MOTU M6 USB-C 6x4 Mac  PC Audio Interface

Equipped with the same ESS Sabre32 Ultra™ DAC Technology found in audio interfaces costing thousands, the M6 delivers an astonishing 120 dB Dynamic Range on its main outputs. ESS converters also drive the headphone outputs, which rivals dedicated headphone amplifiers costing hundreds. Ultra-clean preamp circuits produce a measured -129 dBu EIN on the mic inputs. Capture and monitor your audio with pristine clarity.

The M6 is equally suitable for producers, thanks to its MIDI 5-pin I/O. Plug in a MIDI keyboard to control virtual instruments or run MIDI from the M6 to your favorite hardware synth to capture its glorious tones through the M6's pristine analog preamps. No matter what you do, the M6's specially engineered drivers ensure ultralow-latency monitoring, so you can rehearse and record in real time without hearing any distracting echo, and the full-color LCD screen shows you high-resolution metering for all inputs and outputs at all times. The MOTU M6 includes Performer Lite and Ableton Live Lite 11, as well as 100+ virtual instruments (Performer Lite), and over 6GB of free loops, samples, and one-shots from industry-leading libraries.

At a Glance

• 6-in / 4-out USB audio interface with studio-quality sound
• Best-in-class audio quality driven by ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC Technology
• Best-in-class speed (ultra-low latency) for host software processing
• Best-in-class metering for all inputs/outputs with a full-color LCD
• 4 x mic/line/hi-Z guitar inputs on combo XLR/TRS
• Individual preamp gain and 48V phantom power for each mic input
• 2 x balanced 1/4-inch line inputs
• Hardware (direct) monitoring for all inputs
• Monitor mix knob to balance live inputs and computer playback
• A/B switch to compare mix output on two sets of studio monitors
• Measured -129 dB EIN on mic inputs
• 4 balanced, DC-coupled 1/4-inch TRS outputs
• Measured 120 dB dynamic range on the 1/4-inch balanced TRS outputs
• 2 headphone outputs (driven by ESS converters) with independent volume control
• Switch for optional headphone monitoring through Line outputs 3-4
• MIDI in/out (16 channels to/from USB host)
• Support for 44.1 to 192 kHz sample rates
• USB audio class compliant for plug-and-play operation on Mac (no driver required)
• Windows driver with 2.5 ms round-trip latency (32 sample buffer at 96 kHz)
• Mac driver (optional, for 2.5 ms RTL at 32/96 kHz and loopback feature)
• iOS compatible (USB audio class compliant)
• Driver loopback for capturing host output, live streaming, and podcasting
• Bus powered USB-C (compatible with USB Type A) with power switch (USB cables included)
• Multi-blade international DC power adapter for stand-alone operation without a computer
• Rugged metal construction (extruded case, faceplates, and knobs)
• Workstation software included (MOTU Performer Lite and Ableton Live Lite 11)
• 100+ instruments (in Performer Lite)
• Over 6 GB of included free loops, samples, and one-shots from industry leading libraries
• Kensington security slot
• Two-year warranty

