Motu 828 Audio Interface

Full Description

Powerful connectivity for seamless workflows

The Motu 828 offers extensive connectivity, allowing you to integrate your entire studio setup into one streamlined system. With 28 inputs and 32 outputs, this USB3 interface connects seamlessly to Mac, Windows, and iOS devices, making it highly versatile for any recording or performance environment. Thanks to class-compliant firmware, it’s plug-and-play ready on Mac and iOS, eliminating the need for additional drivers. MIDI I/O is also built-in, so you can connect your MIDI gear without a separate interface. A standout feature is the dual optical I/O banks, which support ADAT and S/MUX for up to 16 extra channels, ideal for larger setups and expanding your system as your studio grows.

Superior sound quality with ESS Sabre32 DAC

At the core of the Motu 828’s exceptional audio performance is the ESS Sabre32 DAC, renowned for its high dynamic range and ultra-low distortion. With a dynamic range of 125 dB, your recordings will be clear and true to life, capturing even the subtlest details in your audio. This top-quality DAC technology is coupled with transparent preamps, ensuring that mic inputs retain their natural character without added colouration. The high headroom and -113 dB THD+N performance mean you can record confidently, knowing your audio is well-preserved from input to output, making it an ideal choice for both studio and live applications.

Ultra-low latency for precise performance

One of the Motu 828’s standout features is its ultra-low latency performance, designed to keep your sound perfectly in sync. With optimised drivers, this interface achieves a round trip latency as low as 2 ms, enabling real-time monitoring and playback without delay. This low latency setup is critical for accurate performance in studio environments, especially during multitrack recording sessions. When paired with high-performance DAWs such as Digital Performer, you’ll experience a fluid recording process where each track remains precisely on time, allowing you to stay focused on capturing the perfect take.

Comprehensive control with CueMix 5

With the CueMix 5 app, the Motu 828 offers a user-friendly mixing experience on Mac, Windows, and iOS. CueMix 5 provides graphic mixing control and easy access to key settings like EQ, monitoring, and channel trims. This app allows you to control multiple mixes and monitor configurations remotely from an iPhone or iPad, giving you flexibility across different workflows. You can even set a password for security when connected to a network, ideal for shared studio spaces or live setups. Additionally, the Motu 828 includes A/B speaker selection and a front-panel talkback switch, making it easier to switch between mixes and communicate directly with performers during recording sessions.

Additional features for enhanced flexibility

The Motu 828 is packed with extras that elevate its usability. The dual headphone outputs are independently controllable, allowing different mixes for engineers and performers. Channel 1-2 inserts make outboard processing a breeze, letting you connect compressors or other effects units directly to your mic inputs. A foot switch input can be mapped to trigger functions in your DAW, such as punch-in recording, while DC-coupled outputs allow you to control modular synthesizers via CV signals directly from your DAW. The 828 comes complete with the Performer Lite DAW as well as a suite of over 100 instruments, 6 GB of samples, and a full set of production tools to start creating music right away.

What's Included

• 828 Audio Interface
• CueMix 5
• MOTU Performer Lite
• Ableton Live Lite
• 6GB of loops and sounds from Big Fish Audio, LucidSamples, Loopmasters and MOTU

Features

• 28x32 USB3 audio interface compatible with Mac, Windows, and iOS, featuring built-in mixing and effects
• ESS Sabre32™ DAC for superior analog audio quality with 125 dB dynamic range and minimal distortion
• USB-C connection for universal compatibility with Mac, PC, or iOS; 5 Gbps USB 3 and USB 2 compatibility, supporting 60 audio channels (28 in, 32 out) without drivers needed for Mac and iOS
• 60 simultaneous audio channels to connect multiple devices like mics, guitars, synths, MIDI, and foot pedals
• Ultra-low latency performance ( 2 ms) with optimized drivers for Mac and PC, ideal for professional audio production
• High-quality mic channels with -113 dB THD+N, 115 dB dynamic range, and 48V phantom power; also features hi-Z guitar inputs
• Guitar re-amping with near-zero latency; record dry and amp signals simultaneously for flexible tone options
• Dedicated analog send/return inserts on Channels 1-2 for external gear, plus extra line input when inserts are unused
• Monitor Group allows control of up to 10 analog outputs for 5.1 or 7.1 surround with a single fader
• Control Room with A/B speaker selection and talkback feature for seamless session management
• CueMix™ 5 software provides graphic mixing, parametric EQ editing, and touch-friendly interface for iOS
• Wireless control with CueMix 5 iOS app; manage settings and mixing from multiple iOS devices
• Loopback feature for live streaming and podcasting, allowing computer audio to mix with live inputs
• Two optical banks supporting ADAT and S/MUX I/O for expansion, with up to 16 channels at 48 kHz
• Standard RCA S/PDIF digital I/O for stereo transfers with optional clocking, up to 96 kHz sample rate
• MIDI I/O with Thru mode to loop MIDI from IN to OUT without needing a computer connection
• Foot switch input for hands-free punch-in, customizable to host software functions
• DC-coupled TRS outputs for control voltage (CV) modulation of modular synths from DAWs
• Two independently controlled headphone outputs with selectable mix settings
• Balanced analog connections to reduce interference and maintain clean signal quality
• Customizable meter views for analog or digital I/O to suit various workflows
• Includes Performer Lite DAW software with 100+ virtual instruments, effects, and guitar processing tools
• 6 GB of free loops and sample packs from Big Fish Audio, Lucidsamples, and Loopmasters for easy project creation

