Hey all:

Considering purchasing a MOTU 828. I'd like to use it with my iBook. After recording, I want to be able to disconnect from the hardware and go elsewhere (Starbucks, etc.) and do editing. Can I open and use Audio Desk without the 828, or is it like ProTools systems, which require the attached hardware to open?

Also, any comments on minimum operating system requirements for use with OSX would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Carlos

Correction on my question: I'd like to use either OS 9.2 or OS X, whichever will work best with Audio Desk for the 828. Thanks.

Carlos

I'm not sure, but I don't see why not. After all you will have the audio files.

Yeah, I don't see why not either. I've got an 828, but I've never loaded AudioDesk, so I don't know for sure. But it's not like my 828 always asks me to locate AudioDesk every time I switch it on, so I don't see why it would be bothered the other way round.

My advice: ask MOTU. They love answering pre-sales queries.

Thanks for the responses. I had also emailed MOTU with this question, but hadn't heard from them. This morning I finally gave them a call.

Nope, AudioDesk cannot function without hardware connected, either in OS9 or OSX. There goes my hopes of editing while at Starbucks.

Carlos

Hi Carlos!!!.Yes, you do need the hardware to use Audio Desk.That does not mean however that once you have recorded your files in Audio desk (provided you have the 828 for instance) you can not export the audio files you have and do some editing with another software.Audio Desk records your audio files in SDII format and the files can be easily exported to Pro Tools system.This is what you should check, the files compatibility between the audio files that Audio Desk produces and whatever software you want to use along with Audio Desk.Furthermore you should check as well how to convert Audio Files to make them compatible with other programs.I honestly do not know the software you mention so I can´t help any further.Bear in mind anyway that Audio Desk and specially Pro Tools are very good with audio but a bit weak regarding MIDI, so if you are going to use MIDI a lot go for LOGIC.

I hope the helps!!!!

Hellfire:

Thanks for the response. After doing more research I purchased the 828 MkII, and have been doing exactly what you suggested. I record into AudioDesk (the application that is included with the 828) and then can export the tracks as AIF files. I then can open them with ProTools Free which operates independently of interface hardware. I am able to go off to Starbucks and work on projects at my leisure.

As a bonus I discovered that I can uses the 828 as a front end for the ProTools Free.

carlos