Best MOTU products in the Audio interfaces category
On this page you'll find a ranking of the best MOTU products in this category. To give you a quick overview, we've already ranked the most important information about the products for you.
1. MOTU M4
The MOTU M4 is a 4-in/4-out USB-C audio interface for Mac, Windows, and iOS, offering superior audio quality, ultra-fast audio transmission with ultra-low latency, and detailed level meters on a full-color LCD. Record vocals, instruments, or other audio sources quickly and easily. Equipped with the same ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC technology found in numerous high-class audio interfaces, the M4 delivers an impressive 120 dB dynamic range at its main outputs. First-class ESS converters are also present on the headphone outputs, which feature separate headphone amplifiers. The crystal-clear preamplifier circuits produce a measured -129 dBu ON value on the microphone inputs, allowing you to record audio with unaltered authenticity.
The M4 offers the highest speed for monitoring live inputs (microphone, guitar, or keyboard) from your computer, thanks to MOTU's specially designed USB drivers that provide class-leading, ultra-low 2.5 ms round trip latency (at 96 kHz with a 32 sample buffer). When recording and mixing, achieving optimum levels is crucial. The M4 is the only audio interface in its class with a full-color LCD featuring clear, detailed level meters for all inputs and outputs. Use the professional volume control and feedback to fine-tune your sound perfectly.
The M4 driver provides convenient loopback channels to your host computer, allowing you to easily combine computer audio with live microphone and/or guitar inputs to stream the combined mix in real-time to YouTube or your favorite podcasting platform. Streaming and podcasting have never been as easy and high quality as they are today. With the purchase of the M4, you receive download licenses for the production software MOTU Performer Lite, which includes over 100 instruments, dozens of plug-ins, and over 6 GB of loops and samples, as well as for Ableton Live Lite software.
2. MOTU M2
Equipped with the same ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC technology found in numerous high-class audio interfaces, the M4 delivers an impressive 120 dB of dynamic range at its main outputs. Top-tier ESS converters are also present on the headphone outputs, which feature separate headphone amplifiers. The crystal-clear preamp circuits achieve a measured -129 dBu EIN value on the microphone inputs, allowing you to record audio with unblemished authenticity. The M2 offers high speed for monitoring live inputs (microphone, guitar, or keyboard) through your computer, thanks to MOTU's specially designed USB drivers that enable class-leading, extremely low 2.5 ms round-trip latency (at 96 kHz with a 32-sample buffer). Please note: the MOTU M4 is Class Compliant, meaning that generally no driver installation is required on Mac computers. However, MOTU has programmed a high-speed driver that, once installed, allows for significantly faster latency than conventional Class Compliant interfaces. When recording and mixing, achieving optimal levels is paramount. The M2 is the only audio interface in its class with a full-color LCD featuring clear, detailed level meters for all inputs and outputs. Utilize the professional volume control and feedback to fine-tune your sound perfectly. The M2 drivers provide convenient loopback channels to your host computer, allowing you to easily combine computer audio with live microphone and/or guitar inputs to stream the combined mix in real-time. Streaming and podcasting have never been easier or of higher quality than today.
3. MOTU UltraLite-mk5
The UltraLite-mk5 is the latest member of MOTU's popular UltraLite series. It is an audio interface with 18 inputs and 22 outputs, DSP mixing, effects, and outstanding audio quality for mobile recordings on the go. Connection to a computer is via high-speed USB 2.0 with optimized drivers for extremely low latency, compatible with USB 3.0 and iOS. The UltraLite-mk5 allows recording at sample rates of up to 192 kHz.
The UltraLite-mk5 features two combined XLR/TRS microphone/line/high-Z guitar inputs, 6 analog line-level inputs, 10 analog outputs, 8-channel optical input and output with support for 2-channel TOSLink, digital RCA S/PDIF input and output, MIDI input and output, as well as a headphone output. Monitor audio signals directly on the high-resolution OLED display and use the internal, computer-independent DSP mixer. Create separate monitor mixes for each output such as monitor outs and phones. Utilize the built-in effects like reverb, 4-channel parametric EQ, and compressors on inputs and mix buses. Use the UltraLite mk5 as a standalone mixer and control everything through the new CueMix 5 software on your laptop, iPad, iPhone, tablet, and smartphone.
4. MOTU M6
The MOTU M6 is a USB-C audio interface with 6 inputs and 4 outputs for Mac, Windows and iOS. It offers best-in-class audio quality, highest speed (ultra-low latency) and full-colour level metering. Recording vocals, instruments and other audio sources is quick and easy. The M6 comes with MOTU Performer Lite and Ableton Live Lite production software, over 100 instruments, dozens of plug-ins and over 6GB of loops and samples to start making music right away.
