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Average Price: $898
High-end/Boutique
$150
$501+
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Based on price data from 1 merchant for "MOTU 828es". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The MOTU 828es is a powerhouse audio interface designed for the modern studio, blending cutting-edge technology with intuitive functionality. This versatile interface offers an impressive 28x32 I/O configuration, making it a top choice for musicians and producers who need flexibility and performance in their recording setups. With both Thunderbolt and USB 2.0 connectivity, the 828es ensures seamless integration with both Mac and PC environments, allowing you to focus on what matters most—your creativity.
The heart of the 828es lies in its ESS Sabre32 Ultra™ DAC technology, delivering exceptional audio quality with pristine clarity and ultra-low latency. The onboard DSP allows for dynamic mixing with EQ, compression, and reverb, all controllable via an intuitive web-based control interface. This means you can access your settings from any device connected to the network, offering unprecedented control over your sound.
Whether you're capturing the nuances of a solo acoustic performance or managing a full band recording session, the MOTU 828es is equipped to handle it all with its robust preamps and comprehensive connectivity options. Expand your sonic palette with S/PDIF, ADAT optical, and word clock connections, making it compatible with a wide array of studio gear.
Key Features:
- 28x32 simultaneous audio channels
- Thunderbolt and USB 2.0 connectivity
- ESS Sabre32 Ultra™ DAC technology for superior sound quality
- DSP-driven mixing with EQ, compression, and reverb
- Web-based control interface for flexible management
- S/PDIF, ADAT optical, and word clock connections for expanded compatibility
Product specs
| Brand | MOTU |
| Model | 828es 28x32 Thunderbolt and USB Audio Interface |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 2017 - 2025 |
| Made In | China |
| Categories | Audio Interfaces |
| Bit Depth | 24-bit |
| Bus-Powered | No |
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS |
| Computer Connectivity | Ethernet, Thunderbolt, USB |
| 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 | 10 |
| Number of Analog Outputs | 10 |
| Number of Channels | 56 |
| Number of Digital Inputs | 18 |
| Number of Digital Outputs | 18 |
| Number of Headphone Outputs | 2 |
| Number of MIDI Inputs | 1 |
| Number of MIDI Outputs | 1 |
| Number of Mic Preamps | 2 |
| Sample Rate | 192 khz |
| Simultaneous I/O | 28 x 28 |
FAQs
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What are the main connectivity options for the MOTU 828es audio interface?
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The MOTU 828es offers versatile connectivity with Thunderbolt, USB, and Ethernet options, making it compatible with both Windows and macOS systems. It also includes ADAT/Optical and S/PDIF digital I/O.
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Is the MOTU 828es suitable for low-latency recording?
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Yes, the MOTU 828es is designed for ultra-low latency recording, featuring high-performance drivers that provide 2–3ms roundtrip latency, ensuring smooth and responsive audio performance.
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How many simultaneous audio channels can the MOTU 828es handle?
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The MOTU 828es can handle up to 60 simultaneous audio channels, providing comprehensive I/O options for complex recording setups and live performances.
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Does the MOTU 828es offer DSP mixing and effects processing?
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Yes, the MOTU 828es includes DSP mixing and effects processing, allowing you to apply EQ, reverb, and compression directly within the interface for flexible sound shaping.
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What is the dynamic range of the MOTU 828es?
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The MOTU 828es features ESS Sabre32 DAC technology, delivering a dynamic range of 123dB for exceptional audio clarity and detail.
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Can the MOTU 828es be controlled from a mobile device?
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Yes, the MOTU 828es offers universal control from any device, allowing you to manage the interface's settings and mixing capabilities remotely via a web app.
Videos
Carlo Libertini
MOTU 828es Audio Interface: First Look...
MOTU 828es Audio Interface: First Look...
Carlo Libertini
NAMM 2018: MOTU 828ES Thunderbolt interface demo
Electronic Musician Magazine
MOTU 828ES review
HYPERSONICCHAOS HYPERSONICCHAOS
MESSE 2018: MOTU 828esThunderbolt USB and MIDI Interface
sonicstate
Motu 828 interface series - NAMM 2018
Bax-shop | Bax Music Goes
Motu 828es review
Chris Munton
MOTU présente CARTE SON MOTU - 828ES au NAMM18 - SonoVente.com ENG
SonoVente
Reviews
PROS
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Extensive I/O options including USB, Thunderbolt, and AVB ensure versatile connectivity
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High-quality ESS Sabre32 converters, same as in high-end Apogee devices
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Onboard mixer and router configurable via a web browser for future-proofing
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Dual ADAT I/O supports 16 inputs and outputs at standard sample rates
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Transparent mic/instrument preamps and dual headphone amps enhance versatility
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Expandable with other MOTU products or third-party gear via various digital interfaces
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Class-compliant USB interface ensures long-term functionality
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Supports word clock sync for precise timing in complex setups
CONS
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Complex software mixer and routing matrix can be challenging to learn
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Firmware updates require Ethernet, inconvenient for laptop users
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Stereo FX send setup requires additional line ins for monitoring
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about MOTU 828es.
