MOTU 828x Thunderbolt Audio Interface

MOTU’s best-selling audio interface, now with Thunderbolt connectivity.

The 828x is MOTU’s most advanced, award-winning audio interface, and now comes with lightning fast Thunderbolt connectivity. Raising the bar with innovative features and ultra-reliable performance, the MOTU 828x provides 28 inputs and 30 outputs with recording up to 192kHz resolution, studio-grade mic channels, on-board digital mixer with effects, standalone mixer option, solid metal chassis, high-speed USB 2.0 and 3.0 connectivity for across-the-board compatibility.

The future of connectivity
Thunderbolt fulfills the promise of a truly state-of-the-art connectivity standard for personal computers. With massive bandwidth, Thunderbolt allows you to connect displays, hard drives, and other peripherals to your computer, along with the 828x, up to six devices total (with the 828x at the end of the chain), and the Thunderbolt bus won’t even break a sweat. Thunderbolt combines plug-and-play convenience with massive bandwidth and low latency for truly professional audio interface performance.

Audio quality without compromise
Now in its fifth generation, the 828 has become well respected in the audio industry. How has this level of respect been earned? Through consistent design integrity and intelligent use of current-generation parts and design technologies.

Mac, PC, and USB 3.0 compatible
As Thunderbolt becomes more widely adopted, Hi-speed USB 2.0 provides across-the-board compatibility with virtually all laptops and desktops on both Mac and Windows. Since USB 2.0 devices are compatible with USB 3.0-equipped hosts, your 828x interface is a future-proof investment in your studio. With recording up to 192kHz resolution, you’ll always have the most pristine, professional sound at your disposal.

How can one audio interface offer this much I/O?
Two combo-style mic/guitar inputs with preamps, 8 balanced analog in/out, XLR main outs, 16 channels of ADAT optical (8 channels at 96 kHz), plus S/PDIF, word clock and MIDI. Connect all of your studio gear, including microphones, guitars, synths, keyboards, drum machines and even effects processors.

Studio-grade mic channels
Do you work with outboard EQs and compressors? Each 828x mic input offers a pre-converter send for mono or stereo mic channel outboard processing. The 828x’s unique V-Limitâ„¢ hardware limiter employs a proprietary design to offer an additional 12 dB of headroom over digital zero with no digital clipping or harsh artifacts, for that added protection in dynamic recording situations. The 828x’s preamps are clean and neutral, allowing you to use your favorite plug-ins and host software to color the sound just the way you want for each recording application.

Mixing and effects for monitoring and live mixing
Record, monitor, route and process all live inputs using the professional on-board CueMix FX digital mixer – with no latency and no processor strain on your computer. Apply DSP-driven compression, EQ and reverb to every input and output, independent of your host computer.

Go instantly from studio to stage
After programming the on-board mixing in the studio, unplug the 828x from the computer and take it on the road for operation as a stand-alone mixer with effects. All mixing and effects parameters are adjustable using the front panel backlit LCD.

Built to last, and last, and last…
Like all MOTU interfaces, the 828x’s aluminum alloy chassis is lightweight, yet incredibly sturdy and durable, and designed to withstand the rigors of the studio, stage, and road. In a world awash with cheap plastic, the cool feeling of the 828x’s metal exterior in your hands is a reassuring reminder that you are holding quality engineering and construction.