All user reviews of 4/5 for the MOTU 828 mk3 Firewire

- What technical specifications motivated your choice?
The number of I / O, the CueMix FX, price, product quality (sound, convertos ...) and its stability.
- For what purpose?
Homestudio and radio: recording music, voice, film post production, mission radio.
- What is your config (motherboard / CPU / Ram / Hard ,...)?
MacBook Pro 2.33 GHz, 2GB Ram Mac OSX 10.4.11 and Windows XP SP2 or 3 (?) Via Bootcamp 1.4.
- Which instruments or Systmes (console, prampli, DTD ...) you use it and how connections? ...
Pickups: Vocals, voices talking, acoustic guitar, drums, flute, melodica, percussions ...
Bass, Synth Guitar readers.
I have an old yamaha analog console and player / recorder DAT.
I have not used the ADAT

UTILIZATION

- Installation is it without problem?
Trouble-free Mac; dconvenues few windows but quickly returns to normal.
- Have you experienced any incompatibility?
I have to update the firewire patch for windows, otherwise the name input / output in cubase does not seem to match exactly.
- The configuration gnrale is easy?
Yes, the CueMix spcial is faster but you get used trs
- The manual is clear and sufficient? ...
Not read ... oops ...

GETTING STARTED

- The drivers are stable?
Ah yes, a! no crashes so far. on the other hand, Mac, when I close the window of cuemixFX, although it remains open in the dock, I have to restart compltement rcuprer to the window (leaving CueMix FX and restart in application)
- Are they often put day?
2 Firmware Update since the release of the map (v1.06) and the soft SHIFT 2 for Mac only (v1.4.8).
In thoriated I mfie of SHIFT too redundant, often means that there is a typo somewhere. Better a product sold with all works automatically and does not ncessite MAJ. on the other hand I expect of the SHIFT CueMix FX rather surprising (well j'espre There Contents ...)
- What software do you use most often?
Sound Forge, Cubase SX3, Logic Express
- What you get lag?
11ms with 512 in the buffer but I have not sought any rduire a, a trs works well as is.
- How many tracks you get record / playback simultanment? ...
I made the 24 tracks full of FX read no worries. I have, for now, no longer pushed. On record, like, I have not tried the 28 tracks simultaneously

OVERALL OPINION

I put a 7 for the following reasons

- How long have you use it?
3 weeks
- What is the particular feature you like best and least?
The +: everything is exactly the map I was looking at in / out level and Routing (16 mono bus out, a slap!) And CueMix FX apprciable is really more for the home studio and live (in studio I do not think a lot used)
The -: The input gain knobs click each microphone in 1 db and microphone inputs blow too my taste. No select -10 / +4 dB line inputs while the gain line inputs scans of 22 -96.
Finally I had little whistles the other day and it's not good at all! (See forum)
- Have you tried many other models before acqurir?
Motu Traveler, Terratec DMX6fire, Digi 002, Motu 2408, from the Terratec these are all good cards. I try a TC Konnect AIM, Mackie Onyx or RME before choosing, I was also much talk of Echo but ... there is some point you have to report levels and DCID / qualitprix / stabilitconnectique, hard to do better.
- How do you report qualitprix?
Trs good as said above. A good soft LE version, other than that AudioDesk gre not noon, would be perfect.
- With the exprience, you do again this choice? ...
I do not usually buy the same stuff twice, but hey admitting that my house brle and insurance reimburse me well, yes I would reiterate that the ... What that change aa good too

Selection criteria:
The FireWire interface
The number and variety of inputs / outputs
The presence of internal effects
The possibility of running 'stand alone'
Sound quality
1U

Connections:
Connected to record / mixdown on a DM1000 16-Channel ADAT Card + SPDIF IN / OUT, that's 18 I / Os digital 24-bit!

Usage:
Standalone recording settings (eg for video recording: just a pair of condenser microphones, the Motu and the PC. To show: same + connection table governed by SPDIF)
Concert Recording / Mixdown + mutlipistes repeated in ADAT
By independently at home, to adjust the stereo sound from the PC in 4 different rooms (with different EQ and Mix) independently

UTILIZATION

Driver: rather stable
Too bad there is not one for Linux: With Reaper, it would still be the ideaal (stability and "visibility" on the details of the config ... Did I mention that my job is computer "systems"?)

Software: latest version of Reaper, Wavelab 5, Nuendo 3, ...

Live recording: I never needed more than 16 entries at the same time so far ...

