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| Spec | Avid Pro Tools | Carbon Pre | MOTU 8A |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Category | High-End | Professional |
| Reference Price (USD) | $2,999 | $1,295 |
| Supported OS | macOS | iOS/Linux/macOS/Windows |
| Connection | Ethernet (ADAT interface) | Thunderbolt / USB 3.0 |
| Inputs | ||
| Mic Preamps | 8 | — |
| Combo Inputs (XLR/TRS) | 8 | — |
| Line Inputs | 8 | 8 |
| Hi-Z Inputs | 2 | — |
| ADAT Input (ch@48kHz) | 16 Better value | 8 |
| Optical Ports (Input) | 2 Better value | 1 |
| S/PDIF (Coax) Input | — | — |
| S/PDIF (Optical) Input | — | — |
| AES/EBU Input | — | — |
| Outputs | ||
| Analog Main Output | 8 | 8 |
| Analog Line Output | — | — |
| Headphone Output | — | 1 |
| ADAT Output (ch@48kHz) | 16 Better value | 8 |
| Optical Ports (Output) | 2 Better value | 1 |
| S/PDIF (Coax) Output | — | — |
| S/PDIF (Optical) Output | — | — |
| AES/EBU Output | — | — |
| Features | ||
| Phantom Power (48V) | Yes | — |
| MIDI I/O | — | — |
| Loopback | — | Yes |
| DSP Effects | — | Yes (Built-in) |
| Direct Monitoring | — | Yes |
| Audio Performance | ||
| Max Sample Rate (kHz) | 192 | 192 |
| Max Bit Depth (bit) | 32 Better value | 24 |
| Preamp Gain Range (dB) | — | — |
| DR Input (dB, A-weighted) | 126 Better value | 123 |
| DR Output (dB, A-weighted) | 120 | 123 Better value |
| DR (Unknown Conditions) | — | — |
| THD+N Mic Input (dB(%), 1kHz) | -125.0dB (0.00006%) | — |
| THD+N Output (dB(%), 1kHz) | -110.5dB (0.00030%) | — |
| THD+N (dB(%), Unknown) | — | — |
| EIN (dBu, A-weighted) | -129 | — |
| EIN (dBu, Unknown) | — | — |
| Software & Other | ||
| Bundled Software | Power cable, Ethernet cable | Audio Desk |
| Notes | 1U rack-mountable, can be expanded with Pro Tools | Carbon for up to 24 mic/line inputs | 16x18 hybrid TB/USB 3/AVB, ESS Sabre32 DAC, line level dedicated IF |