Interfacing Linux: MOTU 828 MKII

Are you in the market for a 1U eight-channel 24-bit 96kHz recording interface sporting hardware MIDI, S/PDIF, and lightpipe? How about one that can be used in standalone mode? For under $100?

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[mrchedda]

Awesome to see some appreciate this in 2020. Bought this brand new in 2006 and I can’t get rid of it. It’s a really decent piece of gear! Wish I could convert it to USB-C. Lol 👍🏽

[davidg]

I just discovered this channel and this "Interfacing Linux" series. Great stuff. Subscribed! I didn't know so much progress had been made getting these devices working properly in Linux -- I tried it many years ago, but it just wasn't adequately functional yet. Thanks for showing how much things have progressed!

I have 2x MOTU 828mkII FW interfaces. One of them I bought back then they were still new. After about 5 years, it fell victim to capacitor plague but I revived it with new caps. The other unit I got on eBay about 5 years ago for $50 as non-working. I took a gamble, figuring it also was suffering from capacitor plague based on the seller's description, and I was right -- it's been working perfectly ever since I recapped it.
While the 828mkII doesn't have the DSP and other features of newer DAWs, it's still a fantastic device for high quality tracking/mixing/monitoring.

MOTU just announced a new 828, with a USB-C connection using USB2/3 protocol. It's just plain 828 without any suffixes. I guess, after 23 years, they decided they can re-use the model number without confusion.

[OtherTheDave]

1:29 SMPTE (“simp tee” or “sim tee”, depending on how you feel about the mid-word “p”) is a time code standard for video.

[armsby]

It's great to see a live demonstration of Motu on Linux. I've been hovering over this for years but each time I tried it took days and I couldn't get anything to work. I'm wondering now if it's time to have another go.
I needed Motu Traveler, 896MKIII Reaper AND VSTi Pianos.
Anyone know if this is viable?

[casanova]

I just got this at a good will. I play guitar, newbie. but I have a great surround sound system. I'm still learning about all of this. i want to integrate it to my home theater system. any suggestions I'm all ears!!

[WillisZzz]

Question for any Linux users, especially music producers, with experience using MOTU interfaces:



How do any of the MOTU UltraLight series offerings stack up to this 828 MKII or the Traveller MKI on Linux?

I'm a music producer veteran but a Linux noob (I'm still in the planning stages of a Linux build).

I'm looking for lowest possible latency, stable clock, and flexible connectivity like optical in/out, old-school MIDI DIN jacks, minimum 8 channels of TRS ins and outs, etc... and it's always nice if the manufacturer has good on-going support of their legacy hardware, as MOTU seems to.



The UltraLights look nice and small, so I'm curious about them, but I'm just looking for options to add to the 828 and Traveller which are currently on my list of possible interfaces. Small is nice but definitely not my biggest priority.



According to linuxaudio.org only the original UltraLight MKI is supported by Linux, but I'd like to hear from users themselves.



Any suggestions or warnings would be much appreciated, cheers!

[jimofmarseille]

Hi ! I run my 828 MK II FW on ubuntustudio 20.10 how did you get the real names for the 828 ports ? I only have playback_1, playback_2 etc. Thanks

[neovincibeats]

How do i do the wiring for external compressor

[TheGoodSamarithan]

Is it still worth buying this interface in 2024?

[stevesarafraj]

Hi Great Demo, May I kindly ask if you could help or advise me on how I can connect my MOTU 828mk2 USB 2.0 to my Macbook (The White One) Mid 2010. As I have installed the drivers with the CD provided but to no avail, can you kindly help? This ould be most appreciated.

[consultayoguica]

increible es posible con LUBUNTU y Motu 828 original?
Gracias!

[WillisZzz]

It's nice to see what the hormone monster from Big Mouth does on his off-time.

[mjbification]

Is this interface compatible with macOS Monterey 12?

[EriksonRudy]

Hey nice video. Wondering, do you know how to setup DA adat output as standalone mode ? I’m having difficulties since I can’t connect the FW.

[neovincibeats]

I have a question I grabbed on of theese at a garage doesn't have a USB slot so how can I get it to communicate with my modern computer

[airt]

How do you connect this to the computer?

[kaislate]

Someday you'll use the sumpting else sync. 😂

[djlaze]

Can I use this with windows 10 for Abelton?
Thanks in advance

[CHNCHLaboratory]

I have the usb version, ubuntu is not seeing my interface.

[BashinkaNowels]

too bad mine is USB version of the 828