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Hi

On paper these two units look pretty similar with the exception of the 828 (smaller and cheaper) having 10 inputs while the 896 only has 8.

Other than size and i/o options (trs vs combo jacks) is there any advantages of going with an 896 (larger and more expensive) over 828?

E.g better sound, converters, etc...?

Thanks in advance!
Kevin

It comes down to your specific needs for audio and MIDI I/O.

Do you need AES/EBU? The 896mk3 has it but the 828mk3 does not.

Do you need MIDI I/O? The 828mk3 has it but the 896mk3 does not.

How many built-in mic pre-amps do you need? The 896mk3 has eight, but the 828mk3 has only two.

I would imagine that the 896mk3 is the more expensive model because it has more XLR/TRS combo inputs and all of its analog outputs are XLR. The combo jacks are more expensive themselves and probably require more components to build into the interface. Because of the larger footprint of the XLR jacks, the interface has to be two rack spaces tall instead of one, and that means more materials to build the unit. As a useful side effect, though, the 896mk3 has much better front panel metering.

Besides what I've mentioned, the two models are mostly the same.