MOTU 828 User manual

™
1280 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02138
Business voice: [phone]
Business fax: [phone]
Tech support phone: [phone]
Tech support fax: [phone]
Tech support email: techsup[email protected]
Web site: www.motu.com
MOTU 828
User’s Guide for Macintosh
!828 Manual/Mac Page 1 Thursday, March 1, 2001 9:46 AM

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS
WARNING:TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR OTHER MOISTURE.
CAUTION:TO REDUCETHE RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO
QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
WARNING: DO NOT PERMIT FINGERS TO TOUCH THETERMINALS OF PLUGS WHEN INSTALLING OR REMOVINGTHE PLUG TO OR FROM THE OUTLET.
WARNING: IF NOT PROPERLY GROUNDED THE MOTU 828 COULD CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL SHOCK.
The MOTU 828 is equipped with a three-conductor cord and grounding type plug which has a grounding prong, approved by Underwriters' Laboratories and the Canadian Standards Association.This
plug requires a mating three-conductor grounded type outlet as shown in Figure A below.
If the outlet you are planning to use for the MOTU 828 is of the two prong type, DO NOT REMOVE OR ALTER THE GROUNDING PRONG IN ANY MANNER. Use an adapter as shown below and
always connect the grounding lug to a known ground. It is recommended that you have a qualified electrician replace the TWO prong outlet with a properly grounded THREE prong outlet. An adapter
as illustrated below in Figure B is available for connecting plugs to two-prong receptacles.
WARNING:THE GREEN GROUNDING LUG EXTENDING FROMTHE ADAPTER MUST BE CONNECTED TO A PERMANENT GROUND SUCH AS TO A
PROPERLY GROUNDED OUTLET BOX. NOT ALL OUTLET BOXES ARE PROPERLY GROUNDED.
If you are not sure that your outlet box is properly grounded, have it checked by a qualified electrician. NOTE:The adapter illustrated is for use only if you already have a properly grounded two-prong
receptacle. Adapter is not allowed in Canada by the Canadian Electrical Code. Use only three wire extension cords which have three-prong grounding type plugs and three-prong receptacles which
will accept the MOTU 828 plug.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
1. Read instructions - All the safety and operating instructions should be read before operating the MOTU 828.
2. Retain instructions - The safety instructions and owner's manual should be retained for future reference.
3. Heed Warnings - All warnings on the MOTU 828 and in the owner's manual should be adhered to.
4. Follow Instructions - All operating and use instructions should be followed.
5. Cleaning - Unplug the MOTU 828 from the computer before cleaning and use a damp cloth. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners.
6. Overloading - Do not overload wall outlets and extension cords as this can result in a risk of fire or electrical shock.
7. Power Sources - This MOTU 828 should be operated only from the type of power source indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power supply to your location, consult your local power company.
8. Power-Cord Protection - Power-supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them. Pay particular attention to cords and plugs, convenience receptacles, and
the point where they exit from the MOTU 828.
9. Lightning - For added protection for the MOTU 828 during a lightning storm, unplug it from the wall outlet.This will prevent damage to the MOTU 828 due to lightning and power line surges.
10. Servicing - Do not attempt to service this MOTU 828 yourself as opening or removing covers will expose you to dangerous voltage and other hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
11. Damage Requiring Service - Unplug the MOTU 828 from the computer and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions.
a. When the power supply cord or plug is damaged.
b. If liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the MOTU 828.
c. If the MOTU 828 has been exposed to rain or water.
d. If the MOTU 828 does not operate normally by following the operating instructions in the owner's manual.
e. If the MOTU 828 has been dropped or the cabinet has been damaged.
f. When the MOTU 828 exhibits a distinct change in performance, this indicates a need for service.
12. Replacement Parts - When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician has used replacement parts specified by the manufacturer or have the same characteristics as the original part. Unauthorized substitutions
may result in fire, electric shock or other hazards.
13. Safety Check - Upon completion of any service or repairs to this MOTU 828, ask the service technician to perform safety checks to determine that the product is in safe operating conditions.
ENVIRONMENT
Operating Temperature: 10°C to 40°C (50°F to 104°)
AVOID THE HAZARDS OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK AND FIRE
Do not handle the power cord with wet hands. Do not pull on the power cord when disconnecting it from an AC wall outlet. Grasp it by the plug.
INPUT
Line Voltage: 100 - 120 volts AC, RMS (US and Japan) or 220 - 250 volts AC, RMS (Europe). Frequency: 47 - 63 Hz single phase. Power: 7 watts maximum.
CAUTION: DANGER OF EXPLOSION IF BATTERY IS REPLACED. REPLACE ONLY WITH THE SAME OR EQUIVALENT TYPE RECOMMENDED BYMANUFAC-
TURER. DISPOSE OF USED BATTERY ACCORDING TO MANUFACTURER’S INSTRUCTIONS.
3-prong plug
Grounding prong
Properly grounded 3-prong outlet
Grounding lug
Screw
3-prong plug
Adapter
Make sure this is connected
to a known ground.
