Basic hardware questions on original 828

[dtronvig]

I'm looking at buying an original 828 said to have a flakey main volume control, at a really low price. I'd basically be getting it to digitize analog inputs into the computer, so I don't know whether this would make any real difference for me. Can't find a manual anywhere, so what does the main volume knob actually control? Level for the analog mains? Level for the S/PDIF outs? Phones level?

Also, the "main outs + monitor" would be what, TRS jacks, each of which would send a right or left monitor signal (controlled I would guess by the "monitor level" knob) along with the corresponding main signal?

Thanks for any clarification,
Drew

[bkshepard]

As it comes from the factory, the volume knob controls the main outs AND the headphone level. There's a little jumper on the circuit board that can be removed to change it to where the main out level is fixed and the knob only does the headphones. You would then need some sort of speaker controller like the PreSonus Central Station or Mackie BigKnob to control the level of your speakers. That would, then, give you independent control over both speaker AND headphone levels.

BTW, there's a technote about this on the MOTU Support site.

[dtronvig]

Excelente.

And those "main outs + monitor" jacks? TRS, combining mains and monitors?

Thanks,
Drew

[bkshepard]

I *think* that's right, but I replaced my old 828 with an 896HD awhile back and don't have the manual anymore to confirm that. I know there are a bunch of folks here who do have an 828mkI and hopefully they will chip in.