Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $951

High-end/Boutique

$150

$501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Step up your recording game with the MOTU 828x Thunderbolt Audio Interface, a powerhouse designed for musicians and producers who demand versatility and top-tier performance. Seamlessly integrating 28 inputs and 30 outputs, this interface is tailored for both studio and live settings. Whether you're capturing the warmth of a vintage mic or the crispness of digital synths, the 828x ensures pristine sound quality with up to 192kHz resolution.

The 828x shines with its lightning-fast Thunderbolt connectivity, offering ultra-low latency and massive bandwidth. This means you can daisy-chain multiple devices without compromising performance. Additionally, the USB 2.0 and 3.0 compatibility ensures you're equipped for any setup, whether you're on a Mac or PC.

The interface's robust build features a solid metal chassis designed to endure the demands of the studio and the road. Dual combo-style mic/guitar inputs with preamps, coupled with a professional-grade on-board digital mixer, allow for intricate sound crafting with zero latency. Plus, the unique V-Limit hardware limiter ensures your recordings are free from digital clipping, even in dynamic situations.

Perfect for musicians who need flexibility, the 828x doubles as a standalone mixer with effects, making it an excellent choice for live performances. With its intuitive interface, you can easily adjust mixing and effects parameters directly from the backlit LCD.

Key Features:

  • Thunderbolt connectivity with 28 inputs and 30 outputs
  • Supports recording up to 192kHz resolution
  • USB 2.0 and 3.0 compatibility for Mac and PC
  • Dual combo-style mic/guitar inputs with preamps
  • On-board digital mixer with DSP-driven effects
  • V-Limit hardware limiter for dynamic recording
  • Standalone mixer capability with effects
  • Durable metal chassis for studio and road use

FAQs

What connectivity options does the MOTU 828x Thunderbolt Audio Interface offer?

The MOTU 828x provides Thunderbolt and high-speed USB 2.0 connectivity, making it versatile for both modern and legacy systems. It also includes MIDI I/O for connecting MIDI devices.

Is the MOTU 828x compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems?

Yes, the MOTU 828x is compatible with both Mac OS X and Windows, ensuring broad compatibility with different computer setups.

Can the MOTU 828x be used as a standalone mixer?

Yes, the MOTU 828x can function as a standalone mixer with its on-board digital mixer and effects, making it suitable for live sound applications without a computer.

What is the audio resolution capability of the MOTU 828x?

The MOTU 828x supports up to 192kHz audio resolution, providing high-quality audio recording and playback.

How many inputs and outputs does the MOTU 828x offer?

The MOTU 828x features 28 inputs and 30 outputs, allowing for extensive connectivity options for complex studio setups.

Does the MOTU 828x include any built-in effects?

Yes, the MOTU 828x includes an on-board digital mixer with effects, which can be used for creating custom mixes and adding effects to your audio in real-time.

Kendall Giles

Kendall Giles

Review: MOTU 828X Audio Interface

Video thumbnail for Review: MOTU 828X Audio Interface by Kendall Giles

Review: MOTU 828X Audio Interface

Kendall Giles

Kendall Giles

Video thumbnail for MOTU 828x by B&H Photo Video Pro Audio

MOTU 828x

B&H Photo Video Pro Audio

B&H Photo Video Pro Audio

Video thumbnail for MOTU at NAMM 2014: the 828x audio interface with Thunderbolt technology by motuTV

MOTU at NAMM 2014: the 828x audio interface with Thunderbolt technology

motuTV

motuTV

Video thumbnail for MOTU 828X Thunderbolt/USB 28x30 Audio Interface | Quicklook by Sam Ash Music

MOTU 828X Thunderbolt/USB 28x30 Audio Interface | Quicklook

Sam Ash Music

Sam Ash Music

Video thumbnail for Unboxing: Motu 828x Audio Interface by Kendall Giles

Unboxing: Motu 828x Audio Interface

Kendall Giles

Kendall Giles

Video thumbnail for Inside NAMM 2014 | MOTU 828X Thunderbolt/USB 28x30 Audio Interface by Sam Ash Music

