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/

MOTU is now shipping the M6, a new USB-C bus-powered audio interface for Mac, Windows and iOS that offers best-in-class audio quality, best-in-class speed (ultra-low latency) and best-in-class metering with a full-colour LCD. With more I/O than the M2 and M4, the 6-input/4-output M6 features four mic/line/hi-Z guitar inputs with individual preamp gain and 48V phantom power, two additional 1/4-inch analog inputs, one-touch hardware (direct) monitoring of all inputs (in mono or stereo), four 1/4-inch balanced analog outputs, two headphone outputs with independent volume, MIDI I/O, and ‘loopback’ driver channels for live-streaming and podcasting.

The M6 also features an A/B monitor switch, unique to its class, to compare mix output on two sets of studio monitors. Driven by ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC Technology, both headphone outputs mirror the signal on Monitor Outs 1 & 2 and feature independent volume control. The second headphone output includes a ‘3-4’ switch that allows it to independently monitor Line Outs 3 & 4, which can provide a completely separate mix from the computer.

With bus-powered operation for USB-C computer hosts, the M6 includes a multi-blade international DC power adapter that allows the M6 to provide stand-alone monitoring, without a computer. The power adapter also provides power when the M6 is connected to a USB-A computer host.

“Similar to the M2 and M4, the M6 delivers unmatched audio performance and features in a four mic input interface at this price,” said Jim Cooper, Director of Marketing at MOTU.

Best-In-Class Performance
Equipped with the same ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC Technology found in audio interfaces costing thousands, the M6 delivers an astonishing 120dB Dynamic Range on its balanced, DC-coupled outputs. Thanks to MOTU’s expertly engineered M Series USB drivers, the M6 delivers class-leading, ultra-low 2.5 ms Round Trip Latency (with a 32 sample buffer at 96kHz). The M6 is the only audio interface in its class with a full-colour, high-resolution LCD featuring clear, detailed level meters for all inputs and outputs.

M6 Feature Highlights:

• 6-in / 4-out USB audio interface with studio-quality sound
• Best-in-class audio quality driven by ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC Technology
• Best-in-class speed (ultra-low latency) for host software processing
• Best-in-class metering for all inputs/outputs with a full-colour LCD
• 4 x mic/line/hi-Z guitar inputs on combo XLR/TRS
• Individual preamp gain and 48V phantom power for each mic input
• 2 x balanced 1/4-inch line inputs
• Hardware (direct) monitoring for all inputs (in mono or stereo)
• Monitor mix knob to balance live inputs and computer playback
• A/B switch to compare mix output on two sets of studio monitors
• Measured -129dB EIN on mic inputs
• 4 x balanced, DC-coupled 1/4-inch TRS outputs
• Measured 120dB dynamic range on the 1/4-inch balanced TRS outputs
• 2 x headphone outs (driven by ESS converters) with independent volume control
• 1 x 3-4 switch for optional headphone monitoring of Line Out 3-4
• MIDI in/out (16 channels to/from USB host)
• Support for 44.1 to 192kHz sample rates
• USB audio class compliant for plug-and-play operation on Mac (no driver required)
• Windows driver with 2.5ms Round Trip Latency (32 sample buffer at 96kHz)
• Mac driver (optional, for 2.5ms RTL @ 32/96kHz and loopback feature)
• iOS compatible (USB audio class compliant)
• Driver loopback for capturing host output, live streaming and podcasting
• Bus-powered USB-C (compatible with USB Type A) with power switch (USB cables included)
• Multi-blade international DC power adapter for stand-alone operation without a computer
• Rugged metal construction (extruded case, faceplates and knobs)
• Workstation software included (MOTU Performer Lite and Ableton Live Lite 11)
• 100+ instruments (in Performer Lite)
• Over 6 GB of included free loops, samples and one-shots from industry leading libraries
• Kensington security slot
• Two-year warranty

The M6 is priced at US$399.95 and is now shipping.

“DP’s streamlined and customisable user experience is now more powerful than ever,” said Jim Cooper, Director of Marketing at MOTU. “We’ve packed new technological advancements into familiar UI elements for easy adoption into users’ daily workflows.”

Articulation Maps

With DP’s new Articulation Maps feature, users can take full control of the expressive depth of today’s advanced orchestral sound libraries, including VSL, East West, Spitfire, Cinesamples and many others. Users can create or import articulation maps to build dynamic instruments and ensembles, allowing them to play, record or program expressive performances with unprecedented realism and musical impact.

Each articulation can be mapped to a symbol, stem ornament, alternate notehead or custom text (such as con sordino) in DP’s QuickScribe notation editor. Symbols remain connected to their orchestra library sounds, so that what you see is what you hear. Because notes remember their symbol, users can instantly switch maps at any time (to a different sound library, for example). In addition, each articulation can trigger multiple forms of output, from on-velocity changes to note stacks, providing support for even the most advanced orchestra libraries, such as the VSL Synchron engine. DP’s Graphic Editor provides clear, intuitive editing of articulations in separate lanes.

Support for MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE) and Per-Note CCs

In DP 11, users can record multi-channel output from an MPE controller — such as a Roli Seaboard — as regular MIDI notes with encapsulated MPE expression data. After recording a range of gestures (strike, pressure, slide, glide and lift), users see a single stream of normal MIDI notes each containing their own note-specific controllers (generated by the performance) superimposed on top of each note for easy and intuitive editing in DP’s familiar piano roll. Or users can view and edit each controller in a separate lane using DP’s familiar and powerful continuous controller (CC) editing tools. A new Scale tool allows users to increase or reduce the amount of expression by dragging up or down. MX4 and DP’s other included synth plug-ins are MPE-enabled, so users can get started with their MPE controller right away.

