MOTU 1296

What characteristics have motivated your choice?
I was looking for an interface with the maximum I / O without having to pay for options that do not serve me (integrated preamp, volume knobs, etc..). 117dB dynamic range, it does not displease me.

With what tools or systems you use it? For what purpose?
Use in a home studio with a Mac and a console inline.

What is your config (Motherboard / CPU / Ram / Disk ,...)?
A cuckoo old G4 dual 1.25GHz proc with 2GB RAM, OS 10.4.6

UTILIZATION

The drivers are stable?
Mac no problem, not tested on a PC.

They are often updated?
I have the original 324 PCI interfaces to connect, and she starts dating, I do not think there will be a specific update for this card.

What software do you use most often?
Digital Performer and Logic Express

How many tracks do you manage to record / playback simultaneously?
I have 2 interfaces 1296, or 24 I / O There is no logical limit, if not the CPU. I regularly read 16 to 20 tracks to record 2 at the same time, and it runs perfectly. Attention, I use no plugins or virtual instrument.

What latency you get?
Not necessarily terrible with the IBD 324, but since I do not need direct monitoring, it does not bother me.

GETTING STARTED

Installation is it not working?
Yes, just follow the explanation in the manual

Have you experienced any incompatibilities?
Yes, Logic Express 7, which does not recognize the second rack. No problem with other software.

The general configuration is easy?
Who knows how to install a PCI card and connect a cable, nothing too difficult.

The manual is clear and sufficient?
I have a version in English, but it is very clear. Nothing to say is complete.

OVERALL OPINION

The manual is clear and sufficient?
It's been a year now.

Did you try many other models before getting this one?
Pffioouu! You have no idea! I've been around for almost all makes for a few months before finding something that suits me. The HD192 from the same manufacturer would have plugged in, but my wallet did not agree. I tried M-Audio (Ultra and 1010 rack), but that does not suit me (too many unnecessary options for me). At Echo (Firewire 12) I liked, but I preferred a solution based on PCI. RME, very good interfaces, but expensive if you want 24 I / O. The 24 i / o in Motu seemed interesting, but the 1296 sounds much better for my taste.

What thing do you like most/least about it?
+ 2U rack in
+ LED facade for each track (inputs and outputs, or 24 segments)
+ Switch 110V/220V (it sounds silly, but look at the difference in price between the U.S. and Europe, and you understand the interest).
Potato + terrible!

- Fan can be noisy (it is clean or it will change this-say).
- Insensitivity to noon, then have to buy the Motu interface that goes well, or use a MIDI cable / USB.

What is your opinion about the value for the price?
About 750 euros for 2 OCCAZ units plus PCI, I think we can not really do better for this kind of stuff!

Knowing what you know now, would you make the same choice?
With this budget, yes. I am surprised that this interface is not better known (no date when it would still a good ten years). I have compared to other recent interfaces, and I do not regret my choice, innovation is not necessarily quality.