Mark of the Unicorn (MOTU) 896HD FireWire Audio Interface (Macintosh and Windows)

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Mark of the Unicorn (MOTU) 896HD FireWire Audio Interface (Macintosh and Windows), Main
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Mark of the Unicorn (MOTU) 896HD FireWire Audio Interface (Macintosh and Windows), Main Mark of the Unicorn (MOTU) 896HD FireWire Audio Interface (Macintosh and Windows), Front View Mark of the Unicorn (MOTU) 896HD FireWire Audio Interface (Macintosh and Windows), Rear
zZounds Gear Experts Say...
2 FireWire ports. 18 inputs. 22 outputs. 8 mic pre-amps.

The 896HD contains everything you need to turn your computer into a powerful 24-bit, 192kHz digital audio workstation. The 896HD provides 8 mic preamps, pristine 192kHz analog I/O, 8 channels of ADAT digital I/O and stereo AES/EBU. Expand your system by connecting additional 828 or 896 FireWire audio interfaces.

The 896HD is equally well-suited for studio and stage, with or without a computer. As a computer interface, the 896HD provides 18 separate inputs and 22 outputs, including separate main outs and headphone out.

You can add additional send/return loops using the 896HD’s new CueMix DSP

Inputs and Outputs

analog 192kHz analog I/O on combo/XLR
8 inputs, 8 outputs

main outputs 24-bit 192kHz on XLR
stereo output

headphone output**
stereo output

ADAT optical (digital)
8* inputs, 8* outputs

AES/EBU 24-bit 96-kHz (digital)
stereo input, stereo output

total
18 inputs, 22 outputs

* 4 channels at 88.2 / 96kHz
** at 192/176.4 main and headphone outputs are mirrored

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 617-576-2760
Web: https://motu.com/techsupport

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. (43 ratings)
Submitted November 5, 2007 by a customer from hotmail.com

"Very versatile and expandable."

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
This is the heart of my studio. Even though the pre's aren't incredible, you can bypass them and use an external pre. The a/d converters are great, so have no fear there.
Sound
The pre-amps are very clean, not warm, but clean. some of the input knobs are a bit "scratchy". I wish it had -20 db pads though, even at the lowest volume my NT5's peak when used for overheads for drums. A plus though, even when they peak, I hear no distortion.
Features
I am not a Midi guy, so the lack of Midi ins and outs doesn't matter to me. I love how easy it is to hook your entire sound system into this unit. The CueMix software is great too. It has 4 buses with faders, Its pretty much a virtual mixing board. Also, the buses are zero latency because the unit will bus the audio back out with out running it through your computer first. Also It has the "motu audio setup" which allows you to use the unit as your main sound card and adjust all the settings. Instead of using the crappy built in mic in your computer to talk to people online, I use my GT55 with a compressor!
Ease of Use
Plug and play at its best. I use Motu's DP5 and it couldn't be simpler.
Quality
Only complaint is the "scratchy" pots.
Value
Its great for live and studio. With 4 buses, you can record the live sound, then bus it out the the PA with no strain on your computer.
Manufacturer Support
No problems yet.
The Wow Factor
It looks boring until you use it and all the meters light up. Sound check is a breeze with the bright LED's.

Musical Background:

Drummer, recordist

Musical Style:

rock
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