MOTU intros FireWire interface with DSP FX, mixing
updated 03:35 pm EDT, Wed June 11, 2008
MOTU 896mk3 interface
MOTU says it is bringing digital mixing and signal processing to its high-end, cross-platform 896mk3 FireWire audio interface. Built for musicians and filmmakers, the interface features 8 XLR/TRS combo analog inputs, true hi-Z inputs for guitars, 192kHz audio sampling, and a variety of other abilities. The 896mk3 fits in two rack spaces, and provides a total of 28 inputs and 32 outputs through a digital mixer than produces effects without a computer.
Other highlights include "Classic Reverb" effects adjustable for five different room types, front-panel LED level meters, and an EQ section modeled after vintage British analog equalizers. MOTU says users can connect a variety of gear, including drum machines, synthesizers, microphones, keyboards and sound processors. The 896mk3 should go on sale this summer for $1,295.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Dec 2005
Nice. However,
This is obviously made for a big-time studio production. Normally you'd want to hook this unit up to a tower- I can't see hauling it around with a laptop. However, for those who would use it in conjunction with a MacBook Pro, let me warn you that the FW400 and FW800 ports are on the same bus. So if you're going to have more than just a FW Audio I/O box like this hooked up, the other peripheral may cut your audio out.
That being said, I'd trade my FW box for one of these in a heartbeat.