Motu 828mkii

[n0d3]

I just got a MOTU blah blah blah.... I'm really wanting to just use it as a gateway from a mixer to my computer, so I do my mastering and such on a computer rather than the hassle of doing it on a digital recorder. I'm using MIDI to control samples in Reason 2.5 and also record vocals, guitar, etc. onto different tracks in Cubase. I'd like to know if anyone uses a MOTU and if you do use a mixer which one? and also is there any reason to use DAT/ADAT? and also if I get a mixer will my 1000's of I/O's on the back of the MOTU become useless? So basically... just tell me what you'd do if you had a MOTU 828MKII so that it's possible to record many different instruments without having to swap out chords and stuff? Just say what you want... as long as it's useful... thanks.

 

[crankz1]

The 8 analog In's on the back are Line level, so either you need 8 preamps or a mixer with direct out's or inserts if you intend to run mic's to those inputs.
ADAT is nice also ... it gives 8 more I/O with something like an Onyx 800R or a ADA 8000 , but the ADA 8000 ain't all that great. Also you have SPDIF on the back .... thats two more I/O when used with something like an ART DPS II .
2 preamped IN's on the front
8 analog Line IN's on the back
8 channels of ADAT
2 Channels of SPDIF
That gives you 20 IN's

Works for me .... though I have yet to purchase the Onyx. Currently using a SM Pro Audio PR-8 mkII with the ADAT option card (similar to an ADA 8000). Works OK for drum tracks but, I want something much better.

 

[n0d3]

I'd appreciate more input if anyone has any

 

[crankz1]

I'd appreciate more input if anyone has any

More input? .... What 20 In's on the 828mkII ain't enough for you?

Just kidding.

Seriously, what exactly would you like to know?

If you intend to use a mixer with the MOTU, you would want one that offers Inserts or direct out's for each channel or at least eight channels .... you would then run cables from the eight inserts or direct out's to the 8 line in's on the back of the MOTU.
It really all depends on what you want to achieve from your equipment. Keep in mind that the 828mkII is a 20 channel 4 stereo bus mixer. The only thing is ... it only offers preamps on 2 of the channels (the 2 front inputs), thus a mixer makes for getting more preamps for the 8 line level inputs on the back.
If you've got the money .... by all means get a digital mixer, but I'd get one with at least 16 channels that offers flexible routing for each channel in that you could route 8 channels to ADAT out and have 8 other channels that would be routed via analog to inserts or direct out's to go to the 8 rear in's on the MOTU. I'd rather spend that kind of money on some high quality outboard preamps.

Ethan Winer gives a simple example of using a mixer with a multi-input interface here .

I'd be happy to try and answer any specific questions you may have or maybe others will chime in to enlighten you further.

-Ken