Has anyone tested both the Motu 828 and the Tascam US-428 on a mac? I'm planning on buying either one. I'm hearing good things about both. Does anyone feel partial toward Firewire or USB connections? Of course, the Tascam is cheaper, but I've also heard that the sound quality isn't very good. And, I haven't heard anything bad about the Motu.

I've heard the compatilibilty of both work well with the new iBOOKS. If anyone has any input on the subject, I'd like to know. Thanks.

I'm not sure about this, but I think the Tascam handles MIDI, while the 828 doesn't. But all things considered, FireWire is a lot faster than USB. I can't imagine getting as much bandwidth through the Tascam as through the 828. Check the specs out. How many tracks in/out simultaneously; what's the bit and sample rate? The 828 is 24 bit/48KHz (24 bit word length is the size of the digital snapshot; 48KHz is the number of samples taken per second - 48,000). That's where your digital signal quality comes from. The 828 has had very good reviews as far as sound quality and the 2 mic preamps have been scrutinized as being very functional. The 828 also has more track in/outs. But the Tascam has MIDI, and the faders, knobs, which I guess can be assigned to other controls for your hardware sequencer, maybe even softsynth, plug-in control? Man, I have a lot of reading to do about all of this stuff!

The 828 will allow total of 18 simultaneous inputs and outputs. And by adding another 828 you double the I/O.

If you are a one man band the 428 may be enough. The 428 cany only handle 4 tracks at a time. But provides midi faders and midi interface.

G-Dub