Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $982
High-end/Boutique
$150
$501+
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Price History
Based on price data from 8 merchants for "MOTU 828 Audio Interface". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The MOTU 828 Audio Interface is the ultimate powerhouse for any studio seeking to elevate its recording capabilities. With ESS Sabre32 DAC technology, this interface delivers an astounding 125dB dynamic range and pristine 24-bit/192kHz conversion, ensuring every nuance of your music is captured with incredible clarity. Whether you're a seasoned pro or an ambitious newcomer, the 828's 28 inputs and 32 outputs provide a flexible and comprehensive I/O setup for all your gear — from mics and guitars to synths and drum machines.
Designed with versatility in mind, the 828 offers a seamless blend of analog and digital performance. Two transparent mic preamps with 74dB of gain and hi-Z inputs make re-amping guitars a breeze, while the onboard DSP mixer, complete with reverb, EQ, and compression, empowers you to craft your mix with precision. Plus, with a lightning-fast USB3 connection, you'll enjoy near-zero latency, making real-time monitoring and recording a flawless experience.
The 828 isn't just about connectivity; it's about control. Its 24-channel digital mixer with eight stereo buses and Wi-Fi control through the CueMix 5 app ensures you have the power to manage your sessions from anywhere. And with features like loopback functionality for live streaming and DC-coupled TRS outputs for DAW-controlled synth manipulation, the MOTU 828 transforms your studio into a dynamic, creative hub.
Key Features:
- 28-in/32-out configuration with 2 banks of optical I/O, word clock, and MIDI
- ESS Sabre32-fueled 24-bit/192kHz conversion
- Two mic preamps with 74dB of gain and hi-Z inputs
- Built-in 24-channel digital mixer with DSP effects
- USB3 connectivity with 2-3ms roundtrip latency
- Wi-Fi control via CueMix 5 app for Mac, PC, and iOS
- Loopback functionality for streaming and podcasting
- Includes DAW applications and 6GB of samples and loops
Product specs
| Brand | MOTU |
| Model | 828 Firewire Audio Interface |
| Finish | Black / Blue |
| Year | 2000s |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Audio Interfaces |
| Bit Depth | 24-bit |
| Bus-Powered | No |
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS |
| Computer Connectivity | Firewire |
| Digital Input Format | ADAT/Optical, S/PIDF |
| Digital Output Format | ADAT/Optical, S/PIDF |
| Electronics | Analog, Digital, Solid State |
| Format | 19-inch Rackmount |
| Number of Analog Inputs | 8 |
| Number of Analog Outputs | 10 |
| Number of Channels | 54 |
| Number of Digital Inputs | 18 |
| Number of Digital Outputs | 18 |
| Number of Headphone Outputs | 1 |
| Number of MIDI Inputs | 0 |
| Number of MIDI Outputs | 0 |
| Number of Mic Preamps | 2 |
| Sample Rate | 192 khz |
| Simultaneous I/O | 26 x 28 |
FAQs
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What connectivity options does the MOTU 828 Audio Interface offer?
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The MOTU 828 provides Firewire connectivity, supporting both Windows and macOS systems. It features a range of digital input/output formats, including ADAT/Optical and S/PIDF, catering to various studio setups.
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How many simultaneous inputs and outputs can the MOTU 828 Audio Interface handle?
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The MOTU 828 supports 26 simultaneous inputs and 28 outputs, making it suitable for complex recording sessions involving multiple audio sources.
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Is the MOTU 828 Audio Interface compatible with popular DAWs like Ableton Live and Pro Tools?
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Yes, the MOTU 828 is compatible with major DAWs, including Ableton Live and Pro Tools, ensuring seamless integration into your existing digital audio workflow.
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Does the MOTU 828 Audio Interface require an external power source?
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Yes, the MOTU 828 is not bus-powered and requires an external power source to operate, which is typical for rackmount audio interfaces.
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What is the sample rate and bit depth capability of the MOTU 828 Audio Interface?
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The MOTU 828 supports a sample rate of up to 192 kHz and a bit depth of 24-bit, providing high-resolution audio recording and playback capabilities.
Videos
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Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about MOTU 828 Audio Interface.
