MOTU 896mk3 features built-in effects

The MOTU 896mk3 can even be used as a standalone digital mixer.
The MOTU 896mk3 can even be used as a standalone digital mixer.

MOTU has unveiled the 3rd generation version of its 896 FireWire audio interface. Designed for producers who want rather more than a bog-standard I/O box, this offers a total of 28 inputs and 32 outputs and comes with a range of built-in hardware effects.

The 896mk3 is a two-rack-space device that sports eight XLR/TRS combo analogue inputs, each of which has its own preamp. In keeping with current trends, the interface can operate at up to 24-bit/192kz quality.

For the benefit of guitar players, hi-Z inputs are also included.

Another notable feature of the new 896 is the built-in 16-bus digital mixer. This enables you to apply zero-latency effects processing to the inputs, outputs and busses in the hardware itself, without the involvement of your computer (you can even use the interface as a standalone digital mixer). The supplied effects include reverb, parametric EQ and compression/limiting.

Elsewhere on the spec menu you'll find signal overload protection and comprehensive front-panel metering.

The 896mk3 will ship in the Summer priced at $1,295. It includes the CueMix FX software, Mac and PC drivers and the Audiodesk DAW.

Detailed specs are available on the MOTU website.

Ben Rogerson
Deputy Editor

I’m the Deputy Editor of MusicRadar, having worked on the site since its launch in 2007. I previously spent eight years working on our sister magazine, Computer Music. I’ve been playing the piano, gigging in bands and failing to finish tracks at home for more than 30 years, 24 of which I’ve also spent writing about music and the ever-changing technology used to make it.