Motu 16a Audio Interface

Full Description

Superior audio fidelity with ESS Sabre32 technology

The 16A delivers world-class audio performance with its ESS Sabre32 DAC technology, providing 125 dB of dynamic range and ultra-low harmonic distortion. This premium design ensures that every nuance of your recordings is captured with stunning clarity and precision. MOTU’s decades of engineering expertise further refine the 16A’s analog circuitry, creating a noise floor so low that even the quietest details remain intact. For professionals who require transparency, depth, and fidelity, the 16A sets a new benchmark in digital audio conversion.

Universal connectivity across all platforms

Supporting Thunderbolt 4, USB4, and backward compatibility with Thunderbolt 3, USB3, and USB2, the 16A ensures seamless integration into any setup. It automatically negotiates the fastest connection available, reaching speeds up to 40 Gbps. Whether connecting to a Mac, PC, or iOS device, users can expect rock-solid stability and up to 256 channels of I/O. A 2-meter Thunderbolt 4-compatible USB-C cable is included, enabling fast and reliable setup straight out of the box.

Flexible audio I/O

With 16 balanced/unbalanced TRS inputs and outputs, two sets of 8-channel ADAT optical ports, and a dedicated stereo headphone output, the 16A provides a total of 66 simultaneous audio channels. Its high channel count makes it perfect for large tracking sessions, hybrid mixing environments, and complex live sound setups. Whether you need expanded I/O for your DAW, a comprehensive digital patchbay, or a central audio hub, the 16A delivers unmatched flexibility and sound quality.

High-performance mixing and routing

The integrated 64-channel mixer in the 16A operates with 32-bit floating-point precision, offering professional-grade mixing capabilities. With 26 aux busses, high-pass filters, 4-band EQ, compressors, and gates on every input, the mixer mirrors the functionality of a large-format console. Virtual patch cords allow intuitive point-to-point routing of any input or output, whether analog, digital, networked, or computer-based. This flexibility means you can split signals, create complex monitor mixes, or route audio streams between multiple devices with ease.

Expand your setup with AVB networking

The 16A’s integrated AVB networking enables users to connect multiple devices over standard Ethernet with extremely low latency. Daisy-chain up to eight MOTU AVB devices or use an AVB switch to create a scalable network across larger facilities. AVB offers guaranteed audio streams, long cable runs up to 100 meters, fixed network latency of 2 ms, and better-than-sample-accurate clocking across the network. Each 16A can stream 128 channels in and out over AVB, opening the door to virtually limitless expansion possibilities.

Advanced wireless control with CueMix Pro

Manage every aspect of the 16A wirelessly using CueMix Pro, MOTU’s powerful control software. Available for macOS, Windows, and iOS devices, CueMix Pro provides full access to mixer settings, routing options, device configurations, and AVB network management. Multiple devices can control the 16A simultaneously, allowing engineers and performers alike to tweak monitor mixes, adjust settings, and optimize sessions without interrupting the creative flow.

Built for modular and optical expansion

Beyond its analog capabilities, the 16A offers two optical banks supporting ADAT and S/MUX formats, allowing expansion with additional digital gear. For modular synth enthusiasts, the 16A’s DC-coupled TRS outputs enable sending CV signals from a DAW directly to modular systems, opening up new performance and sequencing possibilities. Customized metering options ensure you always have a clear view of your analog and digital signals at a glance, making session management more efficient and precise.

Huge software bundle to jumpstart your creativity

Every MOTU 16A includes Performer Lite, a powerful DAW packed with over 100 virtual instruments, guitar effects, and professional mixing tools. Additionally, users gain access to an extensive library of loops and samples from Big Fish Audio, Lucidsamples, and Loopmasters, providing immediate inspiration for new tracks. From composing and arranging to tracking and mastering, Performer Lite gives you everything needed to bring your music to life.

Features

• 66 simultaneous audio channels: 32 analog inputs and 34 outputs including ADAT and headphone out
• ESS Sabre32 DAC technology with 125 dB dynamic range for superior audio fidelity
• Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 connectivity with backward compatibility for universal platform support
• 64-channel digital mixer with 32-bit floating-point precision and professional DSP processing
• Integrated AVB audio networking with ultra-low 2 ms fixed latency and up to 128 AVB channels
• Ultra-low round trip latency (~1.8 ms at 96 kHz) for real-time recording and monitoring
• 16 analog TRS inputs and outputs, plus dual 8-channel ADAT optical I/O and stereo headphone output
• DC-coupled TRS outputs for sending CV to modular synths from your DAW
• Flexible point-to-point routing with virtual patchbay functionality
• Wireless control via CueMix Pro app on macOS, Windows, and iOS devices
• Full metering and mixer control with customizable monitoring options
• Bundled with Performer Lite DAW and large loop/sample library
• Rack-mountable design with robust hardware for studio and touring applications

