Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $1,074
High-end/Boutique
$150
$501+
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Budget
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High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 7 merchants for "MOTU 828 32-Channel USB 3.0 Audio Interface". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Unlock the full potential of your studio setup with the MOTU 828 32-Channel USB 3.0 Audio Interface, a powerhouse designed for musicians and podcasters who demand premium audio fidelity and versatile connectivity. Engineered with the acclaimed ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC technology, this interface delivers pristine 24-bit/192kHz audio resolution with a dynamic range of 125dB, ensuring every note and nuance is captured with exceptional clarity.
Boasting 60 simultaneous audio channels (28 inputs and 32 outputs), the 828 is your central hub for integrating microphones, instruments, and synthesizers. Its ultra-transparent mic preamps offer 74dB of gain along with features like 48V phantom power and phase invert, ready to tackle any recording scenario. Plus, with the lightning-fast USB 3.0 connectivity, you're guaranteed low-latency performance that keeps you in sync with your creative flow.
The onboard DSP-powered 24-channel mixer provides an arsenal of effects—reverb, EQ, compression, and more—ensuring you have the tools to sculpt your sound with precision. Whether you're re-amping guitars with ease or managing complex monitor mixes via the CueMix 5 app, the MOTU 828 offers unparalleled control from any Mac, PC, or iOS device.
Key Features:
- 60 simultaneous audio channels: 28 inputs and 32 outputs
- ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC technology for high-quality audio
- USB 3.0 connectivity for fast, low-latency performance
- 24-bit/192kHz resolution with a dynamic range of 125dB
- Two mic preamps with 74dB of gain, 48V phantom power, and more
- Onboard DSP effects with a 24-channel digital mixer
- CueMix 5 app for wireless control via Wi-Fi
- Compatible with Mac, PC, and iOS devices
- Includes MOTU Performer Lite and Ableton Live Lite software packages
Product specs
| Computer Connectivity | USB 3.0 |
| Form Factor | Rackmount |
| Simultaneous I/O | 28 x 32 |
| Number of Preamps | 2 |
| Phantom Power | Per channel |
| A/D Resolution | Up to 24-bit/192kHz |
| Analog Inputs | 2 x XLR-1/4" combo (mic/line/Hi-Z), 8 x 1/4" TRS |
| Analog Outputs | 8 x 1/4" TRS, 2 x XLR |
| Digital Inputs | 1 x Coax (S/PDIF), 1 x Optical A (ADAT), 1 x Optical B (ADAT/stereo Toslink) |
| Digital Outputs | 1 x Coax (S/PDIF), 1 x Optical A (ADAT), 1 x Optical B (ADAT/stereo Toslink) |
| Inserts | 2 x 1/4" TRS (mic send), 2 x 1/4" TRS (mic return) |
| Headphones | 2 x 1/4" TRS (ESS-driven) |
| MIDI I/O | In/Out/Thru |
| USB | 1 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 |
| Clock I/O | 1 x BNC (In, Out/Thru) |
| Other I/O | 1 x 1/4" (footswitch) |
| Features | 3.9" LCD Display |
| Software | MOTU CueMix 5 app, MOTU Performer Lite, Ableton Live Lite |
| OS Requirements - Mac | macOS 10.15 or later |
| OS Requirements - PC | Windows 10 or later |
| Rack Spaces | 1U |
| Power Supply | Standard IEC AC cable |
| Height | 1.75" |
| Width | 19" |
| Depth | 12.25" |
| Weight | 11 lbs. |
FAQs
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What are the main connectivity options for the MOTU 828 Audio Interface?
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The MOTU 828 offers USB 3.0 connectivity, with additional digital inputs and outputs such as S/PDIF and ADAT, making it versatile for various setups.
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Is the MOTU 828 Audio Interface compatible with both Mac and PC?
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Yes, the MOTU 828 is compatible with macOS 10.15 or later and Windows 10 or later, ensuring broad usability across different systems.
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How many simultaneous inputs and outputs does the MOTU 828 support?
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The MOTU 828 supports 28 inputs and 32 outputs simultaneously, providing extensive routing options for complex studio setups.
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Does the MOTU 828 Audio Interface include built-in preamps?
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Yes, the MOTU 828 includes two built-in preamps with phantom power, suitable for connecting microphones and other audio sources.
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What software comes with the MOTU 828 Audio Interface?
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The interface includes MOTU CueMix 5, MOTU Performer Lite, and Ableton Live Lite, offering a comprehensive suite for recording and mixing.
Videos
Sweetwater
MOTU 828: Flagship Fidelity & Boundless Sonic Exploration
MOTU 828: Flagship Fidelity & Boundless Sonic Exploration
Sweetwater
Reviews
PROS
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Built-in DSP with multiple ins and outs for versatile connectivity
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Loopback function allows recording with outboard effects without latency
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Sleek design with a smooth, user-friendly display
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Excellent backward compatibility across different Mac OS versions
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High-quality preamps with +74db input gain for superior sound
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Intuitive CueMix 5 software for easy monitoring and adjustments
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Clear and bright LCD display for easy navigation
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USB 3.0 support offers fast and stable connections
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Clean AD converters and word clock input enhance sound quality
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Solid driver support with no issues on new OS updates
CONS
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-20db pad not usable on instrument inputs
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about MOTU 828 32-Channel USB 3.0 Audio Interface.
Build quality
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The 828 is notably larger and sturdier than previous MOTU models, with smooth-operating knobs and a new digital display.
Source
Features and functionality
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The A/B speaker button and headphone amplifiers receive positive mentions, while the DIN MIDI feature is a key reason for some users' purchase.
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The MOTU 828 is noted for having only two preamps, which may require additional gear for users needing four preamps and 4-6 line inputs.
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The MOTU 828es, when combined with two MOTU 8pres, provides 24 additional audio inputs via ADAT connections, ideal for extensive rack synth setups.
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The MOTU 828es supports up to 8 AVB streams, equating to 64 simultaneous channels in and out, making it suitable for large studio environments.
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Comparisons
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The 828 2024 model's sound quality, attributed to ESS Sabre DACs and AKM ADCs, surpasses Roland Octocapture, Audient EVO16, and Presonus interfaces.
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The MOTU 828's onboard DSP is a compelling feature when compared to the SSL 18, making it attractive for users seeking integrated processing capabilities.
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Software and compatibility
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Cuemix 5 software, although initially complex, facilitates creating individual mixes with ease.
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The MOTU 828 is considered a solid choice for those committed to Pro Tools, despite its limited preamp count compared to other interfaces like the RME Fireface 800.
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Users report that AVB networking allows seamless integration of multiple interfaces, like the 828es and 16A, with a single Ethernet cable, simplifying complex setups.
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User experience
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Round trip latency is less than 6 ms without sound artifacts, enhancing the mixing experience by allowing better sound separation and detail recognition.
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Owners appreciate MOTU's customer service, highlighting remote support for registered products that aids in interface configuration and troubleshooting.
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Other
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Some users highlight issues with MOTU's out-of-warranty repairs, making potential buyers cautious about long-term serviceability.
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Use cases and applications
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The onboard DSP of the MOTU 828 is particularly appealing for users who want to leverage integrated effects and processing without external equipment.
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The MOTU 24Ai provides extensive input options for studios with high channel demands, using DB25 connectors to manage numerous audio sources efficiently.
Source
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use MOTU 828 32-Channel USB 3.0 Audio Interface, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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