User Manual-for Windows

ABOUT THE 828MK3
12
Word clock
The 828mk3 provides standard word clock that can
slave to any supported sample rate. In addition,
word clock can resolve to and generate “high” and
“low” sample rates. For example, if the 828mk3
global sample rate is set to 96 kHz, the word clock
input can resolve to a “low” rate of 48 kHz.
Similarly, when the 828mk3 is operating at 96 kHz,
MOTU Audio Console lets you choose a word
clock output rate of 48 kHz.
Punch in/out
The quarter-inch Punch in/out jack accepts a
standard foot switch. When you push the foot
switch, the 828mk3 triggers a programmable
keystroke on the computer keyboard. For example,
with MOTU’s Digital Performer audio sequencer
software, the foot switch triggers the 3 key on the
numeric keypad, which toggles recording in
Digital Performer. Therefore, pressing the foot
switch is the same as pressing the 3 key. The
828mk3 Control Panel software lets you program
any keystroke you wish.
Hybrid FireWire/USB2 connectivity
FireWire has long been recognized as a reliable,
high-performance connectivity standard for
professional MOTU audio interfaces. Meanwhile,
high-speed USB2 has also developed into a widely
adopted standard for connecting peripheral
devices to personal computers.
To fully support both formats, your 828mk3
Hybrid audio interface is equipped with both
FireWire B (400 Mbit/sec) connectors and a
high-speed USB2 (480 Mbit/sec) connector, and
you can use either port to connect the 828mk3 to
your computer. This gives you maximum flexibility
and compatibility with today’s ever-expanding
universe of Mac and Windows computers.
THE 828MK3 FRONT PANEL
Mic/guitar inputs with preamps
The two mic/instrument inputs (front panel and
rear panel) are equipped with preamps and
“combo” XLR/TRS jacks, which accept XLR
microphone inputs or quarter-inch guitar/
instruments inputs. Individual 48 volt phantom
power and a 20 dB pad can be supplied
independently to each mic input. The Precision
Digital Trim™ knobs on the front panel for each
mic/instrument input provide up to 53 dB of boost
in precise 1 dB increments.
As explained in “Mic/guitar sends” on page 11, the
pre-amplified signal can be routed to external
outboard gear before being routed back into the
828mk3.
Mic/guitar input overload protection
Both mic/guitar inputs are equipped with
V-Limit™, a hardware limiter that helps prevent
digital clipping from overloaded input signals.
With V-Limit enabled, signals can go above zero
dB (with limiting applied) to as high as +12 dB
above zero with no distortion due to digital
clipping.
Additional or alternative protection can be applied
to the mic/guitar inputs by enabling the 828mk3’s
Soft Clip feature, which engages just before
clipping occurs and helps reduce perceptible
distortion.
Headphone output and main volume control
The 828mk3 front panel provides two independent
headphone jacks with independent volume knobs,
one of which also controls the XLR main outs on
the rear panel. Alternately, this MASTER VOL
knob can be programmed to control any
combination of outputs (analog or digital). For
example, it can control monitor output for an
entire 5.1 or 7.1 surround mix.
!828mk3 Hyb Manual/Win Page 12 Monday, March 28, 2011 6:11 PM