MOTU 848 Thunderbolt 4/USB4 Audio Interface

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The 848 is equipped with a 64-channel mixer designed just like a large format mixing console. The 64 inputs can take signal from anywhere: the physical inputs on the 848 interface itself, audio channels from host software on your computer, audio network streams, or even mixer outputs. The mixer provides 26 aux busses, plus main, reverb, monitor, and solo buses. All inputs and output buses provide 4-band double-precision parametric EQ and a compressor. Additionally, input channels include a High-Pass Filter and Gate. In essence: capable and transparent mixing.
Point-to-Point routing and splitting
Using intuitive, virtual patch cords, you can easily route any source signal to any destination. Sources can be analog or digital inputs on the interface, computer channels, mixer bus outputs, or audio network streams from other devices on the network. Destinations include interface outputs, host software inputs, mixer inputs, or any other device (or computer) on the network. You can even split any single source (or stereo pair) to unlimited multiple output destinations.
Matrix routing, splitting and patching
For complex workflows that involve routing and splitting at scale, the Routing Grid provides a global "bird's-eye" view of all the connections in your 848 system. Manage hundreds of audio channels quickly, at a glance. Check for signal with convenienct activity meters. Show and hide audio banks to customize your routing environment. Display destinations on either the right side or left side of the grid, as you prefer.
Next-gen 28 x 32 Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 audio interface
Built on 30 years of proven success as an industry-leading audio interface brand.
New 3.9-inch TFT display
24-bit RGB LCD provides 480 x 128 pixel high-resolution metering for all analog and digital I/O, plus detailed status info and access to hardware settings from a simple and convenient menu.
Superb analog audio quality and high-end converters
Renowned ESS Sabre32™ DAC technology delivers 125 dB dynamic range. Support for all standard sample rates up to 192 kHz.
Ultra-low latency and proven, high-performance MOTU drivers
Round-trip latency (RTL) performance as low as 1.8 ms at 96kHz with high-performance DAW hosts.
Universal Thunderbolt/USB-C connectivity
Connect to any computer with the included 40 Gbps Thunderbolt-compatible USB4 cable (compatible with USB3 and USB2) for up to 256 audio channels (128 in and 128 out), depending on the host computer connection. Class-compliant firmware and industry standard drivers work with any audio apps. Connects to an iPad™ with USB-C or a Lightning adapter kit (sold separately). Use the second Thunderbolt port to connect additional computer peripherals, a USB hub or Thunderbolt dock.
60 simultaneous audio channels
28 inputs and 32 outputs, including 8x12 TRS analog (line-level) in/out, two banks of 8-channel optical I/O, and two front-panel headphone outputs.
Advanced mic channels
Cutting-edge components deliver ultra-transparent sound with -114 dB THD+N, 118 dB dynamic range and -129 dBu EIN. Each mic channel provides individual controls for +74 dB of preamp gain, -20 dB pad, 48V phantom power, and phase invert. All settings can be controlled remotely from a computer or iOS device. Mic inputs 3-4 include a dedicated send/return insert for outboard gear processing.
Flexible insert returns
When nothing is connected to mic inputs 3-4, the two returns function as additional line inputs with identical signal path characteristics as the other eight line inputs.
Dolby Atmos™ monitoring
Twelve line outputs support up to 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos monitoring systems.
64-channel mixing with effects
Powerful 32-bit floating point DSP delivers 64-channel mixing with 64 inputs, 32 busses, and effects processing, including reverb, 4-band double-precision EQ, high-pass filter, gate and compression at all sample rates up to 96 kHz.
Patchbay routing and splitting
Using intuitive, virtual patch cords, or a comprehensive routing grid, easily route any source signal to any destination. Split any source to multiple destinations.
AVB Networking
Use two Gigabit network ports to daisy-chain multiple units using standard network cabling, or add an AVB switch to build a network with multiple interfaces and computers with ultra-low network latency, even over long cable runs (hundreds of meters). Stream hundreds of audio channels among devices and computers on the network. Compatible with previous-generation MOTU AVB devices.
Wi-Fi control
Control everything wirelessly over Wi-Fi from the CueMix Pro app running on mobile devices or other computers on the same network - even multiple devices at the same time.
Precision boost/trim for analog I/O
Calibrate analog input and output signals in precise 1 dB increments. Apply phase invert individually to analog inputs.
Control room features
Control your sessions with "talk" button and "A/B/C" speaker select buttons on the front panel to quickly compare your mixes on three sets of studio monitors. Mute and sum-to-mono buttons are also included.
Two flexible headphone outputs
With independent volume control, each headphone output can mirror each other, the Main Outs, any other analog output pair, any mixer bus, or any computer output channels. Or you can create a completely customized mix for each headphone that includes live 848 inputs and built-in reverb.
Two banks of optical I/O
Connect outboard digital processors, digital mixers or other gear with 16 channels of ADAT at 44.1/48 kHz or 8 channels of S/MUX at 88.2/96 kHz. Bank A can optionally provide stereo TOSLink (optical S/PDIF) I/O up to 96 kHz.
Word clock in/out/thru
Supports all sample rates up to 192 kHz.
DC-coupled TRS outputs
Use the 848 to manipulate and sequence voltage-controlled modular synthesizers from a host DAW.
Guitar re-amping
Connect your guitar to the front-panel input, use CueMix's near-zero latency to loop to any output (with a re-amp adapter, if needed), and record both the dry signal and your mic'd up amp simultaneously. Then re-amp the dry signal later with different amps and cabs - or amp modeling plug-ins - to experiment with different tones.
Loopback for live streaming and podcasting
Easily route computer output back to the computer, where you can mix it with live inputs from the 848 in your host software for live streaming or podcasting.
Flexible front-panel metering
Choose customized meter views for analog I/O only, digital I/O only and other combinations to best support your workflow.
CueMix Pro app
Control mixing and settings from your Mac, PC or iOS device.
Performer Lite
Workstation software with over 100 included instruments, dozens of effects and 6 GB of included loops to make music right away.
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A warranty can be a very important factor when making a buying decision. Because repairs can be very expensive in terms of parts and labour costs, manufacturers usually only provide one year limited warranties that generally only cover items that malfunction due to a manufacturer’s defect. With an important purchase such as a musical
instrument or piece of studio gear, however, many people want to have the peace of mind in knowing that their investment will be protected should the product no longer be performing at 100%.
Because of this, Long & McQuade provides our customers with a FREE one-year Performance Warranty on most of our products. The Long & McQuade Performance Warranty supplements the manufacturer’s warranty to ensure that our customers receive complete “no hassle” warranty coverage within their first year.
How does the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty differ from most manufacturers' warranties?
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Purchasing additional years of coverage
Some manufacturers provide warranties for longer than 1 year; however, these are usually limited warranties that do not provide the same coverage as the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Customers interested in more complete and convenient (but not necessarily longer) coverage are still able to purchase additional years of the Performance Warranty.
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