All user reviews for the MOTU 828 mk3 Hybrid

Technical characteristic view give manufacturer

The possibility of using either usb or firewire. This allows me to be of use on my Imac or be on my laptop for a nomadic use.

USE

No problem with the drivers that will be on pc and mac via the Ableton Live software. I used the 2 master output, 4 output effect send and track 4 comes into effect return, the latency is quite reasonable.

IMPLEMENTATION

No care of installation and implementation, I have no need to open the manual.

NOTICE GLOBAL

I used the last eight months, for the time j am fully satisfied, a very good report quality price.
Only small downside the sound quality (which is good) is not worth my old sound card Apogge Duet (which is the same price with just two in and two out), but given the number between and output the fact that it is rack for the price, I do it again this choice without asking any question.

The MOTU 828mk3 Hybrid is a interface that has 2 mic preamps and 8 TRS inputs with 8 TRS outputs. This interface can work either with USB or Firewire which is a huge plus for me, being able to have the option to work with either Firewire or USB connection is a nice option to have when it comes to this type of interface because not all systems/computers have a Firewire connection. I have used this interface on 2 different computers in the past one with USB and one with Firewire.

UTILIZATION

I was also able to use CueMix (the software that comes with it) with my iPad via an app that can be downloaded from the App store. I pretty much had full control over this interface via the iPad as long as there was a WiFi network available to use. This came in handy because I didn’t have to keep going and grabbing my computer mouse each and every time I wanted to adjust some volumes and that was a lot easier than having to run to the computer from the other side of the room. The iPad app was a huge plus for MOTU with this interface and it is a huge selling point.

GETTING STARTED

The preamps sound pretty good, but I wish they were a little more “natural”. They do have a tendency on certain microphones to lightly color the sound a little bit. It was hardly noticeable to me but I could still tell. This interface does not get its power from USB connection and needs to be plugged into a wall.

OVERALL OPINION

But it looks great in my rack and I have been using it for a while now. It is pretty much still being used as one of the main interfaces in my personal studio and has been for some time now. I have plenty of outputs and cool features with this interface. It just depends on which microphone I use with it.

I chose this interface for its number of inputs / outputs (10 and 10) and also 2 inputs / outputs Adat

I use it for recording voice or instrument. It is coupled with a pre Focusrtite in Octo ADAT and various pre-tube amps to analog (SPL, Art, Focusrite, TLA ....)

UTILIZATION

I use it on my pc with usb Win XP Pro 64bit and Nuendo 4. No stability problem drivers except that XP wants to re-install every time you start while they are there. Another bug, I do not know to the Motu as the default so the player does not work in Windows. It does not matter since I do not use it ...

I do not do multi-track recording so I can not speak to the number of tracks that may have ...

Low latency in the order of 4/6 ms and I can still go down ...

GETTING STARTED

Installation without any problem if it is the one quoted above. Of course I updated the firmware and drivers.

It has the ability to quickly record a track but it is not an interface to put in the hands of a beginner I think. It took me a few tries and some reading / re-reading the manual to get to the set as I wanted. That said, this is my first Motu, maybe someone familiar with their philosophy was faster than me

Cuemix software provides control inputs / outputs and make the mix without a host software. Thereupon the manual is not very clear either. I do not think I have explored the entirety of its possibilities ...

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for 5 months, I tried some other sound card as Tascam 1648, 144 ... We are in another world with the Motu, maybe not top notch but it is close.

I love the routing options: I'm using the console "control room" Nuendo 4 stereo sends musicians to talk back system with each consignment controlled by a foot pedal to keep your hands free ..
The number of analog and digital inputs are more than enough and you can easily end up with 26 inputs via ADAT and 2 analog which is enough for a recording studio ..

I do not like this conflicts with the Windows Media Player but it's still a good detail for me

I got 600 € from Thomman in "B-Stock" instead of € 780. Very good quality / price ratio in this case

Using this card in a studio configuration oriented modern music (rap, electro, ...).
In this price range I must admit you get a great result of what I know. I chose this card for one simple reason: the very positive opinion about the ingestion of friends and ultralite 828 lines, and the opening of non digidesign protools to hardwares.
This card is used primarily for voice recording, but also bass, guitar (micro and taken live) ... and so far the sample is perfect. Obviously taken for micro valve using my C-1 Classic as a preamp.

UTILIZATION

The drivers are not a model of stability but we will say that once it works it does not move and it stops breathing.
Everything works perfectly with Pro Tools is no latency is perceptible.
We perform multi rarely recording, then insufficient experience for a useful critique on the topic.
The interface software is damn good though I rarely use it anymore and the hardware interface is downright lame in my opinion, but it is relative, some will perhaps find logic and say the opposite.

