This last feature is a welcome improvement over the single socket provided on the 828, and facilitates daisy-chaining up to four units (potentially achieving 72 inputs and outputs!). Also on the back panel are the ADAT optical input and output, the nine-pin ADAT Sync D-type connector, word clock in and out and two FireWire sockets. There is also a pair of XLR connectors for the main outputs. To the left of the analogue outputs are two XLR connectors for the AES-EBU input and output, which are equipped with a sample-rate converter so they can operate at different sample rates from the rest of the 896. Digital-to-analogue conversion is taken care of by 24-bit, 128x oversampling converters. Above the inputs is a row of eight analogue outputs with XLR connectors, switchable between +4 and -10 dB levels. Each input has a three-way level switch for mic, line or 'fixed' level, and analogue-to-digital conversion is carried out using 24-bit, 64x oversampling converters. The 896's eight analogue inputs are all on the back panel, and use Neutrik combo connectors accepting either XLR or quarter-inch jack plugs. The clock indicator LEDs show the currently selected sample rate if the unit is waiting for external clock and no incoming clock source is detected, they flash to indicate this.

Two further pairs of meters display main output level and the level at the AES-EBU digital output. The next bank of eight meters is programmable, and the user can choose whether they display analogue output, ADAT input or ADAT outputs. Above these are the 10-segment meters, the first eight of which are for the analogue inputs. The 896 offers individual gain trim controls for the eight analogue inputs, with up to 40dB range, as well as individual phantom power switches, suggesting that this unit boasts more discrete mic preamp circuitry than the 828. The 896 develops the concept of the 828 by increasing the connectivity and sample format options.

Other manufacturers are out there, notably Metric Halo and Swissonic, but it's the 828 that is currently the solution of choice for those wishing to add multiple inputs and outputs to their FireWire-equipped computer. So far only MOTU, who specialise in Mac-only software, have made any serious impression, first with their 828, and now the flagship 896. However, there hasn't yet been the rush of launches that happened with USB and PCI, perhaps because of the lack of native FireWire sockets on Windows-based portables.

The FireWire protocol pioneered by Apple offers high data transfer rates as well as hot-plugging capability, making it ideal for attaching audio devices. Their new 896 adds 96kHz support among other features. Mark Of The Unicorn were first to market with a multi-channel FireWire audio interface, the 828.

Motu 828 mk1 specs