All user reviews for the MOTU 8pre

FireWire 24-bit, 96kHz
Among 8 mic / line combo on XLR / jack with gain rglages, pad and stage
among a total of 16 (8 analog, 8 ADAT) and 12 outputs (8 ADAT, 2 monitor, 2 headphones)
volume Contrle indpendant for headphone and monitor
the entries / exits ADAT are double, fawn vhiculer 8-channel 96kHz
Routing gr by CueMix DSP software
MIDI In and Out
chanable with other firewire interfaces of the range (828, Traveler, etc)
the 8pre can be used as 8-channel AD converter standalone.

For what purpose?
Studio and Live Recording

use with DDA console series Q 24/8/8/2 on direct out
jack symmetrical

USE

The installation is done without a firewire problem and instal cd and walking

Have you encountered the incompatibilits? not

IMPLEMENTATION

Are the drivers stable? no problem of stability recording track 16 without problem

What software do you use most often? Nuendo 3

What you get lag? 10 ms

How many tracks you record / play simultaneously? 16 tracks in 35 reading record

NOTICE GLOBAL

How long have you use it? 1 I

What is the particular feature you like best and least? c which is really good on this card is between 8 combo XLR jack with symmetrical pad - 20 db and 48 volt power supply

How do you report qualitprix? a very very good price-quality 629 Hours of Operation for a map 16 ENTREC really cheap

With experience, you do again this choice? yes I redeemed in one at the end of me

It's not at the top of my list, but it's no where near the bottom. It was obtained in a bundle deal and it pays for itself every time I use it. I probably wouldn't have bought one, and it would have been a shame. This thing is reliable and sounds great. USB is great but I always feel more confident with Firewire (not to mention you then have the ability to daisy chain). This audio interface would be a great addition to any studio, professional to bedroom.
Specs:
-8 Pre-amped inputs
-2 Main outputs
-8 ADAT inputs/outputs
-Dedicated phantom power & -20dB pad for each pre-amp channel
-MIDI I/O
-Firewire
-8 LED input meters
-XLR/TRS jacks on back
-Up to 96kHz & 24-bit
-Headphone jack on front for monitoring
-A single button/dial to control headphone monitoring and main outputs
-Single rack space

UTILIZATION

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. And being a firewire device, you will have one less USB slot filled. I mainly use this with Pro Tools 10, but it works great with almost any other DAW. 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). With a quick response, the 8 Pre is a serious workhorse. Don't be afraid to run it hard, unlike cheap USB audio interfaces, this one won't crumble under the pressure.

The Motu 8 Pre features onboard SMPTE time code synchronization. Time code is generated by the 8 Pre and can be sent to analogue devices. Included is the MOTU SMPTE Console software. This allows the user to strip, regenerate or slave other devices to your computer.

Latency seems to be no issue for the Motu 8 Pre. CueMix DSP helps create different output and headphone mixes. You can also add send/return loops for your outboard gear with no noticeable latency.

This thing is NOT a burden in any way. It will only take up a single spot on your rack where comparable others can take up many. It's solid design not only feels great to the touch, but it makes me feel a lot more confident when moving it around.

If you aren't seriously considering the 8 Pre yet, lets look at a much under appreciated feature: dual XLR/TRS inputs. 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. Similar units only have XLR inputs, this is not a bad thing but what if you are going straight into a TRS patch bay. 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.

GETTING STARTED

I bought the unit second hand so I'm not sure what it comes with (they didn't even provide the power cable!! Savages). However Motu's website has all the documentation that came with the unit. Motu.com also has all necessary drivers and software that you will need to run the 8 Pre.

The 1 button output/headphone control can be a bit confusing at first (especially if you didn't get a manual). But all things considered, this unit is very easy to jump right into. You shouldn't have any compatibility issues with this unit.

OVERALL OPINION

I liked the sound of the pre amps the best. The gain stage is gentle but can provide a serious boost towards the end. This is one of those analogue to digital converters that sounds more like an all analogue piece. Motu really did a great job with this unit, it in no way sounds like a cheap piece of gear. This was bought in a package with a bunch of other gear so I can't comment on the value for price. The average new price seems to be floating around $500-600ish (depending on generation).

Knowing what I know now I would have bought the unit. I'll admit that I wouldn't have bought the unit in the first place if it didn't come in a package deal, but I'm sure glad I've got it.

