MOTU 848 Thunderbolt/USB Audio Interface
MOTU - 848, 28 x 32 Thunderbolt/USB Audio Interface with Mixing, Effects and Networking
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Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 Audio Interface
MOTU - 848
Featuring DSP, Mixing, Effects and NetworkingThe MOTU 848 features renowned ESS Sabre32™ DAC technology that delivers 125 dB dynamic range and extremely low harmonic distortion. Analogue performance is driven by decades of engineering expertise in audio interface technology. The 848 uses cutting-edge Thunderbolt™ 4 and USB4 universal connectivity for Mac, PC and iOS. Connect your host device with the included 40 Gbps USB-C cable and the 848 negotiates the fastest possible connectivity speed, up to 40 Gbps, with backward compatibility for Thunderbolt 3, USB3 and USB2 host connections. Thunderbolt and USB4 connections deliver an astonishing 256 channels of computer I/O (128 in and 128 out) at sample rates up to 96 kHz.
Connect all your studio gear, including monitors, headphones, microphones, guitars, synths, keyboards, drum machines, outboard processors, optical expanders, and more. All 28 inputs and 32 outputs are available simultaneously.
Amazing Features
• ESS Sabre32 DAC technology provides superb analogue audio quality
• Thunderbolt and USB connectivity for Mac, PC and iOS
• 60 simultaneous audio channels
• Ultra-low latency performance
• Plug and play ease with massive bandwidth
• Transparent mic channels and hi-Z guitar inputs
• Extra line inputs when you need them
• Control up to twelve analogue outputs
• A/B/C speaker select and talkback
• 64-channel mixing with 32-bit floating point precision
• Point-to-Point routing and splitting
• Control everything from your laptop, tablet and phone
Superb Analogue Audio Quality with Universal Connectivity
High Performance DriverOptimized drivers for both Mac and PC deliver renowned, ultra-low latency performance. With a high-performance DAW such as Digital Performer, the 848 delivers an astonishing round trip latency (RTL) of ~1.8 ms (milliseconds) over Thunderbolt and USB at 96 kHz with a 32-sample host buffer.
Thunderbolt™ TechnologyDaisy-chain the 848 with up to six other Thunderbolt devices, all connected to your host computer with massive 40 Gbps bandwidth to easily handle hundreds of audio channels, 8K video, terabytes of hard drive storage, and more. Thunderbolt 4-compatible USB-C cable included (length = 2 meters).
Four Mic InputsCapture your recorded material in its truest, most natural form with -114 dB THD+N, 118 dB dynamic range and -129 dBu EIN performance. Each mic channel has individual preamp gain, pad, 48V phantom power and remote control from your computer or iOS device. Each combo jack alternately provides a 1/4-inch high-impedance TS guitar input for DI tracking and reamping.
Channel 3-4 InsertsDo you work with compressors and other outboard gear? mic inputs 3-4 each offer a dedicated analog send/return loop, allowing for both mono or stereo mic channel outboard processing via fully balanced connections. If nothing is plugged in to a mic input, its return serves as an extra line input with identical signal characteristics to all other line inputs.
Monitor GroupControl your 5.1 or 7.1.4 Atmos surround speaker system with a single fader. The Monitor Group gives you the flexibility to choose any analog outputs you wish to control.
Control RoomTake control of your recording sessions with the front-panel talkback switch. Connect three sets of monitors and check your mixes instantly with front-panel A/B/C select buttons.
Mixing and Effects
Ultra-versatileThe 848 is equipped with a 64-channel mixer designed just like a large format mixing console. The 64 inputs can take signal from anywhere: the physical inputs on the 848 interface itself, audio channels from host software on your computer, audio network streams, or even mixer outputs. The mixer provides 26 aux busses, plus main, reverb, monitor, and solo buses. All inputs and output buses provide 4-band double-precision parametric EQ and a compressor. Additionally, input channels include a High-Pass Filter and Gate. In essence: capable and transparent mixing.
