MOTU 828

The MOTU 828 turns any Mac, PC or iOS device into a 28×32 recording system over a single 5 Gbps USB-C connection. Built on ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC technology, it delivers 60 simultaneous channels with 125 dB of dynamic range at up to 24-bit/192kHz, -114 dB THD+N and round-trip latency as low as 2 ms — the fifth generation of MOTU's long-running 828.

Two combo XLR/TRS inputs provide transparent mic preamps with +74 dB of gain, a -20 dB pad, 48V phantom power, phase invert and dedicated send/return inserts, doubling as hi-Z guitar DIs. Eight line inputs, eight DC-coupled TRS outputs, dedicated XLR main outs and two pre-converter sends cover monitoring, outboard gear and synth CV, while two banks of optical I/O, RCA S/PDIF, word clock, MIDI and a footswitch input round out the connectivity.

An onboard 24-channel mixer with 32-bit DSP adds reverb, 4-band EQ and compression for near-zero-latency monitoring, controllable from the CueMix 5 app over USB or Wi-Fi — and the 828 works standalone as a mixer with no computer attached. A 3.9-inch RGB TFT display, two headphone outputs, loopback recording and A/B/C monitoring with talkback complete the rugged 1U chassis.

FEATURES

• Next-gen 28 x 32 USB3 audio interface — Builds on 22 years of proven success as an industry-leading audio interface brand.

• New 3.9-inch TFT display — The bright, 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 2 ms at 96kHz with high-performance DAW hosts.

• Universal connectivity — Connects to your computer with 5 Gbps USB3 (compatible with USB2) for up to 60 audio channels. 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).

• 60 simultaneous audio channels — 28 inputs and 32 outputs, including two combo XLR/TRS mic/line/hi-Z guitar inputs with send/return inserts, 8 TRS analog (line-level) in/out, separate main outs on XLR jacks, two banks of 8-channel optical I/O, stereo RCA S/PDIF digital 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. Each mic channel includes a dedicated send/return insert for outboard gear processing.

• Flexible insert returns — When nothing is connected to the front-panel mic inputs, the two rear-panel returns function as additional line inputs with identical signal path characteristics as the other eight line inputs.

• DSP mixing and effects processing — Flexible 24-input digital mixer with 8 stereo busses and DSP effects, including reverb, 4-band EQ, gate and compression.

• Wi-Fi control — If the 828 is connected to a computer on your Wi-Fi network, you can control everything wirelessly from the CueMix 5 app running on mobile devices or other computers on the same network — even multiple devices at the same time. Manage access to the 828 with network discovery and password protection.

• 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 front-panel "talk" button and "A/B" speaker select buttons to quickly compare your mixes on two sets of studio monitors.

• Two flexible headphone outputs — With independent volume control, each headphone output can mirror each other, the Main Outs, any other analog output pair, any CueMix bus, or any USB output channels. Or you can create a completely customized mix for each headphone that includes live 828 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.

• Foot switch input — Connect a standard foot pedal switch (sold separately) for hands-free punch-in and punch-out while recording. Or map the pedal to any keystroke function in your host software.

• MIDI in/out/thru — connect MIDI gear without the need for a separate MIDI interface.

• Word clock in/out/thru — Supports all sample rates up to 192 kHz.

• DC-coupled TRS outputs — Use the 828 to manipulate and sequence voltage-controlled modular synthesizers from a host DAW.

• Loopback for live streaming and podcasting — Easily route computer output back to the computer, where you can mix it with live mics and/or guitar inputs from the 828 in your host software for live streaming or podcasting.

• 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.

• CueMix 5 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. Also includes Ableton Live Lite.

Audio Performance - Superb analog audio quality
Renowned ESS Sabre32™ DAC technology delivers 125 dB dynamic range and extremely low harmonic distortion. Analog performance is driven by decades of engineering expertise in audio interface technology.

USB-C - Universal connectivity for Mac, PC and iOS
Connect to your Mac, PC or iOS device with 5 Gbps USB 3 (compatible with USB 2), with up to 60 audio channels (28 in and 32 out). Class-compliant firmware means you can plug-and-play with Mac or iOS hosts, no driver needed. Industry standard high-performance drivers work with any audio apps. Connect directly to your iPad™ via USB-C or a standard camera connection kit (Lightning adapter).

Connectivity - 60 simultaneous audio channels
Connect all your studio gear, including microphones, guitars, synths, keyboards, drum machines, outboard processors, MIDI gear, optical expanders — even a foot pedal. All 28 inputs and 32 outputs are available simultaneously.

