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MOTU
828 ES 28x32 Thunderbolt/USB2 Audio Interface
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This product is no longer available.
The MOTU 828es is a 1 RU, 28x32, audio interface designed to provide versatile connectivity, DSP console-style mixing, and high-resolution audio for musicians and recording engineers in project studios, commercial facilities, home setups, and live stage applications.
Main Features
60 Simultaneous Audio Channels
28 Inputs and 32 Outputs, all Independent
Connect all your studio gear, including microphones, guitars, synths, keyboards, drum machines, outboard processors, MIDI gear, optical expanders - even a foot pedal. All I/O is available simultaneously.
Superb Analog Audio Quality
Renowned ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC Technology
New in the 828es, renowned ESS Sabre32 DAC technology delivers 123dB dynamic range and the same proven, award-winning audio quality as MOTU's flagship 1248.
High-performance Thunderbolt and USB drivers for Mac and PC
Ultra-low latency and renowned rock-solid performance
Round-trip latency (RTL) performance as low as 1.6 ms at 96kHz over Thunderbolt with high-performance DAW hosts.
Universal Connectivity
USB and Thunderbolt for Mac, PC and iOS
Connects to your Mac or PC with Thunderbolt, hi-speed USB 2.0 or AVB/TSN Ethernet for up to 256 audio channels (128 in and 128 out). Class-compliant firmware and industry standard drivers work with any audio apps. Connects to iPad with a standard camera connection kit (adapter).
Redesigned Mic Channels
Cutting-edge Components Deliver Ultra-transparent Sound
Capture your recorded material in its truest, most natural form with -108 dB THD+N, 118dB dynamic range and -128dBu EIN performance. Each mic channel has individual preamp gain, pad, 48V phantom power and digital remote control. Do you work with outboard EQs and compressors? Each 828es mic input offers a pre-converter, hard-wired send for mono or stereo mic channel outboard processing.
Control Room Features
Take Control of Your Recording Sessions
Take control of your recording sessions with the built-in talkback mic and front-panel talk button. Connect two sets of speakers and check your mixes instantly with front-panel A/B speaker select buttons.
DSP Mixing and Effects
Console-style Mixing with 48 Channels and 12 Busses
A full-fledged 48-input digital mixer delivers 7 stereo aux busses, 3 groups, access to 64 network inputs, and DSP effects including reverb, 4-band EQ, gate and compression. If you know your way around a large-format mixing console, you'll feel right at home. If you've ever wished to mix on a large console, the driver's seat is now yours.
More Features:
Two banks of optical
Two optical banks provide 16 channels of ADAT optical at 48 kHz, 8 channels of S/MUX optical I/O at 96 kHz or two banks of stereo TOSLink (optical S/PDIF) at rates up to 96kHz. Each optical input and output operates independently, allowing you to mix and match any optical formats, in and out.
MIDI I/O
Connect MIDI gear without the need for a separate MIDI interface.
Time code support
Dedicated time code input and output jacks. Converts SMPTE time code (LTC) to MIDI Time Code (MTC) and passes MTC on to any MTC-compatible host software.
DC-coupled TRS outputs
Use the 828es to manipulate sequence voltage-controlled modular synthesizers from a host DAW.
Balanced analog
828es balanced I/O connections are well-protected against RF interference, AC hum, and other noise-producing environmental factors.
S/PDIF digital I/O
Stereo digital transfers are an essential fact of daily studio life. The 828es's standard RCA S/PDIF input and output make stereo digital transfers a snap, with optional external clocking and support for sample rates up to 96kHz.
Foot switch input
Connect a standard foot pedal switch (sold separately) for hands-free talkback or punch-in while recording. Or map the pedal to any keystroke function in your host software.
Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS)
DSP-driven phase lock engine and internal clock source produces imperceptibly low jitter characteristics (below the noise floor), even when the 828es is resolved to an external clock source via SMPTE time code.
Two headphone jacks
Each headphone output can be programmed with the same or different mixes, with independent front-panel volume control.
