The MOTU 828PRE-ES is a professional audio interface designed to meet the diverse needs of modern recording studios and live sound environments. It offers a total of 52 simultaneous audio channels, comprising 24 inputs and 28 outputs, all functioning independently. This extensive I/O capability allows seamless integration of various studio equipment, including microphones, guitars, synthesisers, keyboards, drum machines, outboard processors, and optical expanders. Notably, all inputs and outputs are available for use concurrently, ensuring maximum flexibility in complex setups.
At the core of the MOTU 828PRE-ES lies the renowned ESS Sabre32 Ultra™ Digital-to-Analogue Converter (DAC) technology, delivering a remarkable 123 dB dynamic range. This high-performance DAC ensures pristine audio quality, matching the standards set by MOTU’s flagship 1248 interface. Users can expect exceptional clarity and detail in audio reproduction, making it an ideal choice for critical listening and professional recording applications.
The interface features eight redesigned microphone preamplifiers, each equipped with cutting-edge components that provide ultra-transparent sound. These preamps offer an impressive -108 dB Total Harmonic Distortion plus Noise (THD+N), 118 dB dynamic range, and -129 dBu Equivalent Input Noise (EIN) performance. Each mic channel includes individual preamp gain control, pad, 48V phantom power, and digital remote control, allowing precise adjustments to accommodate a wide range of microphones and instruments.
Connectivity is a cornerstone of the MOTU 828PRE-ES design. It connects to Mac or PC systems via Thunderbolt™ or high-speed USB 2.0, offering up to 256 audio channels (128 inputs and 128 outputs) over Thunderbolt™. Additionally, it supports AVB/TSN Ethernet, enabling the streaming of numerous audio channels to and from a Mac using a standard, cost-effective CAT-5e cable extending up to 100 meters. The interface is class-compliant, ensuring compatibility with any audio applications, and can also connect to iOS devices using a standard camera connection kit.
The MOTU 828PRE-ES boasts high-performance drivers compatible with both Mac and PC platforms, supporting Thunderbolt™ and USB 2.0 connections. These drivers are engineered for ultra-low latency, achieving round-trip latency (RTL) performance as low as 1.6 milliseconds at 96 kHz when used with high-performance Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) over Thunderbolt™. This ensures real-time responsiveness, essential for both recording and live performance scenarios.
For control room applications, the MOTU 828PRE-ES includes a built-in talkback microphone with a front-panel talk button, facilitating clear communication during recording sessions. It also offers the ability to connect two sets of speakers, with front-panel A/B speaker select buttons allowing engineers to switch between monitors effortlessly, ensuring mixes translate well across different playback systems.
The interface features a comprehensive 48-input digital mixer, providing seven stereo auxiliary busses, three groups, and access to 64 network inputs. The DSP effects include reverb, four-band EQ, gate, and compression, all processed with 32-bit floating-point precision, offering virtually unlimited headroom and exceptional sound quality. These tools enable users to craft polished mixes directly within the interface, reducing the reliance on external processing.
Routing flexibility is enhanced by a matrix routing and splitting system, allowing any input to be sent to any output or multiple outputs simultaneously. This includes routing to and from the computer, as well as any devices on the audio network, providing a versatile solution for complex audio setups.
Control of the MOTU 828PRE-ES is facilitated through a web app served directly from the hardware. This allows users to manage on-board DSP, mixing, device settings, and network audio routing from any device with a web browser, including laptops, tablets, and smartphones. The interface supports stand-alone operation with wireless control, enabling adjustments without the need for a connected computer.
Built with a solid metal chassis, the 8pre-es is designed for durability, making it suitable for both studio and stage applications. Its robust construction ensures reliability under the rigours of professional use, while its sleek design complements any professional audio setup.
The MOTU 828PRE-ES is a versatile and high-performance audio interface that combines exceptional audio quality, extensive connectivity options, and flexible control features, making it an ideal choice for professionals in both studio and live sound environments.
Mac System Requirements
- Intel Core i3 Mac or faster (including the new Apple silicon Macs)
- 2 GB RAM; 4 GB or more recommended
- Mac OS X version 10.8 or later
- Available Thunderbolt 1/2/3, USB 2/3 or AVB/TSN Ethernet port*
- A large hard drive (at least 500 GB for recording)
- *AVB/TSN Ethernet audio interface operation requires OS X El Capitan or later
Windows System Requirements
- 1 GHz Pentium-based PC compatible or faster
- 2 GB RAM; 4 GB or more recommended
- Windows 7*, 8 or 10
- Available Thunderbolt 1/2/3 or USB 2/3 port
- A large hard drive (at least 500 GB for recording)
