Audio interface replacement for a MOTU 828Mk II

[darkenedsoul]

Hi,

Looks like mine finally is going south so looking for a similar interface. Can be USB. Need 4 stereo ins/out minimum + MIDI connections. Preferably a rack mount 1u size like the MOTU. This will be audio out from 2 desktops to BX8a's 1/4" and XLR but preferably want to go direct into interface to speakers via 1/4" jacks as I was previously. Any suggestions appreciated.

Thanks

Mike

[yup yup]

mk3?

[Richie Witch]

The easy answer would be to recommend the MOTU 828x (Thunderbolt/USB) or the MOTU 828mk3 Hybrid (Firewire/USB). I imagine it would be a pretty easy transition to move to a similar MOTU product.

http://www.motu.com/products/motuaudio/828x

I've heard a lot of complaints about the drivers when using these boxes with PCs, but it looks like you've already mastered Firewire integration, based on your signature text, so maybe you'd have better luck.

What's your budget?

[darkenedsoul]

I am actually looking to not go with MOTU. Also would be nice to find a rack unit but also price is factor. I am not going to blow $850 on a Traveler or other product. I just need MIDI In/Out, 1/4" ins (for synthesizer and 2nd PC as I'll be running a single unit for 2 systems. Hence why I liked the MOTU, FW in from DAW system, 1/4" from other PC, just power it on when I need to for either system.

Was thinking maybe Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 8 in/6 out USB 2.0. Anything along those lines would be cool to check out. Price range $1xx to $300 probably, perhaps $400 tops but I'd rather get a quality product for least amount of $ with inputs I need.

Thanks,

Mike

[login]

Steinberg Ur44

[darkenedsoul]

Anyone using MOTU Audio Express? That unit looks like it may fit the bill cost and ins/outs-wise.

Mike

[Richie Witch]

If you're willing to go with that half-rack form factor, you could go really cheap and pick up an M-Audio Fast Track Ultra on eBay for about $150.

USB, 1/4" balanced 6-in/6-out, plus two headphone jacks with individual volume, MIDI in/out, S/PDIF in/out, and inserts on channels 1 and 2. There are switches that let you use the front panel XLR inputs with phantom power instead of the rear panel 1/4" TRS.

I owned one for about 6 months and really loved all the routing options.

[darkenedsoul]

Hi,

My biggest requirements are probably:
1) Be able to use between 2 desktops with 1/8" -> 1/4" stereo pair into interface for my 24x7 box and either USB/FW from PC to interface for DAW's audio.
2) Stereo pair input for my synthesizer (Korg M50)
3) MIDI In/Out (Korg M50 or whatever else I may have to utilize MIDI from)

Now not sure how preamps come into play with regards to plugging a guitar into one of the inputs so that would also be a consideration so I wouldn't have to buy a preamp of sorts to get volume out of the interface. But that's not a huge issue or requirement. Going to try factory reset when I get home and see if anything changes on a boot/reboot (if PC is up already).

I've had it for some years, I want to say several?

Mike

[redglass]

Hi,

Looks like mine finally is going south so looking for a similar interface. Can be USB. Need 4 stereo ins/out minimum + MIDI connections. Preferably a rack mount 1u size like the MOTU. This will be audio out from 2 desktops to BX8a's 1/4" and XLR but preferably want to go direct into interface to speakers via 1/4" jacks as I was previously. Any suggestions appreciated.

Thanks

Mike

Motu mkIII
Steinberg UR44
Focusrite Scarlett series, have a look at 18i20
RME Babyface

Steinberg UR44 could be your choice...

[darkenedsoul]

I ended up ordering the Focusrite 6i6 w/cable bundle for $299.99 and should be here next week some time (not amazon prime available but should suffice as I think I'll go S/Pdif from main PC once it's rebuilt to save a pair of inputs (1/4").

Mike

[muthafunka]

oops