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MOTU 828mk3 Hybrid Firewire Audio Interface

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MOTU 828mk3 Hybrid Firewire Audio Interface

$599.00 to $1,275.74 Price Tier: High-end

4.5 (12)

2 Reviews

Find out who is using MOTU 828mk3 Hybrid

4 community setups

0 wishlisted

18 saved

Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

3.9 (20)

Used

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4.0 (10)

$1,275.74 1 available New

$110.00 5 available Used

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4.0 (9)

$749.00

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4.3 (81)

$819.00

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Average Price: $711

High-end/Boutique

$150

$501+

Price Tier

In the Audio Interfaces category, MOTU 828mk3 Hybrid Firewire Audio Interface is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "MOTU 828mk3 Hybrid Firewire Audio Interface". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 23, 2026.

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Description

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Introducing the MOTU 828mk3 Hybrid Firewire Audio Interface, a perfect fusion of quality, versatility, and power for your recording needs. This 19" Firewire/USB 2.0 audio interface doubles as a 28/16 digital mixer, boasting an impressive 24-bit/192kHz resolution. It's not just a high-performance audio interface, but it also provides you with an innovative digital mixer that comes with an integrated DSP for EQ, compression, and reverb.

The 828mk3 Hybrid offers the New CueMix Console, an upgraded feature that gives you hands-on control over your mix. It's equipped with 2 mic-guitar inputs with integrated hardware limiters and 48V phantom power, ensuring your recordings are clean and distortion-free. With a wide range of connectivity options including MIDI I/O, word clock I/O, 8-bit balanced line I/O's, 2 x XLR Main Out, and 2x headphone output, this audio interface provides flexibility for any recording setup. Best of all, it's compatible with both Mac and PC, making it a versatile choice for any studio setup.

Key Features:

19" Firewire/USB 2.0 audio interface and 28/16 digital mixer
High-resolution 24-bit/192kHz
Integrated DSP for EQ, Compressor and Reverb
New CueMix Console for hands-on control
2 mic-guitar inputs with integrated hardware limiter and 48V phantom power
Wide range of connectivity: MIDI I/O, word clock I/O, 8-bit balanced line I/O's + 2 x XLR Main Out, 2x headphone output
Compatible with both Mac and PC

Owner's manual

MOTU 828mk3 Hybrid Firewire Audio Interface User Manual

Product specs

Brand	MOTU
Model	828mk3 Hybrid Firewire / USB Audio Interface
Finish	Black
Year	2010 - 2025
Made In	China
Categories	Audio Interfaces
Bit Depth	24-bit
Bus-Powered	Yes
Compatibility	Windows, macOS
Computer Connectivity	Firewire, 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	8
Number of Analog Outputs	10
Number of Channels	54
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

FAQs

What connectivity options does the MOTU 828mk3 Hybrid offer?: The MOTU 828mk3 Hybrid provides both Firewire and USB connections, ensuring flexibility and compatibility with a wide range of computers and setups.
Is the MOTU 828mk3 Hybrid compatible with macOS and Windows?: Yes, the MOTU 828mk3 Hybrid is compatible with both macOS and Windows operating systems.
How many audio channels does the MOTU 828mk3 Hybrid support?: The MOTU 828mk3 Hybrid supports a total of 54 audio channels, allowing for extensive routing and recording capabilities.
What is the maximum sample rate of the MOTU 828mk3 Hybrid?: The MOTU 828mk3 Hybrid supports a maximum sample rate of 192 kHz, providing high-resolution audio recording and playback.
Does the MOTU 828mk3 Hybrid require an external power supply?: No, the MOTU 828mk3 Hybrid is bus-powered, eliminating the need for an external power supply.
How many mic preamps are included in the MOTU 828mk3 Hybrid?: The MOTU 828mk3 Hybrid features two built-in mic preamps for high-quality microphone inputs.

