MOTU 828es Review
28x32 Thunderbolt/USB 2.0 Audio Interface
- Compatible with Thunderbolt and USB
- 28 Inputs, 32 Outputs
- 24-Bit/192 kHz Resolution
- Two Microphone Preamps with +48V
- ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC
- Onboard Digital Mixer with Effects
- Standalone Analog Mixer Operation
- Built-In Talkback Microphone
- Flexible Monitor Controls
- Software Analysis Tools & AudioDesk DAW
Ratings Based on Features
These results are a summary of user reviews of the MOTU 828es. For example, 82% of 63 users who have commented on the Sound quality of the MOTU 828es have given positive feedback.
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 1 to 9 of 9 Reviews
Super capable and flexible professional audio interface
MOTU 828es 28x32 Thunderbolt/USB Audio Interface
Reviewed by David on B&H Photo Video
I am a newbe to professional audio and have an eclectic mix of interests which this interface is handling with ease. I am transcribing cassette tapes to CD-quality wave (BWF) files and vinyl to 24-bit, 96-Hz files. I am recording stereo-miked classical acoustic guitar via the balanced CLR inputs/preamps, and live dubbing 4-part acapella using the low latency 828ES mixer and recorded tracks from Logic Pro X. I use A/B monitoring to switch outputs between headphones and line out to a high end stereo receiver with passive studio monitors. The DAC in this unit is a high quality ESS Sabre32 and the ADCs (3 4-channel units) are 32-bit, 768 kHz AKMs. Using the Sound Prefs, I can switch my Mac Pro apple-lossless CD files from iTunes either through the 828ES DAC or a USB DragonFly DAC and route the output to headphones or speakers with the A/B monitor switch. This is a complex unit to master, but the cogent 120 page manual is excellent in describing all functions and clarifying routing and workflow issues. The Thunderbolt or USB connected interface also has optical and MIDI IO along with master clock IO and AVB for easy expansion as the studio grows. You can't go wrong with this new offering from MOTU! ... More
Nice device, but manufacturer's QA is terrible
MOTU 828es 28x32 Thunderbolt/USB Audio Interface
Reviewed by Marius on B&H Photo Video
This unit can be set up not just as an audio interface but as a full featured mixer at the same time. I got this to replace an aging 828mk3 unit, which has been the center of my home studio for years. This makes for a vastly superior replacement. It works well as a workhorse in a small studio or for mixing and recording on the road. Ordinarily I would give this thing 5 stars. However, I have received two of these units from B&H. The first one had a piece rattling around inside so I didn't dare switch it on and I returned it immediately. The second one, which B&H assured me came from the manufacturer as new stock, was in a resealed open box (no shrink wrap like the first one I got). The inside of the box reeked of cigarette smoke. The power cable is an old one (the metal has a patina from years of use) and the 828es itself has scuffs on its top and bottom. I've been super happy with MOTU's equipment in the past, but in this case I'm unimpressed that they would sell a clearly-quite-used unit as new without any form of reconditioning or refurbishing. The second one works well enough, but I'll probably return it and hope that I'm luckier on the third try. ... More
Super CLEeean
MOTU 828es 28x32 Thunderbolt/USB-2 Audio Interface
Reviewed by ProducerMC on Guitar Center
Had a Apogee Ensemble and it stopped working, thought I had great sound until I got the Audient ID44... the overall sound was clearer, but a little brittle on the top end. Next day I took it back and got the MOTU, and dang. This thing sounds great, and makes mix decisions much easier. Also the inputs make everything sound more well rounded, less brittle. The inputs are similar to the Apogee but I like the way they sit in the beat better with the MOTU. Also again, better top end on the MOTU. I like it, been having trouble with the USB connection tho. So you have to buy a Thunderbolt 2 Cable, since its not included. could knock off a star for that, but its still one of the best out. F it, buy it... just order your own wire on B&H ... More
Thunderbolt was DOA
MOTU 828es 28x32 Thunderbolt/USB-2 Audio Interface
Reviewed by dctucker on Guitar Center
I really liked that this unit has so many ins and outs. Instead of pairing the main LR output with outputs 1 and 2, the numbered outputs are separate, giving you two more outputs separate outputs. The problem came when I tried to use it via Thuderbolt. For some reason it would never stay connected consistently longer than an hour, after which it would no longer be recognized by either of my Mac computers. This, combined with the fact that it is limited in a way that running all input channels with all onboard DSP at 96 KHz is simply impossible. I ended up returning it and getting something less expensive with more inputs and more consistent experience between CD-quality and high sample rates. Limitations are to be expected at say 192 KHz, but at the price-point I think more should be expected. ... More
828es is a PowerHouse!
MOTU 828es 28x32 Thunderbolt/USB-2 Audio Interface
Reviewed by Ryan D. on Guitar Center
This is one versatile box. On the surface it looks similar to it's older firewire predecessor, but it can do so much more. The onboard digital mixer, the ethernet-based networking and audio transport, and the absolutely amazing routing flexibility between all of the ins and outs AND other devices makes the es ultra flexible and expandable. Also, it's connectivity capabilities with not only their latest units, but with their legacy units and even other brands make it essential and flexible for so many different uses. I look forward to using these units in lots of different applications over many years!
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Great Interface! But disregard my last review...
MOTU 828es 28x32 Thunderbolt/USB-2 Audio Interface
Reviewed by ProducerMC on Guitar Center
This unit rocks, very clean/open sound. Handles all frequencies well with a solid top end. They make it easy to make good mix decisions with this. However in my last review I mentioned all the work-arounds I had to jimmyrig.. those were all due to me having bought a faulty unit. I exchanged it and haven't had a problem since! The new unit came with updated drivers out of the box. I highly recommend the 828es, just check to see if your comes with the latest updates when you plug it in for the first time🤞🏾
Excellent interface
MOTU Motu 828es 28x32 Thunderbolt/USB 2.0 Audio Interface
Reviewed by Rob M. on Reverb
Versatile and excellent sounding interface with many in and out options, from Motu, my favorite audio hardware and software company.
Great product
MOTU Motu 828es 28x32 Thunderbolt/USB 2.0 Audio Interface
Reviewed by William L. on Reverb
Just what I needed.
MOTU Motu 828es 28x32 Thunderbolt/USB 2.0 Audio Interface
Reviewed by Dante F. on Reverb
Amazing.
