originally announced in 2003 (05.13.03) and released in 2004 as a firewire only interface i believe, there was a press release in late 2005 (11.28.05) MOTU Delivers High-Speed USB 2.0 Version of 828mkII that announced they were creating a usb 2.0 only version of the 828 mkII (the 828mkII-USB) this model from November 2005 only has usb2.0 and no firewire connection...
CAMBRIDGE, MA – Monday, November 28, 2005. Building on the success of the award-winning 828mkII FireWire
audio interface, MOTU has added a new model equipped with high-speed USB 2.0 for connection to any USB 2.0
compatible Mac or PC. Both models are identical, except for their connection to the computer via either FireWire or
USB 2.0.
“USB 2.0 has proven to be a widely adopted and successful connectivity standard for both Mac and PC, and it’s
increased bandwidth over USB 1.1 is well suited for pro audio applications,” said Jim Cooper, Director of Marketing
for MOTU. “With the addition of a USB 2.0 model, the 828mkII line now delivers even broader plug-and-play
compatibility with latest-generation personal computers.”
The 828mkII-USB provides a high-speed “ultra-fast” (480 Mbit) USB 2.0 connection to any USB 2.0-equipped Mac or
PC. Users can freely choose between purchasing the 828mkII FireWire model or the USB 2.0 model, depending their
computer and other FireWire or USB devices they plan to connect to it.
Most recent computers (built within the last several years) support the high-speed USB 2.0 standard.
Both models (828mkII-FireWire and 828mkII-USB2) are now shipping and share the same US list price of $795.