MOTU 828es Thunderbolt/USB-2 Audio Interface

MOTU 828es
The MOTU 828es is a professional audio interface offering 60 channels, including 28 inputs and 32 outputs, with ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC technology for exceptional 123 dB dynamic range. It features ultra-low latency with Thunderbolt and USB 2.0 connectivity, supporting both Mac and PC.

MOTU 828es Thunderbolt/USB-2 Audio Interface Details

The MOTU 828es is a professional audio interface designed to meet the rigorous demands of both studio and live sound environments. It offers an impressive 60 simultaneous audio channels, comprising 28 inputs and 32 outputs, all of which operate independently.

This extensive I/O capability allows seamless integration of a wide array of studio equipment, including microphones, guitars, synthesisers, keyboards, drum machines, outboard processors, MIDI gear, optical expanders, and even foot pedals. Notably, all inputs and outputs are available for use concurrently, ensuring maximum flexibility in complex setups.

At the heart of the MOTU 828es lies the renowned ESS Sabre32 Ultra Digital-to-Analogue Converter (DAC) technology, which delivers a remarkable 123 dB dynamic range.

This high-performance DAC ensures pristine audio quality, matching the standards set by MOTU’s flagship 1248 interface. Users can expect exceptional clarity and detail in audio reproduction, making it an ideal choice for critical listening and professional recording applications.

The MOTU 828es boasts high-performance drivers compatible with both Mac and PC platforms, supporting Thunderbolt™ and USB 2.0 connections. These drivers are engineered for ultra-low latency, achieving round-trip latency (RTL) performance as low as 1.6 milliseconds at 96 kHz when used with high-performance Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) over Thunderbolt™. This ensures real-time responsiveness, essential for both recording and live performance scenarios.

Universal connectivity is a cornerstone of the 828es design. It connects to Mac or PC systems via Thunderbolt™ or high-speed USB 2.0, offering up to 256 audio channels (128 inputs and 128 outputs) over Thunderbolt.

Additionally, the MOTU 828es supports AVB/TSN Ethernet, enabling the streaming of numerous audio channels to and from a Mac using a standard, cost-effective CAT-5e cable extending up to 100 meters.

The MOTU 828es is class-compliant, ensuring compatibility with any audio applications, and can also connect to iOS devices using a standard camera connection kit.

Mac System Requirements

  • Intel Core i3 Mac or faster (including the new Apple silicon Macs)
  • 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)

Specifications

Released in: 2017
Made in: China
  • 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)
  • Analogue inputs: 8 x 1/4″ TRS line inputs (balanced/unbalanced)
  • Max level: +24 dBu (digitally adjustable -96 to +22)
  • Analogue outputs: 8 x 1/4″ TRS line out (balanced, DC coupled)
  • Max output level: +20 dBu (digitally adjustable -4 to +20)
  • Additional outputs: 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 channels) of ADAT optical at 1x sample rates, 2 banks (8 channels) of SMUX optical at 2x sample rates, 1 bank switchable to 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 Windows, 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)
  • Network I/O: 1 x RJ45 AVB/TSN Ethernet (1 Gbps)
  • AVB streams (8 channels per stream): 4 in / 4 out at 44.1 or 48 kHz, 4 in / 4 out at 88.2 or 96 kHz, 2 in / 2 out at 176.4 or 192 kHz
  • Power supply: International 100-240V autoswitching, 50-60 Hz, 0.5A max
  • Dimensions: 483mm x 177.5mm x 45mm
  • Weight: 1.9 kg
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MOTU 828es
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