828 Motu mkii and Lenovo laptop with Windows 11

[eatingdanger]

Hello, this is my first time ever using a audio interface and need some help. I don't even know where to start with connecting this device to my laptop, and have heard I'll need to install different sound chips and drivers to have it function with my newer laptop?? I don't even know, and would really appreciate being walked through on this. Thank you.

[James Steele]

Hopefully some knowledgeable Windows users will chime in.

MOTU had driver installers on their website here:
https://motu.com/en-us/download/#category=1&product=135

I'm guessing you got this used, because it looks like MOTU last released drivers for this unit about twelve years ago... for Windows 8.1. Sometimes you can download newer installers and they will work with older interfaces, but not sure. If nobody chimes in, you might want to access this site via web browser on a computer if you're not already, and use the "Google Search..." box at the upper right and do some searches in the 828mkII and Windows 10 or 11. I mention 10, because maybe someone has gotten it working with 10 so maybe 11 will be okay. I know 11 is pretty new. I use Windows laptops in my business, but I've shied away from 11 because it's a proprietary app and just want to be on the safe side with it.

You might also try to contact MOTU and see if it will work. There are occasions where they will say it isn't "officially supported"... but there is sometimes a "unsupported" way to get it to function. Good luck. Again, hoping some Windows gurus jump in here.

[eatingdanger]

Hopefully some knowledgeable Windows users will chime in.

MOTU had driver installers on their website here:
https://motu.com/en-us/download/#category=1&product=135

I'm guessing you got this used, because it looks like MOTU last released drivers for this unit about twelve years ago... for Windows 8.1. Sometimes you can download newer installers and they will work with older interfaces, but not sure. If nobody chimes in, you might want to access this site via web browser on a computer if you're not already, and use the "Google Search..." box at the upper right and do some searches in the 828mkII and Windows 10 or 11. I mention 10, because maybe someone has gotten it working with 10 so maybe 11 will be okay. I know 11 is pretty new. I use Windows laptops in my business, but I've shied away from 11 because it's a proprietary app and just want to be on the safe side with it.

You might also try to contact MOTU and see if it will work. There are occasions where they will say it isn't "officially supported"... but there is sometimes a "unsupported" way to get it to function. Good luck. Again, hoping some Windows gurus jump in here.

thanks for the leads, ill check it out

[mikehalloran]

MOTU will likely not help since the interface is so old (company policy but some ignore it). Find the drivers for the 828mk3 Hybrid — these will be current.

There are two versions of the 828mkII, usb and FireWire. If the FW version, you’ll need adapters to connect it through Thunderbolt unless you have a FireWire card, preferably Texas Instruments.

The USB version is a straight shot. For best results, use a cable that supports 480KBs USB 2 — not all do.

[RonnieRiley]

Connecting your Motu mkii to your Lenovo laptop running Windows 11 shouldn't be too difficult. First, make sure you have the right cables. Then, just plug in the Motu mkii to your laptop using a USB port. Windows should automatically detect it, but if not, you might need to manually install the drivers. You can find the drivers on the Motu website. Once you've got those installed, just restart your laptop and you should be good to go. If you're not sure about anything, just hit the windows key and type in "device manager" to manage your sound devices.