The release of an updated version of the MOTU 828 audio interface became known from the company’s official press release. The presentation of the device will take place at the NAMM 2024 exhibition.
MOTU 828 is an updated version of the professional audio interface released over 20 years ago. The company calls the device a redesign of the original interface with a number of additions and improvements.
The original MOTU 828 was released in the early 2000s and became one of the most popular recording interfaces in professional recording studios. The success of the model was ensured by high-quality converters and preamplifiers, as well as flexible signal routing capabilities.
Like the original model, the updated 828 features a pair of combo mic/line/instrument XLR/TRS inputs linked to ESS Sabre32 Ultra preamps and D/A converters. The general design of the device promises up to 60 channels – 28 input and 32 output.
According to the manufacturer, the interface provides a latency of about 2 milliseconds when working with a signal with a sampling rate of 96 kHz and a buffer size of 32 samples. The device records a signal with a sampling frequency of up to 192 kHz and a bit depth of up to 32 bits.
The harmonic distortion coefficient of the model is −114 dB, the dynamic range is 118 dB. The equivalent noise level of the microphone inputs is −129 dB. When operating in linear mode, the dynamic range of inputs reaches 120 dB, outputs – 125 dB.
To control the signal, the device body contains individual gain controls for each channel, a button to activate phantom power and an attenuator that attenuates the signal by −20 dB. The device also received a phase inversion function and separate inserts for each microphone input. The latter will allow the use of external hardware processing when recording voices. It is noted that inserts can be used as additional line inputs, but only in cases where the microphone inputs do not receive a signal.
A DSP chip is also installed on board the device, which is responsible for the operation of a reverb, four-band equalizer, compressor and other effects. In addition to effects, the chip is responsible for operating a 24-channel digital mixer with support for 8 stereo buses. Signal status information is displayed on a large 3.9-inch color display.
The model is compatible with macOS, Windows and iOS; the device is connected to computers and smartphones via a USB-C connector (USB 3.0). Users can control the interface from a smartphone using CueMix 5 software.
Sales of MOTU 828 will begin in the spring of 2024. The recommended cost of the model is $995. You can get more details about the interface on the official MOTU website .
Technical characteristics of MOTU 828
- Professional studio audio interface with 28 input, 32 output channels, DSP effects and additional options;
- Bright 3.9-inch RGB LCD display for real-time signal status display;
- Preamplifiers and digital-to-analog converters ESS Sabre32 Ultra;
- Ultra-low latency when using MOTU drivers (approx. 2ms at 96kHz and 32 sample buffer);
- 2 high-performance mic/line/instrument/guitar Hi-Z inputs on XLR/TRS connectors;
- Individual preamp control, phantom power, −20 dB attenuator, phase inversion, smartphone remote control and individual mic input inserts;
- Microphone input THD+N: −114 dB, dynamic range: 118 dB, equivalent noise level: −129 dB;
- Mic input inserts can be used as additional line inputs (if mic inputs are not used);
- 24-channel DSP mixer with 8 stereo buses and effects (reverb, equalizer, gate, compressor);
- Control from a smartphone via Wi-Fi and the CueMix 5 application (must be installed on the smartphone and the computer to which the interface is connected, the devices must be on the same local network);
- Network management functions: search and combine multiple devices on the network, password protection;
- Strengthen and attenuate the signal in 1 dB steps;
- Control room functions via the CueMix 5 application or from the interface housing: talkback microphone, selection of A/B monitors;
- Two independent headphone outputs with their own volume control and the ability to feed individual mixes;
- 2 balanced XLR outputs;
- 8 balanced matched analog TRS outputs with 125 dB dynamic range;
- Hardware monitoring for each pair of outputs and headphones;
- 8 balanced analog TRS inputs with a dynamic range of 120 dB;
- 2 banks of optical digital inputs and outputs (16 ADAT channels) with optional stereo TOSLink;
- S/PDIF input and output;
- MIDI IN/OUT/THRU connectors;
- WordClock IN/OUT/THRU connector;
- Input for connecting a footswitch to start recording or other programmable functions;
- Matched TRS outputs can be used to connect modular synths and control them with a DAW;
- Supports recording with sampling rates up to 192 kHz;
- Form factor 1U;
- Connection via USB-C (USB 3.0) and work without the need to install drivers;
- Software loopback for streaming and podcasting;
- The ability to reamp guitars and simultaneously work with the original clean and processed signal;
- Compatible with macOS, Windows, iOS;
- Licenses for MOTU Performer Lite and Ableton Live Lite;
- More than 100 virtual instruments (in MOTU Performer Lite);
- Over 6 GB of loops, samples, one-shots and other content;
- 2 year warranty from the manufacturer.
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