Audio analysis tools
Includes an oscilloscope, real-time FFT, X-Y Plot, and graphic phase analysis.
Technical Specifications
Sample rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz
Mic/line/instr inputs:
2 x XLR/TRS "combo style" inputs
Preamp gain: 0 to +63 dB (digitally controlled)
Analog inputs:
8 x 1/4" TRS line inputs (balanced/unbalanced)
Max level: +24 dBu (digitally adjustable -96 to +22)
Analog outputs:
8 x 1/4" TRS line out (balanced, DC coupled)
Max level: +20 dBu (digitally adjustable -4 to +20)
2 x male XLR with +20 dBu max
2 x 1/4" TRS stereo headphone
2 x 1/4" TRS sends (pre-converter)
Digital I/O:
2 banks (16 ch) of ADAT optical at 1x sample rates
2 banks (8 ch) of SMUX optical at 2x sample rates
Switchable to stereo TOSLink (optical S/PDIF)
1 x stereo S/PDIF on RCA (up to 96 kHz)
Total I/O:
28 in / 32 out (60 total) at 1x sample rates
20 in / 24 out (44 total) at 2x sample rates
10 in / 14 out (24 total) at 4x sample rates
Computer I/O:
1 x Thunderbolt 1 (Mac and Win)
Thunderbolt 2 & 3 compatible
1 x USB 2.0 audio class compliant
USB 3.0 and iOS compatible
Computer I/O channels Thunderbolt:
128 in/out at 1x or 2x (44.1 to 96 kHz)
64 in/out at 4x (176.4 to 192 kHz)
Computer I/O channels USB:
64 in/out at 1x (44.1 to 48 kHz)
32 in/out at 2x (88.2 to 96 kHz)
24 in/out at 4x (176.4 to 192 kHz)
MIDI I/O:
1 x MIDI IN
1 x MIDI OUT
16 MIDI channels to/from computer host
Foot switch1 x 1/4" pedal input
Sync I/O:
1 x BNC word clock in/out
1 x 1/4" time code in/out
Network I/O: 1 x RJ45 AVB/TSN Ethernet (1 Gbps)
Headphone: 2 x 1/4" TRS stereo phone (assignable)
Phantom power: 2 x individual +48V
Front panel: 2 x 1/4" TRS headphone output
2 x XLR/TRS combo inputs
2 x digital rotary encoders phone vol
2 x digital rotary encoders mic/instr input gain
2 x large digital rotary encoders main vol / menu
4 x small switches (2) Pad / (2) 48V Phantom pwr
8 x large switches menu nav / A/B mon select, etc.
2 x LCD (128 x 160) for level meters / menu nav
Power: International 100-240V autoswitching supply, 50-60 Hz 0.5A max
Dimensions and weight (width x depth x height, enclosure only, with rack brackets)
19 x 7 x 1.75 inches
48.3 x 17.75 x 4.5 cm
4.2 lbs / 1.9 kg
Operating Systems
For computer audio I/O: Mac OS X 10.8 or later; Windows 7 or later
For web app control: Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android
Mac System Requirements
• 1 GHz Intel-based Mac or faster
• 2 GB RAM; 4 GB or more recommended
• Mac OS X version 10.8 or later
• Available Thunderbolt 1/2/3, USB 2/3 or AVB/TSN Ethernet port*
• A large hard drive (at least 500 GB for recording)
• *AVB/TSN Ethernet audio interface operation requires OS X El Capitan or later
Windows System Requirements
• 1 GHz Pentium-based PC compatible or faster
• 2 GB RAM; 4 GB or more recommended
• Windows 7, 8 or 10
• Available Thunderbolt 1/2/3 or USB 2/3 port
• A large hard drive (at least 500 GB for recording)
Web App Support
• Any web client platform: Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android
• Any web browser: Safari, Firefox, Chrome, Opera, Explorer, etc.