Patchbay
multiple destinationsUsing intuitive, virtual patch cords, you can easily route any source signal to any destination. Sources can be analog or digital inputs on the interface, computer channels, mixer bus outputs, or audio network streams from other devices on the network.
Destinations include interface outputs, host software inputs, mixer inputs, or any other device (or computer) on the network. You can even split any single source (or stereo pair) to unlimited multiple output destinations.
Routing Grid
quick managementFor complex workflows that involve routing and splitting at scale, the Routing Grid provides a global "bird's-eye" view of all the connections in your 848 system. Manage hundreds of audio channels quickly, at a glance.
Check for signal with convenienct activity meters. Show and hide audio banks to customize your routing environment. Display destinations on either the right side or left side of the grid, as you prefer.
Flexible System Expansion
Audio NetworkingAudio networking has come of age, delivering a world of possibilities. The 848 features an integrated AVB switch with two Gigabit Ethernet ports, allowing you to daisy- chain multiple 848 and 16A units using standard network cabling. Alternatively, expand your network by connecting an external AVB switch to build a network with multiple interfaces, computers, and ultra-low network latency, even over long cable runs (hundreds of meters). Each 848 can transmit and receive 128 audio channels to and from the network. Stream hundreds of audio channels among devices and computers on the network. The 848 is compatible with previous-generation MOTU AVB devices.
Control Everything from Your Laptop, Tablet and Phone
Wireless ControlCueMix™ Pro is the consummate app for controlling everything in the 848, including device settings, signal routing and 64-channel mixing and effects. Available for macOS, Windows, and iOS, you can run CueMix Pro on multiple devices at the same time and access the 848 wirelessly through Wi-Fi. As a 1722.1 controller, CueMix Pro can also be used to access AVB-related settings in 3rd-party devices on the network. Control all settings and mixing from your host PC or from an iPhone or iPad running the CueMix Pro app. You can even use multiple iOS devices simultaneously.
Included Workstation Software, Virtual Instruments and Loops
Performer LiteConnect the 848 to your Mac or PC and start laying down tracks with the included Performer Lite production software, plus hundreds of loops, one-shots and sounds from industry leaders Big Fish Audio, Lucidsamples and Loopmasters. Performer Lite provides everything you need to record, edit, mix, process and master your own music tracks quickly and easily. Plug in your mic, guitar and MIDI keyboard and start tracking with over 100 virtual instruments, dozens of effects plug-ins, guitar FX processing and much more. Performer Lite includes over 100 virtual instruments, including acoustic and electric pianos, guitars, basses, drums, organs synths, orchestral instruments, choirs, world instruments and much more. Take your musical muse wherever it wants to go.
6 GB of Free Loops and Sample Packs
kickstart your creativityPerformer Lite includes 6 GB of free loops and sample packs from leading sample content providers to help you start making music right away. From Performer Lite's Content Browser, choose from dozens of musical styles, click to audition, then drag and drop in your projects timeline to build your track quick.
Big Fish AudioSince 1986, Big Fish Audio has consistently produced the highest quality sample libraries available. Over the years, their sounds have been featured in hundreds of charting songs and top film and television soundtracks.
LucidsamplesLucidsamples is a collective of experienced music producers and professional musicians that offers high quality samples and sample packs which are suitable for creating products in the most popular music genres. Their sounds are being used all over the world by many well known DJs, music producers and companies.
LoopmastersLoopmasters is the definitive "sample boutique." Based in Brighton, England, this label has been providing pristine audio libraries for more than a decade. Content has been expansive and evolving over the years, with hundreds upon hundreds of royalty-free packs to inspire amateurs and seasoned artists alike.
