Since the original 828's debut in 2001, MOTU's one-rack-unit, two-preamp audio interface has been a staple in project studios worldwide. The fifth-generation MOTU 828 features lightning-fast USB3 connectivity with 2–3 ms round-trip latency and a host of creativity-enhancing features. It delivers ESS Sabre32-powered sound with 24-bit/192kHz conversion, overhauled mic preamps with 74 dB of gain, hardware inserts, and hi-Z guitar inputs. Additional features include a 24-channel digital mixer with onboard DSP effects, advanced control room functions, 28-in/32-out I/O, optical expansion, footswitch input, 3.9-inch TFT display with customizable metering, multichannel monitor control, and Wi-Fi control from Mac, PC, or iOS devices. The MOTU 828 combines industry-leading sound, low latency, extensive workflow features, and comprehensive I/O in one powerful interface.
The 828 provides 28 inputs and 32 outputs, totaling 60 simultaneous audio channels. Two microphone preamps deliver 74 dB gain, -20 dB pad, 48V phantom power, polarity reverse, and dedicated inserts for outboard hardware, with hi-Z guitar inputs for re-amping. Eight TRS analog inputs and outputs feature boost and trim controls adjustable in 1 dB increments, along with separate XLR main outputs. Two banks of optical I/O provide 16 ADAT channels at 44.1/48 kHz or eight SMUX channels at 88.2/96 kHz. Additional connectivity includes stereo S/PDIF up to 96 kHz, MIDI I/O, and word clock. Two independent headphone outputs allow custom cue mixes with DSP effects, and DC-coupled TRS outputs support direct control of voltage-controlled synthesizers. Loopback functionality enables easy live streaming and podcasting.
The MOTU 828 features ESS Sabre32 DAC technology with 125 dB dynamic range, delivering pristine audio quality. High-performance drivers provide round-trip latency as low as 2 ms at 96 kHz. Mic preamps offer transparent sound with -114 dB THD+N, 118 dB dynamic range, and -129 dBu EIN. The USB3 connection supports 5 Gbps for lightning-fast performance, and class-compliant firmware ensures compatibility with Mac, PC, and iOS devices.
Equipped with a 24-input digital mixer featuring eight stereo buses and onboard DSP effects including reverb, 4-band EQ, noise gate, and compression, the 828 serves as the central hub of your studio. Connect microphones, guitars, synthesizers, drum machines, and effects processors, and record or monitor with zero latency or strain on your computer. Independent monitor mixes can be created for all analog outputs and headphone outputs with onboard effects, and the 828 can operate as a standalone mixer with full effects control via Wi-Fi using MOTU’s CueMix 5 app on Mac, PC, or iOS.
Renowned ESS Sabre32™ DAC technology delivers 125 dB dynamic range and extremely low harmonic distortion. Decades of engineering expertise ensure the MOTU 828 provides pristine analog performance.
Connect to Mac, PC, or iOS devices via 5 Gbps USB 3 (compatible with USB 2) with up to 60 simultaneous audio channels (28 inputs and 32 outputs). Class-compliant firmware enables plug-and-play operation on Mac and iOS, while high-performance drivers support all major audio applications. Direct USB-C connection to iPad is possible using a standard Lightning adapter.
The 828 allows you to connect microphones, guitars, synths, keyboards, drum machines, outboard processors, MIDI gear, optical expanders, and a foot pedal, with all 28 inputs and 32 outputs available at the same time.
Optimized drivers for Mac and PC deliver round-trip latency as low as ~2 ms at 96 kHz with a 32-sample buffer, ensuring real-time monitoring and tracking.
Capture recordings with -114 dB THD+N, 118 dB dynamic range, and -129 dBu EIN. Each mic channel includes individual preamp gain, pad, 48V phantom power, and remote control via Mac or iOS. Combo jacks also provide 1/4-inch high-impedance TS guitar inputs for DI tracking and re-amping.
Record a dry guitar signal via the front-panel input, use near-zero latency monitoring to route it to outputs, and re-amp later with different amps or amp-modeling plugins, eliminating the need to re-plug cables.
