Sweetwater®

Weekly e-mail offers: Sign up today »
(800) 222-4700
  • Español: (800) 222-4701
Cart

We recommend these great replacements:

MOTU UltraLite-mk3 Hybrid MOTU UltraLite-mk3 Hybrid
10-in/14-out USB 2.0 and FireWire Hybrid Audio Interface with 2 Microphone Preamplifiers, DSP Mixer and Built-in Reverb, EQ, and Compression Effects - Mac/PC

Retail Price: $595.00
Sale Price: $549.00
MOTU 828mk3 Hybrid MOTU 828mk3 Hybrid
28x30 USB/FireWire Audio Interface with 2 Microphone Preamplifiers, 8 TRS Inputs, 8 TRS Outputs, 2 XLR Outputs, 2 x ADAT I/O, MIDI I/O, Word Clock I/O, and Built-in Mixer with Onboard Effects - 24-bit/192kHz Resolution - Mac/PC

Retail Price: $795.00
Sale Price: $749.00
MOTU 4pre MOTU 4pre
6-channel USB/FireWire Audio Interface with 4 x Microphone Preamplifiers

Retail Price: $495.00
Save 10% when you buy today!
Sale Price: $449.00
MOTU 896mk3 Hybrid MOTU 896mk3 Hybrid
28x30 FireWire/USB 24-bit/192kHz Audio Interface with 8-channels of XLR/TRS Analog Inputs with Microphone Preamps, AES/EBU, S/PDIF, ADAT, S/MUX, and Built-in DSP Mixing and Effects - Mac/PC

Retail Price: $1,295.00
Save 24% when you buy today!
Sale Price: $995.00

View all FireWire Audio Interfaces »

MOTU 896HD (No Longer Available)

FireWire Audio Interface with 24-bit/192kHz Recording System and 8-channel XLR/TRS Analog Inputs, Each with Microphone Preamps

Sorry, the MOTU 896HD is no longer available. We've left this page up for reference only. Check out the great alternatives on this page or call toll-free (800) 222-4700 to speak with a Sweetwater Sales Engineer about similar products.

From Our Research Team:

MOTU's Premier FireWire Interface!

The MOTU 896HD contains everything you need to turn your computer into a powerful 24-bit, 192kHz digital audio workstation. The MOTU 896HD provides 8 mic preamps, pristine 192kHz analog I/O, 8 channels of ADAT digital I/O and stereo AES/EBU. Expand your system by connecting additional MOTU 828 mkII or MOTU 896HD FireWire audio interfaces.

Loads of Inputs
The MOTU 896HD is equally well-suited for studio and stage, with or without a computer. As a computer interface, the MOTU 896HD provides 18 separate inputs and 22 outputs, including separate main outs and headphone out.

CueMix Magic
You can add additional send/return loops using the MOTU 896HD's new CueMix DSP on-board mixing feature, a flexible DSP-driven 18-input/8-bus mixing and monitoring matrix that eliminates the need for an external mixer or patchbay. Connect all of your studio gear, including microphones, guitars, synths, keyboards, drum machines and even effects processors. Then monitor all of these live inputs via the MOTU 896HD's main outs, headphone jack or any other output - with virtually no monitoring latency and no processor drain on your computer. You can even create separate monitor mixes for the main outs, headphones and other outputs. Control everything from the included CueMix Console software or directly from the MOTU 896HD's front-panel.

Use the MOTU 896HD Live
Need to hit the road? Program the MOTU 896HD at the studio with the CueMix Console software and then take the MOTU 896HD on the road for mixing/monitoring without a computer. Bus levels can be adjusted without the computer by using the front panel Monitor Level knob.

Ideal for the Studio
Back in the studio, 8 channels of ADAT optical digital I/O, plus stereo AES/EBU, make the MOTU 896HD an ideal companion for a digital mixer. All digital I/O connections support standard sample rates up to 96kHz.

Mac or PC
The MOTU 896HD provides cross-platform compatibility with Mac OS 9, Mac OS X (version 10.2 or later) , Windows Me/2000/XP and all of your favorite audio software and host-based effects via WDM/ASIO/Core Audio/Sound Manager drivers. Or you can use the included AudioDesk workstation software for Macintosh, with 24-bit recording/editing and 32-bit mixing/processing/mastering.


