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Average Price: $595
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Description
Unlock the full potential of your studio setup with the MOTU 828mkII FireWire Audio Interface. A true workhorse, this robust rackmountable unit is engineered to accommodate the diverse needs of musicians and producers alike. With its FireWire connectivity, you can seamlessly integrate it with your existing digital audio workstation for reliable, high-speed data transfer. Whether you're laying down tracks or mixing, the 828mkII provides pristine audio quality that captures every nuance of your performance.
On the front panel, you'll find two versatile combination mic and instrument inputs, making it easy to switch between different recording scenarios. The back panel expands your options with eight line-level inputs and outputs, ensuring you have ample room for all your gear. MIDI I/O allows for seamless communication with your other digital instruments, while the inclusion of SPDIF and ADAT optical I/O affords a wealth of digital interfacing possibilities. For those working with video or film, the wordclock and SMPTE sync features are indispensable, ensuring everything stays perfectly in time.
This isn't just an audio interface; it's the heart of your studio. With LED-based metering providing clear visual feedback, you’re always in control of your levels. The MOTU 828mkII is designed to grow with you, offering reliability and flexibility that stand the test of time.
Key Features:
- FireWire 400 connectivity for fast, reliable data transfer
- Two front-panel combination mic/instrument inputs
- Eight rear-mounted line-level inputs and outputs
- MIDI I/O for digital instrument integration
- SPDIF and ADAT optical I/O for expanded digital connections
- Wordclock and SMPTE sync for precise timing control
- LED-based metering for clear level monitoring
Product specs
| Brand | MOTU |
| Model | 828 Mk II Firewire Audio Interface |
| Finish | Black |
| 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 | 38 |
| Number of Digital Inputs | 10 |
| Number of Digital Outputs | 10 |
| Number of Headphone Outputs | 1 |
| Number of MIDI Inputs | 1 |
| Number of MIDI Outputs | 1 |
| Number of Mic Preamps | 2 |
| Sample Rate | 96 khz |
FAQs
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Is the MOTU 828mkII compatible with both Windows and macOS?
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Yes, the MOTU 828mkII is compatible with both Windows and macOS systems, providing flexibility for various studio setups.
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What type of connectivity does the MOTU 828mkII use?
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The MOTU 828mkII uses FireWire connectivity, which allows for fast data transfer and is ideal for multi-channel audio recording.
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How many analog inputs and outputs does the MOTU 828mkII have?
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The MOTU 828mkII features 8 analog inputs and 10 analog outputs, providing ample connectivity for recording and playback.
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Does the MOTU 828mkII require an external power source?
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Yes, the MOTU 828mkII is not bus-powered and requires an external power source to operate.
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What is the maximum sample rate of the MOTU 828mkII?
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The MOTU 828mkII supports a maximum sample rate of 96 kHz, ensuring high-quality audio recording and playback.
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How many mic preamps are included in the MOTU 828mkII?
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The MOTU 828mkII includes 2 mic preamps, allowing for direct microphone input with high-quality preamplification.
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What digital input and output formats does the MOTU 828mkII support?
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The MOTU 828mkII supports ADAT/Optical and S/PDIF digital input and output formats, enabling versatile digital audio connectivity.
Videos
Linux Game Cast
Interfacing Linux: MOTU 828 MKII
Interfacing Linux: MOTU 828 MKII
Linux Game Cast
Motu 828 mk II firewire, verification of communication with PC
Gabi Mitran
MOTU 828 FireWire mk2 sound card that plays a project on headphones
Gabi Mitran
Reviews
PROS
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Works well with older Windows PCs using affordable FireWire PCI cards
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Great preamps and extensive I/O options for its price range
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Compatible with older Mac systems, supporting legacy software and configurations
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High-quality converters suitable for budget-conscious users
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Flexible enough to serve as a pre-monitor mixer in hardware setups
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Reliable performance for long-term use, over many years
CONS
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Limited driver support can result in compatibility issues with newer systems
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FireWire connectivity can be a hurdle for modern setups without adapters
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Less transparency compared to higher-end brands like RME or Focusrite
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about MOTU 828mkII FireWire Audio Interface.
