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PRESS RELEASE

MOTU's New Interface To Go FireWire

January 24, 2001

(Click for a close-up)

MOTU, Inc. debuted the 828, a single rack-space audio interface for Macintosh and Windows 2000/NT5 personal computers with 8 channels of ADAT optical digital input/output (switchable to S/PDIF optical), RCA S/PDIF, 8 channels of balanced 24-bit analog input/output, mic pre-amps and an ADAT SYNC input for sample-accurate synchronization. In addition, the 828 provides CueMix™ Plus zero-latency monitoring of live input with separate front-panel volume control over the monitored input signal. The MOTU 828 connects to any FireWire-equipped windows PC or Apple Macintosh computer, such as the new G4 Cube, via standard 1394 FireWire. No PCI card or PCMCIA card is required. The 828 includes an ASIO driver for compatibility with all major audio software on both computer platforms. Also included is AudioDesk, a complete audio workstation software package for Macintosh.

"FireWire audio is here," said MOTU Marketing Director Jim Cooper. "With a total of 18 simultaneous input and outputs, two built-in mic pre-amps, zero latency monitoring, and the ability to synchronize to anything via ADAT sync, the 828 provides a complete studio in a box. The MOTU 828 takes professional audio recording a leap forward in portability and plug-and-play operation, especially when you combine it with Apple's latest offerings, such as the ultra-quiet G4 Cube or the sexy new Titanium PowerBook. Personally, my dream system is a MOTU 828 and MTP-AV USB in a 3 rack-space gig bag slung over my shoulder and a new Titanium G4 PowerBook tucked under my arm. But anyone can jump in at just about any price point, from the affordable iMac all the way up to Apple's G4 Cube and their latest dual-processor machines."

Inputs and Outputs

The MOTU 828 rear panel has the following connectors:

8 channels of 24-bit analog in/out - all eight outputs and six of the inputs are on balanced/unbalanced TRS connectors with 24-bit converters. Two additional inputs are on Neutrik™ combo (XLR/TRS) connectors each equipped with a microphone pre-amp. 48 volt phantom power can be supplied to the mic pre-amps via a front panel toggle switch. All analog inputs have 40dB of trim provided by a front-panel trim knob. The signal-to-noise ratio for the inputs is 105dB.
8 channels of ADAT optical digital in/out switchable to optical S/PDIF (TOSLink) - The optical input and output can be individually switchable between the 8-channel ADAT format and stereo optical S/PDIF (TOSLink).
Main analog outputs - these two extra TRS outputs can be connected directly to a pair of speakers. A front panel volume knob is provided for convenient hands-on volume control of the main outs. The main outputs mirror the signal on outputs 1 and 2. In addition, they sum these signals with up to two channels of live input from any pair of analog inputs via the 828's zero-latency monitoring bus. The user chooses any two analog inputs (via software) as the monitor inputs. A separate knob is provided on the front panel for convenient hands-on adjustment of the live input level, relative to the main mix.
RCA S/PDIF digital in/out - provides industry standard S/PDIF digital I/O.
ADAT sync input - allows sample-accurate digital transfers with ADATs or any other device that supports ADAT SYNC. The ADAT Sync port also allows the 828 to be synchronized with any external clock source. For example, with a MOTU MIDI Timepiece AV-USB interface and synchronizer, the MOTU 828 audio interface can be resolved to SMPTE time code, word clock, blackburst or video.
Punch in/out - this quarter-inch input connects to any standard foot switch for hands-free punch-in and punch-out during recording.
1394 FireWire connector - connects the 828 to the FireWire port on any computer via a standard FireWire cable.
IEC power receptacle - the 828 has an internal power supply with a convenient external switch for either 115V or 230V operation.

Front panel volume control, trim, phantom power and indicator lights

The MOTU 828 front panel has the following features:

Quarter-inch headphone output
Main volume knob - controls both the headphone out and the main outputs (including the monitored live inputs, if any).
Monitor level knob - controls the volume of any two analog inputs being monitored on the main outs, if any.
Five input gain trim knobs - inputs 1 and 2 (equipped with mic preamps) have individual input trim knobs. Input pairs 3-4, 5-6 and 7-8 have one trim knob per pair. Each knob provides 40dB of input gain.
48 volt switch - provides phantom power to the mic preamps on inputs 1 and 2.
Analog activity lights - glow red when signal is detected on an input or green when signal is present on an output.
Status lights - Indicate audio activity on the RCA S/PDIF in/out connectors and ADAT optical connectors. Also indicate either 44.1 or 48kHz operation.
Power switch

CueMix™ Plus Zero-latency monitoring

MOTU 828 users can connect a pair of speakers directly to the quarter-inch main outs. In addition, they can choose, via software, any two analog inputs for monitoring via the main outs. On the front panel, the main volume knob controls the entire mix, while a separate monitor level knob lets users adjust the monitored input level relative to the main mix. The CueMix™ Plus monitoring path is handled entirely in the 828 hardware itself; it is not passed to the computer before being routed to the main outs. Therefore, there is no latency in the monitored signal. At their option, users can also route the input to the computer for simultaneous effects processing, mixing the dry monitored signal with reverb, guitar distortion, or other effects on the computer. By combining the two signals in this manner, the user can eliminate audible delay in the processed audio from the computer. When playing back disk tracks on the computer, full effects processing can be used with absolutely no latency, regardless of the host audio software being used.

Software compatibility and AudioDesk™

The MOTU 828 includes ASIO drivers, which provide multi-channel input and output with any ASIO-compliant host audio software on Macintosh or Windows. In addition, the 828 ships with a WDM kernel audio driver for Windows 2000/NT. The 828 also includes AudioDesk, MOTU's audio workstation software for Macintosh, which provides complete recording, editing, mixing, processing, and mastering of multitrack audio recordings.