Device Photos
Front
Back
Basic data
Name
MOTU 896 Mk1
Category
18) Audio interfaces / sound cards
Type
AUDIO_INTERFACE
Specimen
Unit
Inventory tag
HW-2024-AI-MOTU896-001
Condition
NEW
Physical parameters
Dimensions (mm)
—
Dimensions (inch)
—
Weight
—
Format
—
Material
—
Manufacturing (Period)
—
Manufacturer
—
Power
Voltage
FireWire bus power / AC mains (rack unit)
Current (typical)
Not stated
Current (max)
Not stated
Polarity
N/A
Connector
IEEE 1394 (FireWire 400) + IEC AC inlet
AC/DC
AC/DC
Internal/External
Internal
Note
Legacy of the device; the exact supply label to verify physically on the back panel of a particular piece.
Warning: Check the polarity of the source before connecting! Improper power supply will damage the device.
Firmware and serial number
Serial number
Not stated
FW version (current)
Not reported (legacy)
Check date
2026-03-07
Previous version
Not stated
Bootloader
Not stated
Update Link
Backup File
Not stated
Quick Summary
Legendary FireWire audio interface from the early 2000s with two ports for daisy-chaining. It offers 8 discrete mic preamps, 24-bit recording/playback and full 96kHz support. It was one of the first FireWire interface devices designed for professional production and remains highly respected for vintage recording and production.
Product Description
Professional Seagull FireWire audio interface from early-2000 era with 8 microphone preamps, ADAT, AES / EBU and Word Clock synchronization. Suitable for legacy studies and multichannel recording.
Features and functions
- 8 × XLR / jack combo microphone inputs with phantom power on each channel
- 8 × XLR analog outputs, adjustable ± 4 / -10 dB
- 24-bit A / D conversion - 64 × oversampling
- 24-bit D / A conversion - 128 × oversampling
- Individual gain trim 0-40 dB at each input
- Microphone preamplifiers - high-quality discrete circuits
- Sampling frequency: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96 kHz
- ADAT optical I / O - 8 channels of digital audio
- AES-EBU S / PDIF Digital I / O - with conversion of sample frequency
- Two FireWire sockets - daisy-chain up to 4 units (72 inputs / outputs)
- Main XLR Monitor outputs - reference outputs
- Word Clock In / Out - synchronization with other devices
- ADAT Sync D-type connector - machine control
- 10-segment metering - input channels + programmable meters
- Mac OS 9 + Windows ASIO / GSIF / WDM drivers - multiplatform
Primary I/O (quick orientation)
| Domain | Inputs | Outputs | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microphone / Line Input | 8 × Neutrka combo XLR / jack, 24-bit, 60-64dB SNR, individual phantom power | — | |
| Analog Output | 8 × XLR balanced, + 4dB / -10dB switch | — | |
| Main Monitor Output | 2 × XLR balanced monitor outputs | — | |
| Digital I / O | AES-EBU S / PDIF (XLR) with sample rate conversion | — | |
| ADAT Optical | ADAT optical input and output - 8 channels @ 48kHz or fewer @ 96kHz | — | |
| Synchronisation | Word Clock In / Out (BNC), ADAT Sync (9-pin D-type) | — | |
| Computer Interface | 2 × FireWire 400 ports - daisy-chainable | — |
Controls
FRONT / TOP (user control)
- (Fill in description of controls)
Service / hidden elements
- (None)
Connectors and connections
Connector matrix
| Interfaces | IN | OUT | Spec / note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microphone / Line Input | 8 × Neutrka combo XLR / jack, 24-bit, 60-64dB SNR, individual phantom power | — | |
| Analog Output | 8 × XLR balanced, + 4dB / -10dB switch | — | |
| Main Monitor Output | 2 × XLR balanced monitor outputs | — | |
| Digital I / O | AES-EBU S / PDIF (XLR) with sample rate conversion | — | |
| ADAT Optical | ADAT optical input and output - 8 channels @ 48kHz or fewer @ 96kHz | — | |
