Fix My 828, or Get a New Interface?

[bayswater]

My 828 Mk 3 is starting to die. The screen flashes on startup, and sometimes it just won’t start up. MOTU says I should send it in for replacement for a modest fee. That’s fine, but I’ve been looking around at other options. The 828 sound is OK but not the greatest. Maybe newer equipment has better sound at a lower cost? Converters at least must cost less than when my 828 was built.

My requirements are now less complicated: a couple of good Mic preamps, 2-4 other analog ins, main and 1-2 headphone outs, and ADAT in and out. Preferably USB, with XLR connectors, and a basic on board software controlled mixer. No live performance, onboard effects or 192K required.

The closest fits I can find: RME Babyface, (about $750) MOTU 16 track (about $550), and Focusrite Scarlett (about $350).

Does anyone have an opinion on the relative sound quality of these three products? I might go for the RME if the sound is significantly better than the others. Does the 16 track sound much better than a 828? If not, I might as well get the 828 replaced. And the Focusrite: long ago, their sound was great. Is it now? Could it be the real bargain?

[rickorick]

Send it back to MOTU and they will fix it for $99. Or I'll give you a couple bucks and I'll send it
back I'm looking for a 3rd unit.

[James Steele]

My 828 Mk 3 is starting to die. The screen flashes on startup, and sometimes it just won’t start up. MOTU says I should send it in for replacement for a modest fee.

No matter what you do, I'd take them up on that right away. A functioning interface is going to be worth quite a bit more when you go to sell it than a boat anchor.

[bayswater]

Good point James. I usually just put old stuff in a crawl space. Selling it the obvious thing to do.

[James Steele]

Good point James. I usually just put old stuff in a crawl space. Selling it the obvious thing to do.

Well, better to have a working one. Even if you decide to give it away someday to someone just starting out.