But all things considered, this unit is very easy to jump right into. The 1 button output/headphone control can be a bit confusing at first (especially if you didn't get a manual).
#MOTU 828 MK1 SPECS DRIVERS#
also has all necessary drivers and software that you will need to run the 8 Pre. However Motu's website has all the documentation that came with the unit. I bought the unit second hand so I'm not sure what it comes with (they didn't even provide the power cable!! Savages).
#MOTU 828 MK1 SPECS PATCH#
Now you are going to have to order some TRS to XLR cables for the short trip to the patch bay, but not with the Motu 8 Pre. Similar units only have XLR inputs, this is not a bad thing but what if you are going straight into a TRS patch bay. Cabling and be pricey, and there is nothing worse than buying a new piece of gear and realizing you don't have the right cabling for it. If you aren't seriously considering the 8 Pre yet, lets look at a much under appreciated feature: dual XLR/TRS inputs. It's solid design not only feels great to the touch, but it makes me feel a lot more confident when moving it around. It will only take up a single spot on your rack where comparable others can take up many. You can also add send/return loops for your outboard gear with no noticeable latency. CueMix DSP helps create different output and headphone mixes. Latency seems to be no issue for the Motu 8 Pre. This allows the user to strip, regenerate or slave other devices to your computer. Included is the MOTU SMPTE Console software. Time code is generated by the 8 Pre and can be sent to analogue devices. The Motu 8 Pre features onboard SMPTE time code synchronization. Don't be afraid to run it hard, unlike cheap USB audio interfaces, this one won't crumble under the pressure. With a quick response, the 8 Pre is a serious workhorse. Some units don't have input meters on the front, and you don't have to use those units! The Motu 8 Pre has brilliant LED input meters (complete with green, yellow and red). I mainly use this with Pro Tools 10, but it works great with almost any other DAW. And being a firewire device, you will have one less USB slot filled. Great for tracking up to 8 channels at once! But don't worry, it's just as good when you are only tracking 1 channel too. A single button/dial to control headphone monitoring and main outputs Dedicated phantom power & -20dB pad for each pre-amp channel This audio interface would be a great addition to any studio, professional to bedroom. USB is great but I always feel more confident with Firewire (not to mention you then have the ability to daisy chain). I probably wouldn't have bought one, and it would have been a shame. It was obtained in a bundle deal and it pays for itself every time I use it. It's not at the top of my list, but it's no where near the bottom.