Motu 828

28 x 32 USB3 audio interface for Mac, Windows and iOS with mixing and effects.

Audio performance
Outstanding analog sound quality

The renowned ESS Sabre32™ DAC technology delivers a dynamic range of 125 dB and extremely low harmonic distortion. The analog performance is the result of decades of experience and expertise in audio interface technology.

USB-C

Universal connectivity for Mac, PC and iOS

Easily connect the Motu 828 to your Mac, PC or iOS device via USB 3 (5 Gbps, USB 2 compatible), with support for up to 60 audio channels (28 in, 32 out). Class-compliant firmware allows plug-and-play on Mac and iOS without the need to install drivers. Industry-standard high-performance drivers ensure compatibility with virtually any audio app. You can connect directly to your iPad™ via USB-C or via a standard camera adapter (Lightning).

Connectivity
60 simultaneous audio channels

Connect all your studio gear – microphones, guitars, synths, keyboards, drum machines, outboard processors, MIDI equipment, optical extensions – even a footswitch. All 28 inputs and 32 outputs are available simultaneously.

High-Performance Driver
Ultra-low latency performance

Optimized drivers of the motu 828 for both Mac and PC ensure exceptionally low latency. Combined with a powerful DAW such as Digital Performer, the 828 delivers a stunning round-trip latency (RTL) of about 2 ms via USB (2 or 3) at 96 kHz with a 32-sample host buffer.

Microphone inputs
Transparent mic channels and hi-Z guitar inputs

Capture your recordings in their purest form with a -113 dB THD+N, 115 dB dynamic range and an EIN of -129 dBu. Each microphone input features individual preamp gain, pad, 48V phantom power and remote control via your computer or iOS device. Each combo jack can also be used as a 1/4″ hi-Z TS guitar input for DI tracking and re-amping.

Hi-Z Guitar Inputs
DIY re-amping of guitars

Connect your guitar to the front panel of the motu 828 , use CueMix with virtually no latency to send the signal to an output (possibly via a re-amp adapter), and record both the dry signal and the sound from your amp at the same time. Later you can re-amp the dry signal with different amps, cabinets or plug-ins – without having to reconnect cables.

Inserts on channel 1-2
Additional line inputs when needed

Do you work with compressors or other outboard gear? Each mic input of the Motu 828 has a separate analog send/return loop, allowing you to apply mono or stereo outboard processing via fully balanced connections. Is nothing connected to the mic input? Then the return acts as an additional line input with the same signal quality as the other line inputs.

Monitor Group
Manage up to ten analog outputs

Control your 5.1 or 7.1 surround system with one fader. The Monitor Group lets you flexibly choose which analog outputs to control.

Control Room
A/B speaker selection and talkback

Take full control of your recording session with the front-panel talkback button. Connect two sets of monitors and compare your mixes directly via the front-panel A/B selection buttons.

CueMix™ 5
Monitor mixing with effects

CueMix 5 for Mac, Windows and iOS offers an intuitive, graphical interface for mix management. Includes graphical equalizer editing, digital trim settings and a touch-friendly layout on iOS for quick access to all mix functions.

Loopback and livestreaming

The 828’s loopback channels make it easy to send your computer’s sound back to the computer, where you can mix it with live microphones or guitar signals from the 828 for live streaming or podcasting.

Optical I/O and expansion

Two optical banks provide 16 ADAT channels at 48 kHz, 8 S/MUX channels at 96 kHz, and optional stereo TOSLink up to 96 kHz. Expand your Motu 828 with additional gear or use it as an optical expander.

S/PDIF digital I/O

Standard RCA S/PDIF inputs and outputs make stereo digital transfers easy, with support for external clock signals and sample rates up to 96 kHz. Choose freely which source you send to the S/PDIF output.

DC-coupled TRS outputs

All analog outputs of the motu 828 are DC-coupled. This means that you can use the 828 to drive modular synthesizers from your DAW with control voltage (CV).

Technical Specifications MOTU 828