The MOTU 8pre is ideal means of transferring one’s desktop computer into a full-fledged 24-bit 96kHz recording studio. The interface features eight microphone inputs, 8-channel ADAT optical digital I/O, and MIDI I/O.
Its front panel includes 48V Phantom Power and 20dB pad buttons, a trim knob for each mic input, and a level meter. Additionally, the 8pre can operate as a 8-channel analog-to-digital converter. Bundled along with the 8pre is the handy CueMix software, which enables users to mix 16 inputs via their computer. The interface’s eight ADAT channels mean it pairs nicely with a digital mixer. There’s also a sixteen channel MIDI interface, allowing for the interfacing of controllers, synthesizers, esoteric modular gear, drum machines, and just about anything else sporting MIDI connectivity.
But that’s certainly not all, folks. The 8pre is also capable of operating as a 8-channel analog-to-digital converter. This means that when the interface isn't’ connected to a computer it can be interfaced with another 8pre, 828, 896, or a Traveler via optical lightpipe for the addition of eight mic preamps. This entirely digital connection maintains a characteristically pristine sound with sample-accurate timing.
8PRE 16X12 FEATURES
- Hi-speed USB 2.0 audio interface for Mac and Windows — provides 16 inputs with 8 mic preamps and 12 outputs including separate phone and main outs for all the basic I/O you need for a powerful desktop studio
- Eight XLR/TRS "combo jack" mic inputs — connect up to eight mics, or mix and match mics with guitars, synths, drum machines and other analog input signals
- Flexible analog inputs — each provides a crystal-clear preamp (for both the XLR and TRS input), 24-bit 96 kHz converters, individually switchable 48-volt phantom power, 20 dB pad and front-panel trim controls. Mix and match condenser and dynamic microphones as your needs require
- Eight channels of ADAT optical I/O — provides two sets of optical connectors to provide eight channels of optical digital I/O even at high samples rates (88.2 or 96 kHz)
- Operates as an optical expander — connect the 8pre to any ADAT optical compatible device (another audio interface, a digital mixer, etc.) to add 8 additional mic inputs seamlessly integrated into the mixing environment of the host device
- Discrete ins/outs — there's no channel sharing in the 8pre; the mic inputs, ADAT optical I/O, headphone out and main outs are all handled as separate channels
- CueMix DSP™ near-zero monitoring system
- Multiple CueMix DSP mixes — create up to eight different monitor mixes for the main outs and headphones. Add send/return loops for outboard gear with no latency
- Front-panel metering — five-segment meters for all analog inputs, plus status lights for clock and interface/expander mode
- Sample-accurate MIDI — connect a MIDI controller and/or sound module with no separate interface needed. MIDI I/O is sample-accurate with supporting software
- Expandable — add additional MOTU 8pre, UltraLite, 828, 828, 896, or Traveler interfaces for additional I/O. Or connect the 8pre optically to any audio interface or mixer that supports ADAT optical I/O
- Separate TRS main outs and front-panel headphone jack, each with independent volume control
- SMPTE time code sync via any analog input
- SMPTE time code generation to any analog output
- Includes native 32- and 64-bit drivers for Mac OS X (10.6 or higher) and Windows (8/7/Vista), including ASIO, WDM, Wave, Core Audio, and Core MIDI
- Supports all popular Mac and Windows audio software
- 100% compatible with all host-based effects processing in today's popular audio programs
- Includes AudioDesk full-featured sample-accurate workstation software for Mac with recording, editing, mixing, real-time 32-bit effects processing & sample-accurate sync
- Plug-and-play operation with your Mac or PC via USB
More information - MOTU