MOTU Monitor 8 AVB - Hybrid Audio Interface, Mixer and Headphone Amplifier
The MOTU Monitor 8 AVB redefines studio and live monitoring by masterfully integrating three devices into a single rack unit: a high-quality USB/AVB audio interface, a versatile 24 x 16 x 8 monitor mixer, and a powerful 6-channel headphone amplifier. Designed to deliver exceptional audio quality and unparalleled flexibility, the Monitor 8 is the ultimate solution for producers, sound engineers, and musicians who demand complete control over their monitor mixes.
Based on MOTU's award-winning AVB interface technology, the Monitor 8 guarantees pristine sound quality thanks to its state-of-the-art ESS Sabre32 Ultra™ converters. These components, combined with expertly engineered analog circuitry, deliver an impressive 123 dB of dynamic range on its balanced analog outputs, ensuring transparent, detailed, and uncolored audio reproduction. With universal connectivity via USB 2.0 (backward compatible with USB 3.0 and iOS) and AVB Ethernet, it integrates seamlessly into any setup, from a home studio to a complex professional audio network.
Main Features
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Triple Functionality: Acts as an audio interface, monitoring mixer and headphone amplifier in a single compact unit.
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Superior Audio Quality: Equipped with ESS Sabre32 Ultra™ converters that provide a dynamic range of 123 dB (A-weighted) on the analog outputs, ensuring exceptional audio fidelity.
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48-Channel DSP Digital Mixer: A powerful internal mixer with 48 inputs and 12 stereo buses, modeled after large-format consoles. It operates with 32-bit floating-point processing for virtually unlimited headroom and pristine mix quality.
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Vintage Effects Processing: Includes equalizers modeled after legendary British analog consoles, a classic compressor on each channel, and an emulation of the iconic Teletronix™ LA-2A™ optical leveler on the group and main mix buses.
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Hybrid Connectivity: Connect to computers via high-speed USB 2.0 or via AVB Ethernet network for ultra-low latency and the ability to transmit hundreds of audio channels.
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Wireless and Universal Control: Access all device functions through a web application from any browser on Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS or Android, connected by cable or Wi-Fi to your local network.
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Extensive I/O Options: Features 8 balanced TRS analog inputs, 16 ADAT optical input channels and multiple outputs, including Main Out, Aux Out and 6 independent monitoring groups.
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Scalable AVB Audio Network: Expand your system by connecting up to five MOTU interfaces through an AVB switch, creating a high-performance, low-latency audio network for complex installations.
Benefits for the Audio Professional
The Monitor 8 is designed to optimize workflow in any audio environment. In the studio, it centralizes monitoring, allowing for the creation of custom headphone mixes for each musician with zero latency, thanks to its powerful internal DSP. For live performances, it functions as a robust standalone monitor mixer, wirelessly controllable from a tablet or smartphone, providing each performer with their own mix for in-ear monitors or stage monitors. The flexible routing matrix allows you to send any input to any output, or even to multiple destinations simultaneously, offering versatility comparable to a full digital patchbay.
Use Cases
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Recording Studio: Serves as the main interface and monitoring control center, providing zero-latency headphone mixes for multiple musicians during track recording.
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Live Sound: Ideal as a monitor mixer for bands, allowing each musician to receive a customized mix in their in-ear headphones or wedge monitors, all remotely controllable.
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Installations and Broadcast: Its AVB networking capability makes it perfect for being part of a larger distributed audio system in theaters, auditoriums or broadcast facilities, routing audio with minimal latency over long distances.
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Band Rehearsal: Allows the entire band to rehearse with headphones, each with their own mix, using a single compact and easy-to-set-up device.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use the MOTU Monitor 8 without a computer?
- Yes, the Monitor 8 can function as a standalone mixer and headphone amplifier. By connecting it to a Wi-Fi router, you can wirelessly control all its mixing and effects functions from a tablet or smartphone without needing a computer.
- What is the AVB network and how does it benefit me?
- AVB (Audio Video Bridging) is an Ethernet network standard designed for transmitting high-quality audio and video with very low latency and precise synchronization. It allows you to connect multiple MOTU interfaces and computers on a network using standard Ethernet cables, easily and reliably expanding your I/O system.
- How many headphone mixes can I create simultaneously?
- You can create up to 6 completely independent stereo monitor mixes. Each of these mixes has duplicate outputs, including two headphone jacks (front and rear), allowing you to connect up to 12 pairs of headphones in total.
- Is the control software compatible with my device?
- Yes. Control is done through a web application that runs directly from the Monitor 8 hardware. This means you can control it from any device with a web browser (such as Chrome, Firefox, or Safari) on the same network, regardless of whether you're using a Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, or Android device.
Project description
Hybrid USB/AVB audio interface with 24x16x8 monitor mixer functionality and a 6-channel headphone amplifier. It features ESS Sabre32 Ultra™ converters with 123 dB of dynamic range on the outputs. It offers 8 TRS analog inputs, 16 channels of ADAT optical input (8 channels at 96 kHz), and USB 2.0 and Ethernet AVB connectivity. Internal processing is handled by a 48-channel DSP with 32-bit floating-point mixing, EQ, compression, and reverb. It provides 6 independent stereo monitor groups with duplicate outputs for headphones, stage monitors, and in-ear systems. Compatible with Mac OS X, Windows, and iOS. Controllable via a web application on any platform.
