MOTU 828 mkII vs Presonus Firepod vs. ?

**noncon** · 09-21-2004

Anyone using these have any insights on strengths, weaknesses, or other alternatives? I'm looking for a firewire interface with at least two preamps for around this price range. Also, the MOTU doesn't come with software for PC, has anyone used with Vegas5? Thanks.

**sile2001** · 09-21-2004

It's going to be a tough comparison between the two. A lot depends on your budget. I've been using an 828mkII for a couple of months and I've been extremely happy both with its quality and usability. It also seems that Motu is very committed to the product. I didn't have any problems with the drivers shipped with the unit, but since I purchased it, Motu has twice released updated drivers and control panel software for it, fixing bugs and adding new features. The latest update adds support for assigning inputs and outputs to be used as talkback/listenback channels.

Ultimately, the Motu unit will be more flexible and extensible. It only has 2 onboard mic preamps, with its remaining inputs being line level inputs. This requires an extra 8 channel offboard preamp (or several single-channel or stereo preamps) to have access to the extra channels, but this also allows you to use preamps of your choice. The Motu also supports 8 additional inputs via ADAT LightPipe. This can be supplied from a preamp like the Presonus Digimax series (I use a Digimax LT). Adding in the SPDIF inputs, the grand total comes to 20 inputs and 22 outputs, far beyond the FirePod.

The FirePod allows separate main and cue mixes while the Motu has 4 separate mix busses that can be assigned to any purpose (recorded mix, headphone mix, main mix, etc). The Motu also has level meters on the front panel, which the FirePod lacks, and (while a lot of changes can be a pain in the ass) all of the Motu's settings can be accessed from the front panel.

In the short run, the FirePod would be cheaper, because it has 8 mic preamps onboard, but those come at the expense of expandability. If you'll never need more than 8 channels, you would probably be fine with it.

Just my $0.02

**pdlstl** · 09-21-2004

I was wrestling with the decision between these units until this past Sunday when I ended up picking up the MOTU over the Firepod.

In my case, I already have a Central Station so the monitoring capabilities of the Firepod would have been redundant. So I went with the 828 MKII. The CueMix in the MOTU is a bit redundant as well but the MOTU has MIDI in/out which I can use for my Mackie Control Universal.

And the 828MKII has much more expansion capability as stated previously.

Also, I have the Remote Control for the Central Station and it's a really neat little helper.

My 2¢...

**Hard2Hear** · 09-21-2004

Another very happy MOTU828 mkII user here. I use Sonar 3 Producer with it on a laptop with great results.

H2H

**sile2001** · 09-21-2004

Originally Posted by Hard2Hear

Another very happy MOTU828 mkII user here. I use Sonar 3 Producer with it on a laptop with great results.

H2H

My setup exactly.

**guhlenn** · 09-22-2004

just to confuse the discussion; ther is the fireface by RMe. More expensive but you get more tooo.. LOL I'm confused... anyone?

**Hard2Hear** · 09-22-2004

Well, the thing about the RME is this. I think that's RME's first entry into the Firewire market. Their stuff has all been pretty good, but this is a whole new thing for them. In contrast, MOTU practicaly invented firewire audio recording. Their old 2408 systems were pretty much a firewire card (though they called it "Audio Wire" back then, before firewire was being used much) with a breakout unit. The 828 mkII is second generation of this specific unit, from a company who really knows how to take advantage of firewire and has been doing it for several years.

As with any new product, I would have to guess things will pop up on the RME unit. They will probably have to correct several things for their next firewire product is released. It could be great, but I NEVER buy a brand thing from a manufacturer...I let others pay their good $$ to be the guinea pigs and testers!

H2H

**guhlenn** · 09-23-2004

Several people are using it, including some very slutty gearslutz...

Nothing but praise.

**Hard2Hear** · 09-23-2004

But the sluttiest slutz of the gearslutz get stuff like that for free!!

I wonder if it's working well for the joe nobodys who don't get company hands to set everything up? It may, they do make good stuff...I'm not going to dispute that one bit. But new stuff always creeps me out a little. I've learned that lesson...it has cost me tens of thousands of dollars but I finally learned it.

H2H