Two-prong receptacle
Figure A Figure B
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CHAPTER
3
Contents
5
Quick Reference: MOTU 828 Front Panel
6
Quick Reference: MOTU 828 Rear Panel
7
Quick Reference: MOTU 828 Control Panel
9
About the MOTU 828
13 Packing List and
Macintosh System Requirements
15 Installing the MOTU 828 Hardware
29
Installing the MOTU 828 Macintosh Software
33
MOTU 828 Control Panel
41
The MOTU 828 and Digital Performer
47
The MOTU 828 and AudioDesk
53
The MOTU 828 and Other Audio Software
59
Sound Manager
61 Troubleshooting
65
Index
!828 Manual/Mac Page 3 Thursday, March 1, 2001 9:46 AM

About the Mark of the Unicorn License Agreement and
Limited Warranty on Software
TO PERSONS WHO PURCHASE OR USE THIS PRODUCT: carefully read all
the terms and conditions of the “click-wrap” license agreement presented to you
when you install the software. Using the software or this documentation indicates
your acceptance of the terms and conditions of that license agreement.
Mark of the Unicorn, Inc. (“MOTU”) owns both this program and its documentation.
Both the program and the documentation are protected under applicable copyright,
trademark, and trade-secret laws.Your right to use the program and the
documentation are limited to the terms and conditions described in the license
agreement.
Reminder of the terms of your license
This summary is not your license agreement, just a reminder of its terms. The
actual license can be read and printed by running the installation program for the
software.That license agreement is a contract, and clicking “Accept” binds you and
MOTU to all its terms and conditions. In the event anything contained in this
summary is incomplete or in conflict with the actual click-wrap license agreement,
the terms of the click-wrap agreement prevail.
YOU MAY: (a) use the enclosed program on a single computer; (b) physically
transfer the program from one computer to another provided that the program is
used on only one computer at a time and that you remove any copies of the
program from the computer from which the program is being transferred; (c) make
copies of the program solely for backup purposes.You must reproduce and include
the copyright notice on a label on any backup copy.
YOU MAY NOT: (a) distribute copies of the program or the documentation to
others; (b) rent, lease or grant sublicenses or other rights to the program; (c)
provide use of the program in a computer service business, network, time-sharing,
multiple CPU or multiple user arrangement without the prior written consent of
MOTU; (d) translate, adapt, reverse engineer, decompile, disassemble, or
otherwise alter the program or related documentation without the prior written
consent of MOTU.
MOTU warrants to the original licensee that the disk(s) on which the program is
recorded be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use for
a period of ninety (90) days from the date of purchase as evidenced by a copy of
your receipt. If failure of the disk has resulted from accident, abuse or misappli-
cation of the product, then MOTU shall have no responsibility to replace the disk(s)
under this Limited Warranty.
THIS LIMITED WARRANTY AND RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT IS IN LIEU OF,
AND YOU HEREBY WAIVE, ANY AND ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, BOTH
EXPRESS AND IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO WARRANTIES
OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THE
LIABILITY OF MOTU PURSUANT TO THIS LIMITED WARRANTY SHALL BE
LIMITED TO THE REPLACEMENT OF THE DEFECTIVE DISK(S), AND IN NO
EVENT SHALL MOTU OR ITS SUPPLIERS, LICENSORS, OR AFFILIATES BE
LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING
BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOSS OF USE, LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF DATA OR
DATA BEING RENDERED INACCURATE, OR LOSSES SUSTAINED BY THIRD
PARTIES EVEN IF MOTU HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF
SUCH DAMAGES.THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS
WHICH MAY VARY FROM STATE TO STATE. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW
THE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
Update Policy
In order to be eligible to obtain updates of the program, you must complete and
return the attached Mark of the Unicorn Purchaser Registration Card to MOTU.
Copyright Notice
Copyright © 2001 by Mark of the Unicorn, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this
publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval
system, or translated into any human or computer language, in any form or by any
means whatsoever, without express written permission of Mark of the Unicorn,
Inc., 1280 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02138, U.S.A.
Limited Warranty on Hardware
Mark of the Unicorn, Inc. and S&S Research (“MOTU/S&S”) warrant this
equipment against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of NINETY
(90) DAYS from the date of original retail purchase. This warranty applies only to
hardware products; MOTU software is licensed and warranted pursuant to
separate written statements.
If you discover a defect, first write or call Mark of the Unicorn at [phone] to
obtain a Return Merchandise Authorization Number. No service will be performed
on any product returned without prior authorization. MOTU will, at its option, repair
or replace the product at no charge to you, provided you return it during the
warranty period, with transportation charges prepaid, to Mark of the Unicorn, Inc.,
1280 Massachusetts Avenue, MA 02138.You must use the product’s original
packing material for in shipment, and insure the shipment for the value of the
product. Please include your name, address, telephone number, a description of
the problem, and the original, dated bill of sale with the returned unit and print the
Return Merchandise Authorization Number on the outside of the box below the
shipping address.
This warranty does not apply if the equipment has been damaged by accident,
abuse, misuse, or misapplication; has been modified without the written
permission of MOTU, or if the product serial number has been removed or defaced.
ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE
LIMITED IN DURATION TO NINETY (90) DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THE
ORIGINAL RETAIL PURCHASE OF THIS PRODUCT.
THE WARRANTY AND REMEDIES SET FORTH ABOVE ARE EXCLUSIVE AND
IN LIEU OF ALL OTHERS, ORAL OR WRITTEN, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. No
MOTU/S&S dealer, agent, or employee is authorized to make any modification,
extension, or addition to this warranty.