Each mic input offers a dedicated analog send/return loop for outboard processing. When unused, the return acts as an additional line input with identical characteristics to other line inputs.
Manage 5.1 or 7.1 surround speaker systems with a single fader. The Monitor Group allows selection of any analog outputs to control.
Front-panel talkback and A/B speaker select buttons let you instantly control recording sessions and compare mixes across two monitor sets.
CueMix 5 for Mac, Windows, and iOS provides graphic control over your mix, parametric EQ editing, and a touch-friendly interface on iOS for quick access to mixing features, digitally controlled trims, and other settings.
Control all settings and mixes from an iPhone or iPad running the CueMix 5 app. Multiple iOS devices can operate simultaneously, and a password can be set for network security.
Loopback channels allow routing of computer output back into the host software, mixed with live mic or guitar inputs, enabling seamless live streaming or podcasting.
Two optical banks provide 16 ADAT channels at 48 kHz or 8 SMUX channels at 96 kHz, with optional stereo TOSLink up to 96 kHz. Expand your 828 with additional gear or use it as an optical expander.
RCA S/PDIF input and output allow stereo digital transfers with optional external clocking and sample rates up to 96 kHz. Any source signal can be routed to S/PDIF output.
Connect MIDI devices directly without a separate interface. MIDI Thru mode loops MIDI from IN to OUT, bypassing the computer if needed.
Connect a standard foot pedal switch (sold separately) for hands-free punch-in during recording or map it to any keystroke in your host software.
All analog outputs are DC-coupled, enabling direct control of modular synthesizers using control voltage (CV) from your DAW.
Each headphone output can carry the same or independent mixes with individual volume control from the front panel or CueMix 5.
Balanced I/O connections are protected against RF interference, AC hum, and environmental noise.
Customizable meter views support analog-only, digital-only, or mixed I/O monitoring for workflow optimization.
Connect the 828 to Mac or PC and start recording with included Performer Lite software, featuring hundreds of loops, one-shots, and sounds from Big Fish Audio, Lucidsamples, and Loopmasters.
Provides everything needed to record, edit, mix, process, and master music tracks. Includes over 100 virtual instruments, dozens of effects plug-ins, guitar FX processing, and MIDI tools.
Performer Lite includes over 100 virtual instruments—pianos, guitars, basses, drums, organs, synths, orchestral instruments, choirs, and world instruments—plus 6 GB of royalty-free loops and sample packs for immediate music production.
| Computer Connectivity | USB 3.0 |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | Rackmount |
| Simultaneous I/O | 28 x 32 |
| Number of Preamps | 2 |
| Phantom Power | Per channel |
| A/D Resolution | Up to 24-bit / 192 kHz |
| Analog Inputs | 2 x XLR-1/4" combo (mic/line/Hi-Z), 8 x 1/4" TRS |
| Analog Outputs | 8 x 1/4" TRS, 2 x XLR |
| Digital Inputs | 1 x Coax (S/PDIF), 1 x Optical A (ADAT), 1 x Optical B (ADAT/stereo Toslink) |
| Digital Outputs | 1 x Coax (S/PDIF), 1 x Optical A (ADAT), 1 x Optical B (ADAT/stereo Toslink) |
| Inserts | 2 x 1/4" TRS (mic send), 2 x 1/4" TRS (mic return) |
| Headphones | 2 x 1/4" TRS (ESS-driven) |
| MIDI I/O | In / Out / Thru |
| USB | 1 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 |
| Clock I/O | 1 x BNC (In, Out/Thru) |
| Other I/O | 1 x 1/4" (footswitch) |
| Features | 3.9" LCD Display |
| Software | MOTU CueMix 5 app, MOTU Performer Lite, Ableton Live Lite |
| OS Requirements (Mac) | macOS 10.15 or later |
| OS Requirements (PC) | Windows 10 or later |
| Rack Spaces | 1U |
| Power Supply | Standard IEC AC cable |
| Height | 1.75" |
| Width | 19" |
| Depth | 12.25" |
| Weight | 11 lbs. |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 9390 UPC: 839128006270 |
