MOTU’s latest audio interface packs 28 inputs and 32 outputs into a 1U chassis, as well as supporting up to 128 channels from an AVB network. Thanks to Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 connectivity, the 848 is capable of delivering up to 256 channels (128 inputs and 128 outputs) to a computer, with macOS, Windows and iOS systems all supported.
Analogue I/O
Continuing the tradition of 8n8 models begun with the pioneering MOTU 828 Firewire audio interface, the 848 interface’s front panel sports a full-colour TFT display that offers high-resolution metering for all of the unit’s analogue and digital I/O, with a range of menu options allowing users to configure which channels are in view. Dedicated gain, pad and phantom power controls are provided for the 848’s four mic preamps, while a cluster of six buttons offer hands-on access to comprehensive A/B/C monitor switching along with mute, mono and talkback functions. An encoder-based menu system offers access to more in-depth parameters, and everything can be controlled remotely from your computer or mobile device via MOTU’s software applications.
The rear panel of the MOTU 848.
Around the rear panel, you’ll find four XLR/TRS combo sockets that will accept mic, line-level and high-impedance instrument signals (for guitars/basses), with another eight line-level inputs presented on quarter-inch TRS sockets — channels 3 and 4 feature insert send/return sockets for integrating other outboard gear, and if nothing is connected to their associated combo sockets, the return connections function as line-level inputs.
Atmos-ready
In total, there are 12 line-level outputs, all provided on quarter-inch TRS sockets, allowing the unit to feed Dolby Atmos monitoring setups in configurations up to 7.1.4. The unit’s analogue outputs boast impressive dynamic range and THD+Noise figures of 125dB and -114dB respectively, and are all DC-coupled, enabling them to be used to pass CV signals to modular synth rigs.
Digital I/O & AoIP
Four Toslink ports provide 16 channels of digital inputs and outputs via ADAT, and the first pair can be switched to function as stereo S/PDIF I/O, while Word Clock is available courtesy of a pair of BNC connectors. There are also two Ethernet ports, which can be used to hook the unit up to an AVB network and take advantage of up to 128 AoIP (Audio-over-IP) channels. Thanks to the dual ports, up to eight 848 (or MOTU’s 16A) units can be chained together, will full access to all units provided to the host computer. Adding an external AVB switch allows the network to be extended further still, allowing users to bring together multiple interfaces and computers, with each 848 capable of transmitting and receiving up to 128 channels to the AVB network. The interface also remains compatible with previous-generation MOTU AVB devices.
Mixing, Effects & Routing
MOTU’s CueMix Pro software — which is available for macOS, Windows and iOS — provides a powerful 64-channel DSP-based mixer and routing system along with a collection of onboard processors. The mixer provides 26 Auxiliary buses along with Main, Reverb, Monitor and Solo buses, and all mixer inputs and output buses are kitted out with a four-band parametric EQ and a compressor that can be used at sample rates up to 96kHz. Additionally, all input channels include a high-pass filter and a gate.
The 848 can be used for monitor mixing while tracking in the studio, or even for standalone mixing for live sound, with Wi-Fi control of all mix settings possible via an iPad or iPhone.
Users can route any source signal to any destination in CueMix Pro using either a virtual patch cable system or a comprehensive routing grid. Sources include analogue or digital inputs on the interface, computer channels, mixer bus outputs or audio network streams from other devices on the network. Destinations include interface outputs, host software inputs, mixer inputs or any other device (or computer) on the network. Adding to the flexibility, it’s even possible to split any single source (or stereo pair) to unlimited simultaneous multiple output destinations.
Pricing & Availability
The 848 is available now, priced at $1595£1499.
