MOTU is now shipping a complete redesign of its popular 828 rack-mounted (1U) audio interface for macOS, Windows and iOS. With analog performance driven by renowned ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC technology, the 28×32 828 connects to a Mac, PC or iPad via 5 Gbps USB3 with low-latency, high-performance drivers to deliver 60 total channels of I/O and 24-channel mixing with on-board effects processing, including reverb, 4-band EQ and compression.

Front Panel

On the front panel, a large, bright 3.9-inch full-color LCD display provides 480 x 128 pixel high-resolution metering for all analog and digital I/O. Control room features include talkback with front panel “talk” button and “A/B” monitor select, mute, and sum-to-mono buttons for the main outs.

Two front-panel “combo” style XLR/TRS mic/line/hi-Z guitar inputs provide advanced mic channels with cutting-edge components that deliver ultra-transparent sound with -114 dB THD+N, 118 dB dynamic range and -129 dBu EIN. Each mic channel provides individual controls for preamp gain (+74 dB), -20 dB pad, 48V phantom power, and phase invert. All settings can be controlled remotely from a computer or iOS device. Each mic channel includes a dedicated send/return insert for outboard gear processing. When nothing is connected to the front-panel mic inputs, the two rear-panel returns function as additional balanced line inputs with identical signal path characteristics as the other eight line inputs.

Additional I/O

Additional audio I/O includes 8 TRS analog (line-level) in/out, separate main outs on XLR jacks, two banks of 8-channel ADAT optical I/O, stereo RCA S/PDIF digital I/O, and two front-panel headphone outputs. The analog outputs deliver a measured dynamic range of 125 dB with -113 dB THD+N. All inputs and outputs can be calibrated with boost or trim in precise 1 dB increments. Users can create completely customized mixes for each headphone output that include live 828 inputs, host computer channels and built-in reverb. All line outputs are DC-coupled, so they may be used to manipulate and sequence voltage-controlled modular synthesizers from a host DAW.

Advanced Extras

Also included are MIDI In/Out jacks (with optional MIDI Thru), BNC word clock I/O (with optional Thru), and a foot switch input for hands-free punch-in during recording (or to trigger other host software keystrokes).

If the 828 is connected to a computer on a Wi-Fi network, users can control everything wirelessly from the CueMix 5 app running on mobile devices or other computers on the same network — even multiple devices at the same time. Users can manage access to the 828 (and other on-line MOTU devices) with network discovery features and password protection.

The 828 driver provides two loopback USB channels for live streaming and podcasting. Users can easily route computer output back to the computer, where they can mix it with live 828 inputs (microphones, guitars, etc.) in their host software for live streaming or podcasting.

The 828 also supports guitar re-amping. Users can connect a guitar to the front-panel input, use CueMix’s near-zero latency to loop to any output (with a re-amp adapter, if needed), and record both the dry signal and a mic’d up amp simultaneously. Then the dry signal can be re-amped later with different amps and cabs — or amp modeling plug-ins — to experiment with different tones.

Included Software

The 828 includes the following software for musicians to start making music immediately: CueMix 5 app to control mixing and settings from your Mac, PC or iOS device, MOTU Performer Lite and Ableton Live Lite workstation software, 100+ instruments (in Performer Lite), and over 6 GB of included free loops, samples and one-shots from industry leading libraries.

Availability

The 828 is now shipping and replaces all previous 828 models.

Tech specs and feature summary

https://motu.com/en-us/828/specs/

The ultimate studio centrepiece

Do you have a studio full of synths? Full band recordings? Complex monitoring & routing needs? AudioFuse 16Rig gives you the next-level connectivity, versatility, and usability you need for your pro audio applications. Make your sound count.

Treat your setup to an interface that gives you all the connections you need. An entire setup can be kept connected to the rear I/O, leaving the front panel connections available for additional mics, instruments, or devices, while the inputs & outputs can be expanded with ADAT and rerouted as needed.

