MOTU 828: Flagship Fidelity & Boundless Sonic Exploration
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- Опубліковано 16 чер 2024
- Shop the MOTU 828 28 x 32 USB 3.0 audio interface 👉 sweetwater.sjv.io/MOTU_828
Debuting back in 2001, MOTU’s 828 interface instantly became a staple among countless project- and professional studios around the world. Following more than 20 years and numerous incarnations, now more formidable than ever before, the 828 returns in its fifth iteration. Its classic dual-preamp design features a vastly expanded connectivity suite, dedicated mic inserts for outboard gear, powerful 24-channel onboard DSP, lightning-fast USB 3.0 architecture, and far more. Sweetwater’s Mitch Gallagher walks through everything you need to know about this next-gen MOTU 828. Check it out!
00:04 - Intro
00:35 - Specs, I/O, and More
07:28 - Cue Mix 5 App Mobile Control
09:19 - Outro
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#Sweetwater #MOTU #828 #AudioInterface #MitchGallagher
Will you be bringing a new MOTU 828 to your studio setup? Tell us in the comments below what you think of this cutting-edge gear, and then stop by Sweetwater for an in-depth look at all the details of the MOTU 828 28 x 32 USB 3.0 audio interface 👉 sweetwater.sjv.io/MOTU_828
Perfect timing. Sold my Apollo 2nd Gen during Covid for ultra portable M4. Find Julian Krause's wonderfully objective technical reviews. Planned on moving to the MOTU Ultralite mk5 but held off and glad I did. New 2024 828 checks every box on the list. Paired with an Audient ASP800 and have compact mobile rig with 10 very high quality pres, excellent I/O features, industry leading specs, test results to back it all up and NO hardware dependent software for 2/3rds the cost of an Apollo X6 alone with 2 mic pres. Cuemix on the iPad is just great too. Highly recommended.
BOUDNLESS SONIC EXPLORATION, a video's title has never felt so perfectly targeted to capture my attention xD
You are truly happy with this product. Certainly MOTU is like that.
That's the display I wish my ultra lite mk5 had
Im excited to see MOTU bring all the upgraded mic amps and converter quality into new products in the AVB range
Thanks For Review
Mitch, you are the best!
Maaaaaaaan it's like they read my mind. I'd like to pick one of these up in the next year or so
I love motu because they support their products for so long.
I dusted off my 1st Gen 828 last year for extra inputs and it works natively with drivers in windows 10. Got it right when I migrated to XP!
NO THEY DO NOT
@@JosephPembroke uh... Yeah they do. I have owned an 828 mk1 and mk2, an 8pre, an 896mk3, and a core system. When I switched to audients last year they were all working in windows 10 and I was actually slaving 3 828mk2s via FireWire. They don't have support for modern Macs because apple themselves removed FireWire and anything 32 but a few operating systems ago so motu was not able to support them because of that one factor but I believe big sur or older they still work.
@@JosephPembrokeI’m with you. I loved my old FireWire 8pre but when I upgraded to the new version, it was trash. Half the time my computer doesn’t recognize it despite me not having changed any settings. Their customer service was impossible to get ahold of. The interface of the software is totally confusing. It’s the only piece of gear in 20 years I’ve regretted buying.
@@bbellomusic Me too, had loads of problems with my 828X until it stopped functioning completely only 5 years after I'd bought it. I now have an RME and have no problems.
Informative
I love my Ultralite Mk5; and Cuemix 5 is so easy to use, everyone gets individual monitor mixes in my studio and can control them from their tablet, this seems like the next logical step!
I'm about to pull the trigger on the UL mk5 but just noticed this 828 release. Do you think the 828 is a significant upgrade from the ultra lite?
its sad to see AVB gone. its a great system for expanding your i/o, and i think something like that or dante are crucial to a larger setup... but for a smaller hybrid studios this thing is superb. i can say conversion is great even on previous 828es which i have, this is even better...
