audio interface ensures an exceptional dynamic range and extremely low levels of harmonic distortion while minimising background noise. Designed in a compact 19" rack format (1U), it offers universal connectivity for Mac, PC, and iOS devices via its USB 3.1 port (compatible with USB 2), supporting up to 60 audio channels simultaneously (28 inputs and 32 outputs). With optimised drivers for Mac and PC, it achieves an ultra-low round-trip latency of around two milliseconds at a sampling rate of 96kHz and a 32-sample host buffer, making direct monitoring unnecessary in most scenarios.

When it comes to studio cabling, the MOTU 828 boasts exceptional versatility, offering a wide range of connections for microphones, guitars, synthesizers, keyboards, drum machines, external processors, MIDI devices, and more. Two combined microphone and Hi-Z guitar inputs on the front enable precise recording with a THD+N of -114dB and a dynamic range of 120dB. Each microphone channel features individual pre-amplification, pad switches, 48V phantom power, and remote control via computer or iOS device. Additionally, the combo sockets provide 6.3mm jack inputs for DI tracking and guitar reamping. The inclusion of a footswitch input allows for hands-free recording control, while two independent headphone outputs, with separate volume control, ensure flexible monitoring.

The MOTU 828 is designed for professional musicians, sound engineers, and music producers with high standards in terms of audio quality and versatility in the studio. The interface is tailored not only for Mac and PC users but also for those who work with iOS. The downloadable CueMix 5 app allows precise monitoring with effects and offers user-friendly graphical control across different platforms. When connected to a computer with WiFi, the interface can be wirelessly controlled via CueMix 5 on mobile devices, in addition to which the interface's analogue inputs and outputs are effectively shielded against RF interference, hum, and other environmental factors, ensuring uninterrupted studio operation at all times.

The MOTU 828 opens up a wide range of creative audio recording applications, including high-quality microphone and guitar recording, DIY guitar reamping, the integration of external devices for channel processing, and flexible monitoring with up to ten analogue outputs. Thanks to its loopback channels, the computer signal can be conveniently routed back to the computer for live streaming or podcasting and mixed with live microphones or guitar inputs. What is more, the optical ADAT connections provide expansion options for up to 16 channels. MIDI Thru simplifies the connection of MIDI devices without the need for a separate MIDI interface, and the level views on the display can also be customised depending on the inputs and outputs that are currently being used in the workflow.