Give your recordings the shine and clarity they deserve with premium 24-bit AD/DA converters from ESS and Cirrus Logic. Whether it’s synths, guitars, vocals, or any combination of inputs, expect top-notch sound across the board.

For DAW-less jamming or live performances, AudioFuse 16Rig just works. The interface can pass audio and MIDI signals even without a computer connected, with a low-latency MIDI-controllable internal mixer. You can even save configuration presets for easy stitching between setups.

Configure AudioFuse 16Rig’s connections to suit nearly any need, including multiple sends/returns for creative recording and mixing, A/B speaker switching for confident mixing, guitar re-amping, multiple headphone outputs for ensemble recording, and more.

Make AudioFuse 16Rig work for you; control its settings through the front panel controls or via the included AudioFuse Control Center software, configure the interface for desktop or rackmount operation, integrate it with practically any studio environment, and instantly switch between different audio scenarios with ease.

Get the full rundown of specs at arturia.com

The poor old audio interface has the most important, least glamorous role in the entire studio. It’s expected to do its job flawlessly each and every time, and it only receives any attention when it’s not functioning properly. Otherwise it will toil away for years, often outlasting the computer it’s plugged into. 

The Zoom UAC-232 probably isn’t going to change how the world views audio interfaces, but it is quietly raising the bar for affordable audio interfaces that do more than just allow you to get sound in and out of your device.

What tricks does the UAC-232 have up its sleeves? For starters it’s fully USB-C compliant, which, although it’s becoming standard, is definitely worth celebrating.  

But the brightest feather in the UAC’s cap is 32-bit float recording – it even proudly declares the fact on the front of the unit, so you know it’s a feature Zoom is excited by. Zoom claims that it’s the first dedicated 32-bit float audio interface.

BIT BY BIT

Aside from being a pioneer in bit-depth, the UAC is fairly typical of most small audio interfaces. It includes two XLR/TRS combo inputs, full-size MIDI in and out ports, a headphone output with its own volume knob, stereo TRS main outputs, and a main output volume knob. It makes use of Zoom’s F-Series preamps and features a dedicated button for direct monitoring. Loopback functionality lets you record playback audio from your computer. There’s also an extra USB-C port for powering the device on lightning devices and a security port.

Following on from many of Zoom’s portable recorders, the UAC has familiar rails allowing it to be used horizontally or vertically, as well as mounted to mic stands or tripods. Simple velcro straps would be enough to fix it to most surfaces you could think of. It’s able to do this because it’s surprisingly lightweight, although after using it while travelling it’s thankfully not flimsy. I could happily sling it into a backpack without any fear of it adding weight or becoming damaged in transit.

The UAC was instantly recognised and available to use with both an iPad Pro and a recent generation MacBook Pro, without the need for any software installation or drivers – just plug it in and away you go. Using it across various DAWs and editors, it happily did everything I asked it to, including recording some synthesizers and voiceover, as well as playback of various sources.

Building on the success of the Scarlett range, Focusrite has announced the launch of Scarlett 4th Gen. The new range features the Solo, 2i2, 4i4, Solo Studio, and 2i2 Studio, offering greater audio specifications, enhanced creative capabilities, and ease-of-use. The new Scarlett range boasts better specs than any previous generation of Scarlett, with key features including Auto Gain, Clip Safe, and a re-engineered Air mode.

4th Gen Features:

• 120dB dynamic range, using converters from flagship RedNet range
• All-new, remote-controlled preamps with 69dB of gain for great sound from any mic*
• Re-engineered Air mode with Presence, and all-new Harmonic Drive
• Auto Gain automatically to set the recording levels*
• Clip Safe monitors recording levels and automatically adjusts the gain to prevent clipping*
• Brand-new custom-designed headphone amp
• Redesigned Dynamic Gain Halos with output metering, modernising the iconic Scarlett Gain Halos
• Redesigned headphones for Focusrite’s Studio packs, with flatter frequency response and improved comfort
• Refreshed Easy Start tool

Introducing The Range

With one mic preamp, one Hi-Z instrument/line input and brand-new custom-designed headphone amp, Solo provides stunning audio quality in a compact design perfect for home studios and on-the-go recording. Solo also features the re-engineered Air mode with Presence, and all-new Harmonic Drive, to breathe life into vocals and acoustic instruments.

