The MOTU 828 28 x 32 USB3 audio interface offers extraordinary audio quality with its renowned ESS Sabre32™ DAC technology. With an impressive 125 dB dynamic range and ultra-low harmonic distortion, it delivers pristine analog performance for even the most complex projects. The 828's 60 simultaneous audio channels ensure seamless connectivity for all your studio gear, including microphones, synths, outboard processors, and MIDI devices, all available simultaneously.
Film sound engineers will appreciate the ultra-low latency performance and customizable I/O options, including S/PDIF, optical I/O, and MIDI connectivity. The device supports high-performance DAWs with astonishing round-trip latency as low as ~2 ms at 96 kHz, making real-time editing and monitoring effortless. The 828’s CueMix 5 software for Mac, Windows, and iOS gives you precise control over your mix, with intuitive graphic EQ and mixing capabilities, making it ideal for post-production.
For Foley artists and sound designers, the MOTU 828 offers advanced features like loopback channels for live streaming and podcasting, and DC-coupled TRS outputs for controlling modular synths. With seamless integration into your studio setup and comprehensive control via USB or iOS devices, the 828 is the perfect tool for elevating your workflow.
MOTU 828 features
- ESS Sabre32™ DAC Technology
- 60 Simultaneous Audio Channels
- Ultra-Low Latency Performance
- CueMix 5 Software
- MIDI I/O with MIDI Thru
- Optical I/O Expansion
- Wireless Control via iOS
- DC-Coupled TRS Outputs
MOTU 828 Specifications
Sample rates |
44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz |
Mic/line/instr inputs |
2 x XLR/TRS "combo" jacks Individual -20 dB pad and 48V phantom power Preamp gain: +74 dB in 1 dB increments 1 MΩ impedance on the line/instr inputs Independent balanced send/return inserts |
Analog inputs |
8 x 1/4-inch TRS line in (balanced/unbalanced) 2 x 1/4-inch insert returns function as balanced TRS line inputs (with no mic inputs connected) Max level: +21 dBu +20 dB digital gain on each input |
Analog outputs |
8 x 1/4-inch TRS line out (balanced, DC coupled) 2 x male XLR out Max level: +21 dBu 2 x 1/4-inch TRS stereo headphone (see below) 2 x 1/4-inch TRS sends (balanced, pre-converter) |
Digital I/O |
2 banks (16 ch) of ADAT optical I/O at 1x sample rates 2 banks (8 ch) of S/MUX optical I/O at 2x sample rates Bank A switchable to stereo TOSLink I/O (optical S/PDIF) 1 x stereo S/PDIF I/O on RCA (up to 96 kHz) |
Computer I/O |
1 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps) Type C • USB2 compatible USB audio class compliant (no driver needed) 1 x IF-certified USB 3.2 Gen 1 C-to-C cable (2M) included Compatible with USB Type A (with a C-to-A cable, sold separately) Total USB audio channels: see "Total Audio I/O" below Round Trip Latency (RTL): ~2 ms (32 sample buffer at 96K) |
Total audio I/O |
28 in / 32 out (60 total channels) at 1x sample rates 20 in / 24 out (44 total channels) at 2x sample rates 10 in / 14 out (24 total channels) at 4x sample rates |
MIDI I/O |
1 x MIDI In 1 x MIDI Out/Thru 16 MIDI channels to/from computer host |
Headphone |
2 x 1/4-inch TRS stereo headphones Output impedance: <1Ω Max output: 14.4 dBu |
Phantom power |
2 x individual +48V |
Foot Switch |
1 x 1/4-inch foot switch input Mapping: pedal up/down to any host keystrokes |
Sync I/O |
1 x BNC Word Clock In 1 x BNC Word Clock Out/Thru Sample rates: all (from 44.1 to 192 kHz) |
Front panel |
2 x XLR/TRS combo inputs 2 x 1/4" TRS headphone outputs 2 x potentiometer • headphone volume 2 x potentiometer • mic/instr input gain 1 x potentiometer • menu navigation 1 x large potentiometer • main volume 12 x switches • (2) 48V, (2) pad, (6) control room, (2) nav 1 x 3.9-inch 480 x 128 pixel 24-bit RGB TFT display 1 x latching power button |
Power |
Internal 100-240V autoswitching supply 50-60 Hz • 0.5A max |
Dimensions and weight |
(width x depth x height, enclosure only) 19 x 12.25 x 1.75 inches / 48.26 x 31.1 x 4.44 cm 11 lbs / 5 kgs |