MOTU 8pre 16x12 USB Audio Interface for Mac and PC

The one rack-space 8pre 16x12 USB audio interface turns a laptop or desktop Mac or PC into a 24-bit 96kHz recording studio with eight mic inputs, 8-channel ADAT optical digital I/O and MIDI I/O. When not connected to a computer, the 8pre can function as an 8-channel analog-to-digital converter, making it two products in one. The 8pre front panel provides a five-segment level meter, 48V phantom power button, 20 dB pad button and trim knob for all 8 mic inputs. Two banks of ADAT optical provide 8 channels digital I/O, even when recording in high definition at 88.2 or 96 kHz. The TRS main outs can be connected directly to powered studio monitors with front panel volume control. Connect the 8pre via ADAT optical to another optical-equipped interface or mixer to add 8 mic inputs, seamlessly integrated into the other device's mixing environment. If you already own an optical-equipped MOTU audio interface, the 8pre is the perfect way to add 8 mic inputs directly to your system.

Key Features

• FireWire audio interface for Mac and Windows - provides 16 inputs with 8 mic preamps and 12 outputs including separate phone and main outs for all the basic I/O you need for a powerful desktop studio.
• Eight XLR/TRS "combo jack" mic inputs - connect up to eight mics, or mix and match mics with guitars, synths, drum machines and other analog input signals.
• Flexible analog inputs - each provides a crystal-clear preamp (for both the XLR and TRS input), 24-bit 96 kHz converters,
• individually switchable 48-volt phantom power, 20 dB pad and front-panel trim controls. Mix and match condenser and dynamic microphones as your needs require.
• Eight channels of ADAT optical I/O - provides two sets of optical connectors to provide eight channels of optical digital I/O even at high samples rates (88.2 or 96 kHz).
• Operates as an optical expander - connect the 8pre to any ADAT optical compatible device (another audio interface, a digital mixer, etc.) to add 8 additional mic inputs seamlessly integrated into the mixing environment of the host device.
• Discrete ins/outs - there's no channel sharing in the 8pre; the mic inputs, ADAT optical I/O, headphone out and main outs are all handled as separate channels.
• CueMix DSPT near-zero monitoring system.
• Multiple CueMix DSP mixes - create different monitor mixes for the main outs and headphones. Add send/return loops for outboard gear with no latency.
• Front-panel metering - five-segement meters for all analog inputs, plus status lights for clock and interface/expander mode.
• Sample-accurate MIDI - connect a MIDI controller and/or sound module with no separate interface needed. MIDI I/O is sample-accurate with supporting software.
• Expandable - add additional 8pre, UltraLite, 828, 828mkII, 896, 896HD or Traveler FireWire interfaces for additional I/O. Or connect the 8pre optically to any audio interface or mixer that supports ADAT optical I/O.
• Separate TRS main outs and front-panel headphone jack, each with independent volume control.
• SMPTE time code sync via any analog input.
• SMPTE time code generation to any analog output.
• Includes native 32- and 64-bit drivers for Mac OS X and Windows 8/7/Vista/XP, including ASIO, WDM, Wave, Core Audio, and Core MIDI. Supports all popular Mac 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 Mac with recording, editing, mixing, real-time 32-bit effects processing & sample-accurate sync.
• Two FireWire ports - daisy-chain up to four units on a single FireWire bus without a hub.
• Plug-and-play operation with your Mac or PC via FireWire.
• Chassis dimensions, excluding rack ears and front and back panel knobs and connectors: 19 x 7 x 1.75 inches (48.26 x 17.78 x 4.45 cm). Knobs and connectors extend up to 0.5 inch (1.27 cm) from front and back panels, adding 1 inch (2.54 cm) to depth. With rack ears attached, fits standard 19 inch (48.26 cm) rack at 1U high