Included Software
• Thunderbolt and USB 2.0 drivers
• MOTU Discovery App for Mac & PC (finds connected MOTU interfaces)
• MOTU Discovery App for iOS (available from Apple App Store)
• MOTU Pro Audio Control web app (served from the hardware itself)
• MOTU Audio Tools (FFT, oscilloscope, X-Y plot, phase analyzer)
• AudioDesk for Mac & Windows (separate download)
Main Features
60 Simultaneous Audio Channels
28 Inputs and 32 Outputs, all Independent
Connect all your studio gear, including microphones, guitars, synths, keyboards, drum machines, outboard processors, MIDI gear, optical expanders - even a foot pedal. All I/O is available simultaneously.
Superb Analog Audio Quality
Renowned ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC Technology
New in the 828es, renowned ESS Sabre32 DAC technology delivers 123dB dynamic range and the same proven, award-winning audio quality as MOTU's flagship 1248.
High-performance Thunderbolt and USB drivers for Mac and PC
Ultra-low latency and renowned rock-solid performance
Round-trip latency (RTL) performance as low as 1.6 ms at 96kHz over Thunderbolt with high-performance DAW hosts.
Universal Connectivity
USB and Thunderbolt for Mac, PC and iOS
Connects to your Mac or PC with Thunderbolt, hi-speed USB 2.0 or AVB/TSN Ethernet for up to 256 audio channels (128 in and 128 out). Class-compliant firmware and industry standard drivers work with any audio apps. Connects to iPad with a standard camera connection kit (adapter).
Redesigned Mic Channels
Cutting-edge Components Deliver Ultra-transparent Sound
Capture your recorded material in its truest, most natural form with -108 dB THD+N, 118dB dynamic range and -128dBu EIN performance. Each mic channel has individual preamp gain, pad, 48V phantom power and digital remote control. Do you work with outboard EQs and compressors? Each 828es mic input offers a pre-converter, hard-wired send for mono or stereo mic channel outboard processing.
Control Room Features
Take Control of Your Recording Sessions
Take control of your recording sessions with the built-in talkback mic and front-panel talk button. Connect two sets of speakers and check your mixes instantly with front-panel A/B speaker select buttons.
DSP Mixing and Effects
Console-style Mixing with 48 Channels and 12 Busses
A full-fledged 48-input digital mixer delivers 7 stereo aux busses, 3 groups, access to 64 network inputs, and DSP effects including reverb, 4-band EQ, gate and compression. If you know your way around a large-format mixing console, you'll feel right at home. If you've ever wished to mix on a large console, the driver's seat is now yours.
More Features:
Two banks of optical
Two optical banks provide 16 channels of ADAT optical at 48 kHz, 8 channels of S/MUX optical I/O at 96 kHz or two banks of stereo TOSLink (optical S/PDIF) at rates up to 96kHz. Each optical input and output operates independently, allowing you to mix and match any optical formats, in and out.
MIDI I/O
Connect MIDI gear without the need for a separate MIDI interface.
Time code support
Dedicated time code input and output jacks. Converts SMPTE time code (LTC) to MIDI Time Code (MTC) and passes MTC on to any MTC-compatible host software.
DC-coupled TRS outputs
Use the 828es to manipulate sequence voltage-controlled modular synthesizers from a host DAW.
Balanced analog
828es balanced I/O connections are well-protected against RF interference, AC hum, and other noise-producing environmental factors.
S/PDIF digital I/O
Stereo digital transfers are an essential fact of daily studio life. The 828es's standard RCA S/PDIF input and output make stereo digital transfers a snap, with optional external clocking and support for sample rates up to 96kHz.
Foot switch input
Connect a standard foot pedal switch (sold separately) for hands-free talkback or punch-in while recording. Or map the pedal to any keystroke function in your host software.
Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS)
DSP-driven phase lock engine and internal clock source produces imperceptibly low jitter characteristics (below the noise floor), even when the 828es is resolved to an external clock source via SMPTE time code.
Two headphone jacks
Each headphone output can be programmed with the same or different mixes, with independent front-panel volume control.
Audio analysis tools
Includes an oscilloscope, real-time FFT, X-Y Plot, and graphic phase analysis.
