# What are the Firewire audio interfaces with the most I/O options? — Verified Specification Comparison

> All specification data verified from official manufacturer documentation.

What are the Firewire audio interfaces with the most I/O options?

## Products

### Digidesign 003 Console
```yaml
product: digidesign-003-console
brand: Digidesign
price_gbp: null
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
bit_depth: 24-bit
i_o_count: 18 channels (8 analog I/O + 8 ADAT + 2 S/PDIF)
sample_rate: 24-bit/96kHz
phantom_power: 48V on mic inputs
number_of_preamps: 4
```

- **Price:** £None [^1]
- **Summary:** The Digidesign 003 Console is a FireWire-enabled Pro Tools LE control surface and audio interface offering 18-channel record/playback via 8 analog I/O, 8-channel ADAT optical, and S/PDIF. It includes four XLR mic preamps with phantom power, motorized touch-sensitive faders, and extended monitoring options, aimed at project and small commercial studios that use Pro Tools LE.
- **Ideal For:** Suitable when seeking FireWire interfaces with the most I/O because it provides 18-channel record/playback using 8 analog inputs plus 8 ADAT channels and digital S/PDIF, allowing expansion to reach higher I/O counts.
- **Additional Sources:** [^2], [^3], [^1], [^2], [^3]

### MOTU 828mk2
```yaml
product: motu-828mk2
brand: MOTU
price_gbp: null
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
bit_depth: 24-bit
i_o_count: 20 inputs, 22 outputs
sample_rate: up to 96 kHz
phantom_power: 48V switchable on front-panel mic inputs
number_of_preamps: 2 mic/inst preamps (front-panel)
```

- **Price:** £None [^4]
- **Summary:** The MOTU 828mkII is a rack-mountable FireWire audio interface offering 10 channels of analog I/O plus 8 channels of ADAT optical I/O for a total of 20 inputs and 22 outputs, 24-bit/96kHz converters, and onboard CueMix DSP for near-zero monitoring. It includes two front-panel mic/instrument preamps with phantom power, S/PDIF and MIDI I/O, word clock, and standalone mixer functionality, making it suitable for studio and stage use. The unit is expandable via ADAT or additional MOTU FireWire interfa
- **Ideal For:** Ideal for maximizing FireWire I/O because it provides 20 inputs and 22 outputs (10 analog + 8 ADAT + S/PDIF) and ADAT expandability for larger multi-channel setups.
- **Additional Sources:** [^5], [^4], [^5]

### MOTU 896mk3 Hybrid
```yaml
product: motu-896mk3-hybrid
brand: MOTU
price_gbp: 130.57
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
bit_depth: 24-bit
i_o_count: 28 inputs / 32 outputs
sample_rate: 192000
phantom_power: 48V on mic inputs
number_of_preamps: 8
```

- **Price:** £130.57 [^6]
- **Summary:** The 896mk3 Hybrid is a FireWire/USB2 hybrid audio interface offering eight analog mic/line/guitar combo inputs with onboard preamps, 16-channel ADAT optical I/O, AES/EBU and S/PDIF, and an integrated CueMix FX mixer with DSP effects. It supports up to 24-bit/192 kHz operation and can function standalone as a latency-free mixer, making it suitable for studio and live use.
- **Ideal For:** Ideal for maximizing FireWire I/O because it provides 28 inputs and 32 outputs (eight analog I/O plus 16 ADAT optical channels and digital I/O) and 8 mic preamps, giving one of the largest native I/O counts among FireWire interfaces.
- **Additional Sources:** [^7], [^8], [^6], [^7], [^8]

---
## References & Sources
[^1]: Warehouse Sound (product catalogue), accessed 2026-06-14. http://warehousesound.com/digidpro.php
[^2]: Tape Op (review/specs), accessed 2026-06-14. https://tapeop.com/reviews/gear/59/003-factory
[^3]: AudioTechnology (review/specs), accessed 2026-06-14. https://www.audiotechnology.com/reviews/digidesign-003
[^4]: MOTU (product manual), accessed 2026-06-14. https://motu.com/products/motuaudio/global/motu_firewire_audio.pdf/download
[^5]: zZounds, accessed 2026-06-14. https://www.zzounds.com/item--MTU828MKII
[^6]: Perfect Circuit, accessed 2026-06-14. https://www.perfectcircuit.com/motu-896mk3-hybrid.html
[^7]: PRG Proshop, accessed 2026-06-14. https://prg-proshop.com/products/item/4519/motu-896-mk3-firewire
[^8]: MOTU Store, accessed 2026-06-14. https://motu.com/products/motuaudio/896mk3