MOTU 8pre USB - USB Audio Interface with 8 Preamps and ADAT
The MOTU 8pre USB is a high-performance audio interface designed for exceptional versatility in both project studios and professional setups. This powerful 1U rackmount device functions as a 16x12 USB 2.0 audio interface for Mac and Windows, and also as a high-quality 8-channel microphone preamp expander. With its ability to handle up to eight analog inputs simultaneously and its digital conversion up to 24-bit/96kHz, the 8pre USB delivers the power and crystal-clear sound quality needed to record full bands, acoustic drums, or any multitrack project with professional results.
Equipped with eight impeccably designed microphone preamps , each accessible via an XLR/TRS combo jack, the 8pre USB allows you to connect a wide variety of sources, from condenser and dynamic microphones to guitars, basses, and synthesizers. Beyond its primary function as an interface, its ability to operate in standalone mode makes it the perfect tool for expanding any audio system with an ADAT optical input, easily and efficiently adding eight high-quality microphone preamps to your existing setup.
Main Features
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Eight Microphone Preamps with Full Control: Each of the eight analog inputs features a high-gain preamp, individually switchable 48V phantom power, a -20dB pad, and a precision front-panel gain control. The combo jacks accept XLR microphone cables or 1/4" connectors for line-level or instrument-level signals.
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Professional Audio Quality: Record your projects with impeccable audio resolution thanks to its state-of-the-art A/D/A converters that support sampling rates of 44.1, 48, 88.2 and 96 kHz at 24 bits.
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ADAT Optical Digital Connectivity: Expand your studio by connecting the 8pre USB to another audio interface or a digital mixing console. It offers 8 channels of optical I/O at 44.1/48 kHz, or 4 channels at 88.2/96 kHz using the SMUX protocol.
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CueMix DSP™ Digital Mixer: Manages a mix of all 16 inputs directly in the hardware. This allows you to create up to four separate, latency-free stereo monitor mixes for the main and headphone outputs—a crucial feature for musicians to hear themselves perfectly during recording.
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Precise Front Panel Measurement: Monitor the levels of all your input signals at a glance with dedicated 5-segment LED meters for each analog channel.
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High-Precision MIDI Input and Output: Integrate MIDI controllers, keyboards, synthesizers, or drum machines directly into your system without the need for an additional MIDI interface. MOTU's precise timing ensures perfect synchronization with your software.
Benefits for the Musician and Producer
The MOTU 8pre USB is designed to be the nerve center of a modern studio. Its main benefit is the ability to make high-quality multitrack recordings with ease. You'll no longer have to worry about running out of inputs; its eight preamps allow you to mic a full drum kit or record an entire band in a single take. Furthermore, its robust metal chassis ensures durability and reliability both in the studio and on the road.
For those looking to grow, the 8pre USB is a smart investment. You can start by using it as your primary interface and, as your needs expand, acquire another interface and use the 8pre USB in standalone mode to add eight premium microphone inputs to your new system, thus protecting your investment in the long run.
Use Cases
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Project Studio Core: As the main interface, it manages all audio sources in your studio: microphones, guitars, basses, keyboards, and sound modules.
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Live or Rehearsal Multitrack Recording: Capture the sound of the entire band by connecting the outputs of the mixing console or using individual microphones for each instrument and record separate tracks for flexible post-production.
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Preamp Expander: Connect via ADAT to another audio interface (such as a MOTU 828, 1248, or other brands with optical input) to instantly add 8 input channels with preamp, perfectly integrated into your DAW.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use all 8 microphone preamps at the same time?
- Yes, the MOTU 8pre USB is designed to record all 8 analog inputs simultaneously via USB connection to your computer.
- Do you need an external power supply?
- Yes, the unit is powered via an external current transformer (included) to ensure a stable and clean power supply to the preamplifiers and converters.
- Is it compatible with the latest Mac and Windows operating systems?
- MOTU regularly provides driver updates to ensure compatibility with the latest versions of macOS and Windows. It is recommended to check the manufacturer's official website to download the most recent drivers.
- Can I use the 8pre USB without connecting it to a computer?
- Yes. In standalone mode, it functions as an 8-channel A/D converter with microphone preamps. All 8 analog inputs are converted and sent via the ADAT optical output.
- What software is included?
- The interface includes CueMix DSP control software for mix management and monitoring. It has also traditionally included AudioDesk software (Mac only), a complete digital audio workstation.
Project description
Rackmount audio interface (1U) with USB 2.0 connection. It features eight analog inputs with microphone preamps on XLR/TRS combo connectors, each with individual gain control, a -20 dB pad, and 48V phantom power. It offers A/D and D/A conversion up to 24-bit/96 kHz. Includes two balanced TRS main outputs and one headphone output. It incorporates an 8-channel ADAT optical digital I/O (SMUX compatible at 4 channels/96 kHz) and a 5-pin MIDI I/O. Provides latency-free hardware monitoring via the CueMix DSP mixer. Front panel with 5-segment LED meters per input and a metal chassis.
