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- Hybrid FireWire/USB2 connectivity - connect to your computer via either bus-powered FireWire or hi-speed USB2.
- CueMix FXTM - flexible 28 input/16 bus mixer with on-board DSP effects, including reverb with sends/returns, plus EQ and compression on every input and output.
- 28 inputs / 32 outputs (at 44.1/48 kHz) - there's no channel sharing in the 896mk3; the mic inputs, AES/EBU I/O, S/PDIF I/O, headphone out and main outs are all handled as separate channels.
- Front-panel control - access any setting in your entire 896mk3 mix directly from the front panel
- Stand-alone operation - program your mixes at the studio and then bring the 896mk3 to your gig - no computer needed. Need to tweak the mix? Do it on site using the back-lit LCD and front-panel controls.
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I got sick of my ProjectMix I/O always crashing my mac, so I replaced it with 2 of these Motu 896mk3's. I'm new to using Motu, but this product rocks. It's better than a control surface because you can program your settings into it before even recording in Logic and Pro tools. With the processing done on the Motu, you can rely on just recording directly without having to go through the headaches of setting up Logic, etc. motu also ships their own audio recoring software for free which is also multi-track and very well equipped. You can't go wrong with this. ADAT IN/OUT, Firewire chaining, World Clock features, front display input / output meters, all this for less than $1000. Very nice! I now own 3 of these + the Motu 8 firewire for additional inputs. I'm in heaven. The output is very clean.Let me give you a bit of background I've used a 828MK2 for several years. when it failed I sent it back to MOTU and received a rebuilt 'modern' 828MK2 in return. I found that the new circuitry was harsh than I expected and decided I needed something a bit better. So I set out to buy an 828MK3.At some point in the discussion with the salesman it occurred to me that the 896 wasn't all that much more expensive and offered some significant advantages 8 preamps instead of two and a whole bunch of other inputs as well. So I gritted my teeth and sprang for the 896. And have never had reason to question my decision since.
Installation was simple. Connect the 896 to my Mac Pro with firewire, turn everything on, and watch the Cuemix console come up. Pop in a sound source and let it go. The sound at 192kHz recording is perfect and the preamps are clean and clear. EQ, Dynamics and Reverb work as advertised. For sound recording and internal mixing it would be hard to beat what the 896 does for digital sound.
On the down side, I found using the front panel for control a bit clumsy the Cuemix console is much easier, but doesn't let you fiddle with some of the features, like the programmable meters. For my purposes this isn't an issue, but if you intend to take the 896 out in the field keep this in mind that. Of course, like anything, if you have to use it a lot it will get easier.
I'm going with 5 stars. The 896 is exactly what it says it is and a bit more. This is not the best DAC in the world, but it competes head on with equipment that can cost 2 to 3 times as much. For hte serious non-professional its hard to beat.
Read Best Reviews of MOTU 896mk3 Hybrid Here
When I had to choose an interface so I could work from home on those days when the kids are sick or weekends I chose MOTU. MOTU has amazing drivers and Tight Hardware integration that outperforms almost every Firewire interface available. Nothing in it's price range that I've seen is even close. The A2D converters are fast and the mic pres are colorless and sound great. It's hundreds less then the RME's and Thousands less then the Apogee. The drivers are bullet proof and have worked effortlessly every time I've done a hardware upgrade.With the addition of ADAT optical you can use some really fantastic outboard gear at the digital level. That nice added feature has been very helpful for me because I'm satisfied with the devices clock speed. The only complaint I have about MOTU is they take up to a week to answer email if you don't call. They can improve upon that area but you can reach them if you call.
I recommend this and the older 896HD interfaces.
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