MOTU 828From real comments

Verdict distilled from 34 mentions across 13 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment55%
PROS 55%
CONS 45%

Rank based on 34 mentions across 13 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want long-term driver support and rock-solid stability many users report over years
  • You need an AVB/networked I/O setup (828es or earlier AVB models)
  • You want strong conversion quality at a competitive price versus RME or UAD

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You rely on DSP effects across ADAT/SPDIF inputs, which the new 828 restricts
  • You need AVB networking, which the new 828 removed entirely
  • You're wary of reported hardware failures like burnt power supplies or turn-on pops

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

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TotalMix FX routing power
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TotalMix learning curve
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Clean, detailed sound quality
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TotalMix FX depth and flexibility
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TotalMix learning curve
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RME Digiface USB
Channel expansion flexibilityReliable RME driversBus-powered portabilityNot USB class compliantColorless digital soundDriver/static glitches reported
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Bus-powered portability
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Colorless digital sound
Driver/static glitches reported
6Mid
IK Multimedia AXE I/O Solo
Bundled software and pluginsFlexible input optionsImpedance control (Z-Tone)High price relative to competitorsDriver issuesDynamic and gain range limitations
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RME Fireface UCX II
Converter and preamp clarityLong-term reliability and driver supportTotalMix FX routing powerRuns hotHigh price for the feature setTotalMix learning curve
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Long-term reliability and driver support
TotalMix FX routing power
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TotalMix learning curve
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PreSonus Quantum 2
Ultra-Low Thunderbolt LatencyExpandable, High-Quality I/OStrong Clocking and Dynamic RangeNaming Confusion With Newer 'Quantum' Models
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9Premium
Apogee Quartet
Expandable I/OLong-Term User SatisfactionConverter QualityHardware Reliability IssuesHigh PriceMac-Centric Limitation
Apogee Quartet
Expandable I/O
Long-Term User Satisfaction
Converter Quality
Hardware Reliability Issues
High Price
Mac-Centric Limitation
10Premium
RME Digiface
Massive channel expansion via ADATRevives and pairs well with older gearExcellent, reliable driversUSB 2.0 bandwidth concernsLimited I/O per single unitNot USB class compliant
RME Digiface
Massive channel expansion via ADAT
Revives and pairs well with older gear
Excellent, reliable drivers
USB 2.0 bandwidth concerns
Limited I/O per single unit
Not USB class compliant
Best valueYou are here
31Premium
MOTU 828
Excellent sound quality and conversionRock-solid stability for many usersAVB networking on 828es/earlier modelsNew 828 drops AVB networkingHardware failures and burnt componentsNew 828 seen as feature downgrade from 828es
MOTU 828
Excellent sound quality and conversion
Rock-solid stability for many users
AVB networking on 828es/earlier models
New 828 drops AVB networking
Hardware failures and burnt components
New 828 seen as feature downgrade from 828es

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Sound quality and conversion are consistently praised across generations. Multiple users compare the 828es favorably to RME UFX with no perceptible difference, and describe the new 828's headphone and line output quality as fantastic with more detail and precision than gear like Roland Octocapture or Audient EVO16. Long-time owners of 1st-gen and mkII units say conversion remains excellent even decades later, reinforcing MOTU's reputation for high-quality D/A and A/D chips.

The newer plain 828 removes features longtime 828es/AVB users relied on. Commenters note the new 828 lacks AVB connectivity, a built-in talkback mic, and Thunderbolt, offering only USB2/3. It also drastically reduces DSP power, cutting EQ bands from 7 to 4 and disallowing any EQ or compression on ADAT/SPDIF inputs, which one user found made it useless for their intended DSP monitoring workflow after purchase.

Reliability experiences are sharply divided, from years of flawless use to hardware failures. Several users report their MOTU units running for years with zero crashes and rock-solid drivers, even clocking external converters without issue. Others report burnt-out power supplies with no replacement parts available, loud pops on power-up, channel imbalance, Windows driver crashes requiring frequent reinstalls, and capacitor plague on older mkII units that some fixed themselves via recapping.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?