Specifications

• Sample Rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz
• Analog Inputs: 16 × 1/4-Inch TRS Line In (Balanced/Unbalanced), Max Level: +21 dBu, +20 dB Digital Gain On Each Input
• Analog Outputs: 16 × 1/4-Inch TRS Line Out (Balanced, DC Coupled), Max Level: +21 dBu, -99 dB Digital Trim On Each Output
• Headphone Output: 1 × 1/4-Inch TRS Stereo Headphone With Channel Select, Output Impedance: <1Ω, Max Output: 13.3 dBu
• Digital I/O:
  • ADAT Optical I/O: 2 Banks (16 Channels) At 1x Sample Rates
  • S/MUX Optical I/O: 2 Banks (8 Channels) At 2x Sample Rates
  • TOSLink I/O: Bank A Switchable To Stereo TOSLink (Optical S/PDIF)
• Computer I/O:
  • Ports: 2 × Thunderbolt 4 / USB 4.1 (40 Gbps) Type C
  • Compatibility: USB3 / USB2 Compatible, Class Compliant
  • Included Cable: 1 × Thunderbolt-Compatible / USB4 GEN3 C-to-C, 2 Meters, 40 Gbps / 240W, 15W Power Downstream
  • USB2 Type A Support: With C-to-A Cable (Sold Separately)
• Round Trip Latency (RTL): ~1.8 ms (32 Sample Buffer At 96K)
• Total Audio I/O:
  • 1x Sample Rates: 32 In / 34 Out (66 Total Channels)
  • 2x Sample Rates: 24 In / 26 Out (50 Total Channels)
  • 4x Sample Rates: 16 In / 18 Out (34 Total Channels)
• Networking:
  • Ports: 2 × Gigabit AVB Ethernet Ports
  • Streams: 16 AVB Streams In/Out Up To 96 kHz, 8 AVB Streams At 176.4 or 192 kHz
  • Channels: 1–8 Audio Channels Configurable Per Stream, Up To 128 Audio Channels I/O
  • Protocol: Supports 1722.1, AAF Stream Formats, Legacy AM8-24 Format
• Sync I/O: 1 × BNC Word Clock In, 1 × BNC Word Clock Out/Thru (All Sample Rates From 44.1 To 192 kHz)
• Front Panel:
  • Outputs: 1 × 1/4" TRS Headphone Output
  • Encoders: Headphone Volume, Channel Select, Menu Navigation, Large Main Volume
  • Switches: Headphone Mono, Menu Navigation
  • Display: 2 × 3.9-Inch 480 × 128 Pixel 24-Bit RGB TFT Displays
  • Power: Latching Power Button
• Power: Internal 100–240V Autoswitching Supply, 50–60 Hz, 1.0A Max
• Dimensions (W × D × H): 19 × 12.25 × 1.75 Inches / 48.26 × 31.1 × 4.44 cm
• Weight: 11 lbs / 5 kg
• System Requirements
• Mac: Intel Core i3 Or Faster (Incl. Apple Silicon), 4 GB RAM (8 GB Recommended), macOS 12 Or Later, Thunderbolt 3+ Or USB Port, 500 GB+ HDD
• Windows: Intel Core i3 Or AMD Equivalent, 4 GB RAM (8 GB Recommended), Windows 10 22H2 Or Later / Windows 11 23H2 Or Later (x64), Thunderbolt 3+ Or USB Port, 500 GB+ HDD
• iOS: iOS 17.5 Or Later, Class-Compliant Support For Plug-And-Play (No Driver Required)
• Included Software: CueMix Pro (macOS, Windows, iOS), Drivers (macOS, Windows, iOS), MOTU Performer Lite (macOS, Windows), 6 GB Of Loops/Sounds From Big Fish Audio, LucidSamples, Loopmasters, MOTU
• Analog I/O Performance:
  • Line Input: 1/4" TRS, Balanced, Tip Hot, 120 dB Dynamic Range (A-Weighted), THD+N: -114 dB (0.0002%), Max Level: +21 dBu
  • Line Output: 1/4" TRS, Balanced, Tip Hot, 125 dB Dynamic Range (A-Weighted), THD+N: -114 dB (0.0002%), Max Level: +21 dBu
  • Headphone: 1/4" TRS Stereo, 118 dB Dynamic Range, THD+N: -110 dB (0.0003%), Max Level: 13.3 dBu, Output Impedance: <1 Ohm
• Product Code: MOTU-16A