Professional-Level Audio QualityEquipped with the same ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC technology found in audio interfaces the pros use, the M6 delivers 120 dB of dynamic range on its main outputs. ESS converters also drive the headphone output. Ultraclean preamp circuits produce a measured -129 dBu EIN on the mic inputs; this means while recording, you'll only hear the mic, not the mic pre.Balanced MonitoringThe M6 has balanced 1/4" outputs for professional-level monitoring. With two 1/4" headphone outputs, you can also monitor your work privately, plus the 3-4 switch allows for headphone monitoring through Line ouputs 3-4.Loopback Channels for Podcast Recording and Live StreamingThe M6's included driver provides convenient loopback channels to your host computer, so you can easily capture your computer's output. Combine computer audio with live mics while recording in your DAW, allowing you to capture guests over Skype or other VoIP programs. You can also use the loopback function while streaming live to sites like Twitch.Line Inputs and Line OutputsIn addition to the monitor outputs, the M6 offers two 1/4" line outputs. Use these outputs to feed outboard gear such as compressors, equalizers, stereo-width processors, or whatever else you have in your arsenal. Route audio to channels 3-4, through your favorite hardware pieces, and then back in through the two balanced 1/4" line inputs. This makes the unit suitable for hybrid mix engineers.Low LatencyThe M6 provides ultralow latency for monitoring live inputs through your computer, thanks to MOTU's expertly engineered USB drivers. These deliver 2.5 ms of round-trip latency, measured with a 32-sample buffer at 96 kHz.Hardware Monitoring and Input Mix KnobThe M6 gives you one-touch hardware monitoring for all inputs, including line inputs 3-4. You'll also note the mix knob for balancing live inputs with computer playback; this lets you secure your perfect monitor mix, so you can hear your playing without latency, along with playback tracks, all at the same time.Integrates with MIDI Gear and Analog SynthsThe M6 includes full-sized 5-pin DIN MIDI input and output ports, so you can connect a MIDI controller, a sound module, or even a keyboard workstation without having to get a separate MIDI interface. The four 1/4" outputs on the M6 are DC-coupled, allowing you to send data from your DAW as Control Voltage (CV) to hardware analog synthesizers, Eurorack modules, and sequencers.Audio Interface or Standalone OperationWith the included multiblade international DC power adapter, the M6 can be used as a standalone preamp and basic mixer with no host computer required. Simply engage the monitor button for all six inputs (and 48V phantom power, if needed) and adjust the preamp gain as needed. Connect the main outs to any line-level destination, such as a PA or patch bay.Software IncludedThe M6 includes Ableton Live Lite and MOTU Performer Lite, popular and capable DAWs geared for music recording and production. Also included are over 100 instruments for Performer Lite, as well as 6GB of loops, sounds, and one-shot samples for either DAW.Compare M2, M4 and M6Features M2 M4 M6Best-in-class audio quality driven by ESS Sabre32 Ultra™ DAC TechnologyxxxBest-in-class speed (ultra-low latency) for host software processingxxxBest-in-class metering for all inputs/outputs with a full-color LCDxxxMeasured 120 dB dynamic range on 1/4-inch outputsxxxMeasured -129 dB EIN on mic inputsxxxSupport for 44.1 to 192 kHz sample ratesxxxMic/line/hi-Z guitar inputs on combo XLR/TRS224Balanced 1/4-inch line inputs022RCA (unbalanced) analog out (mirrored)240Balanced, DC-coupled 1/4-inch TRS outputs244ESS-driven headphone output w/volume111Individual preamp gain knob and 48V phantom power switch for each mic inputxxxHardware (direct) monitoring switch for all inputsxxxMonitor mix knob for balancing live inputs with computer playback xxA/B switch for comparing a mix on two different pairs of monitors  xMIDI in/out (16 channels to/from USB host)xxxBus powered USB-C (compatible with USB Type A)xxxDC power adapter for stand-alone monitoring (the M6 requires DC power for USB-A hosts)  xPower switchxxxPlug-and-play operation on Mac (no driver required)xxxUltra-low latency drivers for Mac and WindowsxxxiOS compatible (USB audio class compliant)xxxDriver loopback (with or without live inputs mixed in)xxxRugged metal construction (case, faceplates & knobs)xxxPerformer Lite and Ableton Live Litexxx100+ instruments (in Performer Lite)xxxOver 6 GB of included free loops & samplesxxxKensington security slotxxxTwo-year warrantyxxx