Software and compatibility
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The 828 did not perform well with a Dell laptop, causing intermittent sound issues, though it worked fine with an Acer and a mini PC.
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Owners upgrading from older Mac systems face challenges with FireWire support; using OWC Thunderbolt docking stations with FW800 ports can resolve connectivity issues.
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The USB driver for the MOTU 828 interfaces is compatible with macOS Sonoma, enabling continued use of older units when upgrading to new Macs.
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Apple’s removal of CoreAudio support for FireWire audio devices requires finding alternative solutions or upgrading to newer interfaces when using modern Macs.
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The 828es works seamlessly with the M1 Mac Mini, and users have expanded it with a 16a via AVB for additional inputs.
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Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd gen is not yet supported on M1 Macs, highlighting a potential compatibility gap for users transitioning to the new Apple architecture.
Source
Features and functionality
User experience
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Cuemix 5 software requires a learning curve but allows for easy creation of individual mixes.
Source
Comparisons
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The 828 2024 model is perceived as a clear upgrade in sound quality from the Roland Octocapture, Audient EVO16, Presonus, and Focusrite interfaces.
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Users transitioning from FireWire setups find the MOTU 828es a robust alternative, offering a familiar interface and reliable performance, even for those new to MOTU equipment.
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The Behringer XR18 is highlighted for its value, offering 18 ins/outs and six aux sends, competing with the 828 series for those needing more inputs at a lower cost.
Source
Critic Reviews
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
Zimmer uses FireWire-connected MOTU 828s in his studio. “The 828s actually work very well. They’ve come a long way from where they started,” he adds. At Media Ventures, he uses Apogees for audio conversion.
Liam Howlett's keyboard tech: "There is a laptop ready to go if one of the other three fail, but we use solid?state drives and they are also very reliable. Liam can do all the mixing from stage, but Jon Burton also has access to the raw outputs from the MOTU 828s in case there is a problem with Liam's desk.”
"O'Donnell records these performances into Apple Logic (through a MOTU 828 into a MacIntosh computer) with a fairly sparse complement of controllers and peripherals: Mackie Control Surface, two 20" Apple Cinema displays, a Mackie Big Knob for monitoring, and Mackie 824 monitors."
exclusive the upbeats interview for russian dnbarena: question 6: what kind of software and hardware do you use in studio? upbeats: ....logic, our primaries is: kontakt, vanguard, albino,Amplitube ? Guitar rig. what about hardware- only one gear we used everytime it's our sound interface motu828 also we have few synthesizers . like old juno or korg legacy, but we don't use that last time
I have the signal going into a MOTU 828x Thunderbolt interface with two outputs going in stereo to the amps and two going to the PA. I can go into the amps now because the Thunderbolt connection allows me to run at low enough latency to play. I don’t use amp modeling in the direct signal, when it is blended properly with the amps it sounds good. On this tour they sent two vintage Vox AC 30s, so I am very happy with my sound. At home I have a vintage Vox AC30 and a Fender Princeton.
He states in this 2012 interview that he uses a MOTU 828 interface.
A MOTU 828 is seen in the 45 King's rack on the left.
Scotty - Hi there Jem, being the most technology-minded in the band, do you have a studio at home and what stuff do you use? Are any of the other band members into that kind of thing or do they leave it up to you? Looking forward to the new album. Scotty.
JD - I have my Mac at home and run Logic with Motu 828 interface for recording. As I said earlier I'm old-school so I love my keyboards hence I have a 1973 Minimoog, Nord Stage 88 as my main keyboard for Logic, Nord Stage Compact, Korg PA1 x pro, Korg M3 73 with Radias, Roland Fantom G7, Roland Fantom X6, Roland Fantom XR, Moog Little Phatty, the excellent Nord C1, best Hammond emulator I have ever played. 2 Korg o1/w, Roland AX-1, Roland AX-7... Well you did ask! Pete is well into recording and programming, Merv writes with a Korg pa80 and is getting quite a nifty keyboard player, Jim has a ProTools set-up and Stiv... well, we are still teaching him how to text! But when you can sing and write songs like he does, who cares!
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use MOTU 828 Audio Interface, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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