The Tech Spec
| Features | Specification | Sample Rates | 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz |
|---|---|
| Mic/Line/Instr Inputs | 4 x XLR/TRS "combo" jacks Individual -20 dB pad and 48V phantom power Preamp gain: +74 dB in 1 dB increments 1 MΩ impedance on the line/instr inputs Independent balanced send/return inserts on channels 3-4 |
| Analogue Inputs | 8 x 1/4-inch TRS line in (balanced/unbalanced) 2 x 1/4-inch insert returns function as balanced TRS line inputs (with no mic inputs connected) Max level: +21 dBu +20 dB digital gain on each input |
| Analogue Outputs | 12 x 1/4-inch TRS line out (balanced, DC coupled) Max level: +21 dBu -99 dB digital trim on each output 2 x 1/4-inch TRS stereo headphone (see below) |
| Digital I/O | 2 banks (16 ch) of ADAT optical I/O at 1x sample rates 2 banks (8 ch) of S/MUX optical I/O at 2x sample rates Bank A switchable to stereo TOSLink I/O (optical S/PDIF) |
| Computer I/O | 2 x Thunderbolt 4 / USB 4.1 (40 Gbps) Type C • USB3 / USB2 compatible • USB audio class compliant (no driver needed) 1 x Thunderbolt-compatible / USB4 GEN3 C-to-C cable • 40Gpbs / 240W • Length = 2 meters • Cable included • Provides 15W power downstream / 0W upstream Compatible with USB2 Type A with a C-to-A cable • (sold separately) Round Trip Latency (RTL): ~1.8 ms • (32 sample buffer at 96K) Total audio channels: see "Total Audio I/O" below |
| Total Audio I/O | 28 in / 32 out (60 total channels) at 1x sample rates 20 in / 24 out (44 total channels) at 2x sample rates 12 in / 16 out (28 total channels) at 4x sample rates |
| Headphone | 2 x 1/4-inch TRS stereo headphones Output impedance: <1Ω Max output: 13.3 dBu |
| Networking | 2x Gigabit AVB Ethernet ports 16 AVB streams in/out at sample rates up to 96 kHz 8 AVB streams in/out at 176.4 or 192 kHz 1-8 audio channels configurable per stream Up to 128 audio channels in & out (up to 96 kHz) Supports 1722.1 for Connection Management and Control Supports AAF stream formats & legacy AM8-24 format Stream format configurable per stream |
| Sync I/O | 1 x BNC Word Clock In 1 x BNC Word Clock Out/Thru Sample rates: all (from 44.1 to 192 kHz) |
| Front Panel | 2 x 1/4" TRS headphone output 2 x encoder • headphone volume 4 x encoder • preamp gain 8 x switches • (4) PAD and (4) 48V 6 x switches • control room 1 x encoder • menu navigation 2 x switches • menu nav 1 x large encoder • main volume 1 x 3.9-inch 480 x 128 pixel 24-bit RGB TFT display 1 x latching power button |
| Power | Internal 100-240V autoswitching supply 50-60 Hz • 1.0A max |
| Dimensions (width x depth x height, enclosure only) | 19 x 12.25 x 1.75 inches 48.26 x 31.1 x 4.44 cm |
| Weight | 11 lbs / 5 kgs |
PayPal Credit
| Monthly Payment: | £135.81 |
| Instalment Rate: | 16.9% p.a. (fixed) |
| Cost of purchase: | £1,498.99 |
| Total inc. interest: | £1,629.64 |
| Monthly Payment: | £73.20 |
| Instalment Rate: | 16.9% p.a. (fixed) |
| Cost of purchase: | £1,498.99 |
| Total inc. interest: | £1,756.59 |
| Monthly Payment: | £52.49 |
| Instalment Rate: | 16.9% p.a. (fixed) |
| Cost of purchase: | £1,498.99 |
| Total inc. interest: | £1,889.69 |
| Monthly Payment: | £42.27 |
| Instalment Rate: | 16.9% p.a. (fixed) |
| Cost of purchase: | £1,498.99 |
| Total inc. interest: | £2,028.57 |
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| Instalment Rate: | N/A |
| Cost of purchase: | £99 |
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