Specifications

Technical Specs

• Sample Rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz

• Inputs: 2 x XLR/TRS "Combo" Jacks
• Individual Controls: -20 dB Pad And 48V Phantom Power
• Preamp Gain: +74 dB In 1 dB Increments
• Impedance: 1 MΩ On The Line/Instr Inputs
• Independent Balanced Send/Return Inserts

• Inputs: 8 x 1/4-Inch TRS Line In (Balanced/Unbalanced)
• Insert Returns: 2 x 1/4-Inch Insert Returns Function As Balanced TRS Line Inputs (With No Mic Inputs Connected)
• Max Level: +21 dBu
• Digital Gain: +20 dB On Each Input

• Outputs: 8 x 1/4-Inch TRS Line Out (Balanced, DC Coupled)
• Additional Outputs: 2 x Male XLR Out
• Max Level: +21 dBu
• Headphone Outputs: 2 x 1/4-Inch TRS Stereo Headphone
• Sends: 2 x 1/4-Inch TRS Sends (Balanced, Pre-Converter)

• ADAT Optical I/O: 2 Banks (16 Ch) At 1x Sample Rates
• S/MUX Optical I/O: 2 Banks (8 Ch) At 2x Sample Rates
• Bank A: Switchable To Stereo TOSLink I/O (Optical S/PDIF)
• S/PDIF I/O: 1 x Stereo S/PDIF I/O On RCA (Up To 96 kHz)

• USB-C: 1 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps) Type C • USB2 Compatible
• Audio Class Compliance: USB Audio Class Compliant (No Driver Needed)
• Cable: 1 x IF-Certified USB 3.2 Gen 1 C-To-C Cable (2M) Included
• Compatibility: USB Type A (With A C-To-A Cable, Sold Separately)
• Total USB Audio Channels: See "Total Audio I/O" Below
• Round Trip Latency (RTL): 2 ms (32 Sample Buffer At 96K)

• 1x Sample Rates: 28 In / 32 Out (60 Total Channels)
• 2x Sample Rates: 20 In / 24 Out (44 Total Channels)
• 4x Sample Rates: 10 In / 14 Out (24 Total Channels)

• MIDI In: 1 x MIDI In
• MIDI Out/Thru: 1 x MIDI Out/Thru
• Channels: 16 MIDI Channels To/From Computer Host

• Outputs: 2 x 1/4-Inch TRS Stereo Headphones
• Output Impedance: <1Ω
• Max Output: 14.4 dBu

• Power: 2 x Individual +48V

• Input: 1 x 1/4-Inch Foot Switch Input
• Mapping: Pedal Up/Down To Any Host Keystrokes

• Word Clock In: 1 x BNC
• Word Clock Out/Thru: 1 x BNC
• Sample Rates Supported: All (From 44.1 To 192 kHz)

• Combo Inputs: 2 x XLR/TRS
• Headphone Outputs: 2 x 1/4" TRS
• Volume Controls: 2 x Potentiometer • Headphone Volume
• Mic/Instr Gain: 2 x Potentiometer • Mic/Instr Input Gain
• Menu Navigation: 1 x Potentiometer
• Main Volume: 1 x Large Potentiometer
• Switches: 12 x (2) 48V, (2) Pad, (6) Control Room, (2) Nav
• Display: 1 x 3.9-Inch 480 x 128 Pixel 24-Bit RGB TFT Display
• Power Button: 1 x Latching

• Supply: Internal 100-240V Autoswitching
• Frequency: 50-60 Hz • 0.5A Max

• Dimensions (W x D x H): 19 x 12.25 x 1.75 Inches / 48.26 x 31.1 x 4.44 cm
• Weight: 11 lbs / 5 kgs
• Product Code: MOTU-828

System Requirements

Mac System Requirements
• Processor: Intel Core i3 Mac Or Faster (Including Apple Silicon Macs)
• RAM: 4 GB RAM; 8 GB Or More Recommended
• OS: macOS Version 10.15 Or Later
• USB Port: Available Hi-Speed Or Super-Speed USB Port
• Hard Drive: A Large Hard Drive (At Least 500 GB For Recording)
Windows System Requirements
• Processor: Intel Core i3 PC (Or AMD Equivalent)
• RAM: 4 GB RAM; 8 GB Or More Recommended
• OS: Windows 10 Or Later (x64 AMD/Intel Only)
• USB Port: Available Hi-Speed Or Super-Speed USB Port
• Hard Drive: A Large Hard Drive (At Least 500 GB For Recording)