Hi,
I tried a couple of FW units from M-Audio and TC-Electronic with little success. Neither of them did what they said on the tin everytime without fail which is what I need. I know MOTU don't have the best name in the industry for their drivers, but I managed to buy an 828Mk3 cheap second-hand and so I am working on the principle of building a new dedicated DAW to use with it. So... What's the current 'base of the curve' 'bang for the buck' (I am assuming i5?) machine I should build which would be 100% compatible with the 828Mk3?
I am hoping that someone out there can confirm that it is possible to use an 828 for all its capabilities without fail???
I threw this gauntlett down on the TC-forum and just got replies saying that it was impossible for a DAW to work 100% and be on the net at the same time... pathetic... I have been using an M-audio-1010 for 9 years without any hassles - but I need the extra I/O...
So - No BS bravado or tales of woe please.
- Just please tell me honestly if there is a spec which works 100% - Thanks!
;oP
Optimum HW for new self build for an 828Mk3 ???
Moderator: James Steele
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Discussion related to installation, configuration and use of MOTU hardware such as MIDI interfaces, audio interfaces, etc. with Windows
Discussion related to installation, configuration and use of MOTU hardware such as MIDI interfaces, audio interfaces, etc. with Windows
Re: Optimum HW for new self build for an 828Mk3 ???
Hmmm... 1 day, nine views, and no positive replies...
Have I bought a pup?...
Is it possible to use a Motu unit professionally?
- If so - what's the hardware of choice to do this?
Thanks!
;oP
Have I bought a pup?...
Is it possible to use a Motu unit professionally?
- If so - what's the hardware of choice to do this?
Thanks!
;oP
-
mandobilly64
- Posts: 73
- Joined: Fri Oct 03, 2008 4:23 pm
- Primary DAW OS: Windows
Re: Optimum HW for new self build for an 828Mk3 ???
Well, I'll reply, I am currently using a MOTU 828 mk3. Here my set-up, I am running into a five year old computer with Windows XP, not sure of the exact speed but single processor 3400+ is what it says, I have the ram maxed out at 2 GB. So I run the 828 mk3 as the main interface with a Focusrite Saffire Pro feeding the 8 mic inputs into the 8 analog inputs on the MOTU and I am using a Focusrite Octopre for 8 more mic pres through the ADAT cables to the MOTU.
This thing works great, I love the Cuemix FX for the ability to use the LA2A type of compressor on the way in and the reverb is cool for monitoring purposes. I would say that the only thing you need to really worry about as far as newer computers is compatibility with the OS and also make sure the Firewire card is a Texas Instruments chipset, I installed a Pyro PCI card. Other than that do the normal tweaking for audio and windows and you'll be set to go.
Peace,
Billy
This thing works great, I love the Cuemix FX for the ability to use the LA2A type of compressor on the way in and the reverb is cool for monitoring purposes. I would say that the only thing you need to really worry about as far as newer computers is compatibility with the OS and also make sure the Firewire card is a Texas Instruments chipset, I installed a Pyro PCI card. Other than that do the normal tweaking for audio and windows and you'll be set to go.
Peace,
Billy
Re: Optimum HW for new self build for an 828Mk3 ???
Thanks Billy - much appreciated!
This puts my mind at rest a bit! ;o)
It is very easy to think that there are no sucess stories when one reads so many negative reviews on the forum.
It is good to know that it will work perfectly with a PC in some form.
Can you advise what your MB and grahics card are if known?
- Or if this is an off-the-shelf unit - who makes the PC?
I am assuming that this is an AMD processor and that 3400+ is the equivalent P4 speed. My PCs currently run dual PIII 1400s which were equivalent to 2GHz each compared to the P4, so I am assuming that I should have no issues if you are running with 3.4 equivalence.
This is interesting, as I have heard people on the forum saying that we need far more processing power than this to cope with the MOTU FW driver overhead. - Does anyone have any commments on this? - Thanks!
Cheers,
Rev.F
This puts my mind at rest a bit! ;o)
It is very easy to think that there are no sucess stories when one reads so many negative reviews on the forum.
It is good to know that it will work perfectly with a PC in some form.
Can you advise what your MB and grahics card are if known?
- Or if this is an off-the-shelf unit - who makes the PC?
I am assuming that this is an AMD processor and that 3400+ is the equivalent P4 speed. My PCs currently run dual PIII 1400s which were equivalent to 2GHz each compared to the P4, so I am assuming that I should have no issues if you are running with 3.4 equivalence.
This is interesting, as I have heard people on the forum saying that we need far more processing power than this to cope with the MOTU FW driver overhead. - Does anyone have any commments on this? - Thanks!
Cheers,
Rev.F
Re: Optimum HW for new self build for an 828Mk3 ???
Also - Could you confirm what Driver version you are using? There seem to be quite a few people complaining that the latest driver is not as reliable as previous ones. Does anyone know where I can find previous version drivers if I hit issues with the latest one?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Re: Optimum HW for new self build for an 828Mk3 ???
Well I got my Mk3 today - and Wow! - It has not put a foot wrong driver-wise. It needed the TI chipset card - but other than that - this is the most stable driver I have worked with since my faithful old Delta-1010. I am amazed that M-Audio and TC FW drivers are so crap when Motu seem to have this 100% I think...
The reason I say "I think" is that I have crap sound coming back from the ADAT inputs - it seems low and lifeless. Also the ADAT plugs just fall out unless they are held in with tape... Can I assume that the ebay unit I bought has broken ADAT ports - or are they all like that?
Any ideas on the questionable sound from the ADAT looping for FX?
Thanks!
;oP
The reason I say "I think" is that I have crap sound coming back from the ADAT inputs - it seems low and lifeless. Also the ADAT plugs just fall out unless they are held in with tape... Can I assume that the ebay unit I bought has broken ADAT ports - or are they all like that?
Any ideas on the questionable sound from the ADAT looping for FX?
Thanks!
;oP