Software and compatibility
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The MOTU 828es requires being powered on before the computer boots up to function correctly; it's not a plug-and-play device.
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Some users experience significant issues with the online mixer software, which is only available online, impacting usability.
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Some users experience flawless performance on both Mac and PC, with round trip latency less than 6 ms, without audio interference.
Source
User experience
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Audio dropouts and inconsistent audio routing issues have been reported, making the device unreliable for some owners.
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MOTU customer support is praised for their ability to remotely configure the interface directly on users' computers, resolving setup issues.
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Owners report the utility of combining 828es with 8pre-es, although the routing matrix can be complex to navigate.
Source
Comparisons
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After experiencing issues with the MOTU 828es, some users have opted for the RME UFX for its more reliable drivers and overall satisfaction.
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The new 16A interface, despite being a recent release, performs worse in loop back tests compared to the older 828es.
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The 828 2024 model uses ESS Sabre DACs and AKM ADCs, reportedly superior to the Roland Octocapture, Audient EVO16, and other competing brands.
Source
Use cases and applications
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Users report frustration when trying to integrate the 828es with S/PDIF outputs, leading to difficulties with monitor connections.
Source
Features and functionality
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The 828es includes features like MIDI, S/PDIF, LTC, footswitch, and analog sends, which are absent in the 8pre-es.
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The unit includes an A/B speaker button and well-performing headphone amps, beneficial for various monitoring setups.
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The inclusion of DIN MIDI was a decisive factor for users choosing the 828 over other interfaces lacking this feature.
Source
Setup and maintenance
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The 8pre-es requires engaging the pad and setting gain to zero for line level signals, using the TRS input.
Source
Other
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The 828es is noted to include a Spartan 3 FPGA chip, which has been discontinued, indicating potential sourcing issues for future production.
Source
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 4 Ratings
186
Excellent feature set and probably as future-proof as you can get!
After years of struggling with various audio interfaces, I've finally found one that I am extremely happy with! The 828es, which I purchased when I outgrew my MOTU Ultralight Mk4, offers plenty of high-quality I/O and enough interface options to ensure a long life in my home studio. I think that few, if any vendors can match MOTU when it comes to being future-proof. This unit has no fewer than three computer interfacing options including USB, Thunderbolt, and AVB. While the best latency figures probably come from Thunderbolt (which is the mode in which I use it) the USB drivers from MOTU are the best I've ever used, and shattered my expectations. It's class-compliant USB interface ensures it will be functional for years to come.
The 828es has a great amount of I/O and is well-though-out; it includes two front-panel mic inputs, monitor outputs on XLRs in the back, and plenty of balanced analog TRS. It supports word clock sync, includes TWO ADAT I/O for a total of 16 inputs and 16 outputs when running at 44.1khz or 48khz, includes SPDIF, and can support higher sample rates as well.
The MOTU 828es has excellent quality converters (ESS Sabre32, same as found in some Apogee devices that cost $$$$$) and it exposes an onboard mixer and router that can be configured from a web browser (another future-proof feature.) The routing matrix is relatively straightforward to use and enables the user to configure the device in the best way to integrate with your DAW.
I see no drawbacks at all with this device, and it forms the cornerstone of my studio. Along with two MOTU 2408 mk3 units used as standalone analog-to-digital converters, I am thrilled to have 24 line inputs on tap at 48khz for my large number of synths. Before considering the hype of more expensive units with similar features, check the specs and the reputation. MOTU has been around since the start, their drivers are solid, and their designs withstand the test of time.
41010
excellent value for dollar
Setup was a bit of a hassle and having to update firmware via ethernet is a pain having gone laptop now but overall a great interface. This has a little bit of everything as the centerpiece of your home studio. Lightning fast thunderbolt, decently fast USB, a couple really transparent mic/instrument preamps, 8 line ins and outs for synths.... stereo FX send (you have to use line ins to record and monitor the return though)... dual headphone amps. MIDI. Onboard DSP which I haven't fiddled with too much yet. Expandable with other motu products over AVB or with anybody's preamps and converters over spdif, ADAT/smux or AES/EBU. Paired with a good rack of focusrites over SMUX this thing can do a lot... I'll probably be getting a new one to use as my gateway to the computer with this slaved over AVB when MOTU gets around to making a thudnerbolt3 version. I highly recommend this interface to anyone who doesn't want to get caught up in the apollo plugin racket. If your PC is fast enough to run all your plugins native in real time and you're using a lot of hardware synths like I am at home? Get a MOTU.
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