High Performance Driver - Ultra-low latency performance
Optimized drivers for both Mac and PC deliver renowned, ultra-low latency performance. With a high-performance DAW such as Digital Performer, the 828 delivers an astonishing round trip latency (RTL) of ~2 ms (milliseconds) over USB (2 or 3) at 96 kHz with a 32-sample host buffer.

Mic Inputs - Transparent mic channels and hi-Z guitar inputs
Capture your recorded material in its truest, most natural form with -114 dB THD+N, 118 dB dynamic range and -129 dBu EIN performance. Each mic channel has individual preamp gain, pad, 48V phantom power and remote control from your computer or iOS device. Each combo jack alternately provides a 1/4-inch high-impedance TS guitar input for DI tracking and reamping.

Hi-Z Guitar Inputs - DIY guitar re-amping
DI 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. No need to re-plug cables between recording and re-amping. 

Channel 1-2 Inserts - Extra line inputs when you need them
Do you work with compressors and other outboard gear? Each 828 mic input offers a dedicated analog send/return loop, allowing for both mono or stereo mic channel outboard processing via fully balanced connections. If nothing is plugged in to a mic input, its return serves as an extra line input with identical signal characteristics to all other line inputs.

Monitor Group - Control up to ten analog outputs
Control your 5.1 or 7.1 surround speaker system with a single fader. The Monitor Group gives you the flexibility to choose any analog outputs you wish to control.

Control Room - A/B speaker select and talkback
Take control of your recording sessions with the front-panel talkback switch. Connect two sets of monitors and check your mixes instantly with front-panel A/B select buttons.

CueMix™ 5 - Monitor Mixing with Effects
CueMix 5 for Mac, Windows and iOS gives you simple, yet comprehensive graphic control over your mix with attractive graphic mixing, graphic editing of parametric EQ, and a convenient touch-friendly interface (on iOS) for quick access to all mixing features, digitally controlled trims and other settings.

Wireless Control - CueMix 5 for iOS
Control all settings and mixing from your USB host or from an iPhone or iPad running the CueMix 5 app. You can even use multiple iOS devices simultaneously. Set a password for your 828 for network security.

Advanced Extras

Loopback and live streaming
With 828 loopback channels, you can easily route computer output back to the computer, where you can mix it with live mics and/or guitar inputs from the 828 in your host software for live streaming or podcasting.

Optical I/O and optical expansion
Two optical banks provide 16 channels of ADAT optical at 48 kHz, 8 channels of S/MUX optical I/O at 96 kHz, with optional stereo TOSLink at rates up to 96kHz. Expand your 828 with other gear, or use it as an optical expander.

S/PDIF digital I/O
The 828'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 96 kHz. Choose any source signal for the S/PDIF output.

MIDI I/O with MIDI Thru
Connect MIDI gear without the need for a separate MIDI interface. MIDI Thru mode lets you loop MIDI directly from IN to OUT, bypassing the computer (or with no computer connected).

Foot switch input
Connect a standard foot pedal switch (sold separately) for hands-free punch-in while recording. Or map the pedal to any keystroke function in your host software.

DC-coupled TRS outputs
All analog outputs are DC-coupled. This means you can use the 828 to manipulate and sequence modular synthesizers from a host DAW using control voltage (CV).

Two headphone outputs
Each headphone output can be programmed with the same or different mixes, with independent volume control from the front-panel or CueMix 5.

Balanced analog
The 828's balanced I/O connections are well-protected against RF interference, AC hum, and other noise-producing environmental factors.

Meter Views
Not using the optical I/O? Or any digital I/O? The 828 provides customized meter views for analog I/O only, digital I/O only and other combinations to best support your workflow.

Start making music right away with included workstation software, virtual instruments and loops
Connect the 828 to your Mac or PC and start laying down tracks with the included Performer Lite production software,
plus hundreds of loops, one-shots and sounds from industry leaders Big Fish Audio, Lucidsamples and Loopmasters.

Performer Lite
Performer Lite provides everything you need to record, edit, mix, process and master your own music tracks quickly and easily. Plug in your mic, guitar and MIDI keyboard and start tracking with over 100 virtual instruments, dozens of effects plug-ins, guitar FX processing and much more.

100+ Instruments
Performer Lite includes over 100 virtual instruments, including acoustic and electric pianos, guitars, basses, drums, organs synths, orchestral instruments, choirs, world instruments and much more. Take your musical muse wherever it wants to go.

6 GB of free loops and sample packs
Performer Lite includes 6 GB of free loops and sample packs from leading sample content providers to help you start making music right away. From Performer Lite's Content Browser, choose from dozens of musical styles, click to audition, then drag and drop in your projects timeline to build your track quick.

