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JackLudden
Publié le 08/08/08 à 02:32
(contenu en anglais)
(contenu en anglais)
- What technical features/characteristics motivated your choice?
This unit can record at varying bit-depths and sample rates, all the way up to 24-bit/192khz, which is about as good as it gets right now. It has 8 audio inputs with preamps and phantom power which sound very good and transparent. The front panel meters are generously sized so it's easy to monitor levels while recording. Firewire connectivity makes it very portable and easy to set up. It's a fantastic converter box for any home or project studio.
- For what use?
I use this as my main converter for my studio.
- What is your Setup (Mother Board/CPU/RAM/Disc,...)?
I run Sonar on a Windows XP system with an Intel motherboard, dual core Intel processor, 4GB of Ram, an 80GB Raptor hard drive for audio and 3 500GB data drives.
- With what instruments or systems (console, preamp,DTD...) do you use it and what connection types are there ?
I use it as a converter as a DAW and sometimes for its preamps. I also use it with outboard preamps, as the audio inputs are variable and can be set to accept line level audio. In addition to microphones, I have run basses direct into the preamps on the MOTU, and it worked fine. The 8 audio inputs are combo connectors, so you can use XLR and 1/4".
UTILIZATION
- Did it install without any problems?
Installation is extremely easy - install the driver and plug in the firewire. No problems.
- Were there any compatibility issues?
MOTU is great about providing drivers for a wide variety of OS's and audio formats. I had no compatibility issues.
- Is the general configuration/setup simple?
It is. The basic uses of the unit are very intuitive - though there are more advanced features if you care to peruse the manual - such as using the device as a live sound mixer.
- Is the manual clear and sufficient?...
It is very much so.
GETTING STARTED
- Are the drivers stable?
I've never had any problems with the drivers, this unit is very reliable.
- Are they often updated?
MOTU seems to be quick about offering patches or new drivers when any problems arise, but since I've owned this unit I've had no problems.
- Which software do you most often use?
Windows XP and Cakewalk SONAR.
- How much latency are you getting?
Doesn't really apply - although the MOTU offers Zero Latency monitoring, using the included CueMix software.
- How many tracks can you record/read simultaneously?...
8 Tracks recorded simultaneously, and as many as your computer can handle for reading.
OVERALL OPINION
- For how long have you been using it?
I've been using it for about 3 years.
- What thing do you like most/least about it?
I love the clean, transparent sound, the great metering, the portability, and it's a great value. I really don't have much to say negatively about it.
- Did you try many other models before getting this one?
I have worked with other competing models, such as the Mackie Onyx converter, and found the 896HD to be the best value in the ~$1000 price range.
- What is your opinion about the value for the price?
Great value.
- Knowing what you know now, would you make the same choice?...
Absolutely. However - MOTU just released the 896mk3, which is basically an updated version of this unit. So I would advise buyers to go for the 896mk3 now, as it has more features.
This unit can record at varying bit-depths and sample rates, all the way up to 24-bit/192khz, which is about as good as it gets right now. It has 8 audio inputs with preamps and phantom power which sound very good and transparent. The front panel meters are generously sized so it's easy to monitor levels while recording. Firewire connectivity makes it very portable and easy to set up. It's a fantastic converter box for any home or project studio.
- For what use?
I use this as my main converter for my studio.
- What is your Setup (Mother Board/CPU/RAM/Disc,...)?
I run Sonar on a Windows XP system with an Intel motherboard, dual core Intel processor, 4GB of Ram, an 80GB Raptor hard drive for audio and 3 500GB data drives.
- With what instruments or systems (console, preamp,DTD...) do you use it and what connection types are there ?
I use it as a converter as a DAW and sometimes for its preamps. I also use it with outboard preamps, as the audio inputs are variable and can be set to accept line level audio. In addition to microphones, I have run basses direct into the preamps on the MOTU, and it worked fine. The 8 audio inputs are combo connectors, so you can use XLR and 1/4".
UTILIZATION
- Did it install without any problems?
Installation is extremely easy - install the driver and plug in the firewire. No problems.
- Were there any compatibility issues?
MOTU is great about providing drivers for a wide variety of OS's and audio formats. I had no compatibility issues.
- Is the general configuration/setup simple?
It is. The basic uses of the unit are very intuitive - though there are more advanced features if you care to peruse the manual - such as using the device as a live sound mixer.
- Is the manual clear and sufficient?...
It is very much so.
GETTING STARTED
- Are the drivers stable?
I've never had any problems with the drivers, this unit is very reliable.
- Are they often updated?
MOTU seems to be quick about offering patches or new drivers when any problems arise, but since I've owned this unit I've had no problems.
- Which software do you most often use?
Windows XP and Cakewalk SONAR.
- How much latency are you getting?
Doesn't really apply - although the MOTU offers Zero Latency monitoring, using the included CueMix software.
- How many tracks can you record/read simultaneously?...
8 Tracks recorded simultaneously, and as many as your computer can handle for reading.
OVERALL OPINION
- For how long have you been using it?
I've been using it for about 3 years.
- What thing do you like most/least about it?
I love the clean, transparent sound, the great metering, the portability, and it's a great value. I really don't have much to say negatively about it.
- Did you try many other models before getting this one?
I have worked with other competing models, such as the Mackie Onyx converter, and found the 896HD to be the best value in the ~$1000 price range.
- What is your opinion about the value for the price?
Great value.
- Knowing what you know now, would you make the same choice?...
Absolutely. However - MOTU just released the 896mk3, which is basically an updated version of this unit. So I would advise buyers to go for the 896mk3 now, as it has more features.