MOTU 828x Professional 28x30 Audio Interface with Thunderbolt Technology

The MOTU 828x Professional 28x30 Audio Interface with Thunderbolt Technology is a 1RU 19" rack mountable digital audio interface that can connect to your 32- or 64-bit Mac or PC computer over Thunderbolt 1, Thunderbolt 2, or USB 2.0 (compatible with USB 3.0 ports). Up to six Thunderbolt devices such as displays and hard drives can be daisy chained together with the audio interface at the end of the chain. The interface offers eight channels of 192 kHz analog recording and playback, combined with 16 channels of ADAT optical digital I/O (8 channels at 96 kHz), stereo S/PDIF, MIDI I/O, word clock, two headphone jacks and stereo XLR main outs. Equally suited for the studio and stage, the interface can also function without a computer connection as a standalone mixer with effects such as reverb, EQ and classic compression. Two front panel microphone/guitar inputs feature high-quality preamps, plus a V-Limit hardware limiter for overload protection. Additional protection is available via MOTU's Soft Clip function. Each microphone input is equipped with individually switchable 48V phantom power and a 20 dB pad. Each microphone input also has a rear panel send that allows for inserting outboard gear before the analog to digital conversion. An additional 8 balanced analog inputs enable connection to most studio gear, including microphones, guitars, synthesizers, keyboards, drum machines and effects processors. In turn, these can all be recorded, monitored, routed and processed using the professional on-board CueMix FX digital mixer, with minimal latency and processor strain on the computer. Additionally, the interface includes a built-in chromatic tuner and audio analysis tools such as a Fast Fourier Transform function, spectrogram and x-Y phase alignment plot. The mixer can be remotely controlled using an iPad and TouchOSC software (sold separately). The interface includes a license for AudioDesk 3 digital workstation software for Mac OS X. Thunderbolt technology Thunderbolt fulfills the promise of a truly state-of-the-art connectivity standard for personal computers. With massive bandwidth, Thunderbolt allows you to connect displays, hard drives and other peripherals to your computer, along with the 828x, up to six devices total (with the 828x at the end of the chain) and the Thunderbolt bus won't even break a sweat. Thunderbolt combines plug-and-play convenience with massive bandwidth and low latency for truly professional audio interface performance. Hi-speed USB 2.0 As Thunderbolt becomes more widely adopted, Hi-speed USB 2.0 provides across-the-board compatibility with virtually all laptops and desktops on both Mac and Windows. Since USB 2.0 devices are compatible with USB 3.0-equipped hosts, your 828x interface is a future-proof investment in your studio. 28 inputs and 30 outputs 8 balanced analog in/out, XLR main outs, 16 channels of ADAT optical (8 channels at 96 kHz), plus S/PDIF, word clock and MIDI. Connect all of your studio gear, including microphones, guitars, synths, keyboards, drum machines and even effects processors. Recording up to 192 kHz The 828 has become a benchmark for the industry, setting the bar by which others are judged. How has this level of respect been earned? Through consistent design integrity and intelligent use of current-generation parts and design technologies. Studio-grade mic channels Each 828x mic input offers a pre-converter send for mono or stereo mic channel outboard processing. The 828x's unique V-Limit hardware limiter employs a proprietary design to offer an additional 12 dB of headroom over digital zero with no digital clipping or harsh artifacts, for that added protection in dynamic recording situations. The 828x's preamps are clean and neutral, allowing you to use your favorite plug-ins and host software to color the sound just the way you want for each recording application. On-board digital mixer with effects Record, monitor, route and process all live inputs using the professional on-board CueMix FX digital mixer - with no latency and no processor strain on your computer. Apply DSP-driven compression, EQ and reverb to every input and output, independent of your host computer. Stand-alone operation as a mixer After programming the on-board mixing in the studio, unplug the 828x from the computer and take it on the road for operation as a stand-alone mixer with effects. All mixing and effects parameters are adjustable using the front panel backlit LCD. Solid metal chassis The 828x's aluminum alloy chassis is lightweight, yet incredibly sturdy and durable and designed to withstand the rigors of the studio, stage and road. In a world awash with cheap plastic, the cool feeling of the 828x's metal exterior in your hands is a reassuring reminder that you are holding quality engineering and construction. Support for Mac OS X and Windows The 828x provides time-tested drivers for Mac OS X and Windows (8, 7 and Vista) for cross-platform compatibility with virtually all audio software via WDM, ASIO and Core Audio drivers.