They keep teasing the possibility of new AVB interfaces. Fingers still crossed
@@griffonsgroijacobs3237 who? motu? if that`s the case, its even more of a shame it doesn`t come with AVB or dante... it is the simplest solution if you want to expand, just one cable and configure a matrix and that`s it... i use 828... if i want more ins/outs i can just add another motu AVB device and connect them with one internet cable, simple as that... i don`t see this one as "futureproof" as some other flagship interfaces that have aoip
Maybe it's in the works because the last models were 8 pre's and an AVB model.
MOTU is still committed to AVB.
@@motuTV very glad to hear this, but when might we expect to hear more about what’s in store? I would love to double down on a full motu system - love my 8m!! But I can’t wait forever to plan my networked audio system!
Awesome 😎
Hi nice video -> question -> what kind of feets do you use ??? looks nice.
PS: This Interface sounds nice, too.
Love my MOTU interfaces. Sad to see AVB going away. MOTU was the only company with affordable AoIP gear. Not sure what separates this from the swath of other interfaces on the market now.
What? is Motu not continuing Avb?
@@bighornaudioproductions6104I hope they release a refreshed AVB lineup. This seems to indicate that they are looking to phase it out though.
The 828es this is meant to replace had it. At the same time the 828es is sold out everywhere and it doesn’t look like they are making more of them.
Latency 2ms, basically no distortion, dr of 125 on outputs, price, etc
Motu continous AVB. @@bighornaudioproductions6104
MOTU is still committed to AVB.
Looks like a repackaged 828es with a different arrangement in the front panel and a different mix software. Everything else seems to be the same. Some features seem to be mixing, like browser control over network without installing any app.
This is interesting but has less capabilities than the 828es. This 828 lacks an AVB Port so it’s not one of the products in their AVB family, however, it’s a vast improvement over my first 828 mkii. MOTU converters and interfaces have always been rock solid and feature packed for a very competitive price
Either this or Rme fireface 802? As far as sound quality goes would it be different when it comes to the converters?
I’d like to know that too
With the changes in computer chips technology in the past few years with no more intel processor chips inside Mac's, to m1 chips,to m2 chips, m2 max chips.thunderbolt 2,3(thunderbolt 3 was just here and now it's gone)4 USB 3.2 was the right choice for the Motu 828 because thunderbolt technology is moving rapidly fast and Motu was very observant of these matters by not bringing in a new product of this magnitude prematurely. Motu managed to keep the price the same which is awesome despite the increase by -2db from -123 to -125 on the preamps I would pick it over the new arterial 16 rig audio fuse because it has nearly double the in and outputs for 305.00 cheaper.
Also you don't need thunderbolt it's like having a v8 but you can only go 5 miles per hour
Looks like a sounds like a wonderful interface and recording add on or put in main stream in the line of all the gear and add ti or whatever else it can do would make it without thought of gear i would for sure want but price is a Nessasary thing in my area so that eill be 1st is how Much? 🤘🎸🤠
Are the two inserts recorded/baked into the XLR inputs or do they record separately?
Hey there! Yes, if you are running the send and returns, your processing will be printed back onto the corresponding input channel. If nothing is plugged into the corresponding input, then you can use the return inputs as extra line ins. You can find some more info regarding this on page 11 of the manual:
cdn-data.motu.com/manuals/usb-c-audio/828_User_Guide.pdf
I hope this helps!
Nick Pasquino, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 3230, nick_pasquino@sweetwater.com
Get mine tomorrow. The plant on the left looks very questionable, though 😅
What's the best thing today for hooking up all the synths/drum machines in a studio? About 20 stereo pairs minimum with expandability.
Old school mixer/patchbay to interface, or interface/s only, or digital mixer with built-in interface, etc? Interface only would be cool, but do you have to buy a ton of them? Difficult to tweak?, need a separate monitor?
BTW, that would make a good video.
