Mark of the Unicorn (MOTU) 828MKII 24/96 Audio Interface (Macintosh and Windows)

No longer available at zZounds
Total of 22 inputs and 20 outputs!

The 828mkII contains everything you need to turn your Mac or PC computer into a powerful 24-bit, 96kHz digital audio workstation. With simple plug-and-play operation via FireWire or "high-speed" USB 2.0, the 828mkII provides 20 inputs and 22 outputs, including 10 channels of pristine 96kHz analog recording and playback, combined with 8 channels of ADAT digital I/O and stereo S/PDIF. Expand your system by connecting additional interfaces.

The 828mkII is equally well-suited for studio and stage, with or without a computer. As a computer interface, the 828mkII provides 20 separate inputs and 22 outputs, including separate main outs and headphone out. The two mic/guitar/instrument inputs feature analog, pre-amplified sends which allow you to insert your favorite outboard EQ, compressor, guitar amp, reverb or other effects processor before the signal goes digital. Use any input as a return.

You can add additional send/return loops using the 828mkII's new CueMix DSP.

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 617-576-2760

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. (170 ratings)
Submitted October 17, 2004 by a customer from yahoo.com

MOTU 828 mkii Interface Customer Review

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I'm very satisfied. Firewire leaves room to grow, and if need be, it can be used in conjunction with other 828mkiis or MOTU's other interfaces.
Sound
Preamps are great. Otherwise, standard sound capabilites--24-bit 96kHz.
Features
I really like the guitar/instrument/mic preamped inputs with trip pots in the front. Very convenient. MIDI I/O & another 8 line-level inputs in back, S/PDIF, ADAT, etc. And it's Firewire, which means latency is not an issue on my Dual 1.8GHz G5, even with many tracks recording at once. Comes with MOTU AudioDesk (Mac only); which, from my experience, is kind of a piece of sh*t. It has no MIDI; no VST, AU, or any other plugin capabilities; poor included effects; and a very ugly and counterintuitive interface. Oh well, it's free. I didn't let this detract from the features score, as I was buying an interface, not a sequencer. However, M-Audio's interfaces come with stripped-down versions of Live and Reason--both great programs. But so it goes, I wanted the 828mkii, and Logic Pro 7 is on its way.
Quality
Everything seems top quality. I haven't had any problems yet.
Value
More expensive than Firewire interfaces from M-Audio, but more generous in features as well. Of course, I would have liked to pay less, but I picked it over cheaper interfaces anyway.
Manufacturer Support
Haven't had to use it yet, which is worth a 10 to me.
The Wow Factor
Well, I bought it.

Musical Background:

Active Musician

Musical Style:

Quite diverse
5 of 6 people (83%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!