For the aspiring artist, the Scarlett 2i2 offers two remote-controlled mic preamps and two Hi-Z instrument/line inputs for guitars, keys and groove boxes. The iconic 2-in/2-out interface delivers professional studio quality in a portable package. With powerful new features like Clip Safe, Auto Gain and Air mode, the 2i2 empowers artists to make release-ready recordings anywhere.

For the multi-instrumentalist, the Scarlett 4i4 provides two remote-controlled mic preamps, switchable line or Hi-Z instrument inputs, two fixed line inputs, and four balanced outputs for the flexibility to record mics, guitars, synths and more. MIDI I/O makes it easy to bring in synths and grooveboxes to sync with recording sessions. The 4i4 brings professional studio quality within reach for home musicians who want to connect more of their gear at once. 4i4 also includes new features like Clip Safe, Auto Gain and the re-engineered Air mode.

The Scarlett Solo Studio and Scarlett 2i2 Studio packs provide an all-in-one solution for high-quality recording. Including either a Solo or 2i2 interface, CM25 MkIII studio condenser mic and closed-back SH-450 headphones, these bundles have everything needed to start recording studio-quality vocals and instruments right out of the box.

Features

Focusrite has completely re-engineered the audio circuitry and introduced professional-grade converters for improved performance. Scarlett 4th Gen uses converters from Focusrite’s flagship RedNet range to deliver a massive 120dB dynamic range. 2i2 and 4i4 now feature remote-controlled preamps with 69dB of gain to get the best sound out of every mic. A custom-designed headphone amp drives high-impedance headphones louder and clearer than previous Scarlett models. In addition, all models now have independent controls for headphones and monitors.

With Auto Gain, users will never have to worry about setting levels again. Just play or sing for ten seconds, and Auto Gain will set the perfect level for recording. Clip Safe monitors levels up to 96,000 times per second and automatically adjusts the gain to prevent clipping, allowing users to fully immerse in performing and not have to worry about their levels. The re-engineered Air mode takes a sound’s unique character and brings it to the front of the mix, for standout vocal or instrument tracks. Air mode includes the original all-analogue Presence mode, plus a new DSP-based Harmonic Drive mode for console-like richness.

The new design combines functionality and accessibility, with details including premium Neutrik connectors, spacious knob placement, and endless gain knobs on 2i2 and 4i4. Complemented by Scarlett’s iconic red, the front panel showcases a sleek black finish and soft touch knobs. The Dynamic Gain Halos make it easy to set and monitor levels. This update to the iconic Scarlett Gain Halos enables users to set the perfect level and get great results every time.

Loopback routes computer audio to DAWs with ease via Scarlett’s virtual inputs. It can also mix Scarlett inputs and computer audio for sampling from other software, streaming and recording flexibility. Focusrite’s Easy Start tool quickly guides users through setup, so they’re ready to record with the included Ableton Live Lite and three months of Pro Tools Artist recording software.

To help users get the best results for recording, mixing and mastering, the Hitmaker Expansion software bundle provides a complete suite of iconic studio plugins from some of the industry’s biggest names, including Softube, Native Instruments, Antares, and many more.

Also included are five free masters from Landr that can be used at any time, plus a two-month subscription to Landr Studio, offering unlimited music distribution on streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music and TikTok.

Focusrite Control 2 is also provided and enables remote control setup and mixing from a PC or Mac.

Pricing & Availability
Solo: A$199.09
2i2: A$290.00
4i4: A$399.99
Solo Studio: A$362.73
2i2 Studio: A$436.36

(All prices exclude tax)

Available now from the Focusrite website and authorised dealers globally.