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moosers
Published on 01/31/10 at 17:07
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.
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.