MOTU M6 Audio Interface

MOTU M6 Audio Interface: Best-in-Class Performance and Audio Quality

The MOTU M6 Audio Interface redefines audio quality and performance in its class. With ESS Sabre32 Ultra™ DAC technology, the M6 delivers an incredible 120 dB dynamic range on its main outputs. This industry-leading DAC, often found in interfaces costing thousands, also powers the M6’s headphone outputs, delivering audio fidelity comparable to high-end dedicated headphone amplifiers. With ultra-clean preamp circuitry and a -129 dBu equivalent input noise (EIN) on its mic inputs, the M6 captures and monitors audio with unmatched clarity, making it a top choice for audio professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Inspiration Behind the M6 Audio Interface

MOTU designed the M6 Audio Interface to address the needs of today’s musicians, podcasters, and live streamers, combining top-tier audio components with professional-grade control. By incorporating the ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC, MOTU aimed to bring studio-quality sound to an affordable, compact format. Known for its high-fidelity DACs, ESS Sabre32 Ultra is trusted by high-end audio equipment worldwide, and its inclusion in the M6 speaks to MOTU’s dedication to sound excellence. With advanced audio performance, intuitive controls, and premium materials, the M6 makes high-end audio accessible to all creators.

About MOTU: Excellence in Audio Innovation

MOTU (Mark of the Unicorn) has been at the forefront of music technology for over three decades, producing pioneering audio and MIDI interfaces, audio software, and live performance gear. Known for its commitment to audio innovation, MOTU has earned a reputation for quality and reliability. The M6 continues this tradition, with a design centered on precision audio engineering and user-focused features that help musicians and audio engineers achieve professional results. With robust construction and cutting-edge audio performance, MOTU products are trusted by music professionals and are known for delivering consistency and clarity in every use.

Technical Specifications of the MOTU M6 Audio Interface

The MOTU M6 comes loaded with features designed for both recording and live monitoring. The interface supports a wide range of sample rates from 44.1 kHz up to 192 kHz, providing studio-quality sound for a variety of applications. The M6 includes four XLR/TRS combo jacks for microphone, line, and instrument inputs, each with independent preamps, 48V phantom power, and monitoring controls. For additional connectivity, the M6 also offers two 1/4" line-ins and four 1/4" TRS balanced outputs, making it highly versatile.

Its ultra-low latency USB drivers offer class-leading round-trip latency (RTL) of 2.5 ms at 96 kHz with a 32-sample buffer, ideal for real-time monitoring. The interface’s full-color LCD display provides clear, detailed level metering for all inputs and outputs, an exclusive feature that ensures precision control over audio levels. This makes it easy for users to monitor and adjust input levels accurately for recording, mixing, or broadcasting, improving overall sound quality and preventing clipping.

Unique Features for Live Streaming and Podcasting

One of the standout features of the M6 is its built-in loopback channels, enabling users to stream or record the computer’s audio output alongside live inputs. This functionality is ideal for podcasters and streamers, allowing them to integrate music, sound effects, or other audio from the host computer seamlessly into live broadcasts. This loopback feature combined with the M6’s ultra-low latency makes it a versatile tool for high-quality streaming and podcast production.

Advanced Controls and Connectivity

The M6’s controls are designed to provide easy access and precise control over your audio setup. The interface includes a main volume potentiometer, input monitor mix potentiometer, and four preamp gain controls, offering users the ability to fine-tune their audio settings. Additional control features include independent volume controls for two headphone outputs, four phantom power switches, monitor switches, and an ALT switch that toggles between line outputs 3-4, allowing for customized monitoring setups.

For MIDI users, the M6 provides MIDI input and output ports, allowing connection to keyboards, synthesizers, and other MIDI devices. This feature, coupled with the class-compliant USB-C connectivity, makes the M6 a flexible interface for all your recording and production needs. The M6 also supports USB-A compatibility and comes with both USB-C to C and USB-C to A cables for seamless integration with various devices.

Why the MOTU M6 Audio Interface is a Must-Have for Creators

The MOTU M6 is perfect for musicians, podcasters, and content creators who demand high-quality sound, reliable performance, and intuitive controls. Its inclusion of professional-grade ESS DACs, ultra-clean preamps, and a full-color LCD display makes it a powerful tool in any studio or home setup. The M6’s robust design and extensive feature set—ranging from low-latency monitoring to loopback capabilities—ensure that users can capture pristine audio for any project. Additionally, the interface is bus-powered via USB, making it highly portable for creators on the go.

For anyone looking to elevate their audio quality, the MOTU M6 delivers an exceptional experience that rivals more expensive interfaces. With best-in-class components, convenient connectivity options, and a user-friendly design, the M6 stands out as one of the top audio interfaces in its class.

Features:

• Sample rates supported: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, and 192 kHz
• Microphone/Line/Guitar Inputs: 4 x XLR/TRS combo jacks with independent gain, 48V phantom power, and monitoring control
• Analog Inputs: 2 x 1/4" line-in
• Analog Outputs: 4 x 1/4" balanced TRS line out (DC-coupled); 2 x 1/4" TRS stereo headphone outputs with independent volume control
• Computer I/O: 1 x USB-C 2.0 (class compliant); USB-A compatible with included USB-C to C and C to A cables
• MIDI I/O: 1 x MIDI in, 1 x MIDI out; 16 MIDI channels to/from computer host
• Headphone Outputs: 2 x 1/4" TRS stereo with independent volume; 1 x 3-4 switch for optional monitoring of line out 3-4
• Phantom Power: 4 x +48V individually selectable
• Control Knobs: Main volume, headphone volume, input monitor mix, gain controls for mic/line/guitar inputs
• Switches: 11 total—4 for 48V phantom power, 5 for monitoring, 1 A/B switch, 1 3-4 switch
• LCD Display: Full-color, 160 x 120 pixels with input and output level indicators
• Power: Bus-powered via USB; optional international 15V DC power supply included
• Dimensions: 23.4 x 12.0 x 4.57 cm
• Weight: 0.975 kg (interface only)
• System Requirements (Mac): Intel Core i3 or faster (including Apple Silicon Macs); 4 GB RAM (8 GB recommended); macOS 10.11 or later
• System Requirements (Windows): 1 GHz Pentium-based PC or faster; 2 GB RAM (4 GB recommended); Windows 10 or higher (x64 only)
• Class-compliant USB audio for plug-and-play operation on Mac and iOS (no driver required)
• Included Software: MOTU Performer Lite, Ableton Live Lite 11, and 6 GB of loops and sounds from Big Fish Audio, LucidSamples, Loopmasters, and MOTU

Specs:

• Color: Black
• Rack Mountable: no
• Line Inputs: 2
• Line Outputs: 4
• Mic Inputs: 4
• Phono Inputs: 0
• Instrument Inputs: 4
• digital Output: none
• digital Input: none
• Headphone Out: yes
• MIDI Inputs: 1 Port
• MIDI Outputs: 1 Port
• Host Port: USB
• Number of headphone outputs: 2
• Type: Audio Interface
• Theme: Recording and Studio

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