MOTU 8M 24x24 Thunderbolt / USB 2.0 Audio Interface with AVB Reviews
At Sweetwater, we've been recommending MOTU's 8-preamp, ADAT-equipped audio interfaces since they first became a thing — MOTU practically invented the format! So we were all a bit blown away when the groundbreaking MOTU 8M hybrid audio interface came out, and we're sure you'll feel the same way when you get a look at what it's got going on under the hood. For starters, the 8M include eight magnificently clear MOTU preamps onboard, which each sport V-Limit protection to ensure clipping doesn't ruin your sound. And each of the 8M's combo inputs accommodates balanced line-level and unbalanced instrument-level signal as well, so you can comfortably hook up all of your gear. An additional 16 channels of I/O on ADAT optical ports provides you with plenty of expansion options too. Thanks to its Thunderbolt connectivity, latency isn't an issue for the 8M, and a standalone DSP mixer onboard offers routing for monitoring, mixing, and more.
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As low as $63/month
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Due to unforseen circumstances, MOTU is currently experiencing manufacturing delays on the 8M. Please contact us to either secure your place in line for the earliest possible future shipment or discuss product alternatives.Customer Reviews
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Highest Rated Reviews
Wow! This does everything I need it to do!
This product not only gives 8 channels of great pre-amps, 48v phantom power and pads on each channel, but also contains an amazing system of routing to any output you want allowing easy access for in ear monitoring, precise sub mixes, and control room clarity. The sound is great. It has built in reverb, eq, compression, and more. I use 2 together for 16 channels on live gigs and in my studio. Easily rack mountable and a pretty easy to learn for those with signal flow knowledge. Lots of savable presets on every aspect and also AVB technology built in. You really can't go wrong with this device if you are looking for a great "board" with all the fixin's but also need it to be in a digital space. Oh yeah, did I mention you can also control everything over wifi? That's right, hook up and router via the ethernet port and every band mate can be in control of their own mix with the motu app. Really can't go wrong with this. Buy it.
Fantastic audio quality and routing
I purchased the 8M primarily because of routing limitations I kept running into with my UltraLite mk3 over the years. I also wanted more microphone inputs. The 8M solves both really well. The 8 inputs is great when tracking drums, and I can route computer and other audio however I want.
I was also hoping I would be able to notice *some* kind of improvement in audio quality for the cost of the 8M, but I was astonished how much better it is. Bass is much more distinct and punchy, and the imaging is amazing. Stuff panned center sounds like it's right in front of me. I had no idea my 15 year old Mackie HR824s could sound this good.
I haven't done a lot of recording with it yet, but so far what I have heard sounds very clean. It's easy to get solid input levels and detail without hiss. I like having the individual trim level knobs, and I like having the V-Limit option.
Software upgrades are a little awkward. It seems to require an ethernet connection to the computer while doing the upgrade. I'm happy MOTU is actively improving their AVB products though. Hopefully they'll improve the upgrade process at some point too.
I do find myself wishing for a main output volume knob. The TRS outputs are quite strong (and clean), but they don't trim down very far. So I'm using the 8M's internal mixer to control my monitor level. The web based control of the mixer works well and is very cool, but I'd still also like a physical knob. So I have my mind on a Monitor 8 expansion. All those outputs are overkill for my little home studio, but I may splurge on it at some point. In the meantime... I'm extremely happy with my 8M!