5. MOTU Audio Express
Audio Express is MOTU's latest hybrid personal studio with FireWire/USB2 connections for Mac and PC. It is a 6x6 interface/mixer for recording and live operation. It offers studio-quality audio, mixing, MIDI, and all the necessary inputs and outputs for a complete personal studio.
Advanced features such as front-panel volume control for four independent mixes, stand-alone mixing, DDS (Direct Digital Synthesis) audio clocking for exceptional jitter performance, and an instrument tuner are standard.
6. MOTU 16A
The MOTU 16A is a state-of-the-art audio interface designed for professional applications in music production and audio engineering. With its ability to handle 66 audio input/output channels, it offers outstanding performance and flexibility for creative projects. The integration of ESS Sabre32 DAC technology ensures excellent analog sound quality, while the 64-channel mixing function and built-in 32-bit effects processing, including reverb, 4-band EQ, compressor, and gate, allow for comprehensive sound editing and customization. The interface supports a variety of connectivity options and is compatible with Mac, PC, and iOS devices, making it a versatile solution for musicians and audio professionals. Advanced features include word clock, monitor switching, talkback, and the ability to control via AVB audio networks and Wi-Fi from a smartphone or tablet.
- 66 audio input/output channels for comprehensive flexibility
- ESS Sabre32 DAC technology for outstanding analog performance
- Built-in 32-bit effects processing with reverb and EQ
- Support for AVB audio networks for easy integration
- Wi-Fi control via smartphone or tablet for added convenience.
7. MOTU 828
MOTU introduces the completely redesigned audio interface simply named 828, which replaces all previous 828 models. The MOTU 828 connects via USB3 with extremely low latency and powerful drivers to a Mac, PC, or iOS device, offering 60 audio input and output channels with outstanding analog performance powered by the renowned ESS Sabre32™ DAC technology. It also features an internal 24-channel mixer with built-in effects processing, including reverb, 4-band EQ, and compression. Advanced features include microphone channel inserts for outboard gear, optical expansion mode, word clock, and Wi-Fi control via a smartphone or tablet.
8. MOTU MicroBook IIc
The MOTU MicroBook IIc is a versatile audio interface designed for high-quality recording and playback. It combines professional features with user-friendliness, making it ideal for musicians, podcasters, and audio professionals. With a sampling rate of up to 96 kHz and a bit depth of 24-bit, the MicroBook IIc ensures excellent sound quality. It includes a microphone input with 48V phantom power, allowing for the connection of high-quality microphones. Its compact design and compatibility with both PC/MAC and iPad make it a flexible solution for on-the-go use or in the studio. The variety of inputs and outputs allows for comprehensive integration into different audio setups, while the included CueMix FX software offers additional sound processing capabilities.
- Microphone input with 48V phantom power and 20 dB pad
- Compatible with PC/MAC and iPad (Camera Connection Kit required)
- Six inputs, four of which can be used simultaneously
- Two USB ports (USB-B and MicroUSB)
- Hi-Z guitar input and headphone output.
9. MOTU MIDI Express XT
The MIDI Express XT from MOTU is a powerful 8-in/9-out MIDI interface that is compatible with both Mac and Windows systems. It offers a variety of features that make it ideal for music producers and performers. With support for MIDI Machine Control (MMC), it allows for precise control of MIDI devices. The 16 presets and 8 battery-backed memory slots provide flexibility and user-friendliness, while the 8x8 MIDI merge matrix enables easy integration of multiple MIDI sources. Additionally, the built-in SMPTE timecode generator and reader is a valuable feature for synchronizing audio and MIDI elements in complex setups.
- Supports MIDI Machine Control (MMC) for precise control
- 16 presets and 8 battery-backed memory slots for flexibility
- 8x8 MIDI merge matrix for integrating multiple MIDI sources
- Built-in SMPTE timecode generator and reader for synchronization.
10. MOTU micro express
The MOTU Micro Express is a versatile USB MIDI interface designed for both professional and semi-professional applications. With its 4 independent MIDI inputs and 6 MIDI outputs, it provides a comprehensive solution for MIDI data transmission. SMPTE synchronization allows for precise timing control, while support for MIDI Machine Control facilitates integration into existing setups. The device is compatible with both Mac and Windows systems and is optimized for the latest Apple M1 processors. The user-friendly configuration software "ClockWorks" enables easy adjustment of settings, and the stand-alone functionality makes it a practical MIDI patch bay that can operate independently of a computer. With a variety of presets and the ability to connect a footswitch, the MOTU Micro Express is a powerful addition to any music production setup.
- 4 x 6 MIDI merge matrix with 96 MIDI channels
- Stand-alone operation as a MIDI patch bay/merger
- SMPTE time code synchronization in all formats
- MIDI time stamping (MTS) for precise timing
- Configuration software "ClockWorks" for easy adjustments.
