MOTU

Notes: One of the most trusted names in audio, MOTU deliver as always with the 16A, offering a whopping 32-in/34-out configuration over Thunderbolt or USB, all with pristine audio quality.

Supplier's Notes:
The 16A Thunderbolt audio interface provides industry-leading dynamic range and large console style mixing. With 64 channels of audio I/O (32 ins and 32 outs), the 16A also supports USB 2.0 audio class compliant connectivity that is USB 3.0 compatible.

As an interface, standalone mixer or patchbay, the 16A provides 32 separate inputs and 32 separate outputs, including sixteen balanced TRS analog inputs, sixteen balanced TRS analog outputs, and two 8-channel banks of ADAT optical digital I/O. Powerful DSP delivers large console style mixing with 48 channels, 12 stereo busses, and 32-bit floating point effects processing, including modeled analog EQ, vintage compression and classic reverb. The unit's extensive routing grid patches ins to outs, or splits inputs to multiple destinations.

Use the 16A as a stand-alone mixer and control everything from the 16A's innovative web app running on your iPad, iPhone, tablet, smart phone, and laptop. Connect a second MOTU AVB interface (1248, 8M or 16A) with a simple Ethernet cable. Add more I/O with the MOTU AVB Switch (sold separately). Build an AVB audio network with multiple switches and sub-millisecond latency, even over long cable runs. Stream hundreds of channels among devices and computers on the network. From initial tracking to final mastering, the 16A delivers superb sound quality, state-of-the-art operation, and reliable performance.

This box contains everything you need to turn your computer into a powerful 24-bit/192 kHz digital audio workstation. As a "hybrid" audio interface, the 16A offers flexible connectivity to your computer via ultra-fast Thunderbolt technology or class compliant, hi-speed USB 2.0, with 32 channels of pristine analog I/O, combined with 32 channels of digital I/O, for a total of 64 simultaneous audio channels.

Connect all of your studio gear, including synths, keyboards, drum machines and even effects processors. Record, monitor, route and process all of these live inputs using the professional on-board digital mixer - with no latency and no processor strain on your computer. Apply hardware DSP-driven effects processing to inputs, outputs, and busses independent of your host computer. Add Classic Reverb with lengths up to 60 seconds. Further sculpt your sound with gating, 4-band parametric EQ, and vintage compression modeled after the legendary LA-2A leveling amplifier.

Add more MOTU interfaces as your needs grow, connected to a state-of-the-art audio network using standard AVB Ethernet switches and CAT-5e cabling, with near-zero network latency, even over long cable runs (several hundred meters). Record and monitor up to 128 audio channels in and out, simultaneously, to a host computer through Thunderbolt. Route hundreds of audio channels among multiple devices and computers on the network.

Control all DSP-based mixing and effects, device settings, and network audio routing using your favorite web browser running on your laptop, tablet or smart phone connected wirelessly or locally to the 16A audio network.

From initial tracking to final mastering, the 16A delivers superb sound quality, state-of-the-art operation, and reliable performance.

Notes: One of the most trustworthy brands in the industry delivers another winner. Proper high-end business, with 12 analogue inputs and 12 outputs, plus an extensive array of digital connections. Great value at this price point.

Supplier's Notes:
Next-gen 28 x 32 USB3 audio interface - Builds on 22 years of proven success as an industry-leading audio interface brand.

New 3.9-inch TFT display - The bright, 24-bit RGB LCD provides 480 x 128 pixel high-resolution metering for all analogue and digital I/O, plus detailed status info and access to hardware settings from a simple and convenient menu.

Superb analogue audio quality and high-end converters - Renowned ESS Sabre32 DAC technology delivers 125 dB dynamic range. Support for all standard sample rates up to 192 kHz.

Ultra-low latency and proven, high-performance MOTU drivers - Round-trip latency (RTL) performance as low as 2 ms at 96kHz with high-performance DAW hosts.

Universal connectivity - Connects to your computer with 5 Gbps USB3 (compatible with USB2) for up to 60 audio channels. Class-compliant firmware and industry standard drivers work with any audio apps. Connects to an iPad™ with USB-C or a Lightning adapter kit (sold separately).

60 simultaneous audio channels - 28 inputs and 32 outputs, including two combo XLR/TRS mic/line/hi-Z guitar inputs with send/return inserts, 8 TRS analogue (line-level) in/out, separate main outs on XLR jacks, two banks of 8-channel optical I/O, stereo RCA S/PDIF digital I/O, and two front-panel headphone outputs.

Advanced mic channels - Cutting-edge components deliver ultra-transparent sound with -114 dB THD+N, 118 dB dynamic range and -129 dBu EIN. Each mic channel provides individual controls for +74 dB of preamp gain, -20 dB pad, 48V phantom power, and phase invert. All settings can be controlled remotely from a computer or iOS device. Each mic channel includes a dedicated send/return insert for outboard gear processing.

Flexible insert returns - When nothing is connected to the front-panel mic inputs, the two rear-panel returns function as additional line inputs with identical signal path characteristics as the other eight line inputs.

DSP mixing and effects processing - Flexible 24-input digital mixer with 8 stereo busses and DSP effects, including reverb, 4-band EQ, gate and compression.

Wi-Fi control - If the 828 is connected to a computer on your Wi-Fi network, you can control everything wirelessly from the CueMix 5 app running on mobile devices or other computers on the same network - even multiple devices at the same time. Manage access to the 828 with network discovery and password protection.