I have problems of "clicks" (mild - nothing that prevents them from working seriously) with my PC but I use the laptop's internal Firewire port and, well, it is not terrible.
In addition, this PC I used for everything: Photoshop, work, Visual Studio, VMWare Workstation, etc.. Still a bit much! (XP SP3)

For comparison:
on the same computer, I tried to install the driver "Dante" Audinate VOD and communicate with the DM1000 with MY16-AUD. Ben there, it simply does not work at all!
With KRK Ergo (also firewire), I have masta drop outs!

Conclusion: the PC is at stake!
I had to completely reinstall Dante. Not yet had time to experiment with the Motu. (And if I had not done before is that it really does not bother me a lot with the Motu.)
Rule: To make her seriously, we need a dedicated PC!

So overall, we can say that the Motu is doing VERY well on this point. Much better than the others I tried.

Update: well if it works, why upgrade?
The latency is very important to me ...

GETTING STARTED

Installation: Ben is a PC software, so often it does not work the first time. But nothing unusual: it works.

Clarity: the CueMix FX, although powerful, is not very easy to grasp at first. AND I still do not understand how one uses the "returns" (well, I have not tried either).

The most disconcerting is that it is not possible to send CueMix channels from the PC. Only directly to the exits.
But it does not matter: with a cable out = ADAT ADAT In, I can mix the signals from the PC multitrack CueMix in recovering the signal to the ADAT ins ...

OVERALL OPINION

I use it regularly since qq months.

I just used other models, but if I compare, for example, sound with KRK Ergo, I have on hand, I prefer convertos the Motu. By far. I find the sound really good.

With the purchase, I hesitated with the other models Firewire Motu.

A remake, I would rather 896mKIII because my needs had changed since the purchase: I would appreciate the 6 additional MIC and I / Os AES ...
(When I bought the 828, I had not considered buying the DM1000 ...)

Otherwise, I think it is quite the price.

In use: a "flat": I / O ADAT come with a small flap to close when there is no cable. That is, a priori, a great idea! It prevents dust from settling and degrade the sound ADAT in time ... (Corks, I lose ... and do not leave it!).
BUT ... without ever having assaulted the craft, one component broke.
Result: This port is almost unusable (I can use in quibbling 1 / 2 hour to put the wire correctly, but it's really c. ...).
I mentioned this on other forums, and it happened to others with other brands containing the same component. Too bad!

Also: Please do not put the connector Firwire backwards. It is possible and everything is broken in this case. Not been the case and there is a big WARNING in the box and on the device.

I chose this card for his versatility and connectivity, Motu is a great value and an affordable price, my first choice was to an EMR in the end I do not regret this purchase at all.

UTILIZATION

used with cubase logic pro 9 and 5, it is regularly connected and disconnected on three different machines with no worries! (2 fixed stations PC (xp pro) and a MacBook Pro running Leopard)

GETTING STARTED

install without problem but must have some experience of computer music obviously bcp people criticize this card when the problem is often lack of experience .. and the discovery of CueMix which I admit is quite complex for a novice on a motu.

OVERALL OPINION

is a very good card, with everything you need in connection there are good business opportunity because those who do not master the claims in general .. so enjoy!

Effects inside the mixer incorporated and routing.
I use a numerical TASCAM firewire card + chipset Texas Instruments.
Home studio use and semi pro, Ordi 4 core Intel motherboard Asus P5QL Pro 4 gb ram + windows 7 + the SCSI disk 2.

UTILIZATION

The drivers are very stable and updated regularly.
I have a latency of 6 ms with ASIO 4 ALL. Use a second card with Motu 2408 + PCI Ex (for the Tascam TDIF).

GETTING STARTED

Installation is no problem but it must still question what adjustments to make the level of safety in case of WIN 7 stop during the install.

OVERALL OPINION

I use 3 years.
Yes but for the Motu is the best!
The sound effects and int.
LESS:
Making a little fragile. The Food is often slap.
Service a bit long?? otherwise very good product.

I have a traveler I wanted to spend has 16 tracks in the mix. I used a Studer 916

UTILIZATION

good stable drivers updated. used in PC with Nuendo. Correct 23ms latency without cracking a 2.4 ghz intel core. With a newer model should be able to arrive between 6 and 13 ms.

Note very few stalls but it's rare

GETTING STARTED

no problem.

OVERALL OPINION

5 months
Converter ok for the price. I knew better, but for 2 times more expensive. on the other hand on inputs and micro instruments di especially do not use the limit. It is simply very ugly. Monitor output XLR is a plus. All that needs to be digital word clock is appreciable. I would do that choice after a rme sound card is a good option also

(Originally written by Guiloux666/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
- Which technical specifications motivated your choice?

