Motu 828x VS Motu 828es: Which one?
The 828es if you want the nicer converter.
It's very hard to distinguish between these two interfaces, as they all check off the major boxes with an almost identical spec sheet. But the most significant difference is the ESS Sabre 32 DAC audio converter. In the 828es, this is what you're paying extra for.
The main difference between these two interfaces is in the name. The 828es uses the ESS Sabre 32 DAC, which is a chip designed to convert digital signals to analog with very high accuracy and low distortion. The 828x does not have this technology, which accounts for the reduction in price.
We'd say it's worth the extra cost to get the nicer tech, but both of these are solid and high-end interfaces that are priced reasonably.
We'd probably take the 828es over the 828x for the converter technology, but both are great interfaces.
Motu 828x VS Motu 828es Comparison Section
We don't provide ratings or product pages for audio interfaces, but you can check each devices product page from Sweetwater here. You can also check the detailed comparison table below for more specifics.
Gear | Title | Rated | Browse |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motu 828es | n/a | |
 | Motu 828x | n/a |
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Detailed Comparison Table
Both devices connect via Thunderbolt (or USB) and have a very similar i/o profile. The converter in the 828es is one of the only differences, though a significant one. Also note there are two headphone jacks in the 828es, compared to one in the 828x.
Header | 828es | 828x |
|---|---|---|
Computer Connectivity | Thunderbolt 2, USB 2.0, Ethernet AVB | Thunderbolt, USB 2.0 |
Digital to analog converter? | Yes | No |
Form Factor | Rackmount | Rackmount |
Simultaneous I/O | 28 x 32 | 28 x 30 |
A/D Resolution | Up to 24-bit/192kHz | 24-bit/192kHz |
Number of preamps | 2 | 2 |
Phantom Power | Yes | Yes |
Analog Inputs | 2 x XLR-1/4" combo (mic/line/instrument), 8 x 1/4" (line) | 2 x Combo (Mic/Line/Hi-Z), 8 x 1/4" TRS |
Analog Outputs | 8 x 1/4" (line out), 2 x XLR (main out), 2 x 1/4" (sends) | 2 x XLR (Main), 8 x TRS, 2 x 1/4" (Send), 1 x TRS (Main) |
Digital Inputs | 1 x Coax (S/PDIF), 2 x Optical (ADAT) | 2 x Optical Toslink (ADAT), 1 x Coax (S/PDIF) |
Digital Outputs | 1 x Coax (S/PDIF), 2 x Optical (ADAT) | 2 x Optical Toslink (ADAT), 1 x Coax (S/PDIF) |
Headphones | 2 x 1/4" TRS | 1 x 1/4" |
USB | 1 x Type B 2.0 | 1 x Type B |
Thunderbolt | 1 x Thunderbolt 2 | 1 x Thunderbolt 2 |
Data i/o | 1 x Ethernet (AVB/TSN) | 1 x Ethernet (AVB/TSN) |
MIDI i/o | In/Out | In/Out |
Clock i/o | 2 x BNC (In, Out/Thru), 2 x 1/4" (TC In, Out) | 1 x Word Clock (In/Out via BNC), 1 x SMPTE (In/Out via 1/4") |
Some minor differences include digital i/o and USB 2.0 in the ES. Again, there's not much to fuss about once you've covered the DAC chip.
Which one?
If you want to save a little bit of money, the 828x is still a fantastic interface. Anything with a thunderbolt connection is going to be good enough for a professional environment.
But the digital to analog converter is a really great feature, and gives the 828es a leg up over the 828x, especially when dealing with high resolution audio formats.
If you're going to spend for the 828x, the 828es isn't that much more expensive.
We'd take the upgrade.
If you have questions about our Motu 828x vs 828es comparison, feel free to leave them in the comments section below.
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