Precision boost/trim for analogue I/O - Calibrate analogue input and output signals in precise 1 dB increments. Apply phase invert individually to analogue inputs.

Control room features - Control your sessions with front-panel "talk" button and "A/B" speaker select buttons to quickly compare your mixes on two sets of studio monitors.

Two flexible headphone outputs - With independent volume control, each headphone output can mirror each other, the Main Outs, any other analogue output pair, any CueMix bus, or any USB output channels. Or you can create a completely customized mix for each headphone that includes live 828 inputs and built-in reverb.

Two banks of optical I/O - Connect outboard digital processors, digital mixers or other gear with 16 channels of ADAT at 44.1/48 kHz or 8 channels of SMUX at 88.2/96 kHz. Bank A can optionally provide stereo TOSLink (optical S/PDIF) I/O up to 96 kHz.

Foot switch input - Connect a standard foot pedal switch (sold separately) for hands-free punch-in and punch-out while recording. Or map the pedal to any keystroke function in your host software.

MIDI in/out/thru - connect MIDI gear without the need for a separate MIDI interface.

Word clock in/out/thru - Supports all sample rates up to 192 kHz.

DC-coupled TRS outputs - Use the 828 to manipulate and sequence voltage-controlled modular synthesizers from a host DAW.

Loopback for live streaming and podcasting - Easily route computer output back to the computer, where you can mix it with live mics and/or guitar inputs from the 828 in your host software for live streaming or podcasting.

Guitar re-amping - Connect your guitar to the front-panel input, use CueMix's near-zero latency to loop to any output (with a re-amp adapter, if needed), and record both the dry signal and your mic'd up amp simultaneously. Then re-amp the dry signal later with different amps and cabs - or amp modelling plug-ins - to experiment with different tones.

CueMix 5 app - Control mixing and settings from your Mac, PC or iOS device.

Performer Lite - Workstation software with over 100 included instruments, dozens of effects and 6 GB of included loops to make music right away. Also includes Ableton Live Lite.

Next-gen 28 x 32 USB3 audio interface with DSP, mixing and effects
New 3.9-inch 24-bit RGB LCD with precision metering for all I/O
Superb analogue audio performance driven by ESS Sabre32 Ultra™ DAC Technology
Ultra-low latency and proven, high-performance MOTU drivers (~2 ms RTL with a 32 sample buffer @ 96 kHz)
Universal connectivity with 5 Gbps USB

Technical Specifications
Sample rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz

Mic/line/instr inputs
2 x XLR/TRS "combo" jacks
Individual -20 dB pad and 48V phantom power
Preamp gain: +74 dB in 1 dB increments
1 MO impedance on the line/instr inputs
Independent balanced send/return inserts

Analogue inputs
8 x 1/4-inch TRS line in (balanced/unbalanced)
2 x 1/4-inch insert returns function as balanced TRS line inputs (with no mic inputs connected)
Max level: +21 dBu
+20 dB digital gain on each input

Analogue outputs
8 x 1/4-inch TRS line out (balanced, DC coupled)
2 x male XLR out
Max level: +21 dBu
2 x 1/4-inch TRS stereo headphone
2 x 1/4-inch TRS sends (balanced, pre-converter)

Digital I/O
2 banks (16 ch) of ADAT optical I/O at 1x sample rates
2 banks (8 ch) of S/MUX optical I/O at 2x sample rates
Bank A switchable to stereo TOSLink I/O (optical S/PDIF)
1 x stereo S/PDIF I/O on RCA (up to 96 kHz)

Computer I/O
1 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps) Type C - USB2 compatible USB audio class compliant (no driver needed)
1 x IF-certified USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type C-to-C cable included
Compatible with USB Type A (with a C-to-A cable, sold separately)
Total USB audio channels: see "Total Audio I/O" below
Round Trip Latency (RTL): ~2 ms (32 sample buffer at 96K)

Total audio I/O
28 in / 32 out (60 total channels) at 1x sample rates
20 in / 24 out (44 total channels) at 2x sample rates
10 in / 14 out (24 total channels) at 4x sample rates

MIDI I/O
1 x MIDI In
1 x MIDI Out/Thru
16 MIDI channels to/from computer host

Headphone
2 x 1/4-inch TRS stereo headphones
Output impedance: <1O
Max output: 14.4 dBu

Phantom power: 2 x individual +48V

Foot Switch
1 x 1/4-inch foot switch input
Mapping: pedal up/down to any host keystrokes

Sync I/O
1 x BNC Word Clock In
1 x BNC Word Clock Out/Thru
Sample rates: all (from 44.1 to 192 kHz)

Front panel
2 x XLR/TRS combo inputs
2 x 1/4" TRS headphone outputs
2 x potentiometer - headphone volume
2 x potentiometer - mic/instr input gain
1 x potentiometer - menu navigation
1 x large potentiometer - main volume
12 x switches - (2) 48V, (2) pad, (6) control room, (2) nav
1 x 3.9-inch 480 x 128 pixel 24-bit RGB TFT display
1 x latching power button

Power
Internal 100-240V autoswitching supply
50-60 Hz - 0.5A max

Dimensions and weight
(width x depth x height, enclosure only)
19 x 12.25 x 1.75 inches / 48.26 x 31.1 x 4.44 cm
11 lbs / 5 kgs