Motu 896 mk3 hybrid - bypassing the mic pre's

[Oddur G]

Hi

I have a Motu 896 mk3 hybrid audio interface that I haven't used for quite a while. I'm using a Motu 828es as my main interface. However I have quite a few decent mic preamps that I would like to have access to without having to crawl behind my desc and patch in or out. I'd like to connect the 896 as an expander to the 828es using the ADAT connection.

I've done some digging on the internet trying to establish whether the mic preamps on the Motu 896 can be bypassed. I did not find any clues in the Motu documentation. However I found a comment on one of the audio forums stating the following: " ... I have the newer 896 (mk3 hybrid) model. The preamp will be bypassed as long as you're using line-level input signal via TRS...."

Can anyone confirm whether this statement is correct?

[mikehalloran]

The statement is correct as it is with any interface using CombiJacks or equivalent.

The 896mk3 analog inputs are flexible XLR/TRS "combo" jacks that accept a microphone, guitar, synth or other -10/+4 line level input source.
…

Setting up for -10/+4 is covered in the manual.

[url]chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://cdn-data.motu.com/manuals/firew ... al_Mac.pdf[/url]

[Oddur G]

Many thanks Mike, you saved the day as always.

Best regards
Oddur