MOTU/S&S ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM ANY BREACH OF
WARRANTY, OR UNDER ANY LEGAL THEORY, INCLUDING LOST PROFITS,
DOWNTIME, GOODWILL, DAMAGE OR REPLACEMENT OF EQUIPMENT
AND PROPERTY AND COST OF RECOVERING REPROGRAMMING, OR
REPRODUCING ANY PROGRAM OR DATA STORED IN OR USED WITH
MOTU/S&S PRODUCTS.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of implied warranties or liability
for incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may
not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have
other rights which vary from state to state.
MOTU, AudioDesk, MOTU, Mark of the Unicorn and the unicorn silhouette logo are
trademarks of Mark of the Unicorn, Inc.
This equipment has been type tested and found to comply with the limits for a class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential installation.This equipment generates, uses, and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual,
may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause interference to radio
or television equipment reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the
user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by any combination of the following measures:
• Relocate or reorient the receiving antenna
• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver
• Plug the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected
If necessary, you can consult a dealer or experienced radio/television technician for additional
assistance.
PLEASE NOTE: only equipment certified to comply with Class B (computer input/output devices,
terminals, printers, etc.) should be attached to this equipment, and it must have shielded interface
cables in order to comply with the Class B FCC limits on RF emissions.
WARNING: changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
!828 Manual/Mac Page 0 Thursday, March 1, 2001 9:46 AM

0
Quick Reference: MOTU 828 Front Panel
This is a standard quarter- inch stereo headphone jack. Its output matches the main outs on the rear panel.The volume knob controls both the headphone out and the main outs.
The MOTU 828 lets you monitor any analog input (or input pair) via the main outs (and the headphone out).This knob controls the level of this monitored signal.
These two trim knobs provide up to 40dB of gain for inputs 1 and 2.Because inputs 1 and 2 also have microphone pre-amps,you can plug just about anything into them:a microphone,a guitar,an synth — you name it. If you plug in a condenser microphone (with phantom power), start with the trim knob at about 12 o’clock.For a dynamic mic (no phantom),try 3 o’clock.Then calibrate the input using the level meters in your host audio software to make sure the level isn’t clipping (clipping is bad and causes unwanted distortion).
This switch provides phantom power for microphones on inputs 1 and 2.Up is on.
These three input trim knobs provide up to 40dB of gain for inputs 3 through 8 (in pairs).These inputs don’t have mic pre-amps,so they are best for line-level inputs such as synthesizers,drum machines,samplers,effects processors and other studio gear.If your input is hot (+4dB),start with the trim knob at about 10 or 11 o’clock.If you’re dealing with a synth or consumer audio product,try 2 o’clock.Then calibrate the input using the level meters in your host audio software to make sure the level isn’t clipping (clipping is bad and causes unwanted distortion).
These lights indicate signal presence on the analog inputs and outputs.Their threshold is around -42 dB. Theydo notindicateclipping in any way;use your host audio software level meters tocalibrate inputand output levels.
These lights indicate signal presence on the digital inputs and outputs.Their threshold is around -42 dB.They do not indicate clipping in any way;use your host audio software level meters to calibrate inputs and outputs.
These lights indicate the global sample rate at which the MOTU 828 is operating.Use the MOTU 828 Control Panel to set the sample rate or to choose an external clock source,from which the sample rate will be derived. When no sample clock is currently present,these two lights flash rapidly.For example,if you’ve set the MOTU 828 to slave to an external clock,such as ADAT,but there is no clock signal currently being detected,these lights will flash.
FireWire is a“plug-and-play” protocol.That means that you can turn off the MOTU 828 and turn it back on without restarting your computer. Keep in mind,however,that if you wish to change the MOTU 828’s settings in the MOTU 828 Control Panel,the MOTU 828 needs to be plugged in and switched on.
Dynamic microphone (no phantom power) Example:Shure SM57 Condenser microphone (with 48V phantom power) Example:Octavia MC01
Approximate trim positions on inputs 1 and 2 for a microphone. Start with these positions and then adjust according to the level meters in your audio software.
Line guitar (clean) Synths,CD players, consumer electronics,etc.
Approximate trim positions on inputs 3 through 8 for guitars and other studio gear.Start with these positions and then adjust accord- ing to the level meters in your audio software. inputs 3-8
inputs 1-2
Pro-level gear Line guitar (with heavy distortion)
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0
Quick Reference: MOTU 828 Rear Panel
Connect the MOTU 828 to the computer here using the standard 1394 FireWire cable provided with your MOTU 828.
These jacks provide stereo, 24-bit S/PDIF digital input and output.
These two balanced, quarter-inch jacks serve as the MOTU 828’s main outputs. You can connect them to a set of powered studio monitors and then control the volume from the front panel“Main” volume knob. The signal that comes out of these outputs is a mix of analog outputs 1 and 2 and any live CueMix™ Plus input that you have chosen to monitor from a MOTU 828 input (or input pair).To hear disk tracks in your audio software on these main outs, assign the disk tracks (and master fader) to Analog Outs 1-2.
These six analog inputs are gold-plated, balanced TRS (tip/ring/sleeve) quarter- inch connectors that can also accept an unbalanced plug.The front panel trim allows you to adjust them for either +4dB or -10dB input signals.They have 24-bit,64x oversampling converters. These inputs (3 through 8) do not have microphone preamps,so they are best used for synthesizers,drum machines, effects processors,and other instru- ments.However,because the trim knobs on the front panel give you 40 dB of input gain adjustment,you can probably get away with plugging in a guitar (depending on the guitar).