Suppose it depends on what you've already got, or if you want to start again from scratch? I'm looking to upgrade soon and I'm thinking of buying the Arturia AudioFuse 16Rig, that's got 16 line inputs [which would be fine for me as I need 8 stereo pairs, plus 2 Elektron machines using Overbridge audio over USB] . But if you've got 20 stereo pairs, you're going to have to expand even that with an ADAT expander to get everything into your computer. I can't think of any interfaces that have 20 line inputs. So you might be better off with a desk and an interface with less inputs and routing it that way. Or use a patchbay and patch things in and out as you need/use them, that would definitely be the least expensive way of doing it.
@@grizcuz Yeah, thanks man. I was hoping to get away from patching and huge consoles, but a desk may be the way to go.
The best setup is a Motu 828es (the previous model with AVB) and a motu 24Ai that you connect through AVB to the 828es with an Ethernet cable. The 828es can be connected to a computer through USB2 or Thunderbolt. This gives you 32 line level input, 2 microphones or instruments level inputs, 8 line level outputs, plus 2 phones out and 2 sets of outputs for studio monitors. Then if you want more I/O, you have 3 sets of ADAT ports that can give you up to 24 ins and 24 outs if you buy adat preamps. You can also add more AVB interfaces but you will need an AVB switch. It’s really unfortunate that they remove the AVB from the latest model of the 828.
The best setup is a Motu 828es (the previous model with AVB) and a motu 24Ai that you connect through AVB to the 828es with an Ethernet cable. The 828es can be connected to a computer through USB2 or Thunderbolt. This gives you 32 line level input, 2 microphones or instruments level inputs, 8 line level outputs, plus 2 phones out and 2 sets of outputs for studio monitors. Then if you want more I/O, you have 3 sets of ADAT ports that can give you up to 24 ins and 24 outs if you buy adat preamps. You can also add more AVB interfaces but you will need an AVB switch. It’s really unfortunate that they remove the AVB from the latest model of the 828.
@@Pintosonic Ahhh, ok. I'll check all that out. Lot to learn here.
I have a lot of trouble getting my motu 828x to work on windows as a class compliant device. It works only at 16bit 44.1khz and sometimes doesn't work at all. I love all the connectivity and features of the 828x so I am in the market for the 2024 model. Does someone have information if this device can at least play back at 24bit 48khz as a windows audio device? Thanks in advance!
Yes, this is possible (24bit @ 48Khz)
Mitch, great video…I remember MOTU from the old days….but why would any one migrate from an existing Audio INterface ecosystem like UA, when the software investment and learning curve has already been made? Isnt MOTU a lot of features but too late
I checked all the current UA interfaces and they all just have 8 channels of ADAT. I need 32, so 2 MOTU 828's will do the job for me. Plus the UA's are Approx 2-2,500 - this one is $1,000
It’s like MOTU waited years after everything was already announced by other vendors and then just said lets add all that stuff that already exists
In fairness, MOTU had every bit of this functionality in 2017 with their 828es, so they're not exactly behind. Maybe plateaued however. The one key difference I see is the balanced send/return for the front panel inputs 1/2, which is a nice improvement over the previous model.
@@SteveGilbertson Motu makes a fine product. They have been around longer than most digital audio interface vendors. Based on this latest product , they could have / should have been the top vendor 10 yrs agp. Instead Universal Audio ate their lunch by launching a good quality interface married w top quality affordable plugins and sharc processors . So you can track w no latency thru a emulated neve 1073 , pultec, la2a, studer tape deck, plate reverb ,and mastering. Motu nstead chose to move slowly and not aggressively spend on r&d and marketing. Too little late. IMHO, many musicians are already invested in their ecosystem. Doesnt make sense to rip out ad replace what works . What do you think?
32 bit would have been better.
@@TaylorGibson-ih7es The 828's converters do have 32 bit processing, as in "ESS Sabre32". I believe there is also some 64-bit processing internally within the converter. That said, the 828 only sends 24 bits to/from the converters because mathematically, 24 bits cover 144 dB of dynamic range and the ESS converter itself maxes out at 125 dB of dynamic range. So, 24 bits are more than enough to capture all of the resolution that the converter is actually capable of delivering. The last 8 bits carry no actual signal.
