MOTU 896 vs. 828

[Badtz]

For the analog in's, i've noticed motu uses universal xlr/trs/1/4" plugs.....

do you have to use two of this plugs to have stereo [coming from a module]? or can you somehow merge the two channels from synths into one trs/xlr plug?

also, for the analog OUT, it's via XLR, can you/should you, convert this to 1/4" plugs to re-route them back into a processor [like an efx machine]?


any opinions between the 896 and the 828 interface?

i'm unsure of which one to get. I'm debating between the two........

*using DP 3*

also, any other good audio interfaces that's comparable?

also, is the absence of a spdif digital in on the 896 a problem? what type of inputs can i use this with? the 828 DOES have the spdif inputs, but missing aes/bus......?

 

[Badtz]

?

 

[SalJustSal]

That's a lot of questions. Be careful with bumping your posts, some people get a little touchy about that.

do you have to use two of this plugs to have stereo (coming from a module)? or can you somehow merge the two channels from synths into one trs/xlr plug?

I'm guessing you have to use two inputs for stereo, not entirely sure, just an educated guess.

also, for the analog OUT, it's via XLR, can you/should you, convert this to 1/4" plugs to re-route them back into a processor (like an efx machine)?

Try to keep it as a balanced signal if possible, but if needed it should be no problem to convert it (a special cable is needed for this) to an unbalanced 1/4'. Keep in mind, you can get balanced 1/4's too, so make sure you know what you need to plug your outs into before you get cables.

also, is the absence of a spdif digital in on the 896 a problem?

Only if you have digital (optical???) inputs/outputs. For example, if you have an ADAT, this would probably be a sweet option. Maybe some digital effect, may use this. If you don't know what it is right now, chances are you won't need it. Also, whatever equipment you will encounter that uses these types of connections will probably have analog ins/outs too, so they aren't absolutely necessary (although staying digital has advantages to sound quality).

i'm unsure of which one to get. I'm debating between the two........

I think there's about a 500 dollar price difference between them.
Here's what I think are the main advantages of the 896 are...

-8 preamps instead of 2
-records in 96khz
-cool audio meters on front

This only what I know offhand. There could be more and you have to decide what you need. If you have a lot of pre amps already, then I'd say save yourself 500 bucks and get the 828. If you don't have much for pres and want to record more than 2 mics at a time then get the 896, the pre's are supposed to be pretty good. Or for the price of the 896 you could get an 828 and a couple of cheap-but-good pres (such as the art pres, about 100 bucks each).

Overall the 96 khz thing you could live with out, 48khz is pretty standard. You can also live without the light meters too.

Hope this helps you a bit more.

-Sal

 

[Badtz]

yeah it does! THANKS!

but the 896 uses aes/bus for digital/balanced, but it lacks the spdif. why didn't motu just add this into the 896 unit also!? err...

anywho, thanks....