HELL YES.
But:
- in Catia 828ES appears as 24 I/O interface + separate MIDI I/O over USB2
- 48kHz only, works stable at 512 sample (~10.7ms) buffer and more (at least on my Manjaro 4.9.48 on Lenovo X200)
- my process of starting Jack2 is:
- connect running 828ES to USB port, it automatically switches to 44.1kHz and gets "catched" by system (can not explain better)
- load my custom "preset" with only analog IO + SPDIF (I just like less unused things in the routing grid)
- start integrated Intel soundcard to get Cadence / Jack / USB hub etc. away from 828ES
- stop Jack, switch to 828ES, start Jack
- if this procedure was successful, you have rock solid 24 I/O - connected to grid of vast other I/O + simpler DSP mixer
- by simpler DSP mixer I mean no live mixing desk possibilities, but very good for studio monitor usage + possibility of OSC control, WEB control and password protect of main mixer part and auxes you don't make available without password, the built-in reverb is also very generic
Pros (in order):
- price of 1075eur at time of this post
- AVB, 2x ADAT, WC, LTC, MIDI - ideal for creative and expansive environments
- mic preamps - stepped 63dB gain, Pad has relay switching, hardware buttons for 48V and Pad + analog sends!
- MUTE switch for monitor, two independent headphones - no external management
- talkback mic does not waste one input - and you don't have to have the mic and cable
- integrated 100-240V power supply - I hate to find the correct brick every single time
- without rack ears fits airplane cabbin suitcase nicely
- it is 1.9kg only, well constructed
Cons (in order):
- european power cord has pretty big plug (a lot of force used, and not plugged correctly), I will change this cable
- USB cable is really long - this could be just my travel issue, i also have shorter one
- monitor B must be sent somewhere even if not used - that's what SPDIF is used for in my preset
- any other web app / device GUI nitpicked details and / or say minor flaws I sent to MOTU
Summary. If you:
- are in need of better preamps and converters than Focusrite / Presonus
- want RME equivalent with ethernet control - personally I don't like their driver software
- want AVB expandability - say direct connectivity to Stage-B16, without AVB router
- want excellent and fast routing with presets
- want mixer with DSP
- not sure what type of synchronization you could need for your projects
- travel
- have this moderate amount of money
GO FOR IT!
I am not paid MOTU staff and had to pay for my unit.
I think any other MOTU AVB soundcard could work similarly under Linux. As their older Traveller worked nicely over FW400. That was my bet.