| Synchronisation | Word Clock In / Out (BNC), ADAT Sync (9-pin D-type) | — | |
| Computer Interface | 2 × FireWire 400 ports - daisy-chainable | — |
Latency and jitter
Clock sources
—
Clock IN/OUT format
—
Typical latency
—
Jitter spec
—
Buffer support
—
Impedance and signal levels
Line Level (dBu)
—
Mic In level
—
Output Impedance
—
Input Impedance
—
THD
—
Frequency Range
—
Other Specifications (from metadata.specifications)
| Key | Value |
|---|---|
| No other specifications | |
Additional technical details
| Key | Value |
|---|---|
| audio.channels | 8 |
| audio.sample _ rate | 44.1 - 96 kHz |
| audio.bit _ debt | 24- bit |
| audio.configuration | 8 analogue (XLR mic / line) + 8 ADAT optical + 2 AES-EBU |
| storage.internal | None (host-based recording) |
| storage.data _ rate | FireWire 400 - 400 Mbps nominal |
| preamps.count | 8 |
| preamps.type | Discrete analog microphone preamplifiers |
| preamps.gain _ range | 0- 40 dB individual trim per channel |
| preamps.phantom _ power | Individual + 48V per channel |
| preamps.features | ClassA preamplification, high headroom |
| Compatibility .mac _ os | Mac OS 9 and later (tested on iBook G3 600MHz, iMac G4 800MHz) |
| compatibility | Windows 98, 2000, XP with ASIO, GSIF (GigaStudio), WDM drivers |
| Compatibility .software | Digital Performer 3.02, Logical Audio Platinum 4.8.1, Audio Desk workshop |
Typical routing
Connection instructions: The examples below show typical signal flows in practice. For specific details (jitter, buffering), see section above.
SW / drivers
| Component | Windows | macOS | Linux | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OS compatibility | Windows 98, 2000, XP with ASIO, GSIF (GigaStudio), WDM drivers | Mac OS 9 and later (tested on iBook G3 600MHz, iMac G4 800MHz) | — | Digital Performer 3.02, Logical Audio Platinum 4.8.1, Audio Desk workshop |
Custom firmware details
Author
—
FW family
—
Custom FW targets
- No explicit custom FW targets in metadata.
Custom CC mapping
| CC | Meaning |
|---|---|
| No custom CC mapping. | |
Custom FW global settings
| Settings | Meaning |
|---|---|
| No custom global settings. | |
Custom FW extended menu
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| No extended menu details. | |
Documentation and manuals
- user _ manual
- professional _ review
- manufacturer _ page
Manufacturer / Links
- Official site of manufacturer
- Manufacturer Page
- eBay - search for MOTU 896 Mk1
- Aukro.cz - search for MOTU 896 Mk1
- MusicyBazar.cz - search for MOTU 896 Mk1
- MIDI.cz - search for MOTU 896 Mk1
- Kytary.cz - search for MOTU 896 Mk1
- Heureka.cz - search for MOTU 896 Mk1
- Gear4music.cz - search for MOTU 896 Mk1
- Muziker.cz - search MOTU 896 Mk1
Service log
| Date | Event | Who | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| No records yet. | |||
Presets / User banks
Storage type
—
Number of banks
—
Current bank
—
Backup File
—
Export format
—
Note
—
Notes / service / modifications
- Historically significant - one of the first multi-channel FireWire interface devices on the market
- Improved MOTU 828 model - added 96 kHz, micro preamps on all channels, two FireWire ports
- Discreet Microphone Preamplifiers - highly priced for sound quality and flexibility
- Daisy- chaining capacity - up to 4 units for 72 inputs / outputs (theoretically)
- Zero-latency monitoring - only one pair of input-output, hardware monitoring
- Massive transmission capacity - capable of 18 simultaneous track at 24-bit 96kHz
- Vintage status - now requested unit for vintage recording and archiving
- Mac-central design - with Windows support added later via ASIO
- Excellent phase- lock synchronization skills - excellent alignment with TDM systems
- Audio Desk Workstation Software - included in the package, proprietary DAW