hi. reading lots of great feedback on the MOTU 828. However - I am really only in need of 4 audio inputs.

the ezbus looks inviting - but only 2 channel input via USB. i am in need of 4 simultainious.

So - the 828 is more than i need - the EZBus is less - anythign inbetween that i am missing?

if only there was a 4 input version of the EZBus. i'd love to have that control surface.

thanks in advance~

I don't know much about the EZBus, but I do have a 828, and I highly recommend it. It is a joy to use.

The EZBus has a lot more input capabilities than just the two audio channels available over USB. Here's the full scoop from their FAQ:

======FAQ EXCERPT======

Q. How many channels of audio can I get on my EZbus using USB? With S/PDIF? With ADAT Optical? in conjunction with the EZ8?

A. Here are the capabilities for each of the above:

The EZbus USB interface supports simultaneous record/playback of two channels of 24-bit/48kHz audio.

The EZbus coaxial S/PDIF input supports two channels of 24-bit/96kHz audio. Each coaxial S/PDIF output supports two channels of 24-bit/96kHz audio (Total: Two-in /four out).

The EZbus optical S/PDIF input supports two channels of 24-bit/96kHz audio. Optical S/PDIF output is not supported.

The EZbus ADAT Optical I/O supports simultaneous record/playback of eight channels of 24-bit/48kHz audio

The EZ8 Optical Interface supports simultaneous record/playback of eight channels of 24-bit/48kHz audio or four channels of 24-bit/96kHz audio via SMUX operation (requires SMUX-compatible device).

=====FAQ EXCERPT/=======

To access the EZBus digital capabilities for computer recording, you'll need a PCI card that has ADAT and/or S/PDIF connectors. I haven't gotten one yet, but recently saw MAudio's Delta DIO 2496 on sale for $149 and change at audiomidi.com. Of course, Event has its own digital I/O card--the EZ8--which also sells for around $150, but there are no Mac drivers for it yet. (Buserror, one of the moderators here, was working on a driver for it a month or so back, but I haven't heard any more about it.)

With the current $100 rebate available for the EZBus, you could buy it and a digital I/O PCI card, and still come out spending less than you probably would for the 828. (And of course with the 828, they don't throw in a digital mixer, control surface, or two MIDI I/Os.)

well here is a thought.

since i have an emac and no possibility of adding a digital in card - could i use a digital in USB device - such as the Eridol - to get audio into the mac?

then i'd have 2 channels of USB and 2 channels of digital from the EZBus.

i know it is theoretically possible - but any thoughts on it actually working? the concern being having 4 channels in over USB. it is trickery i know~ but maybe worth a try?

Wish I could answer your question, mikehoff, but you may be "going where no man has gone before."

You would have to have the two devices on two separate ports ont he eMac to make sure both are on separate controlers.
2 USB channels at 48kHz/24 bits already saturate the USB bandwidth, so 4 is improbable.

Your solution also would create latency problems : you could very well end up with a different latency on botht the devices, making playback "challenging"
Also, you would not have the possibility to "bond" the channels together as far as the applications are concerned, so only application that can explicitely handle mutliple cards would work.

I use US-428 (USB device, 4 in, 2 out, plus some MIDI in/out, surface control) and I'm fairly happy with it. Nevertheless, I heard some good things about EZBus and I think it's a wonderful choice if your needs are met.

However, I don't know about comparing EZBus to MOTU 828. MOTU 828 is something you want to buy if you need a lot of inputs and outputs because you either have a lot of instruments in your room or you must be able to do multi-track recording for your band or something like that. EZBus is something you want to get as an entry level all-in-one recording package where you have a lot of latency over USB (if you are using eMac without the digital card) but at least you get the job done and for the price of one, you get the control surface as well as ins/outs as well.

Whoa whoa whoa...

Wherefrom comes this "entry level" and "lot of latency over USB"?

Have you *used* an EZbus and experienced any such "entry levelness" or "lot of latency"? If so, call yer local exorcist for yer EZbus.

i think all the main concerns have been covered but just adding my opinion and advice... if you are choosiing just between the 2 devices... MOTU 828 is my choice. More inputs and outputs and FIREWIRE. Enough said.