MOTU 828Es 28×32 Thunderbolt/USB Audio Interface

MOTU 828Es 28×32 Thunderbolt/USB Audio Interface Overview:

The MOTU 828es is a 1 RU, 28×32, audio interface designed to provide versatile connectivity, DSP console-style mixing, and high-resolution audio for musicians and recording engineers in project studios, commercial facilities, home setups, and live stage applications. Packed with ESS Sabre32 Ultra digital audio converters, it boasts a dynamic range of 123 dB and latency as low as 1.6 ms. The 828es can be used at up to 24-bit/192 kHz resolution with a host DAW or as a standalone mixer, and is compatible with Thunderbolt and USB on Mac OS X and Windows systems.

Its 28 inputs include eight 1/4″ TRS inputs, two XLR-1/4″ combo jacks for mics or instruments, and S/PDIF and ADAT optical ports. Phantom power is selectable per-preamp. Among the 32 outputs are eight 1/4″ TRS jacks, two pre-converter 1/4″ sends, balanced XLR main outputs, independent 1/4″ TRS headphone outputs, and S/PDIF and ADAT optical ports.

Flexible monitor controls such as A/B speaker switching, mono summing, and mute functionality simplify studio life. Plus, a built-in talkback mic and front-panel talk button allow you to easily communicate with your artists. DSP-powered mixing offers console-style control over 48 channels, multiple aux buses and groups, and effects such as reverb, EQ, gating, and compression.

Control the interface functions via a web app on a wired or wireless device. Additional power is unlocked via the supplied MOTU software package, which includes audio-analysis tools and the AudioDesk digital audio workstation.

Thunderbolt Connectivity
Enable high channel counts and low latency via Thunderbolt 1, 2, or 3 connection

USB Connection
USB Type-B port is compatible with USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 ports

Comprehensive I/O
28 inputs and 32 outputs including stereo S/PDIF coaxial, 16 channels of ADAT optical, dual XLR-1/4″ combo jacks, eight 1/4″ I/O, two independent headphone outputs, and more

DSP Mixer
A 48-input digital mixer delivers seven stereo aux busses, three groups, access to 64 network inputs, and DSP effects including reverb, 4-band EQ, gating, and compression

Displays
Dual front-panel LCD screens provide visual access to robust metering and menu displays

Versatile Control
Easily control the interface via a web app on a wired or wireless device

Stand-Alone Operation
Use the interface without a computer for effects and signal routing at a live gig

Mic/Guitar Instrument Sends
Enables adding an outboard EQ, preamp, reverb, or other processor to the two mic/guitar inputs before the signal is converted into the digital domain

MIDI I/O
Standard MIDI 5-pin jacks provide 16 channels of MIDI I/O

Foot-Switch Input
Enables connection of a standard foot pedal switch (available separately) for hands-free punch recording, talkback, and more

Expandable
Connect multiple interfaces together to expand system I/O

Separate Main Outs
Provides dedicated XLR main outputs for connecting to studio monitors, as well as additional balanced TRS outputs for connecting to secondary monitors

Dual-Headphone Outputs
Each 1/4″ TRS headphone output has its own volume control and can be programmed with the same or different mixes

Word Clock I/O
BNC jacks allow you to sync to a master clock or use the 828es as the master clock

Direct Digital Synthesis
Produces low jitter by phase-locking internal clock source, even when resolved to an external clock via SMPTE timecode

SMPTE Timecode Support
Dedicated 1/4″ jacks for Longitudinal-Timecode (LTC) and automatic SMPTE-to-MTC conversion

DC-Coupled TRS Outputs
Use the 828es to manipulate and sequence voltage-controlled modular synthesizers from a host DAW

Audio Analysis Tools
Included software features an oscilloscope, real-time FFT analyzer, X-Y plot, and graphic phase-analysis

AudioDesk
Includes digital audio workstation software for Mac and Windows with 24-bit recording, 32-bit mixing and effects processing, and sample-accurate editing

Built-In Talkback
Integrated talkback microphone and front-panel talk button

Monitor Controls
Front-panel monitor level with mono, mute, and switching for two sets of monitors

Metering
Provides LED-panel meters for analog, digital, MIDI I/O, SMPTE sync, and lock LEDS

Auto-Switching Power
Enables international 100 to 240 VAC, 50 to 60 Hz auto-switching power supply