Analog outputs 1 and 2 are duplicated on the MOTU 828’s main outputs (to the right),as well as the front panel stereo headphone jack.However,these outputs do not include any live CueMix™ Plus audio.
The MOTU 828’s eight analog outputs are gold- plated,balanced +4dB TRS (tip/ring/sleeve) quarter-inch connectors that can also accept an unbalanced plug.They are equipped with 24-bit,128x oversampling converters.
These optical digital I/O connectors can be connected either to an ADAT-compatible “lightpipe”device (such as a digital mixer) or to a S/PDIF optical (“TOSLink”) compatible device,such as an effects processor or DAT machine.Be sure to set the format in the MOTU 828 Control Panel software.(see “Optical input/output”on page 37 for details.) ADAT optical supplies eight channels of 24-bit digital I/O,and TOSLink is stereo. One special note:you can choose independent formats for the optical IN and OUT.For example,you could choose ADAT for the optical IN (for,say,eight channels of input from your digital mixer) and S/PDIF for the optical OUT (for,say,your DAT machine).
If you are using the MOTU 828 with an ADAT,use this standard ADAT SYNC INPUT to connect the MOTU 828 to the end of your ADAT sync chain.For example,if you have three ADATs,chain the ADATs in the usual fashion (SYNC OUT to SYNC IN,etc.),and then connect the last ADAT’s SYNC OUT to this SYNC IN.This connection allows you to make sample-accurate audio transfers between AudioDesk (or other sample-accurate software) and the ADATs.If you have a MOTU MIDI Timepiece AV or DigitalTimepiece,make it the master of the ADAT SYNC chain so that you can control everything from AudioDesk (or your other MIDI Machine Control compatible software).
Connect a standard foot switch here for hands-free punch-in and punch-out during recording.For details about how to set this up, see “Enable Pedal”on page 37. These Neutrik™ jacks for inputs 1 and 2 accept
either a mic (XLR) cable or a quarter-inch plug. Each is equipped with a mic preamp.48V phantom power can be supplied via the front- panel switch.Since these inputs have mic preamps,they are ideal for microphones, guitars and other low-level sources.
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CHAPTER
7
The MOTU 828 Control Panel above is the same as the“Configure Hardware
Driver”dialogs found in AudioDesk and Digital Performer (in their Basics
menu).For details about the‘Auto Monitor’option,see “Auto Monitor”on
page 43 for Digital Performer and “Auto Monitor”on page 49 for AudioDesk.
Determines the master clock source for your entire
MOTU 828 system.If you’re just using the analog
ins and outs,set this to‘Internal’.The other settings
are for digital transfers via S/PDIF or external
synchronization via the ADAT SYNC in port.
The MOTU 828 Control Panel gives you complete
control over the settings in your MOTU 828 hard
disk recording system.There are several ways to
access these settings.But the settings are the
same,regardless of how you access them.
■ From the Mac OS Apple menu,choose
Control Panels>MOTU 828 Control Panel.
■ From within AudioDesk™ or Digital
Performer™,go to the Basics menu and
choose MOTU Audio System options>
Configure Hardware Driver.
■ Click on the 828 icon in the Macintosh
Control Strip.
How to access these settings
Choosing a smaller setting here reduces the delay
you may hear when listening to live input that you
are running through effects plug-ins in your
software.But lower settings also increase the strain
on your computer.For details,see “Samples Per
Buffer”on page 36.
Choose the desired optical format you’d like to
use for the optical input and output.Note that
they don’t have to be the same.
Choose the global sample rate for the system here.
This is the MOTU 828’s no-latency CueMix™
Plus monitoring feature.The inputs you
choose here will be mixed with the main outs
and can be controlled with the‘monitor’
volume knob on the front panel.
If you want to hear your Macintosh system beeps,as
well as the audio output of any Sound Manager-
compatible s software,through the MOTU 828
(instead of the built-in speaker in your Mac),check
this box and choose the desired MOTU 828 input
and output from these menus. If you have a foot switch connected to the
MOTU 828,these settings let you map the foot
switch to any Macintosh keyboard key for
both the up and down position.
If any of these settings are grayed out (not available),see
“If MOTU 828 settings are grayed out”on page 39.
Digital Performer
AudioDesk
0
Quick Reference: MOTU 828 Control Panel
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8
!828 Manual/Mac Page 8 Thursday, March 1, 2001 9:46 AM

CHAPTER
9
1
About the MOTU 828
OVERVIEW
The MOTU 828 is a computer-based hard disk
recording system for Mac OS and Windows that
offers 18 simultaneous inputs and outputs. The
MOTU 828 consists of a standard 19-inch,
single-space, rack-mountable I/O unit that
connects directly to a computer via a standard
IEEE 1394 FireWire™ cable. The MOTU 828 offers
the following:
■ Eight 24-bit analog inputs and outputs
■ Eight-channel ADAT optical digital I/O
■ S/PDIF (optical and RCA)
■ Two extra analog main outs
■ Two mic preamps on inputs 1 and 2
■ 48V phantom power for both mic inputs
■ ADAT sync in
■ Foot switch for hands-free punch-in/out
■ Headphone jack
■ Main volume knob (for headphone + main outs)
■ CueMix™ Plus no-latency monitoring
■ Individual front-panel input trim knobs
With a variety of I/O formats, mic preamps,
no-latency monitoring of live input and synchroni-
zation capabilities, the MOTU 828 is a complete,
portable“studio in a box” when used with a
Macintosh or Windows computer. The MOTU 828
system includes AudioDesk™, full-featured audio
workstation software for Mac OS that supports
both 16-bit and 24-bit recording. Also included is
an ASIO driver for multi-channel operation with
any Macintosh audio software that supports ASIO
drivers.