Pro's:
-8 Pre-amp inputs with dedicated -20dB pad & phantom power
-Firewire unit
-1 rack space
-Really good sound that almost mimics analogue sound

Con's:
-Only 2 outputs (really a drag and is what holds me back from giving a near perfect score)
-Headphone monitoring and main outputs are on the same button/dial
-LED's can be really bright in the dark

converter channels 8

I do not use the preamps sound card, but have tried with my pr KM184 in over head is fairly straight and neutral as his. It is clean and no breath.

I stick him in several preamp behind
(La610 MKII, neve 4081 ...)
Converters looks good, at least I could compare with rm converto and the human ear happens to tell me the difference blind I pay him a starry restaurant

UTILIZATION

it runs on mac and logic pro 9, no worries, you plug and it is part.
Easy to install and use

I record 8 tracks without any worries or other latency ...

GETTING STARTED

I think I've rarely had such a simple product and installation

OVERALL OPINION

I had a lot of model of the card before 8pre, I am fully satisfied even if I dream of other thing right now for the price it is a remake tail choice without hesitation

I bought the Motu 8 pre complement the 896 mk3 to add entries via the optical fiber (dual channel for recording 88.2 kHz).
Very well finished, nothing to say, at his level, no significant difference with the 896 ... Can be used in standalone sound card.

I work on Macbook Pro and Mac Pro ... Plug and play, no worries!

UTILIZATION

Very stable

GETTING STARTED

Very easy!

OVERALL OPINION

Used for a year.
Most: the value for money!
The least? The pad switches are the same as the 896 mk3 (old model) that I use, but active unlike the other (on the switch is Pade up, the other down .. .. When working with two, have to watch what is misleading!).

Excellent value for money and I would do this choice today without problem!

What characteristics have motivated your choice?
8 Input and especially amplified optical outputs to the couple to my Motu 828mk2 Hybrid

Which instruments and systems (console, preamp, DTD ...) you use it and how connections?
Microphones, synths, effects return.

For what purpose?
In my setup that allows me to have 8 additional inputs to be more comfortable with all the synthesizers and microphones and especially to enlarge the routing options.

What is your config (Motherboard / CPU / Ram / Hard, ...)?
I7 quad core 3.8GHz - 32gigas ram - 1.5T HDD.

UTILIZATION

The drivers are stable?
I've never used directly controlled by a computer, but I think the Motu drivers are very stable especially well should know its configuration so as not to create conflicts (mostly it is the problem).
In my case it is my Motu 828 which controls the 8pre

What software do you use most often?
Pro Tools - FL Studio - One2

How many tracks you get record / playback simultaneously?
24 tracks for Motu828 8x 8x 8x 8pre 8pre

Are they often updated?
1 once.

What you get lag?
No worries on that side. I record without having to worry about that.

GETTING STARTED

The installation is done it without problems?
Yes, but in my case it is necessary to follow the instructions because I made a chaining with my main board.

The general configuration is easy?
Yes

Have you experienced any incompatibilities?
No

The manual is clear and sufficient?
Yes very clear.

OVERALL OPINION

How long have you use it?
1 year and a half.

Have you tried many other models before buying it?
M-Audio, but not consistent enough to make the extension of my audio setup.

What is the particular feature you like best and least?
Motu compete in configuration is the top everything is automatic with Motu other components.
In standalone mode it is also very effective.
I think by not against damage that will have at least two exits out more.

How would you rate the quality / price?
Perfect.

With experience, you do again this choice?
I can not do without in my configuration.

The next audio interface and preamp side Adat ...

I use it with Firewire and ADAT, and both sides are nice and troubleshoot well ...

Recording demos or albums or in addition to a multifaceted II is only ...

UTILIZATION

Drivers stable and easy to find.
I use cubase 6 and it does!

I can record 8 tracks with no worries for monitoring click, etc. ...

I have not watch the latency audio interface since, I save 99% live in this config.

GETTING STARTED

No worries of install except perhaps with P5BVM ASUS.

If not no worries. Manual nickel.

OVERALL OPINION

2 years of use while traveling.

I remake that choice without worry!

FireWire 8 In, 4 out.
A / D 8 channels ...
0 out in this config ....

I miss the D / A conversion on the analog outputs ...

UTILIZATION

Mac, no worries ... Plugg and play

Windows, I'm puzzled, Motu is not top in this config, this was true 10 years ago, now I do not know, not used with Windows 7, but in general, Motu = Mac

GETTING STARTED

Simple, open the file. Pkg is installed, it is shaped into refined the machine, and Yahoo, we bump ....