@@motuTV thank you for enlightening me.
I’d buy this if it was possible to daisy chain it with the last generation of AVB interfaces.
bring 2 AVB interface to a single device will definitively be great, or at least make Thunderbolt/USB daisy chainable with other MOTU device (as a host
I just got a MOTU 828 and I'm having a few major issues with it. First, when I turn it on, I hear a loud pop through my speakers when the USB connection syncs. It's so loud that I feel it could damage my monitors. Second, there is a 2db channel imbalance between the left and right monitor outputs. I'm not sure if it's the 828 itself, or maybe it damaged my left monitor with the turn-on pop.
I would have preferred the 828pre-es interface since it has more mic preamps and better routing, but MOTU already discontinued it for mass production and only make them when asked. Finding one anywhere is impossible. Even MOTU claims they *might* be able to provide one in a year, possible two years from now. I'm not sure if that's due to the chip shortages or what, but that long of a lead time is insane. The new 'plain' 828 seems like a step backwards with less preamps and limited routing capabilities. It seems more along the lines of a consumer grade interface vs a professional one - just with a slightly better DAC.
I originally used a Focusrite Liquid 56 for the past 12 years, which recently stopped working. In my second studio setup I have an RME UFX+ interface, which I love. I also have an RME ADI-2 Pro fs. I thought I'd try MOTU to replace the Liquid 56 but it's starting to feel like I made a mistake. I'll probably send it back and just get a used RME UFX+ since I know they have zero issues with unlimited routing and excellent preamps and conversion.
I'd suggest sending it back and getting the RME. I used to have a MOTU I had loads of problems with. I have RME now and it's so much better.
Our tech support team can help you resolve these issues.
I've been using 2 MOTU 2408's for 22 years and have never even had a single glitch in either of them. They supported the PCIe drivers all the way up until a couple years ago. I'm planning on purchasing 2 of these new 828's to run 32 channels of 48k audio ADAT from my 02R96, I hope these new 828's will work as smoothly as my old 2408's! A vote of confidence @motuTV ?? 😉
I have the 1248. You just cant beat MOTU. They're a great company.
They're an awful company. They're actively hostile to anyone trying to develop Linux drivers for their products, and I had loads of problems with my 828X before it stopped working completely and I switched to RME.
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Does this use same components as MOTU MK5 for output/speakers?
Same chips?
I know you said different pre-amps, so I assume different preamps, but what about outputs.
I have MK5. It 828 simply MK5 with more inputs and outputs or is it truly different unit and how so?
Hi, thanks for your interest! Just to make sure we’re on the same page, this is the 5th generation of the 828 interface. Not sure if you are thinking of the MOTU UltraLite Mk5, which is also a current model. In any case - yes, the DAC’s are upgraded on the new 828 compared to the previous generation, and the current UltraLite uses the same DAC’s as the older 828. So, you are likely to notice an improvement compared to previous MOTU interfaces.
I hope this helps a bit - feel free to contact me directly with any further questions, and thanks again!
Caleb Lowrey, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 1620, caleb_lowrey@sweetwater.com
I love Sabre DACs, but I dont get why we still need DSPs and internal effects inside interfaces when we have so powerful PCs/MACs with so many cores... and just better and more flexible VSTs
You don't if you run a pcie card but there is still enough latency from usb that having a dsp powered audio routing becomes very helpful
For scenarios where you are working entirely "inside the box", you are right, there's no need for on-board DSP in the interface. That said, the 828 has a full-blown 24-input x 8-bus monitor mixer built-in that can be used for many purposes, including zero-latency monitoring during recording sessions and monitor mixing during live performance.
shirt goes hard
But have they fixed the reliability???