THE MOTU 828 I/O REAR PANEL
The MOTU 828 rear panel has the following
connectors:
■ Eight gold-plated, balanced +4dB quarter-inch
(TRS) analog outputs (with 24-bit converters)
■ Six gold-plated, balanced +4 dB quarter-inch
(TRS) analog inputs (with 24-bit converters)
■ Two additional analog mic/line inputs on
Neutrik combo (XLR/quarter-inch) connectors
equipped with mic pre-amps
■ One set of ADAT optical ‘light pipe’ connectors
(8 channels of ADAT optical I/O), individually
switchable to optical S/PDIF (‘TOSLink’)
■ RCA S/PDIF in/out
■ Two balanced +4 quarter-inch TRS main
outputs with volume knob (on the front panel)
■ One 9-pin ADAT SYNC IN connector
■ One 1394 FireWire jack
18 simultaneous inputs and outputs
All MOTU 828 inputs and outputs can be used
simultaneously, for a total of 18 inputs and outputs
(8 analog + 8 ADAT optical + 2 RCA S/PDIF).
Analog
The analog inputs are equipped with 24-bit, 64x
oversampling A/D converters. The analog outputs
have 24-bit 128x oversampling D/A converters.All
audio is carried to the computer in a 24-bit data
stream. The eight analog outputs are on balanced
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ABOUT THE MOTU 828
10
TRS +4dB quarter-inch jacks, as are the six
quarter-inch input jacks below them.All of these
jacks can also accept unbalanced plugs.
All analog inputs can be gain-adjusted with the
trim knobs on the front panel. The range of these
knobs is approximately 40 dB.
Mic inputs
Analog inputs 1 and 2 are each equipped with a mic
preamp on a Neutrik™ combo-style connector that
accepts either a mic (XLR) cable or a cable with a
quarter-inch plug. Defeatable 48V phantom power
is supplied by a front panel switch.
Main Outs
For main stereo output, analog outputs 1 and 2 are
duplicated as a stereo pair of balanced, +4dB
quarter-inch TRS jacks. If an input (or input pair)
is being monitored via the MOTU 828’s CueMix™
Plus monitoring feature, the monitored signal is
summed with the main outs.You can control the
volume of the main outs with the front panel
volume knob.You can independently control the
CueMix Plus monitored signal with the Monitor
level knob on the front panel.
Optical
The MOTU 828 optical jacks support two digital
audio formats: ADAT and S/PDIF. The ADAT
optical format provides eight channels of 24-bit
digital audio at either 44.1 or 48 kHz. The optical
S/PDIF format (often referred to as
TOSLink ),
supplies stereo S/PDIF input or output.
S/PDIF
The MOTU 828 rear panel provides S/PDIF input
and output in two different formats: RCA “coax”
and optical “TOSLink”. The RCA jacks are
dedicated to the S/PDIF format. The TOSLink
jacks can be used either for the TOSLink format or
for ADAT optical.In addition,the optical input and
output jacks can operate independently. For
example, the optical input can be set to TOSLink
while the optical output is set to ADAT.
ADAT sync: sample-accurate synchronization
The MOTU 828’s standard 9-pin ADAT SYNC IN
connector provides sample-accurate synchroni-
zation with all Alesis ADAT tape decks connected
to the system—or any device that supports the
ADAT sync format. For example, if you digitally
transfer a single track of material from an ADAT
via light pipe into audio workstation software on
the computer, and then transfer the track back to
the ADAT, it will be recorded exactly at its original
location, down to the sample.
Punch in/out
The quarter-inch Punch in/out jack accepts a
standard foot switch.When you push the foot
switch, the MOTU 828 triggers a programmable
keystroke on the computer keyboard.For example,
with MOTU’s Digital Performer audio sequencer
software, the foot switch triggers the 3 key on the
numeric keypad, which toggles recording in
Digital Performer. Therefore, pressing the foot
switch is the same as pressing the 3 key. The MOTU
828 Control Panel software lets you program any
keystroke you wish.
1394 FireWire
The 1394 FireWire jack accepts a standard IEEE
1394 FireWire cable to connect the MOTU 828 to a
FireWire-equipped Macintosh or Windows
computer.
THE MOTU 828 FRONT PANEL
Headphone output and main volume control
The MOTU 828 front panel includes a quarter-inch
stereo headphone output jack and volume knob.
The headphone output matches the main stereo
outs, and the volume knob controls both the
headphones and the main outs.
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ABOUT THE MOTU 828
11
CueMix™ Plus no-latency monitoring
The MOTU 828 provides CueMix™ Plus
no-latency monitoring from any analog input (or
input pair).The CueMix monitored signal is mixed
with outputs 1-2 (which are duplicated on the main
outs).An independent volume knob is provided
for the monitored signal.
Input trim knobs and phantom power switch
The Input Gain section provides 40 dB of trim for
the eight analog inputs. Inputs 1 and 2 have
independent trim knobs, while inputs 3 through 8
have one knob per input pair (3-4, 5-6, and 7-8).