GETTING STARTED

Ouch a note!!
Firmware drivers ..... ..... overall we can consider that Upd of drivers and firmware is useless if a configuration is stable, but provided it is different from the standard configuration the manufacturer we can quickly end up with a repetition of problems that neither the drivers nor the firmware and certainly not the guys at MOTU will not solve.
All so who cares they did not intend to make an Upd software or drivers, let alone want to try to think of maybe one day think about a possible firmware Upd. In fact about it, it took me a little over a month to run this card.
It turns out that the USB is not efficient and creates inadvertent disconnection of the card and / or prevents the card just to play the audio (this is the great feature Hybrid!). So, be aware that a port FIREWIRE is mandatory to use it (in most cases) ..... but not any FireWire port, the port must be the chipset brand TEXAS INSTRUMENT (and a another brand rather rare, do not really remember), but this ... not work ....
In this case my Firewire ports that have not functioned and SAV not taking the trouble to read my request, I saw that there was on E-Bay Firewire PCI card with TI chipset sold in order to fill lack of skills of MOTU on monitoring of its products. So much for the info

OVERALL OPINION

Boh it is used for less than a year, and once the galley of outdated config must confess this is a monster in its class, especially with respect to cards that I've experienced before.
It has really interesting features and allows many configurations according to specific scenarios, but it's so specific that a notice would be too personal, I counsel rather read the doc directly to the manufacturer's website.
And frankly if it were to do again I would buy again but not without a TI chipset PCI FIREWIRE, or not without a threatening letter to the Technical Director of MOTU choice ....

Everything is already said
in my case: coupling has a large table and several racks of effects ... many analog. No I never use the example of motu preamps on my fixed station against a lot to catch outdoors (on my laptop). D or my choice for this interface ...

UTILIZATION

Cubase, two generations apart: Nuendo and Cubase 3/XP 6/windows 7 64-bit. Why? Because of my station pricipale fixed workplace, I have enormemment good plugins that are not compatible 64-bit ... And my laptop is brand new 64-bit / Windows 7 (or my purchase of group CUBASE 6): I used to catch the outside (instead of repeating / studio specializing, etc, etc ...). I therefore exports the wav of the laptop to my base station to "fine tune" projects, mix and masteuriser ...
Once installed: impeccable .... is why the motu does not work in the same way on two configs: Can not operate properly on Windows 7 individual outputs and impossible to use the output of hand .. Nuendo why? ben j have not yet found ... j any way have a big table so I do mix with the records pending updates

Importantly, j used with USB

GETTING STARTED

c is the big gallery ... On the first config because it starts to get Grandpa and the other because it is out ... Anyway the thing is clear: with the CD installation of the box -> nothing works .... but nothing at all ... Am beginning ennerver these manufacturers coming out their products without testing them.
Motu, c is the opposite of Cubase exactemment 6 (which I've installed windows 7 on the config):
cubase 6 = not even 5 minutes and it works without any problem
Motu 828 Mk3 hybrid = 7 hours and download many of motu.com (which asks you to register to receive their t shit pubs / a know it s not sell your email addreses to the CIA or other agencies not to mention ...)( that he asks you to pay their docs to get e **)

If it comes to manual precisely: exactly the same answer. Impec for cubase 6. terribly "** borders that" to Motu, not well understood how to walk CueMix (which does not work on XP of course). besides Motu should not by law be sold either in Germany or in France or Spain for not having a doc in these languages ​​... Personal I am embarrassed but not in Spain, not many people dominates the language of ladie gaga ...

OVERALL OPINION

Now a good week and I can work ....

1. Wait a year before making the purchase of the Motu
2. And convert its ad / da for pro (in my case c)
3. Apart from the problem of output, the ideal companion to Cubase Nuendo 6 as finally

So my conclusion: last time that I bought a Motu ... I have no time to lose to the computer. My job c is a musician ...
... I put "good" because once the galleys that past and future updates J will have a very good tool to work ...

my config
intel pc quad core i5 2.5 to (including a dedicated hard 3disques files cubase, sonar) and 8 GB of memory motherboard ASUS P7P55D

I use one with a preamp JOEMEEK q spdif and preamp engl e 530 live, m audio Keystation keyboards, bass guitars and microphones more course (57 sm, akg perception 220 (disappointing), rode nt1a (great) , a future and a di spl doldmike avalon u5)

characteristics that motivated my choice is the USB (to be sure not to gallery with the chipsets), the number of inputs and outputs, quality preamps, the AD / DA converters, it seemed to be the best value prices, it does not really race condition in its price range I think at least with that capacity, from the Fireface UC is still more expensive and whose half-rack format I did not, and finally, the reputation Motu has finally convinced me

UTILIZATION

I use cubase sonar 5 and 8, I record track by track, so no idea how many tracks can be recorded at the same time, but many I think, over the map really relieves the CPU of the computer that takes scarcely

drivers often updated ... well I went for the 64-bit drivers on the website of motu, but good once it works well, it's no use to a day especially if you are not connected to Internet. .. not like c with line 6 which updates its maps every month ... horrible (I speak conaissance case being happy?? owner of a tone port UX2 dailleurs I'll sell!

