Motu 828mk2 Functionality Questions, CoreAudio? FW latency (real-time fx)? Options

[zygoat]

Greetings all,

Seems like the 828mk2 is the hot topic these days. I too am considering one, to upgrade my current Griffin iMic setup. I've got an 8-channel analog mixer (Tascam M508) which I have been using to send a stereo mix into my ibook, and I want to move to being able to record 4 or 8 channels at once.

Some questions about the 828:

a) when it is plugged into firewire, do its inputs and outputs become available to CoreAudio-compliant apps? Or is one forced to use some proprietary MOTU software or driver? In combination, the 828mk2 indicates about 20 ins and outs, when counting the analog jacks, mic pres, ADAT and the couple of monitor buses. How many of these are available?

b) what is the latency in monitoring a signal through firewire (in from analog one, back out through analog one)? I realise the 828 can do an on-board mix with zero latency, but I ask this with the interest of being able to run real-time effects on the host computer. For example, I would love to be able to use four inputs to take the mix groups from my console, and use the remaining four as effects loops attached to the inserts or sends on the console. Is this possible?

I've emailed MOTU a few days ago but have not heard anything. Also, I am irritated by the apparent lack of documentation on their site. I would love to get my hands on a manual for this thing and read it through fully before I buy it, to get an actual sense of what is possible with it.

As a bonus question... is anyone else familiar with the Tascam M508 board (vintage mid 1980s I think)? I bought mine used without docs. I presume the inserts (which I've never used) are post-trim and post-eq? Would they be post-fader too?

-ben