Noice
You can't adjust the mono outputs. You cannot link stereo channels once.
Can you use this as a stand alone mixer
Upon power-up (without a computer connected), the built-in mixer operates in the state it was last left in. So you could set up a static mix beforehand from the computer and then disconnect the computer to continue with that static mix. To make changes to the mix, however, you need to connect a computer to run the CueMix 5 control software, either from the computer itself or from an iPhone or iPad on the same Wi-Fi network as the computer. For example, you could connect a laptop to the 828 via USB and control the 828 from your iPad on stage (via Wi-Fi).
@@motuTV Sorry about that, I really miss the standalone features of the 896MK3
MOTU 828 vs Arturia Audiofuse 16Rig?? The 16Rig has a comprehensive MIDI setup with those USB MIDI Host ports. BUT no DSP like the 828. Hmmm😮
motu 828 and it’s not even close the latency alone is better then the 16rig
@@habfps I’m not too concerned about latency these days, but I hear MOTU is a more solid company with interfaces that lasts. Unlike Arturia more disposable route.
I recently sold my Arturia Audiofuse Studio ONLY because I needed more ins/outs as I am now running a hybrid studio. I purchased an 828es as a replacement. The Arturia was rock solid. The build quality was very good, everything felt robust, it booted up quickly, and the layout was very well thought out. My only very small complaints were the latency was not the best, although it never really was an issue for me, and the talkback mic was noisy. I contacted Arturia about the noise, and they said it was an unfortunate side effect of having so much stuff crammed into a small unit. The built in USB hub was very handy.
The 828es has been very good as well. The ABV routing is very confusing as first but you can do so much with it. The ABV routing combined with all the inputs and outputs all allows me to keep it connected to my patchbay where I can use my outboard preamps and compressors for tracking, as well as mixing without having to change any set ups or routing within Cubase. The latency is very low. I do have a few minor gripes about the unit. It has about a 20 second boot up process. Not a huge deal but kind of annoying. A couple of times, the MOTU Discovery software didn’t ‘see’ the 828es and I had to reboot it. Again, not a big deal as it has only happened once or twice.
I think the Arturia had slightly better preamps but not by much. Again, no big deal for me as I mostly use outboard preamps. The new 828 with Cuemix5, from what i can see in the few videos out there, may not have the routing flexibility of the 828es’s ABV. Being able to route the same input to multiple locations inside my DAW is a HUGE deal for me. Also, the new layout of the front panel is not ideal for me as I have the interface in a rack below my desk, to my right. I would prefer the layout to be exactly opposite with the monitor control on the left side of the unit instead of the right making it much easier to each with my current setup.
Depending on the Cuemix5 software’s capabilities, I may upgrade to the new 828 in the future or MAYBE the Arturia 16rig. As for now, I am very happy with the 828es.
@@torricealbarakat2232 when I heard the specs on the new pres, I thought the same thing as well.
bring back the 16a or even better a 32a
I wish they would have just left the I/o along on the back so now I have to share 2 of your output for monitor & 2of your input for send &returns & just for that I can't purchase this interface 😫
The two mic inputs have dedicated sends and returns for their inserts, so you don't need to steal any outputs or inputs for the send/return loops. Also, if you don't have anything connected to the two front panel combo jacks, the two returns on the rear panel function as extra line inputs that have the same exact signal path characteristics as the other line inputs, giving you 10 simultaneous line inputs total.
@@motuTV thank you 🙏🏽
The other nice thing about the dedicated send/return connectors is that they are fully balanced.
Motu needs a monitor controller we don’t need midi
I mean…ok. That Heritage i73 tho.
Be very careful, unlike previous MOTU DSP interfaces, you can not put any EQ or Compression on anything other than the 10 analog ins and 2 main out. i.e. no adat or spdif effects at ALL. They reduced the EQ from 7 to 4 bands.
So obviously they have massively reduced DSP power, the only place you can find this is the manual, and it makes the interface 100% useless for DSP monitoring when using all inputs. I found out the hard way, now arguing with store trying to return.