Videos

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MOTU 828mk3 hybrid

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Motu 828 Mk3 Hybrid in 2022

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MOTU 828mk3 Hybrid イントロダクション

High Resolution co.,ltd.

MOTU 828mk3 Hybrid 4Sound

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Reviews

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PROS

Versatile connectivity with USB 2.0, FireWire, ADAT, and coax
Supports both Windows and Mac operating systems seamlessly
Can operate in standalone mode without a DAW
Built-in DSP offers dynamics and EQ for each input
Low latency (3-4ms) with VSTi instruments without glitches
High-quality sound, rivaling more expensive interfaces
Solid drivers, stable performance over long periods
Great customer service, even for out-of-warranty units
Flexible signal routing, doesn't take up much space
Ability to expand number of inputs via ADAT

CONS

Windows drivers can be buggy, requiring frequent reboots
Cuemix software difficult to control, lacks intuitive design
Only 2 mic preamps, limiting for recording multiple sources simultaneously
AD converters not ideal for high-quality vocal takes
USB connection can be finicky, with recommended cable length limitations
Adjusting settings on the unit itself is tedious
No option to record raw without onboard DSP effects in Cuemix
Some units have experienced hardware failures within a few years
No midi mapping of parameters in Cuemix software
Can't open different Cuemix parameters all in one screen, complicating live use

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about MOTU 828mk3 Hybrid Firewire Audio Interface.

Software and compatibility

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The 828mk3 Hybrid is not class compliant on Linux, only functioning via Firewire, even on kernels 5.14+.
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Users attempting USB connectivity on Linux note the interface shows up as connected via terminal but fails to integrate with audio services.
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Successful Firewire operation on Linux requires a dedicated Firewire card for connectivity.
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The 828mk3 requires disabling SIP and authorizing drivers for compatibility with M-series Macs, especially when using Firewire connections.
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User experience

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Owners report occasional crackling noises on Windows, interrupting recordings, indicating potential instability with the 828mk3 Hybrid.
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Owners note the longevity of MOTU's driver support, with one having used a mk2 for over 15 years before needing an upgrade.
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Owners have used the MOTU 828mk3 Hybrid for over a decade without needing replacement, highlighting its durability and reliability in long-term use.
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Features and functionality

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The 828mk3 can operate with mixer features independently of a Windows PC when connected via Firewire, though it might be fiddly.
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The 828mk3 Hybrid includes both Firewire 400 and USB connectivity options, though USB functionality is limited to specific operating systems.
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Comparisons

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A user compared the 828mk3 to Focusrite Scarlett, mentioning the MOTU's tank-like build without specific reference to sound quality.
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The MOTU 828mk3 Hybrid offers ADAT for future expansion, making it a versatile choice for growing setups compared to interfaces like the Focusrite Scarlett.
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Use cases and applications

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The interface is suitable for users needing multiple inputs, with the potential for ADAT expansion to accommodate larger setups.
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Value and pricing

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The MOTU 828mk3 Hybrid is considered a smart purchase for those comfortable with Firewire, as used adaptors can be costly but the interface itself is often a good value.
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4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 12 Ratings

5 star

4 star

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1 star

chasedobson

about 8 years ago

Loads of IO

Great sounding interface w solid drivers, next step up in fidelity would be to go RME, Apogee or Lynx. I've had mine for 5 years now. The LCD screen went out on 1 unit and MOTU was great enough to replace it with a B Stock unit free of charge as it was out of warranty. I've expanded the # of inputs via ADAT and can if needed track 24 channels at once.

dnalab01

101

almost 11 years ago

Good product, good price.

You can use the MOTU 828 mk3 standalone via display or by operating system via CueMix FX. CueMix FX can be operated side by side with any host audio software for Mac or Windows. CueMix FX is a fantastic DSP-driven mixer, with classic reverb, modeled analog modeled EQ and vintage compression. There are also interesting tools like: XY Plot, Phase Analysis, FFT, Spectrogram and Oscilloscope.