Inside NAMM 2014 | MOTU 828X Thunderbolt/USB 28x30 Audio Interface

Sam Ash Music

Sam Ash Music

Video thumbnail for MOTU 828x by Rock oN by RockoNCompany

MOTU 828x by Rock oN

RockoNCompany

RockoNCompany

Video thumbnail for MOTU 828X Thunderbolt USB Audio Interface at Soundsliveshop.com by SoundsLiveShop

MOTU 828X Thunderbolt USB Audio Interface at Soundsliveshop.com

SoundsLiveShop

SoundsLiveShop

Video thumbnail for mmag ru: Musikmesse 2014 - MOTU 828x - thunderbolt, usb аудио-интерфейс by MusicMagTV

mmag ru: Musikmesse 2014 - MOTU 828x - thunderbolt, usb аудио-интерфейс

MusicMagTV

MusicMagTV

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Software and compatibility

  • Some users report the MOTU Discovery app may not recognize the 828x unless connected to a network, despite the system listing it in the Thunderbolt chain.

    Source
  • Security settings in macOS can block the interface recognition; allowing necessary permissions can resolve connectivity problems.

    Source
  • Some users report that the front inputs are labeled 1 and 2, but in the software, they appear as 3 and 4, causing initial confusion during setup.

    Source
  • MOTU 828x has been noted to work with Intel-based Mac drivers on Big Sur, while M1 Macs may present compatibility issues.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • A common issue involves incorrect cable usage; ensure using a Thunderbolt 2 to Thunderbolt 3 adapter, not a similar-looking USB-C cable.

    Source

User experience

  • Users experience intermittent recognition issues needing multiple power cycles for the Mac to detect the interface.

    Source

Other

  • The MOTU 828x's absence of AVB networking is noted by some as a drawback, particularly for users relying on advanced networked setups.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The MOTU 828x may require users to mirror outputs in Logic due to non-standard output labeling, where 1/4" outs need to be set to 3-4 instead of 1-2.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Focusrite Clarett series is noted for being more affordable with potentially better sound quality compared to the MOTU 828x, despite being perceived as "prosumer."

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Users have successfully employed the MOTU 828x for send and return FX loops, highlighting its versatility beyond standard input/output tasks.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Review: MOTU 828X Audio Interface | Kendall Giles: Technology, Society, and Meaning

kendallgiles.com

The MOTU 828x Thunderbolt Audio Interface is a powerhouse in a compact, rugged package that impresses with its extensive I/O options and Thunderbolt support. Its durable aluminum build makes it ideal for musicians on the move, and the onboard digital mixer enhances flexibility by reducing dependency on external devices. Although it lacks a Thunderbolt cable, its USB compatibility ensures versatility across different systems. Overall, it's a robust choice for anyone seeking a reliable, high-quality audio interface for both studio and travel use.

positive

Motu 828x thunderbolt audio interface review | Studio Gearhead

wordpress.com

While the MOTU 828x Thunderbolt Audio Interface shines with its excellent sound quality, flexible routing, and impressive mic preamps, it falters in physical design. The setup is a breeze, especially for Mac users, and the onboard effects are surprisingly good. However, users are left grappling with poorly designed knobs that feel fragile and are awkwardly placed. The LED display issue and absence of a Thunderbolt cable in the box further mar the experience. Despite its audio prowess, the interface's hardware flaws prompt a return, leaving potential unfulfilled.

negative

www.guitarfella.com | 526: Invalid SSL certificate

guitarfella.com

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings

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Artist usage

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See how Deadmau5 uses MOTU 828x Thunderbolt Audio Interface

Deadmau5

Music Producer

BSOD

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The Motu 828x Thunderbolt Audio interface can be seen on the top of the rack.

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 828x Thunderbolt Audio Interface, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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