OVERALL OPINION

Even if it is interface quality after all, is a device that you buy for its preamps ....
Well, that's okay ... Mackis better than low-end .... Not colored in for two, a bit soft ... The Saffire preamps or OctoPre MkII is better bill ... This is only my opinion !!!!!!!!!!

This is an excellent adjunct to an interface that has 16 or 24 inputs, preamps reagents, without heat (you must know), but do not lie ....

Conversion ultra efficient, if one puts on a clock slave machine a little "upper class ".... Good choice, but Focusrite, at present, there are better .... For the same price ....

Very reliable mac ....

the 8 XLR inputs with phantom power over the adat (with a ADA8000 perfect for adding 8 inputs or 8 outputs)

any type of microphone or instrument, audio or midi

for audio recording on a laptop with mini firewire

UTILIZATION

used to live without too much concern on my vista pc, with low latency

GETTING STARTED

no worries particular config simple and effective

OVERALL OPINION

I sold because I did not use the 8 entries not finally and suddenly it was big for the use I had now but I have never regretted the purchase

Technical specifications: Not much info I find published, but the basics: 8 mic with pad and power supply 48, and taken rglages TO BACK.
Usage: Recording concerts nomad with a PC and a bag of microwave. (Rather classical 'chamber', choral and jazz in small groups)
Config: Toshiba rcent; Intel 1.7 G, 1G ram, 80G internal drive, the rest I know.

UTILIZATION

Install and compatibility absolutely No problem
Configuration: OK
Manual: Yes not bad, but as usual it rpond as issues that are adjacent the empty rponse for the rest dbrouille you ..

GETTING STARTED

Driver stable without problem. Last day I see no intrt. (It's amazing how soft updates from now Submitted as benefits when this is as close to default short ..)
Latency: 10ms enough for me. Test 8 tracks simultaneously in 88Khz. OK

A default my taste: the internal coupling between the exit (the TRS jacks 2) Submitted as internal cabling hardware) is actually the link dpendant firewire. If you are not connected or if the PC crashes, nothing on these outputs. Too bad for those who want to use this output as an 'emergency exit' cable to a hard-DAT recorder or other such, in case the PC would crash or 'crack' ...

OVERALL OPINION

Test 3 DIFFERENT concerts, for 6 months, plus a number of trials and tests 'at home'.
Goodies: 8 inputs and compact without regard dcrochage, all reliable.
Cons: A little of the construction, which is rather 'public': The pramplis are NJM2068, prampli Chinese low-end, arriving pniblement ensure proper bandwidth background gain. (-2dB @ 20kHz). convert the A / D AKM5385A.OK
Besides the fact that no figures on the performance of pramplis is dja public is suspicious in itself. (Other than the usual marketing spiel on the lyric 'clarity of pramplis)
The sensitivity of sufficient if there are static, but a fair bit with dynamic (as long as we want to make a thin voice like an announcer or hum ... just moves away.) . The gain which potentiomtres 1 of 3 crachotent run its course .. trs also little progressive, and would have won be notched, even if only to gain indents taken over a couple of 2-way micro xy, .. etc etc
It's true I'm a little demanding but that is the comfort when you're on the stress of 'live record' and normally not cost a lot more good design dtails.
For now, at this price, I not get any better ... hlas.

What characteristics have motivated your choice?
I needed a supplement of entry with my 828 mk3

With which instruments or systems (console, preamp, DTD ...) and you use the connection with what? ...
used a table with several preamps and analog zed420 hardwares she has found her place.Elle has become essential that clear.

What is your config (Motherboard / CPU / Ram / Disk ,...)?
The brand connects with a macbook pro 17 + a good external HD 64m cache partitions, the system is stable.

UTILIZATION

The drivers are stable?
a stability I would say no worries, I'm running macbook pro and AC roule.Je did not encounter any problems, I use it every day and I am pleasantly surprised as long as it lasts!

What software do you use most often?
Logic 9

How many tracks do you manage to record / playback simultaneously? ... 16

What latency you get? 3ms

GETTING STARTED

Quick Installation nothing to say everything works perfectly.

The general configuration is easy? Same config

Have you experienced any incompatibilities? no inconsistency

The manual is clear and sufficient? ... not need manual ..