Audio Retrospective Record

DP11 adds audio to its Retrospective Recording capabilities. Now, DP always listens to both MIDI and audio input sources, capturing everything, even when not recording. Like magic, users can immediately recall any audio or MIDI material they’ve recently played. For both MIDI and audio input, Digital Performer ensures that you’ll never lose that precious, fleeting creative moment.

Nanosampler 2.0

This major upgrade of Nanosampler serves as every DP user’s go-to virtual instrument for creating unique beats, instruments and sounds. Drop in a sample and start stretching, slicing, randomising and transforming audio into just about any sound or instrument you can imagine. New features include: three playback modes (Classic, 1-shot and Slice), ZTX time stretching, beat slicing with Randomize and Auto Randomize, Repeat, Reverse, and a ground-up rewrite of the UI.

Support for macOS Big Sur and Apple Silicon Macs

DP11 is fully qualified for macOS Big Sur (11.x) and the latest generation Apple silicon Macs. No Rosetta required. Optimised for native multi-core performance, DP’s audio engine prioritises audio threads on high-speed cores and reserves CPU bandwidth for critical, time-sensitive processing.

Clip Triggering With Novation and Akai Pad Controllers

Gain complete hands-on control of DP’s extensive Clips window with popular pad controllers like the Novation Launchpad Pro mk3 or Akai APC-40. Trigger individual clips or entire scenes (sections of songs). Apply filter sweeps and other effects processing as you go: Digital Performer is now a live performance platform that can take your shows wherever you can imagine.

New Control Surface plug-ins for Native Instruments and Icon

DP 11 includes new control surface plug-ins for the current Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol lineup, including the M32, A-Series, and S-Series MK2 controller lines, plus hot new iCON Control mixing worksurfaces like the QCon Pro G2/EX, Pro X/XS, Platform Nano and Platform M/X series. These control surfaces empower your DP workflow so you can work faster and more intuitively.

Enhanced Avid EuCon Support

DP’s EuCon plug-in has been substantially updated, including support for the Avid S6 console. In addition, you can now use a EuCon-compatible worksurface with DP running on Windows 10.

Other enhancements

• Live Performance Mode — All effects processing is done in real time, rather than pre-generated, for instant responsiveness in critical performance situations.
• Chunk Folders and Playlists — Organise sequences and songs into folders and playlists. Playlists are perfect for building set lists for live shows.
• Chunks List Split View — Improves chunk list management. For example, search for a chunk in one list section and then drag it into a folder or playlist in the other.
• Multi-channel MIDI Tracks — You can now record and play multiple channels of MIDI data in a single track. Channel info is stored with each MIDI event in the track.
• Enhanced View Filtering — Quickly show/hide individual MIDI channel data and/or specific event types with the expanded Track Selector.
• Enhanced Support for MCU and HUI-compatible Control Surfaces — Includes improved automation toggling, scrub modes, send mode, loop toggle and much more.
• More Control Surface Enhancements — V-Racks can now be displayed on all control surfaces (that support them). New track pinning modes ensure that you always see the tracks you need. New track indicator lights in the Sequence Editor and Mixing Board show which tracks are currently active on any control surface.
• Track and Clip Effects — Every audio track, MIDI track and clip now has a transpose setting that leaves the original data unaffected. MIDI tracks and clips also have a quantise setting.
• Intelligent Audio Interface Selection — On macOS, if you haven’t yet selected the audio hardware you wish to use with DP, it finds the best option for you.
• Clips Window Enhancements — The ‘New Empty Clips Scene’ command fills empty cells with new empty clips. The ‘Double Clip Loop’ feature doubles the length of the looped portion in a clip.
• List Font Scaling — Resize the text in DP’s list windows, independent of the scaling for the rest of the UI, with three independent controls for List windows, Project Notes and Lyrics.
• Text Rendering and dialog box scaling on Windows — Optimised for the latest text rendering engine in Windows 10, DP’s text appears significantly crisper. DP also resizes system dialogs and menus appropriately for the size and resolution of your computer screen.
• Dynamically Resizable Channel Strips — DP’s faders resize when you make the Mixing Board and Channel Strip windows taller (or shorter).
• ‘Transpose Exclude’ option — A new track setting locks tracks from Transpose operations.
• New Scale Tool — Quickly scales per-note expression data by simply dragging vertically.

Pricing and Availability

Digital Performer 11 is now shipping for macOS (10.13 thru 11.x) and Windows 10 (64-bit). Pricing remains the same, as follows:

• Full version: $499USD (street price)
• Competitive upgrade: $395USD
• Performer Lite upgrade: $395USD
• Upgrade from previous version: $195USD

MOTU is now shipping Touch Console, a new mixing environment in its Pro Audio Control web app software specifically designed for mobile mixing on the touchscreen of a tablet or smartphone. Touch Console is now available as a free firmware update to all users of MOTU pro audio interfaces, including the 1248, 16A, 8M, 112D, 828es, UltraLite-mk4, UltraLite AVB, Monitor-8 and Stage-B16. The recently released 8pre-es already has Touch Console firmware installed.

Users launch the Pro Audio Control web app on their tablet or smartphone (iOS or Android) to access Touch Console, giving them intuitive, touchscreen-friendly control over the DSP-driven 48-channel mixer in their MOTU interface, with twelve busses and effects including four-band parametric EQ, dynamics processing, classic reverb and a model of the vintage LA-2A levelling amplifier.

Optimised for mobile devices, Touch Console provides fast, intuitive access to every setting for any channel. The ‘On Faders’ panel lets users instantly map sends for any bus or group to channel faders, providing long-throw fader control over send levels combined with easy channel navigation.

In the studio or on stage, multiple musicians can access the mixer’s seven stereo aux buses for wireless control over their own personal monitor mix from their smartphone or tablet.