Pros:

* input + parametric EQ + compressor concept.

* Compact size (1U)

* Expansion possibilities (two ADAT ports), two FW ports that allow you to cascade several cards via FW with Mac OS X.

* Multiple input formats (line, mic, toslink, ADAT)

* Standalone capability for live recording.



- What do you use it for?

* Live applications mainly.

* To replace an analog mixer, which would be much more comprehensive but also heavier. Now I want to buy a Motu 8Pre or a Presonus Digimax FS to add eight mic preamps.

What's your setup (motherboard, CPU, RAM, hard drive,...)?

* MacBook Pro with 10.4.11, 1.83 GHz Intel Core Duo, 2 GB Ram, 200 GB Sata HDD (7200 RPM)



- Do you use it with other instruments or systems (mixing console, preamp, DtD, ...) and what's your setup?

* For small setups: my Tonelab via SPDIF TosLink, bass footboard via SPDIF RCA, keyboard via stereo line input, second guitar via line input, two vocals mics via the preamps and two additional mics with T1953 preamp via two line inputs.

* If I want to add a drum kit I will need to connect the Digimax FS preamps via ADAT and I insert noise gates on the bass drum, snare drum and toms.

UTILIZATION

- Did you have any problems during the installation?

No installation problems with my Mac. Th computer had already an old Motu UltraLite driver. Once I removed everything (all files and their locations are listed in the documentation), I downloaded the latest driver release (1.4.8) from the Motu website, I updated the firmware (1.0.6) and everything went sweet.

- Did you encounter any incompatibility problems?

No



- How complicated is the overall configuration?

It's a breeze with CueMix. It's a bit more complicated but still ok if you only use the front panel. But I also take my Mac with me so I never make the settings on the front panel.



- Is the user's manual clear and comprehensive?

Yes. Some details are still not totally clear to me.

I give it a 7.

GETTING STARTED

Is the driver stable?

Yes but when I rename the tracks in my Mac the Motu Channel Name software crashes.



- Are they up-to-date?

Last release: 2008/06/20

- Which software do you use?

Logic Audio Pro and I will buy DP5 because I heard CueMix is directly accessible from DP.

- What's the latency of your system?

I haven't measured it because I'll use it mainly for live applications.



- How many tracks can you record/playback simultaneously?

Input channels:

Stereo SPDIF Toslink

Stereo SPDIF RCA

Five line

Two mic

Outputs:

Two main

Three monitoring mixes with AN1/2, AN3/4 and AN 5/6

One echo with AN 7/8 (send) and line input (return)

OVERALL OPINION

- How long have you been using it?

A few months.



- Which feature do you like the most / the least?

* Most: integrated compressors (forget about all those heavy racks), EQs like on a real mixing desk, reverb (but not really necessary for me).

* Least:

* Click noises in both mic preamps (digital adjustment of the analog preamp's gain with an endless knob). It's a bad joke, considering the price!!

* I miss a noise gate with a parametric side chain on each channel instead of the three compressor types (very useful for drums).

* CueMix can't manage mono outputs so you have to create several mixes and manage the pan for mono monitoring mixes. A future CueMix update could solve the problem.

- Did you try any other models before buying it?

I've had an Hercules 16/12 FW and I was very satisfied with it but I couldn't use it as a mixing desk, a Motu UltraLite, which is very good (however the 828mk3 has a compressor and an EQ per channel) but it is not rack mountable and thus seemed less reliable to me.



- How would you rate its value for money?

Great: I use it as a digital mixer for a small band and the price is reasonable. I bought it on sale (new with a two year warranty).



- Based on your experience, would you buy this product again?

Yes considering the sound cards in this price range. But it would be great if Motu added noise gates and created a rack mic preamp with outputs (like the Presonus Digimax FS) because the Motu 8pre has only mic inputs.

Update four months latter:

------------------------------

I've been using it regularly for four months (including two live gigs). With a Presonus Digimax FS I get 10 mic and 8 line inputs, a group for drums via SPDIF toslink (more convenient to control the full drum kit and to sum it to the main and monitor mixes). I also add an UltraLite (for its two mic inputs) via SPDIF RCA. I have an EQ in almost all inputs and a compressor on the bass drum, snare, toms and vocals channels.

It's great for live gigs: just make the monitor mixes and don't mess with anything else. It's ultra convenient and it works great (no crashes working 18 hours straight).

No DSP overload (CueMix prevents overloads during setup and disables the effect).

To wrap it up, it's a very expandable mixing desk.