Software and compatibility
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FireWire audio devices are unsupported on macOS starting with Catalina; upgrading to M2 will require a new interface or workarounds like OWC Thunderbolt docks.
Source -
Third-party plugins often require Rosetta mode due to lack of Apple Silicon versions; some outdated plugins may never be updated, affecting compatibility.
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Running multiple MOTU interfaces, like the 828 MkII and 896HD, on a Windows machine is reported to be stable, with only minor, infrequent issues.
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The MOTU 828mkII exhibits intermittent system volume control issues on macOS 12.6.8 unless Chrome is running, indicating a unique interaction with macOS audio services.
Source
Comparisons
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Users have switched from MOTU 828mkII to interfaces like Behringer UMC1820 and Apogee Duet III, noting ease of use and stability.
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Setup and maintenance
Features and functionality
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The MOTU 828es offers two optical inputs, allowing integration of old setups with modern Mac systems, providing flexibility for users with outboard gear.
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Some users have successfully used the MOTU 828 MkII with a USB connection, although the device primarily supports FireWire.
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System volume control issues on macOS Monterey can be resolved by launching the Chrome browser, which affects system audio behavior with the MOTU 828mkII.
Source
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 18 Ratings
283
Fantastic Audio Interface
My first audio interface and it was fantastic. The only reason I don't use it any longer is because I am now on Windows and don't have a Firewire interface.
Artist usage
Add artist
He says: "I have the RME HDSP 9632 in my system plus a Motu 828 mkII firewire interface,..."
A MOTU 828 mkII FireWire audio interface can be seen in Richard's stage setup (fourth photo, second from bottom in the rack).
This was the first track I 'officially' recorded as part of my CCCL project (aka: Chris Carter's Chemistry Lessons). It was made in 2007 with a Gameboy ASP running a couple of Nanoloop sequences: into a Boss PQ-4 parametric EQ, mono out: into a Boss PN-2 Panner (square-wave pan setting), stereo out: into a Boss RV-5 reverb (Gate setting), stereo out > into a Boss DD-6 digital delay (modified), stereo out: into a Mac G5 recording (via MOTU 828 mkII audio interface) into Apple Soundtrack Pro. All realtime tweakery (mostly the PQ-4 + DD-6) and no post-pro no editing. MO
MOTU 828 mkII is included in the equipment list on his website.
From the February 2015 issue of Sound & Recording Magazine, which featured an interview with Yuki Kajiura. A MOTU 828 MkII Firewire can be seen in the third photo, third from top of rack.
According to backline tech Mike Dean, keyboardist Brian Leisegang’s setup comprises an M-Audio Radium 61 keyboard connected through USB to an iMac G4 running OS 10.4. All sounds are created in Propellerhead Reason. The audio interface is a MOTU 828 mkII with a simple left/right send. “We also send a guitar part to a Korg Kaoss pad,” Dean says, “and returned to FOH to have it effected manually.”
Two MOTU 828 MKII Firewire interfaces can be seen in Russell's studio (sixth photo, under right speaker).
According to Babydaddy, the equipment at Discoball Jazzfest consists of a G5 Mac running Logic Pro 7 with assorted plug-ins including the Native Instruments Komplete package, Korg's Legacy Collection, Arturia's CS80V and Gforce's Minimonsta. Hardware includes the Access Virus Indigo and Virus Polar, Roland XV5050, Studiologic SL880 master keyboard, Roland Juno 106 and Novation K-station synths. The band's main microphone is a Neumann M149, which went through the studio's HHB Radius 50, Avalon VT737, or Universal Audio 6176 preamps, and then into their MOTU 828 MkII, with monitoring taken care of by Mackie HR824s.
Genre Usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use MOTU 828mkII FireWire Audio Interface, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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