The MOTU 896mk3 Hybrid is a high-performance audio interface designed for professional studio and live applications. Featuring hybrid FireWire and USB2 connectivity, it seamlessly integrates with both Mac and Windows systems, offering flexibility for various setups. With eight channels of pristine 24-bit/192 kHz analogue recording and playback, as well as sixteen channels of optical digital I/O, stereo AES/EBU, S/PDIF, and separate analogue main outputs, it provides comprehensive connectivity for demanding audio workflows.
The CueMix FX digital mixer allows for zero-latency monitoring, supporting multiple input sources such as microphones, guitars, synths, and drum machines. Onboard DSP-powered effects include Classic Reverb™, a 7-band parametric EQ modelled after British analogue console EQs, and two forms of compression, including the Leveler™, which faithfully replicates the iconic LA-2A™ optical compressor.
Advanced audio analysis tools such as a full-screen real-time FFT display, spectrogram “waterfall” view, oscilloscope, X-Y plot, and phase analysis graphs offer precise diagnostic capabilities for audio professionals. Once configured in the studio, the 896mk3 Hybrid can operate as a standalone digital mixer with effects, making it ideal for use in live settings. All mixing and effects parameters can be adjusted directly via the front panel backlit LCD.
With its robust build quality, advanced feature set, and versatile connectivity, the MOTU 896mk3 Hybrid is a powerful solution for those seeking professional-grade audio performance in both recording and live sound environments.
The MOTU 896mk3 Hybrid is the flagship model in MOTU’s hybrid audio interface range, offering both FireWire and high-speed USB 2.0 connectivity for maximum compatibility. FireWire has long been recognised as a reliable, high-performance standard for professional audio interfaces, while USB 2.0 has become widely adopted for connecting peripheral devices to computers.
To support both formats, the MOTU 896mk3 Hybrid is equipped with FireWire ports and a high-speed USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) connector, allowing connection via either interface. This ensures flexibility and seamless integration with a wide range of Mac and Windows systems. If a computer lacks a FireWire port, the interface can simply be connected via USB 2.0. For systems with both options, the choice depends on other peripherals in use.
The MOTU 896mk3 Hybrid features eight high-quality preamp-equipped inputs with overload protection, allowing simultaneous recording of up to eight mic or instrument sources with exceptional sound quality. Each input is a flexible XLR/TRS combo jack, capable of accepting microphones, guitars, synths, or -10/+4 line-level sources. Inputs can be used independently or as stereo pairs, offering versatility for various recording setups.
Each input includes an independent, digitally controlled analogue trim pot, 48V phantom power switch, and a 20 dB pad, all easily accessible on the front panel. The preamps provide up to 53 dB of gain, adjustable in precise 1 dB increments via a detented digital rotary encoder. As gain is adjusted, both graphic and numerical feedback is displayed on the front panel LCD, ensuring accurate control. The analogue trim delivers smooth operation, while digital control allows for precision and the ability to save and recall settings, offering the benefits of both analogue warmth and digital accuracy.
To protect against clipping, all analogue inputs are equipped with V-Limit™, a hardware limiter that prevents digital distortion by allowing signals to exceed zero dB by up to +12 dB without clipping. For additional protection, the Soft Clip™ feature can be enabled on mic and guitar inputs, engaging just before clipping to minimise perceptible distortion.
The MOTU 896mk3 Hybrid offers extensive connectivity for a wide range of studio gear, including microphones, guitars, synths, keyboards, drum machines, and effects processors. With versatile I/O on both the front and rear panels, it provides seamless integration into any professional setup.
On the front panel, two independent headphone jacks come with individual volume controls, one of which also manages the XLR main outputs on the rear. This “Master Vol” knob can be assigned to control any combination of analogue and digital outputs, making it ideal for stereo monitoring or surround sound configurations such as 5.1 or 7.1 mixes.
The main output jack beneath the Master Vol knob mirrors the XLR main outs, while all other inputs and outputs remain discrete, ensuring that the main outs do not take away from the bank of eight XLR analogue outputs. The second headphone jack also operates as an independent output with its own volume control but can be set to mirror any other output pair if required.
The rear panel houses eight 24-bit combo jack analogue inputs and ten XLR outputs, supporting sample rates up to 192 kHz. Two optical banks offer 16 channels of ADAT optical at 48 kHz, 8 channels of S/MUX optical I/O at 96 kHz, or two banks of stereo TOSLink up to 96 kHz, with the flexibility to mix and match optical formats. RCA S/PDIF connectors provide independent stereo digital I/O, while XLR AES/EBU connections offer an additional stereo digital I/O option.
For control room monitoring, powered monitors can be connected directly to the MOTU 896mk3 Hybrid’s outputs, with attenuation controlled either via software or the front-panel Master Vol knob. Output control is not limited to stereo, allowing for quad, 5.1, 7.1, or custom configurations. The MOTU 896mk3 Hybrid can even be programmed to manage all 32 outputs using the Master Vol control, making it a highly flexible solution for professional audio environments.
The MOTU 896mk3 Hybrid is more than just an audio interface – it’s also a fully featured 16-bus digital mixer with built-in EQ, compression, and reverb. Functioning as both a computer interface and a standalone unit, it offers DSP-powered digital mixing with effects processing for all 28 inputs. Designed to operate independently or in conjunction with a computer, it allows users to connect multiple sources, mix and process audio, and monitor directly through the main outputs or headphone jacks.
All inputs and outputs are routed through the MOTU 896mk3 Hybrid’s hardware-based 16-bus (8 stereo) digital mixer, which runs on 32-bit floating-point DSP for high-precision processing. Effects can be applied with zero latency to inputs, outputs, or busses, whether connected to a computer or used in standalone mode as a complete rack-mounted mixer. Input signals can be recorded wet, dry, or dry with a wet monitor mix, making it ideal for tracking musicians who need effects in their headphones without committing them to the recording.
All mixing parameters are accessible via the front-panel backlit LCD, providing direct control over routing and effects. Alternatively, users can manage the entire mixing environment on-screen using CueMix FX™, the dedicated control software for macOS and Windows. This gives complete access to all mixing and DSP processing features, offering a seamless workflow for both studio and live applications.
