Questions for MOTU 828 MKII Users

[toilinthedark]

Hello
Was seriously considering purchasing one of these units.
I currently have a Delta 1010. It functions fine for what it is.
I need some more features, tho:
1) 2 more decent preamps (I currently have a dbx 576 channel strip for vox)
2) Monitor switching
3) The ability to record a 'dry' signal, while sending a 'wet' version to the singer's headphones
4) Talkback
5) Separate headphone mix capability
6) Hardware volume control
I know that an external hardware mixer would fit the bill, but I am attempting to go mixerless. It just seems like using a mixer keeps you tied to the old ways of recording and I wanted a more transperant signal path to my monitors. Tho, the idea of having some tactility during tracking is appealing.
The MOTU unit seems like a it would cover all my bases
Questions:
1) How is it using Cue Mix for tracking i.e. latency, talkback and having to work in the software realm (using a mouse)?
2) How are the quality of the converters?
3) Are the Main Outs transperant sonically?
4) Can you really get away from needing an external mixer?
5) Pre-amp quality?
Thanks
Mike

 

[usernamebob]

I'm realy interested in the quality of the pre amps and the converters aswell!, thanks

 

[pdadda]

OK, I will give my opinions one at a time:
1. CueMix is great. It is, however, a pain in the booty to learn. I don't use talkback. You can get incredibly low latency.
2. In my opinion, the converters are great. Much better than those on the delta1010.
3. Yes.
4. Yes and no. If you are using a computer, definitely yes (as long as you have outboard pres). I would not recommend it for live use without a mixer.
5. The pre-amps are pretty good, although they don't have a ton of gain. Fine for most applications, but I get more gain out of my SP VTB-1.

I started with a delta1010 and upgraded to the MOTU828mkii and have never looked back. The firewire is great for remote recordings too.