MOTU 896HD Features:
  • CueMix DSP latency-free monitoring system.
  • Stand-alone operation - program your mixes at the studio and then bring the MOTU 896HD to your gig - no computer needed.
  • Multiple CueMix DSP mixes - create different monitor mixes for the main outs and headphones. Add send/return loops for outboard gear - with no latency. Up to four separate mixes are supported (two at 176.4 or 192kHz).
  • Eight mic pre-amps with switchable 48-volt phantom power and front-panel trim controls.
  • 18 inputs / 22 outputs - there's no channel sharing in the MOTU 896HD; the analog inputs, optical inputs, AES/EBU I/O, headphone out and main outs are all handled as separate channels. At 176.4 or 192 kHz, main outs and headphone are mirrored.
  • 8 channels of 24-bit ADAT optical input/output. Eight channels at 44.1/48kHz. Four channels at 88.2/96kHz.
  • Sample-accurate digital transfers between ADAT digital tape decks and the computer via the ADAT sync port.
  • Expandable - add additional 828, 828mkII, 896 or MOTU 896HD FireWire interfaces for additional I/O.
  • Eight 24-bit 192kHz analog inputs on XLR/TRS combo jacks.
  • Eight 24-bit 192kHz analog outputs on XLR jacks.
  • Separate XLR main outs and front-panel headphone jack, each with independent volume control.
  • Stereo 24-bit 96kHz AES/EBU in/out
  • Word clock in and out
  • Includes drivers for Mac & PC, including ASIO, WDM, Wave, GSIF, and Core Audio. Supports all popular Macintosh and Windows audio software.
  • 100% compatible with all host-based effects processing in today's popular audio programs.
  • Includes AudioDesk full-featured sample-accurate workstation software for the Macintosh with recording, editing, mixing, real-time 32-bit effects processing & sample-accurate sync.
  • Two FireWire ports for daisy-chaining without a hub
  • Front panel volume control for main outputs.
  • Front panel headphone jack with independent volume control.
  • Programmable front panel meters for all analog and digital I/O
  • Dedicated front panel clock status LEDs.

MOTU 896HD - Audiophile quality and expandable, too!
Specification Detail
Manufacturer Part Number 4450

896HD Image Gallery

Can We Help?

Sweetwater's friendly and knowledgeable Sales Engineers are regarded as the most experienced and educated professionals in the music industry, with extensive music backgrounds and intense training on the latest products and technologies. As your personal contact here at Sweetwater, they are available to provide personalized advice any time you need it.
Call toll-free (800) 222-4700 or E-mail us

Reviews

THIS IS THE KING OF SOUND

by SAM from CLEARWATER
April 11, 2008
Music Background: HIP HOP RAP
THIS IS THE BEST SOUNDING INTERFACE YOU COULD POSSIBLY BY IF YOUR LOOKIN FOR SOUND QUALITY HERE IT IS

inSync Review

by: Matt Masek
Recently, I recorded an album for a ska band. I used the MOTU 896HD with a... read more »

Sweetwater Advice

Matt Masek
I own the MOTU 896HD and I couldn't get through a session without it! The transparent mic pres give a great reproduction of my signal. Overdubbing vocals become a breeze with zero latency. This powerful piece of equipment is the backbone of my studio.

good but low power

by Jimi Krystofiak from San Leandro Ca
September 11, 2006
Music Background: Recording enginer w/ BA
i like it lots of output options and 2 will not run smoothly above 48k without a clocking device. soo.. something to think about. definatly are gonna want some nice pres to but the conversion is goo... read more [+]d much better than other interfaces i've used

problem there is only 40 somthing volts in the phantom. if your mic needs a lot of juice... Mainly earthworks or nueman you could have issues of poping. just get a phantom power box if it happens, but it powers all my other mics fine close [-]

Amazing!

by Anonymous
October 1, 2005
Music Background:
This thing has great sound quality. But the main thing that impressed me was the Cuemix-DSP. For those looking to buy a mixer and an A/D interface, the 896HD does both at a fraction of the cost. I nee... read more [+]ded to be able to make at least four seperate (zero-latency) headphone mixes for recording a band. No other interface can do this except a Mackie ONYX with a firewire card. But it's much more expensive and takes up a lot more room. Great unit. Well worth the money. close [-]
Read more reviews

My Sales Engineer helped me place the order and advised when the guitar would be shipped. Once Sweetwater received the guitar, it was quickly set up and I received it the next day. The guitar was in tune and set up properly.


Phillip, Lynwood, IL
See Also: FireWire Interfaces , MOTU , MOTU FireWire Audio Interfaces

MOTU 896HD

Today's Payment: $299.98
Includes $10 processing fee
Payment 2: $289.98
In approx. 30 days
Payment 3: $289.98
In approx. 60 days

Buy Today, Make

Sweetwater's Flexible Payment Plan is a convenient, interest-free way to buy gear now and stretch your purchase across three budget-friendly payments. Simply choose the "3 Easy Payments" option in your cart, and we'll divide your purchase amount into three convenient payments, billed to your current MasterCard, Visa, Discover, or American Express card. There is a $10 processing fee for using this service, and your billing address must be in the United States to be eligible. It's just another way we make shopping at Sweetwater easy and convenient!

Get your MOTU 896HD now and spread out the payments!


This program is subject to credit approval. We will pull a copy of your credit report to approve your application.

Sweetwater Sound Inc.
5501 U.S. Hwy 30 W
Fort Wayne, IN 46818
Get Directions »

Toll Free (800) 222-4700
Español (800) 222-4701
Local (260) 432-8176
Fax (260) 432-1758
E-mail us

Phone & Retail Store Hours:
9–9 Monday–Thursday
9–8 Friday
9–7 Saturday
(All hours listed are Eastern Time.)

© 2013 Sweetwater Sound Inc. All rights reserved. Please read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Links | Press Releases