the drivers are stable, so good, small spot that needs to be reported from time to time c from time to time, the card is (rarely) click click stressantlorsque enough listening to the audio but the problem is rule by turning off the map and on again, again I have encountered this problem only rarely (2 times) so no stress, c the only problem I have encountered so far

I find that the card pretty hot after 5 / 6 hours of use but hey I think c designed for ....

good I am a 5ms latency input and output about 6, but we can do better by setting the buffer size I think it suits me I very much ....... you amaze me! :: DDDD

GETTING STARTED

I thought I gallery for more than that to install, good cue mix is ​​super simple, I was a little anxious to return to the universe motu but that c is no problem, the general config is very easy, very easy to take control of my ca took about one hour to tour the beast

the manual on the installation disk is in English but in the french can easily download and the 64-bit drivers on the net (note the manual is the firewire 828, but exactly the same c!)

I put 9 because the 64-bit drivers are not on the cd so internet connection required

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for almost a month, I read many reviews on all the cards on the market and well-studied benefits disadvantages USB, PCI, Firewire and in the end I opted for this card that does up the m 'that has brought satisfaction, finally my compositions sound pro, airy, clean, balanced, we are no free lunches, it is necessary to pay the price, 700 c true that E (in store) ... it does well evil, but we are disappointed not true that c relative to the aforementioned line 6 ben c ... how to say the day and night, the difference between c and mumuse to make mao

I do it again this election easily, unless I win a one million euro I offer the apogee!

I will not dwell on the technical features you've all read in the description. Just say that the connection is complete ultra, 8 I / O fit me perfectly, as I make electro music and movies via computer music, with few entries by definition. So I use it in basic operation, stereo keyboards in the I / O analog, an HP Pavilion DV7 Core 2 Duo, and go!

UTILIZATION

Used with Reason 4, Cubase 5.1, Kontakt 4, with some synths. In Hall, a Korg Triton, a 01 / W (yes, I love tablecloths!), A digital piano SP-200 (no, I do not work for Korg!), And a Studio Projects B3 for decision samplées voice. Latency level, I'm not very good advice, because little looking, but it seems top. Never tried in multitrack recording, but I'm sure it holds water without worry. No drop for now anyway!

GETTING STARTED

Very easy. We put the CD, it installs the drivers, the card is recognized, and go. Not need a manual because I know the lil world of computer music from a lease, but I think it's pretty simple. If one reads the manual, no worries. The only downside is perhaps the config on the card, with a lot of submenus to tame. But it's really to nitpick.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for a week, and the least we can say is it sounds really. His precise, with a potato hell. My first map "pro" I do not regret it for the world. So obviously, I was shooting with an Edirol FA-101 - very good midrange card incidentally - but that day and nuit.Et not talking about the M-Audio is to put in the trash as The SAV is a disgrace and products that claim to pro but have broad scam (one and a FastTrack Ultra 8R Profire illico returned for non-drivers updated and big false advertising on hardware compatibility, a shame ...) MOTU So is his reputation is undeniable. (And I repeat, I have no action at home, make that clear!)
Only downside: an implementation can be a bit difficult if you are not familiar with the world of Music, and perhaps also the button "MASTER" could have been a little stressed. But if not, go for it with his eyes closed!

What characteristics have motivated your choice?

The USB2 (it is time that everyone puts it), on 8 analog inputs + 2 preamps (which is more quality), ADAT, quality MOTU!

With which instruments or systems (console, preamp, DTD ...) and you use the connection with what?

I spend a digimax D8 preamps in the analog, the sound card turns a PC with HP EliteBook, windows 7 64bit

For what purpose?
What is your config (Motherboard / CPU / Ram / Disk ,...)?

Registration of all kinds of instruments and musical, "studio" and "live".
config: 2.66GHz 4GB ram hp probook

UTILIZATION

The drivers are stable?

until now, no problem. I will come back if I have, but something tells me it is a creature well prepared.

What software do you use most often?

FL studio 9

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

10 without any problem, I have not had need more input but I know I can get more if needed and it will run smoothly

They are often updated?

no idea for now


GETTING STARTED

The installation is done it without problems?

no problem, except it takes off in the config panel of windows of opportunity for the system of sub-power USB ports to save energy!

The general configuration is easy?

very intuitive, no need to record

Have you experienced any incompatibilities?

no

The manual is clear and sufficient? ... good question!

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for one week only, so hard to make judgments 100% reliable. That said, everything I've done since I've had no problem that is linked to the sound card or drivers. (Just this problem of power management of USB ports that can be solved in two clicks)
There is nothing I dislike with this sound card, is really exactly what I wanted. It is stable, quality, and in addition it has the mouth. The interface mixing CueMix FX is fine as hell, it should be perfect for the live sound reinforcement.
I hesitated a lot with the RME Fireface UC, but some "defects" made me prefer MOTU, namely the half-rack that is useless, the analog inputs scattered front and back (super convenient rack .. .), the only knob ...

For now it is clear that this choice I will ever be!