Sure, I could monitor through the DAW instead, and if they don't take it back, that's what I'll have to do.
But the native drivers are very slow. For example, a PreSonus Quantum is faster at 128 buffer than the Motu is at 64 buffer. I am not joking. The output at 44K 128 buffer is 7.51ms, JUST the output. The native drivers are at least 2x slower than all comparable devices, up to 3x.
So I bought this to use for the 0.7ms latency DSP, but all my 16 adat analog inputs with drums etc, can't put any EQ or compression.
So why on Earth would I buy this then if I knew? And the product page is very deceiving as it says 24 input channel mixer with effects. VERY misleading.
If I was going to monitor through native FX, I'd buy an interface that has very fast drivers through native FX, like Quantum, RME, etc. Not this.
You have been warned.
I don’t understand this update. I have the 828es which is the previous iteration of this product and the fact that they removed the AVB connectivity is a major disappointment. Apart from the prettier display, channel 1-2 inserts and the USB3 replacing both USB2 and Thunderbolt ports, I don’t see any improvements. I have a 828es and a 24Ai in my studio and it’s the ideal setup for people who have a lot of synthesizers and need a large number of line inputs. Using AVB that use cheap Ethernet cables is way more cost effective than using audio snakes.
It's interesting seeing everyone just not even trying to compete with the UFX3. These are so lackluster
Interested in your perspective! I take it you're a UFX3 user? At a glance, the MOTU offers the core analog/digital I/O that would suit just about any small format studio's needs, with the addition of talkback built in with a footswitch, potentially eliminating the need for a monitor controller, and it does it at 1/3 the price of the RME.
I've heard nothing but fantastic things about RME in terms of stability, which is worth its weight in gold, but I've heard pretty much the same from MOTU users abound.
Curious to hear your thoughts! I'm a current Apogee user (and huge fan) but the next step in their line for me is a Symphony I/O MKII and it's just not in the budget right now.
Cheers!
You forget about Lynx, metric halo, Neumann
A $1000 interface is expected to compete with a $3200 interface?
@@kingadammusic I'd just expect a "flagship" to do better, it shows the true colors of companies that are meant for the bottom of the barrel crowd.
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Are the two inserts recorded/baked into the XLR inputs or do they record separately?
Hey there! Yes, if you are running the send and returns, your processing will be printed back onto the corresponding input channel. If nothing is plugged into the corresponding input, then you can use the return inputs as extra line ins. You can find some more info regarding this on page 11 of the manual:
cdn-data.motu.com/manuals/usb-c-audio/828_User_Guide.pdf
I hope this helps!
Nick Pasquino, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 3230, nick_pasquino@sweetwater.com
Would it be possible to use a splitter before the mic XLRs and send one channel straight into the DAW to print dry and one to outboard gear via send/return to print with processing. In case you overdo something? Assumes of course you only want to record a single mic source like a vocal and not stereo mics. Monitor as you need.
@@riloh58 Yes, that would work just fine as long as you still have a mic preamp to run into before the outboard processing - the outboard gear is likely going to be line in and out, so you need to make sure that you have something to boost that mic signal up to line level (like a preamp).
Feel free to call in if you’d want to discuss the signal flow a bit further!
Nick Pasquino, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 3230, nick_pasquino@sweetwater.com
@@sweetwater Yep, good point. Need line level signal before outboard processing so a separate preamp or say the ouboad has a preamp in it to bring signal to line level (like the Overstayer modular channel 8755DM version). Just trying to get my head around this a bit more even though I didn't ask the original question; does the Motu boost to line level before the send out? If it bypasses the preamp then it wouldn't right? So input a line level signal keyboard etc OR assuming a mono mic source, if you split the signal before inputing on the front two combo jacks and send one straight into DAW via Motu preamp and the other to outboard via send/return it would need to hit an external preamp as first step in that chain. I think that is right? Thank you.