• Since 1986, Big Fish Audio has consistently produced the highest quality sample libraries available. Over the years, their sounds have been featured in hundreds of charting songs and top film and television soundtracks.

• Lucidsamples is a collective of experienced music producers and professional musicians that offers high quality samples and sample packs which are suitable for creating products in the most popular music genres. Their sounds are being used all over the world by many well known DJs, music producers and companies.

• Loopmasters is the definitive "sample boutique." Based in Brighton, England, this label has been providing pristine audio libraries for more than a decade. Content has been expansive and evolving over the years, with hundreds upon hundreds of royalty-free packs to inspire amateurs and seasoned artists alike.

SPECIFICATIONS

Sample rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz

Mic/line/instr inputs:

• 2 x XLR/TRS "combo" jacks

• Individual -20 dB pad and 48V phantom power

• Preamp gain: +74 dB in 1 dB increments

• 1 MΩ impedance on the line/instr inputs

• Independent balanced send/return inserts

Analog inputs;

• 8 x 1/4-inch TRS line in (balanced/unbalanced)

• 2 x 1/4-inch insert returns function as balanced TRS line inputs (with no mic inputs connected)

• Max level: +21 dBu

• +20 dB digital gain on each input

Analog outputs:

• 8 x 1/4-inch TRS line out (balanced, DC coupled)

• 2 x male XLR out

• Max level: +21 dBu

• 2 x 1/4-inch TRS stereo headphone (see below)

• 2 x 1/4-inch TRS sends (balanced, pre-converter)

Digital I/O:

• 2 banks (16 ch) of ADAT optical I/O at 1x sample rates

• 2 banks (8 ch) of S/MUX optical I/O at 2x sample rates

• Bank A switchable to stereo TOSLink I/O (optical S/PDIF)

• 1 x stereo S/PDIF I/O on RCA (up to 96 kHz)

Computer I/O:

• 1 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps) Type C • USB2 compatible

• USB audio class compliant (no driver needed)

• 1 x IF-certified USB 3.2 Gen 1 C-to-C cable (2M) included

• Compatible with USB Type A (with a C-to-A cable, sold separately)

Total USB audio channels: see "Total Audio I/O" below
Round Trip Latency (RTL): ~2 ms (32 sample buffer at 96K)

Total audio I/O:

• 28 in / 32 out (60 total channels) at 1x sample rates

• 20 in / 24 out (44 total channels) at 2x sample rates

• 10 in / 14 out (24 total channels) at 4x sample rates

MIDI I/O:

• 1 x MIDI In

• 1 x MIDI Out/Thru

• 16 MIDI channels to/from computer host

HeadphoneL 2 x 1/4-inch TRS stereo headphones
Output impedance: <1Ω
Max output: 14.4 dBu

Phantom power: 2 x individual +48V
Foot Switch: 1 x 1/4-inch foot switch input
Mapping: pedal up/down to any host keystrokes
Sync I/O:

• 1 x BNC Word Clock In

• 1 x BNC Word Clock Out/Thru

Sample rates: all (from 44.1 to 192 kHz)
Front panel:

• 2 x XLR/TRS combo inputs

• 2 x 1/4" TRS headphone outputs

• 2 x potentiometer • headphone volume

• 2 x potentiometer • mic/instr input gain

• 1 x potentiometer • menu navigation

• 1 x large potentiometer • main volume

• 12 x switches • (2) 48V, (2) pad, (6) control room, (2) nav

• 1 x 3.9-inch 480 x 128 pixel 24-bit RGB TFT display

• 1 x latching power button

Power:

• Internal 100-240V autoswitching supply

• 50-60 Hz • 0.5A max

Dimensions and weight (width x depth x height, enclosure only):

• 19 x 12.25 x 1.75 inches / 48.26 x 31.1 x 4.44 cm

• 11 lbs / 5 kgs

System Requirements
Mac System Requirements:

• Apple silicon and Intel processors supported

• 8+ GB RAM recommended for optimal performance

• macOS 12 or later (with driver or USB class compliant)

• Available USB port

Windows System Requirements:

• x86-64 (Intel, AMD) & ARM (Snapdragon) PCs supported

• 8+ GB RAM recommended for optimal performance

• Windows 11 23H2 or later (x86-64/ARM64)

• Available USB port

Class-Compliant Support: USB audio class compliant for plug-and-play operation on Mac or iOS (no driver required)

Included Software:

• CueMix 5

• MOTU Performer Lite

• Ableton Live Lite

• 6GB of loops and sounds from Big Fish Audio, LucidSamples, Loopmasters and MOTU