The phantom power switch provides 48V phantom
power to the two mic inputs. Up is on; down is off.
Activity lights
The front panel of the MOTU 828 displays several
banks of activity LEDs. The
Analog Activity ,
S/PDIF and Optical lights display the presence of
signal on the input or output. The threshold for
these lights is approximately -42 dB. The
Clock
lights indicate the global sample rate (as chosen in
the MOTU 828 Control Panel software).
16-BIT AND 24-BIT RECORDING
The MOTU 828 system handles all data with a
24-bit signal path,regardless of the I/O format.You
can record and play back 16-bit or 24-bit audio files
at either 44.1 or 48 KHz via any of the MOTU 828’s
analog or digital inputs and outputs. 24-bit audio
files can be recorded with any compatible host
application that supports 24-bit recording.
AUDIODESK
AudioDesk is a full-featured, 24-bit audio
workstation software package included with the
MOTU 828 system (for Macintosh only).
AudioDesk provides multi-channel waveform
editing, automated virtual mixing, graphic editing
of ramp automation,real-time effects plug-ins with
32-bit floating point processing, crossfades,
support for many third-party audio plug-ins (in
the MOTU Audio System and Adobe Premiere
formats), background processing of file-based
operations, sample-accurate editing and
placement of audio, and more.
DIGITAL PERFORMER
The MOTU 828 system is fully integrated with
MOTU’s award-winning Digital Performer audio
sequencer software package.
OTHER HOST AUDIO SOFTWARE
The MOTU 828 system includes a standard
Mac OS Sound Manager driver for stereo I/O with
any audio application that supports Sound
Manager.
The MOTU 828 also includes a Macintosh ASIO
driver for multi-channel compatibility with any
audio application that supports ASIO drivers.
A COMPUTER-BASED SYSTEM
Regardless of what software you use with the
MOTU 828, the host computer determines the
number of tracks the software can record and play
simultaneously, as well as the amount of real-time
effects processing you can apply to your mix.A
faster computer with more RAM and faster hard
drives will allow more simultaneous tracks and
real-time effects than a slower computer with less
RAM and slower hard drives. Today’s fastest
computers can typically play as many as 32 tracks
or more. Standard third-party SCSI acceleration
products can also help you achieve higher track
counts.
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ABOUT THE MOTU 828
12
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CHAPTER
13
2
Packing List and
Macintosh System Requirements
PACKING LIST
The MOTU 828 ships with the items listed below.If
any of these items are not present in your MOTU
828 box when you first open it, please immediately
contact your dealer or MOTU.
■ One MOTU 828 I/O rack unit
■ One 1394 “FireWire” cable
■ Power cord
■ One MOTU 828 Mac/Windows manual
■ One AudioDesk Manual
■ One cross-platform CD-ROM
■ Product registration card
MACINTOSH SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
The MOTU 828 system requires the following
Macintosh system:
■ A G3/300Mhz Power Macintosh or faster
equipped with at least one FireWire port
■ At least 64 Mb (megabytes) of RAM (128 Mb or
more is recommended)
■ Mac OS version 8.6 or later (MacOS 9 or later is
recommended)
■ FireWire Enabler and FireWire Support system
extensions 2.4 or later
■ A large hard drive (preferably at least 8 Gb)
PLEASE REGISTER TODAY!
Please send in the registration card included with
your MOTU 828 system.As a registered user, you
will be eligible to receive on-line technical support
email and announcements about product
enhancements as soon as they become available.
Only registered users receive these special update
notices, so please, complete and mail this
registration card!
There is also an AudioDesk software registration
card found at the beginning of your AudioDesk
manual. Please be sure to fill out and return this
card as well, so that you will be eligible to receive
on-line technical support email and
announcements about AudioDesk software
enhancements as soon as they become available.
Thank you for taking the time to register your new
MOTU products!
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PACKING LIST AND MACINTOSH SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
14
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CHAPTER
15
3
Installing the MOTU 828 Hardware
OVERVIEW
Here’s an overview for installing the MOTU 828:
Connect the MOTU 828 interface . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Connect the MOTU 828 audio interface to the
computer with the supplied FireWire cable.
Connect inputs and outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Make optical and analog connections as desired.
A typical studio setup (no mixer) . . . . . . . . . . . .17
An example setup for computer-based mixing/FX.
Using the MOTU 828 with a mixer . . . . . . . . . . .18
An example setup for a mixer-based studio.
Making sync connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
If you need to resolve the MOTU 828 with other
devices in your studio, make the necessary
synchronization connections.
Do you need a synchronizer? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Sample-accurate sync. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Sample-accurate sync with ADATs . . . . . . . . . . .22
ADAT sync with no synchronizer . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Sync to SMPTE, word clock, video . . . . . . . . . . .24
Syncing optical devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Syncing S/PDIF devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Syncing large systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
CONNECT THE MOTU 828 INTERFACE
1 Plug one end of the MOTU 828 FireWire cable
(included) into the FireWire socket on the
computer as shown below in Figure 3-1.
2 Plug the other end of the FireWire cable into the
MOTU 828 I/O as shown below in Figure 3-1.
Figure 3-1: Connecting the MOTU 828 to the computer.
