“My MOTU 828 won’t lock to incoming S/PDIF and is therefore unable to receive and record audio digitally. What’s wrong?”
This is a known issue on some of the earlier 828’s. There is an internal adjustment for this that can be done by you. Note: You will be making an adjustment to the inside of the 828 while it is ON. Be careful not to touch any components except for what we describe below. If you have questions or concerns about doing this, call Sweetwater Tech Support. Two phillips head screwdrivers will be required, one “medium, and one “small” Here are step by step instructions for what to do (courtesy of the Sweetwater Technical Support Department).
1. Remove the 8 medium sized screws from the 828: two on front, two on rear, two on each side (left and right. Then remove the 4 small screws around the Mic/Line XLR inputs on the back of the 828.
2. Slide the top panel off the 828 and look near the S/PDIF ins and outs. There will be a small white phillips head screw (potentiometer).
3. With the 828 On, and it’s clock source set to “SPDIF”, connect your DAT machine (or other S/PDIF source), turn it on and play some material.
4. Using the small phillips screwdriver, adjust the white potentiometer clockwise -very slightly-. Wait about 4 seconds, and watch the 828 front panel to see if it locks. Continue to adjust this pot slightly and watch to see if the 828 locks. You can also try moving the pot counter-clockwise. If you experience problems, or if this doesn’t help, call Sweetwater Technical Support.