MOTU M6 SpecsDisplay1 x Color LCDChannels of I/OAnalog:
6 Inputs / 4 OutputsMaximum Sampling Rate192 kHz / 24-BitNumber of Microphone Preamps4 PreampsInput Level Adjustment4 x KnobSignal ProcessingPadNoneGain/Trim RangeMic Inputs:
0 dB to +60 dB
Line/Hi-Z Inputs:
0 dB to +57 dB High-Pass FilterNoneSolo/MuteNoneConnectivityAnalog Audio I/O4 x Combo XLR-1/4" TRS Balanced/Unbalanced Mic/Line/Hi-Z Input
2 x 1/4" TRS Balanced Line Input
2 x 1/4" TRS Unbalanced Headphone Output
4 x 1/4" TRS Balanced Line Output (DC-Coupled)Phantom Power48 V, Selectable On/Off (Selectable on Individual Inputs)Digital Audio I/ONoneHost Connection / USB1 x USB-CHost Connection ProtocolUSB 2.0USB (Non-Host)NoneSync I/ONoneNetwork I/ONoneMIDI I/O1 x DIN 5-Pin Input
1 x DIN 5-Pin OutputWireless ConnectivityNonePerformanceFrequency ResponseMic Inputs:
20 Hz to 20 kHz +0/-0.1 dB
Line, Hi-Z Inputs:
20 Hz to 20 kHz ±0.15 dB
Line Inputs:
20 Hz to 20 kHz ±0.07 dB
Line Outputs:
20 Hz to 20 kHz +0/-0.1 dB Maximum Input LevelMic Inputs:
+10 dBu (Max Level In)
Line Inputs:
+16 dBu (Max Level In) Maximum Output LevelLine Outputs:
+18 dBu (Balanced)
Line Outputs:
+16 dBu (Unbalanced)
Headphone Outputs:
+12.5 dBu ImpedanceMic Inputs:
2.65 Kilohms
Line Inputs:
2 Megohms
Hi-Z Inputs:
1 Megohm
Line Outputs:
100 Ohms Dynamic RangeMic Inputs:
115 dBA
Line Inputs:
114 dBA
Line/Monitor Outputs:
120 dBA
Headphone Outputs:
115 dBA THD+NMic Inputs:
-97 dB
Line Inputs:
< -100 dB / < 0.001% (@ 14 dBu)
Line/Monitor Outputs:
< -110 dB / < 0.00032% (@ -1 dBFS, Unweighted, 1 kHz)
Headphone Outputs:
< -110 dB EINMic Inputs:
-129 dBu A-Weighted (@ Max Gain, 150 Ohms) Digital AudioSample RatesUp to 192 kHz Sample Rate ConversionNoneBit Depths24-BitLatencyZero-Latency Direct Monitoring2.5 ms at 96 kHz (Dependent on Buffer Size, Input to Output)Sync SourcesInternalAudio Storage & PlaybackMemory Card SlotNoneCompatibilityOS CompatibilitymacOS 10.11 or Later (64-Bit Only)
macOS 10.13 or Later (64-Bit Only)
Windows 10 or Later (64-Bit Only)
*As of October, 2022: Check with manufacturer for the most up-to-date compatibilityIncluded SoftwareAbleton Live Lite
Digital Performer LiteCompatible Software (Not Included)Any Core Audio (Mac) Compliant SoftwareIncluded Plug-InsNoneSupported Drivers/API & Plug-InsmacOS Class-Compliant (No Driver Needed)Processor RequirementMac:
1 GHz Intel Core i3 (64-Bit)
PC:
1 GHz Intel Pentium RAM Requirements2 GB, 4 GB RecommendedStorage Requirements500 GBRequired HardwareAvailable USB 2.0 Port
USB Cable (Included) Internet ConnectionRequired for Software/Driver DownloadPowerPower RequirementsAC/DC Power Adapter (Included)PhysicalAnti-Theft FeaturesKensington Security SlotDimensions9.21 x 4.75 x 1.8" / 23.39 x 12.06 x 4.6 cm (Chassis Only)Weight2.2 lb / 1.0 kgPackaging InfoPackage Weight3.21 lbBox Dimensions (LxWxH)13.9 x 7.8 x 3.2"UPC: 839128006263

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