MOTU 8pre USB Audio Interface

Professional 24-bit / 96kHz Recording with 8 Mic Preamps & ADAT Expansion

The MOTU 8pre transforms your computer into a powerful 24-bit, 96kHz digital audio workstation. Featuring eight pristine mic/instrument preamps, 16 total inputs, DSP-powered CueMix monitoring, and ADAT optical expansion, the 8pre delivers professional studio performance whether used as a primary interface or as a high-quality optical mic preamp expander.

CORE FEATURES

• Hi-speed USB 2.0 audio interface for Mac and Windows
• Eight XLR/TRS combo mic/instrument preamps with 24-bit / 96kHz converters
• Individually switchable 48V phantom power, 20dB pad, and trim control per channel
• 8 channels of ADAT optical I/O (supports 44.1–96kHz)
• DSP-powered CueMix™ near-zero latency monitoring
• Independent main outputs and headphone output with separate volume control
• 16-channel sample-accurate MIDI interface via USB
• Front-panel metering and clock/interface status indicators

PRIMARY AUDIO INTERFACE MODE

• 16 simultaneous inputs (8 analog + 8 optical)
• 12 outputs including main stereo and headphone out
• Create up to four independent stereo monitor mixes
• Bounce Back feature routes mixes back to the computer for recording
• Talkback and Listenback functionality via CueMix Console™
• Compatible with ASIO, WDM, Core Audio, and Core MIDI drivers
• Works with all major DAWs and includes AudioDesk workstation software

OPTICAL EXPANDER MODE

• Functions as an 8-channel analog-to-ADAT converter when not connected via USB
• Seamlessly integrates with ADAT-equipped interfaces and digital mixers
• Maintains pristine digital signal integrity
• Supports full 8-channel operation at 88.2kHz or 96kHz via dual optical ports
• Ideal for expanding existing MOTU systems or other ADAT devices

CUE MIX DSP & ANALYSIS TOOLS

• Near-zero latency monitoring without taxing computer CPU
• Up to four stereo monitor mixes assignable to any output
• Built-in instrument tuner with ±0.1 cent accuracy
• Real-time FFT and spectrogram frequency analysis
• X-Y stereo phase plot and advanced phase analysis tools
• SMPTE time code sync and generation with DSP-driven phase lock engine

I/O CONFIGURATION

• 8 mic/line inputs (24-bit / 96kHz XLR/TRS combo)
• 8 channels ADAT optical input
• 8 channels ADAT optical output
• Stereo main outputs (balanced/unbalanced TRS)
• Stereo headphone output
• 16-channel MIDI interface

IDEAL FOR

• Home and project studios needing eight high-quality mic inputs
• Producers expanding existing ADAT-based systems
• Live recording and multi-mic drum tracking
• Studios requiring DSP monitoring and professional synchronization
• Engineers who need scalable, expandable I/O solutions