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for 2 years

Did you try many other models before getting this one?
m-audio and presonus good. I speak ......

What thing do you like most/least about it?
I appreciate the fact that it is portable and easy to configure.

What is your opinion about the value for the price? Knowing what you know now, would you make the same choice? ...
excellent, yes I buy that card.

attention I read a little of everything on that map as "The preamps are NJM2068, Chinese low-end preamp, coming painfully to ensure proper bandwidth at full gain. (-2dB @ 20kHz" to clarify the preamps are not Chinese but Japanese is not at all the mm thing! when in fact they are "low end" I invite you to read their datasheet that says more .. http://www.datasheetcatalog. org/datasheet/newjapanradio/ae04022.pdf

The MOTU 8Pre is a firewire based audio interface, consisting of eight microphone preamplifiers and inputs.  I like this unit a lot because it doesn't overload you with too many features, but still has pretty much everything that you'd need.  As far as connections go, the unit has the eight dual XLR and 1/4" inputs which are controlled by the gain knobs on the front.  It also has a MIDI in and out and ADAT optical connections and 1/4" outputs for your monitors.  The interface only takes up a single rack space in a traditional rack, so it is pretty easily transported if necessary.

UTILIZATION

The design of the MOTU 8Pre makes it very easy to use.  Each of the eight channels has a gain knob, a -20db pad, and a phantom power switch.  There is definitely nothing complicated about setting this up or using it - everything is just about as basic as possible, making it very user friendly.  I also don't feel that this simple make up hinders its versatility, as it seems like they have made the perfect balance of features and user friendliness.  Unless your a beginner I don't think that you'll need a manual...


GETTING STARTED

The sound of the MOTU 8Pre is overall pretty clean and suitable for recordings of all types.  While not the warmest or my favorite mic pres, they definitely will get the job done for most recording situations.  Beyond the mic pres themselves, there really aren't any parameters to control your sounds, but it is nice to have the -20 db pad built in here.  My only complaint about the way the pres sound is that they can come off a bit stale sometimes, meaning that if the sound isn't already there, you're not going to be able to beef it up with your pre here alone like you can do with some other mic pres and consoles out there...


OVERALL OPINION

If you're looking at getting a reasonably priced audio interface with a great design, the MOTU 8Pre should definitely be on your list of interfaces to investigate.  I love the gear made by MOTU, as they offer up high quality interfaces with a great look and sound, and this is one of their best bang for your buck deals out there.  The compact nature of the interface doesn't make take away from its features, which is probably my favorite thing about the interface beyond the cheap price.  The 8Pre is overall a smartly designed interface with a lot of features for something in this price range.  

I got this not long ago to supplement my other MOTU interface, the 828 mk3. This is great for that purpose, because MOTU lets you daisy chain the firewire ports on them. Essentially this is just going to give you another 8 preamps and so another 8 channels of audio inputs. I wanted to be able to record drums at home with a lot of mics, and adding this to my setup allowed that. I am running a PC with Nuendo, Dual Core processor, and 4GB of ram. I am using this thing mostly just for extra microphones when I'm recording something live. It has also got MIDI connections if you don't have another MIDI box.

UTILIZATION

This installed with no problems. I didn't even need to load drivers amazingly enough, I just plugged this firewire cable between my 8pre and my 828mk3, and bam - 8 more channels that also show up on the CueMix software MOTU provides. Doesn't get any simpler. I've since had no problems with compatibility or bugs or anything, all smooth sailing here. They do give you a good sized manual, so if you had questions about how to operate anything i'm sure they'd be answered, but there aren't that many controls on this thing.

GETTING STARTED

The drivers have been great, since it's just been running off the MOTU driver I already had installed. They haven't been updated in months, but then again there has been no need to as far as I know. I am using this with Nuendo software as my host. Latency doesn't really come into the picture with this device, it's just putting the audio right through to the 828 which is putting it right through to the PC, so it's negligible. This box adds another 8 channels of audio to your existing converter/preamp box.

OVERALL OPINION

I got this about 10 months ago or so when I wanted to get back to having more than 8 tracks to record with at home. I really liked my 828 mk3, so this was great since it basically just expanded that box that I already had. The preamps and converters sound pretty good, and it works just as it says it will, so it's dependable to say the least. It would be nice to have a bigger metering section - that's a little small - but you can still easily tell when something's clipping so it's a small complaint. It's a great value for another 8 channels of audio. I'd get it again.