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INSTALLING THE MOTU 828 HARDWARE
16
CONNECT INPUTS AND OUTPUTS
The MOTU 828 audio interface has the following
input and output connectors:
■ 8 balanced, +4 dB quarter-inch analog outputs
■ 6 balanced +4 dB quarter-inch analog inputs
■ 2 Neutrik™ XLR/quarter-inch analog inputs
■ 2 balanced, +4 dB quarter-inch TRS main outs
■1 pair of RCA S/PDIF in and out
■1 pair of optical in/out switchable between
ADAT (“Lightpipe”) or optical S/PDIF (TOSLink)
Here are a few things you should keep in mind as
you are making these connections to other devices.
Mic/line inputs
The mic/line inputs (1 and 2) have mic preamps,so
connect your microphone(s) to inputs 1 and/or 2.
If your microphone requires phantom power,move
the 48V phantom power switch on the front panel
to the up (enabled) position.Use the trim knobs on
the front panel to adjust the input level as needed
for each input.
Quarter-inch analog
The quarter-inch analog inputs (3-8) and outputs
(1-8) are balanced TRS connectors that can also
accept an unbalanced plug. Use the trim knobs on
the front panel to adjust the input level as needed
for each input (or input pair).
Optical
Reminder: optical goes OUT to IN and IN to OUT,
like MIDI.
The optical connectors can be connected to either
an ADAT“lightpipe” device or an optical S/PDIF
“TOSLink” device. Just make the connections as
needed and then you’ll set the format later on in the
MOTU 828 Control Panel. The input is
independent from the output; for example, you
could connect ADAT optical input from your
digital mixer and connect optical output to the
TOSLink input on your DAT deck.
Main outs
The main outputs, as well as the headphone output
on the front panel, match the output from Analog
outputs 1-2. In addition, any live inputs that are
being monitored via CueMix™ Plus are summed to
the signal on the main outs. The main out volume
is controlled by the main volume knob on the front
panel.In a standard studio configuration, the main
outs are intended for a pair of studio monitors.
However, if you are using the MOTU 828 in other
ways, such as in a live performance situation, you
could use the main outs for stage monitors while
outputs 1 and 2 are used for the PA.
Using an external mixer
The MOTU 828 can be used without a mixing
board, as shown on the opposite page in
Figure 3-3. In this setup, all mixing and effects
processing occurs in the audio software running on
the computer.
If you’d like to use external mixing, see “Using the
MOTU 828 with a mixer”on page 18.
Figure 3-2: the MOTU 828 rear panel.
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INSTALLING THE MOTU 828 HARDWARE
17
A TYPICAL STUDIO SETUP (NO MIXER)
Here is a typical MOTU 828 studio setup. This rig
can be operated without an external mixer.All
mixing and processing can be done in the
computer with audio software. During recording,
you can use the MOTU 828’s CueMix™ Plus no-
latency monitoring to listen to what you are
recording via the main outs. The MOTU 828
Control Panel software lets you choose the input
(or input pair) that you wish to monitor.Guitar can
be processed with plug-ins on the computer, or
with an amp.
foot
switch
mic
Mac
ADAT S/PDIF
DAT deck
ADAT optical
quarter-inch analog outs
synthesizer
monitors
guitar
(with or without amp)
quarter-inch analog outs
synths, samplers, effects units, etc.
sends to
FX unit
(in rack
below)
Figure 3-3: A typical MOTU 828 studio setup.
headphones
Headphone jack
(on front panel)
FireWire
otheroutputs
(stage
monitors,
etc.)
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INSTALLING THE MOTU 828 HARDWARE
18
USING THE MOTU 828 WITH A MIXER
While there are many ways to use the MOTU 828
with an external mixer, typically the MOTU 828
serves as a multi-channel “pipeline” between the
mixer and the computer. If your mixer is analog,
connect the analog section of the MOTU 828 to
your mixer. If your mixer is digital, and it has
ADAT optical I/O, you can connect them optically
as shown below in Figure 3-4. The MOTU 828’s
available analog and S/PDIF inputs and outputs
can serve as an extension to the mixer I/O, but then
you will probably find yourself mixing in two
places: the mixer and the computer.A word of
advice: if you would like to use the MOTU 828 with
an external mixer, use the mixer for mixing. Trying
to mix large multitrack projects in two places can
become very cumbersome very quickly.
digital mixer
ADAT optical
synthesizers
synths,samplers,etc.
Figure 3-4: Using the MOTU 828 with a digital mixer.
FireWire
8-channel digital I/O
Mac
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INSTALLING THE MOTU 828 HARDWARE
19
MAKING SYNC CONNECTIONS
If you connect devices digitally to the MOTU 828,
or if you need to synchronize the MOTU 828 with
an outside time reference such as SMPTE time
code, you must pay careful attention to the
synchronization connections and clock source
issues discussed in the next few sections.
Do you need to synchronize the MOTU 828?
If you will be using only the MOTU 828’s analog
inputs and outputs (and none of its digital I/O),
and you have no plans to synchronize your MOTU
828 system to SMPTE time code,you don’t need to
make any sync connections.You can skip this
section and proceed to chapter 4,“Installing the
MOTU 828 Macintosh Software” (page 29).After
you install the MOTU 828 software, you’ll open the
MOTU 828 Control Panel and set the Clock Source
setting to Internal as shown below in Figure 3-5.
For details, see chapter 5,“MOTU 828 Control
Panel” (page 33).
