MOTU 828mk3 Reviews

[brandondrury]

MOTU 828mk3 @ Musiciansfriend



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MOTU 828mk3 Description
The 828mk3 is MOTU's most advanced FireWire audio interface, raising the bar with innovative features, enhanced standard features that remain unique, superb sound, and reliable performance. It provides 10 channels of pristine, 192kHz analog recording and playback, combined with 16 channels of ADAT digital I/O and stereo S/PDIF. Expand your system by connecting additional MOTU FireWire audio interfaces or the 8 pre mic input expander.

The 828mk3 interface is equally well-suited for studio and stage, with or without a computer. As an interface or standalone mixer, it provides 28 separate inputs and 30 separate outputs, including dedicated main outs on XLRs and two front panel headphone outs. This means you can connect all of your studio equipment - microphones, guitars, synths, keyboards, drum machines, and even effects processors. Record, monitor, route, and process all of these live inputs using the professional on-board CueMix FX digital mixer with no latency and no processor strain on your computer. Apply hardware DSP-driven compression, EQ, and reverb to every input and output, independent of your host computer. When recording from the mic/guitar inputs, the 828mk3's signal overload protection gives you an extra 12dB of headroom above zero with no digital clipping or harsh artifacts.

When you're done programming the on-board mixing in the studio, you can unplug the MOTU unit from your computer and take it on the road for operation as a standalone mixer with effects. All mixing and effects parameters are adjustable using the front panel, backlit LCD.

The 828mk3 FireWire interface provides cross-platform compatibility and will also work with all of your favorite audio software and host-based effects via WDM/ASIO/Core Audio drivers. You can also use the included AudioDesk workstation software for Mac giving you 24-bit recording/editing and 32-bit mixing/processing/mastering.

[rltime]

Are there 64 bit drivers developed for 828mk3 for Vista or xp pro? Thanks

[Rapick]

Yes they are.

[Rapick]

Quality: 9
I got my MOTU a couple of months ago. I really like the appearance, the quality of components and the sound quality. I had some problem with MIDI driver for 32 bit Windows XP. I was frustrated and try to buy different intefrace. I tried couple in the pricerange from $350 to $700 but didn't like it at all. The quality of connectors, movement of knobs, etc. I prefered to buy extra MIDI interface and keep MOTU for audio. Great sound, great EQ and reverb. I was recording voice right from the MOTU and was able to use it without applying additional effects.
What I would like to have in addition:
- global mute on Mic/Guitar inputs (nobody else does it anyway)
- MIDI thru

Reliability: 8
As I said, when I bought it I had a problem with MIDI interface. The notes were hanging. The MOTU support sucks! It is impossible to get support over the phone (line is buisy all the time).I sent my question through techlink, but it took more then two weeks to get first reply. I bought separate MIDI interface ($70) and made it work this way. Eventually MOTU updated driver to better support 32 bit Windows XP and issue was resolved. I don't have any other problem.

Overall Rating: 9
You can not find any other interface costing less then $1,000 with better sound quality. Considering all the discounts and coupons that you now can get, you can buy this interface for ~$650-$700. This is really good deal.

[sandyeric]

Hey Rapick,
In one email you say that the the Motu is up to running on 64 bit then in the next email on the Forum you have problems with the midi on the 32 bit system.
So far I haven't had any luck with Presonus & the update they gave for 64 bit! I'm not sure I would trust ANY interface product out there for any 64 bit use until you have actually tried it!

I think the jury is still out on the 64 bit interfaces. If I'm wrong I would like the people using 64 bit (SONAR 8 and Vista 64 bit on Core i7) to include their equipment list for comparisons sake.