All user reviews of 1/5 for the MOTU Audio Express

I needed a soundcard with a couple of inputs and MIDI. I wanted something simple and effective. I wanted an RME, but I preferred to save some money.
I use it to record synths, I also use it for MIDI, plus I use it as my every day soundcard for Internet, writing songs, a bit of everything.

UTILIZATION

Things start to go downhill when it comes to installation and use!

Even if you install the drivers supplied, the soundcard will make you deaf, forcing you to go to the Motu website to change that (but there is no indication of this anywhere, you must learn it the hard way...).

In terms of use, the software is pretty good, even if some parameters seem not to work. (volume control track by track?)

In terms of sound, I have loud crackles from time to time, which forces me to restart it...it's very frustrating!

GETTING STARTED

See above, but I don't think it's easy to use, no plug and play, even if the manual is pretty good.

OVERALL OPINION

I've been using it for six months.

I love the simplicity and the number of controls on the front panel. (the headphone/monitor volume management system is pretty cool). The sound is not too bad.

But I don't like the rest: It crashes, it crackles sometimes, you need to restart...

I had a focusrite saffire before which wasn't better, but at least it didn't crash. I could rely on it.

I don't recommend it. And I hope that MOTU makes some improvements in the future. In any case, they have lost a client for the time being. I'll switch to RME!

Specifications are attractive.
Hybrid USB / Firewire, opportunities to mix four different ways depending on the outputs, headphone output (on paper) assignable to different outs plus a separate way. Displaying all levels enjoyable.
Mixer can optionally be used standalone

J'utilis (ais) e this interface with my MacBook Pro 2009 Mac OSX 10.6, Ableton Live. Input synth Roland SH-32, in main output a pair of Mackie MR 5 Mk II.

Use?

A digital piano / synthesizer input to my DAW, general listening (movies, MP3s). I also wanted to use the separate headphone jack for practicing with live mix, but this is impossible.

UTILIZATION

Current version of drivers seem stable, but they may be the cause of my problems, as I describe it) below.

I spent my weekend looking for threads talking about problems with the MOTU, have not found one, started by someone who had been eager to be reimbursed.

GETTING STARTED

Here we are at the heart of the problem.

After unpacking the model, made my connections, installed the drivers. The card is not detected. I have to reinstall the drivers again for it to be.
Initially, only one speaker works. After poking around in some forums, I restarted the bike and put it to factory settings. Ok, I have my two speakers. I rule so that their input is minimized. First sound that comes out (vlc), my speakers are a big hit, my building is vibrating and my ears hurt. Too loud. FAR TOO LOUD.

So this is my main problem (and also not the only one) with my Audio Express. When the output volume control works (and it does not always work).
Concrete example: I use my synth to the maximum level, and levels of entry as well. The program comes with the interface, CueMix, shows me a level of about -12 dB for these tracks (nothing Folichon so). I kill the direct output of the mix, in order to bypass my DAW. And there is a disaster.
For my monitors out a suitable volume vis-à-vis the neighborhood of their expected lifetime, and my ears, I have to get my Master Fader (or my fader tracks) just above the minimum value.
So it becomes impossible to work properly. Improper manipulation 'and I burst my speakers.

In short, I feel that the main outputs, line outputs normal (+4 dBu), are 40 dB above what one would expect. I want to clarify two things: that these tests were conducted with the input settings of my monitors near zero, and the use of my old interface, a Tascam MK-II, produced in volumes much more acceptable.

OVERALL OPINION

I use this model for 4 days, and I spent two to try to hack.
I admit to not having tried the other model and I had trusted the advice of my enthusiastic seller.

The interface looked quite attractive, and comes from a prestigious brand. Very excited about the purchase, I quickly became disillusioned, and uncertain if my problem is related to poorly made drivers or main out too hard or if I just inherited a defective model, I hesitate to tell you to avoid like the plague, but is rather upset, I'll do it anyway.

GO YOUR WAY. CURRENT.

I go tomorrow, and go to either an M-Audio ProFire 610 or Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 DSP comparable price.