Figure 3-5: You can run the MOTU 828 under its own internal clock
when it has no digital audio connections and you are not synchroniz-
ing the MOTU 828 system to an external time reference such as
SMPTE time code.
Situations that require synchronization
There are three general cases in which you will
need to synchronize the MOTU 828 with other
devices:
■Synchronizing the MOTU 828 with other digital
audio devices so that their digital audio clocks are
phase-locked (as shown in Figure 3-6)
■Slaving the MOTU 828 system to SMPTE time
code, such as from a video deck or an analog multi-
track tape recorder
■Both of the above
Synchronization is critical for clean digital I/O
Synchronization is critical in any audio system,but
it is especially important when you are transferring
audio between digital audio devices.Your success
in using the MOTU 828’s digital I/O features
depends almost entirely on proper synchroni-
zation. The following sections guide you through
several recommended scenarios.
Be sure to choose a digital audio clock master
When you transfer digital audio between two
devices, their audio clocks must be in phase with
one another — or phase-locked. Otherwise, you’ll
hear clicks, pops, and distortion in the audio — or
perhaps no audio at all.
Figure 3-6: When transferring audio, two devices must have phase-
locked audio clocks to prevent clicks, pops or other artifacts.
There are two ways to achieve phase lock: slave one
device to the other, or slave both devices to a third
master clock. If you have three or more digital
audio devices,you need to slave them all to a single
master audio clock.
Figure 3-7: To keep the MOTU 828 phased-locked with other digital
audio devices connected to it,choose a clock master.
Also remember that audio phase lock can be
achieved independently of time code (location).
For example, one device can be the time code
master while another is the audio clock master. But
only one device can be the audio clock master. If
you set things up with this rule in mind, you’ll have
trouble-free audio transfers with the MOTU 828.
Not phase-locked Phase-locked
Device A
Device B
Master
Slave
Master
Slave Slave
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INSTALLING THE MOTU 828 HARDWARE
20
DO YOU NEED A SYNCHRONIZER?
Whether or not you’ll need a synchronizer depends
on your gear and what you will be doing with your
MOTU 828 system. The following pages give you
specific information about common sync
scenarios.At least one of them will likely apply to
you. Here are some general considerations to help
you figure out if you need (or want) a synchronizer
for you MOTU 828 system.
You don’t need a synchronizer if...
As explained earlier, the MOTU 828’s digital audio
clock must be phase-locked (synchronized) with
other connected digital audio devices to achieve
clean digital transfers between them. Can this be
accomplished without an additional digital audio
synchronizer? It depends on the nature of the other
devices, and what you want to do with them.You
don’t need a synchronizer if the device has a way of
locking itself directly to the MOTU 828’s clock (via
ADAT lightpipe or S/PDIF),AND if the device
carries no sense of location in time.A digital mixer
is a good example: it can slave to itsADAT lightpipe
connection from the MOTU 828, and it has no
sense of time; it just passes audio through for
mixing.
An ADAT, on the other hand, does have a sense of
location in time,either via SMPTE time code or via
its own sample address time format (ABS). If you
want to fly tracks back and forth between your
computer and ADAT tapes while maintaining the
audio’s position in time, the ADAT SYNC port on
the MOTU 828 lets you do so without a separate
synchronizer — and with sample-accurate
precision (if you’re using AudioDesk, Digital
Performer, or an ASIO 2.0-compatible program
that supports sample-accurate sync). Just connect
the MOTU 828 directly to the ADAT as discussed
in “ADAT sync with no synchronizer”on page 23.
But if you also want transport control over the
entire rig (including the ADAT) from your audio
software, you’ll need a MIDI Machine Control-
compatible synchronizer such as MOTU’s MIDI
Timepiece AV, as discussed in “Sample-accurate
sync”on page 21. If you are simply using the ADAT
as a backup medium where you transfer eight
tracks at a time and don’t care about their exact
location, no synchronizer is required.You can
simply slave the ADAT to the optical output from
the MOTU 828 as explained in “Syncing optical
devices” on page 25.
Transport control from your computer
If you have ADATs or other digital recording
devices connected to the MOTU 828, your audio
software — if it supports MIDI Machine Control
(MMC) — allows you to control the transports of
everything from your computer. Most advanced
audio programs support MMC. To do this, you’ll
also need an MMC-compatible ADAT
synchronizer such as a MOTU MIDI TimepieceAV
or Digital Timepiece. Synchronizers like these
allow you to play,stop,rewind and locate all of your
tape decks using the transport controls in the audio
software. If your audio software supports ASIO 2,
you can do so with sample-accurate precision.The
following pages show you how to achieve MMC
control, where possible.
Continuous sync to SMPTE / MTC
If you need to synchronize the MOTU 828 (and
your audio software) to SMPTE time code, this
requires a dedicated synchronizer, which
continuously resolves the MOTU 828 to SMPTE
time code, while simultaneously resolving your
audio software to MIDI Time Code.When the
MOTU 828 is continuously resolved, audio
playback will never drift with respect to the time
code.Again, the MOTU MIDI Timepiece AV and
Digital Timepiece are affordable examples of this
type of synchronizer.The following pages illustrate
how to set up this type of synchronization with
various kinds of gear. Regardless of the specific
equipment you have, you can follow the basic
connections shown.
!828 Manual/Mac Page 20 Thursday, March 1, 2001 9:46 AM