Technical Specifications
Sample rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz
Mic/line/instr inputs:
2 x XLR/TRS "combo style" inputs
Preamp gain: 0 to +63 dB (digitally controlled)
Analog inputs:
8 x 1/4" TRS line inputs (balanced/unbalanced)
Max level: +24 dBu (digitally adjustable -96 to +22)
Analog outputs:
8 x 1/4" TRS line out (balanced, DC coupled)
Max level: +20 dBu (digitally adjustable -4 to +20)
2 x male XLR with +20 dBu max
2 x 1/4" TRS stereo headphone
2 x 1/4" TRS sends (pre-converter)
Digital I/O:
2 banks (16 ch) of ADAT optical at 1x sample rates
2 banks (8 ch) of SMUX optical at 2x sample rates
Switchable to stereo TOSLink (optical S/PDIF)
1 x stereo S/PDIF on RCA (up to 96 kHz)
Total I/O:
28 in / 32 out (60 total) at 1x sample rates
20 in / 24 out (44 total) at 2x sample rates
10 in / 14 out (24 total) at 4x sample rates
Computer I/O:
1 x Thunderbolt 1 (Mac and Win)
Thunderbolt 2 & 3 compatible
1 x USB 2.0 audio class compliant
USB 3.0 and iOS compatible
Computer I/O channels Thunderbolt:
128 in/out at 1x or 2x (44.1 to 96 kHz)
64 in/out at 4x (176.4 to 192 kHz)
Computer I/O channels USB:
64 in/out at 1x (44.1 to 48 kHz)
32 in/out at 2x (88.2 to 96 kHz)
24 in/out at 4x (176.4 to 192 kHz)
MIDI I/O:
1 x MIDI IN
1 x MIDI OUT
16 MIDI channels to/from computer host
Foot switch1 x 1/4" pedal input
Sync I/O:
1 x BNC word clock in/out
1 x 1/4" time code in/out
Network I/O: 1 x RJ45 AVB/TSN Ethernet (1 Gbps)
Headphone: 2 x 1/4" TRS stereo phone (assignable)
Phantom power: 2 x individual +48V
Front panel: 2 x 1/4" TRS headphone output
2 x XLR/TRS combo inputs
2 x digital rotary encoders phone vol
2 x digital rotary encoders mic/instr input gain
2 x large digital rotary encoders main vol / menu
4 x small switches (2) Pad / (2) 48V Phantom pwr
8 x large switches menu nav / A/B mon select, etc.
2 x LCD (128 x 160) for level meters / menu nav
Power: International 100-240V autoswitching supply, 50-60 Hz 0.5A max
Dimensions and weight (width x depth x height, enclosure only, with rack brackets)
19 x 7 x 1.75 inches
48.3 x 17.75 x 4.5 cm
4.2 lbs / 1.9 kg
Operating Systems
For computer audio I/O: Mac OS X 10.8 or later; Windows 7 or later
For web app control: Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android
Mac System Requirements
• 1 GHz Intel-based Mac or faster
• 2 GB RAM; 4 GB or more recommended
• Mac OS X version 10.8 or later
• Available Thunderbolt 1/2/3, USB 2/3 or AVB/TSN Ethernet port*
• A large hard drive (at least 500 GB for recording)
• *AVB/TSN Ethernet audio interface operation requires OS X El Capitan or later
Windows System Requirements
• 1 GHz Pentium-based PC compatible or faster
• 2 GB RAM; 4 GB or more recommended
• Windows 7, 8 or 10
• Available Thunderbolt 1/2/3 or USB 2/3 port
• A large hard drive (at least 500 GB for recording)
Web App Support
• Any web client platform: Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android
• Any web browser: Safari, Firefox, Chrome, Opera, Explorer, etc.
Included Software
• Thunderbolt and USB 2.0 drivers
• MOTU Discovery App for Mac & PC (finds connected MOTU interfaces)
• MOTU Discovery App for iOS (available from Apple App Store)
• MOTU Pro Audio Control web app (served from the hardware itself)
• MOTU Audio Tools (FFT, oscilloscope, X-Y plot, phase analyzer)
• AudioDesk for Mac & Windows (separate download)
Q & A
There are currently no questions for this product.
Reviews
18.118.227.69
claudebot
Futured proofed my Studio! 1 of 1 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Calgary Royal Vista, Alberta
This interface is amazing. My set up is in 3 rooms, with the wireless control it pretty much sums up everything I need.
Steep learning curve! But if you can get by that you'll find everyday you use it you'll find something else it can do!
24 channels, supported by MOTU FW 8Pre and a FW Focusrite Pro IO26 via adat.
Buying a used unit at $850 I'd certainly pay more to get another unit! Once you get this unit you're pretty much set for decades.
You can even use this unit for a live performance, you won't be disappointed!
Posted by Jsun on Aug 16, 2021
The swiss kinife of Interfaces 10 of 10 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Stratford, Ontario
I have owned the 828 a while now and there is nothing that it cannot do with your audio signal. Connect by thunderbolt, usb, avb over ethernet - check, midi - check, adat - check, spdif - check, wordclock, sends for preamps, monitor controller, talk back, mono, mute - check. The 828 uses the sabre 32 dac. The same high end dac that another company uses but at more than twice the price. You can control it from any device that has a web browser. The drivers have been rock solid on my mac getting 2ms latency. If you want a unit that does it all with studio quality - Here it is.
Posted by Joe catania on Mar 19, 2019
Protect your investment with the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty
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?
- Performance Guarantee: Normal wear and tear is covered, so your product will be performing as well as the day you purchased it for the entire duration of the coverage. Band and Orchestral Performance Warranty does not include replacing pads or cleaning for woodwind instruments, unless deemed necessary by our repair staff. Ultrasonic cleaning for brass instruments will be provided if deemed necessary by our repair staff, but is not routinely offered under the Performance Warranty.
- Product Replacement: If your product cannot be fixed or costs too much to fix, we will replace it with the equivalent model for no additional charge. If this is not possible, a full refund will be provided.
- No Lemon Policy: Your product will be replaced should the same problem occur multiple times.
- Convenient: Easy drop off and pick up of the product at any Long & McQuade location.
- Guitar Setup: Guitars purchased at Long & McQuade come with 1 free setup, to be redeemed within 1 year for new guitars and 90 days for used guitars.
- Loaners Available: A loaner product may be given while the product is being repaired.
- Power Surge Protection: Your product is covered even if damaged from a power surge.
- Accessory Coverage: Any peripheral devices or accessories that come with your product (i.e. foot pedal, case) are also covered.
- Commercial Use Coverage: Music and recording professionals who purchase gear for “heavy-use” commercial purposes will still be covered.
Long & McQuade reserves the right to restrict the purchase of additional years of Performance Warranty. Used products come with a 3-month Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Some products (i.e. computers, software, cymbals and other items) are covered only by the manufacturer‘s warranty. Consumables (i.e. strings, reeds, drum sticks, batteries, tubes, cross faders) are excluded as they are designed to be replaced. Cosmetic Damage, Accidental Damage, or problems caused by Humidity or Temperature Issues are not covered. Speakers damaged by overpowering are generally not covered. Our coverage does not provide compensation for loss of use. As of June 2018 the Performance Warranty is no longer transferable. The warranty is only valid in Canada.
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.
If you are interested in receiving this coverage for longer than one year, you have the option of purchasing additional years of the Performance Warranty. The pricing is as follows:
- NEW products: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year.
- USED products: 4% of the current new selling price to increase the warranty from 3 months to 1 year. 4% for each additional year.
- GUITARS: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year. $45 maximum. An additional free setup is not included with additional purchased years of Performance Warranty.
- BAND and ORCHESTRAL instruments: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year.
Great Additions
Reserve in Store
| Product | SKU | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| 828 ES 28x32 Thunderbolt/USB2 Audio Interface | 512786 |
