Audio Interfaces

MOTU 10pre — Next-Generation Thunderbolt/USB4 Audio Interface

Posted on by Don Steele
07
Nov

10 Premium Preamps • 32-Bit DSP Mixing • AVB Networking • Ultra-Low Latency

When it comes to high-end recording interfaces, MOTU has long been a name synonymous with reliability, precision, and professional sound. Their latest release, the MOTU 10pre, continues that tradition — combining cutting-edge connectivity, transparent preamps, and powerful onboard DSP mixing in a sleek 1U rack-mount design. Whether you’re running a commercial studio, producing on the road, or building a scalable AVB network, the 10pre delivers uncompromising performance.

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MOTU 10pre 26x28 Thunderbolt 4/USB 4 Audio Interface

Thunderbolt Audio Interfaces

MOTU 10pre 26×28 Thunderbolt 4/USB 4 Audio Interface

$2,899.00

Lightning-Fast Thunderbolt/USB4 Connectivity

At the heart of the MOTU 10pre is a 40 Gbps Thunderbolt-compatible USB4 connection, ensuring seamless integration with Mac, PC, and iOS devices. Backward compatibility with USB3 and USB2 makes it equally versatile for all setups. With up to 256 channels of audio (128 in / 128 out) and round-trip latency under 1.9 ms, the 10pre provides the speed and efficiency needed for today’s demanding production environments.

A second Thunderbolt port lets you daisy-chain other peripherals like displays, hard drives, or docks — no extra hub required.

Ten Premium Mic Preamps with Massive Headroom

The 10pre’s ten XLR/TRS combo inputs feature next-generation preamp circuitry that achieves 118 dB of dynamic range, –129 dBu EIN, and +74 dB of gain — an impressive combination that delivers ultra-clean, transparent recordings with room to spare.

Eight rear-panel inputs handle your permanent studio wiring, while two front-panel inputs make it easy to plug in guitars, mics, or instruments during live sessions. Inputs 1–2 also include dedicated send/return inserts, perfect for integrating outboard compressors or EQs into your tracking chain.

Smart Front-Panel Control and Clear Visual Feedback

A standout feature of the 10pre is its 3.9-inch full-color TFT display, providing precise metering across all analog and digital channels. The interface includes two independent headphone outputs with programmable source selection — so you and your artist can each monitor your own mix.

Front-panel controls give you instant access to gain, pad, and phantom power, while the CueMix Pro software allows full remote control from a computer or iOS device. Talkback, A/B/C monitor switching, mute, and mono controls make the 10pre equally comfortable as a control-room hub.

Rear-Panel I/O: Built for Flexibility

On the back, the MOTU 10pre is loaded with professional-grade connections:

  • 8 x Mic/Line/Instrument Inputs (XLR/TRS)

  • 2 x TRS Send/Return Inserts (Inputs 1–2)

  • 8 x TRS Line Outputs with ESS Sabre32 32-bit DACs (125 dB dynamic range)

  • Dual ADAT Optical I/O (switchable to S/PDIF)

  • BNC Word Clock In/Out/Thru

  • 2 x Thunderbolt 4/USB4 Type-C Ports

  • 2 x AVB Ethernet Ports

All outputs are DC-coupled, which means you can even control voltage-based modular synths directly from your DAW. It’s a level of flexibility most interfaces can only dream of.

Scalable AVB Networking

One of the 10pre’s most powerful features is its built-in AVB switch. This allows you to link multiple MOTU interfaces — like the 16A or 848 — through standard Ethernet cabling. Each unit can transmit and receive 128 channels of network audio, and you can expand your system further with an external AVB switch.

This makes it possible to create a massive, synchronized studio setup where every input and output across multiple rooms or devices is accessible from your host computer.

DSP Mixing and Onboard Effects

The MOTU 10pre is driven by a 32-bit floating-point DSP engine, offering real-time 64-channel mixing from any source. Through the CueMix Pro app, you get:

  • 26 aux buses

  • Main, monitor, reverb, and solo buses

  • 4-band parametric EQ and compression on every channel

  • High-pass filter and gate per input

  • Built-in reverb for zero-latency tracking

You can mix from your desktop, laptop, or even wirelessly from an iPad or iPhone — ideal for both studio tracking and live sound applications.

Routing Made Simple

Inside CueMix Pro, routing is visual and intuitive. You can drag-and-drop connections or use a grid layout to send any input to any destination. Split signals across multiple outputs, patch outboard gear, or route audio between computers and devices on your AVB network — all without limitations.

Bundled Software and Sounds

The MOTU 10pre ships with everything you need to start recording immediately:

  • CueMix Pro App for macOS, Windows, and iOS

  • Low-latency Thunderbolt/USB drivers

  • Performer Lite DAW for recording and mixing

  • 6 GB of loops and samples from Big Fish Audio, LucidSamples, LoopCloud, and MOTU

MOTU 10pre Key Specifications

Feature Details
Computer Connection Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 (USB 3 & 2 compatible)
Analog I/O 10 x XLR/TRS Combo Inputs, 8 x TRS Outputs
Digital I/O 2 x ADAT Optical (S/PDIF switchable)
Networking 2 x Gigabit AVB Ethernet Ports
Mic Preamps 10 with +74 dB gain, 118 dB dynamic range
Dynamic Range (Outputs) 125 dB (ESS Sabre32 DACs)
Latency < 1.9 ms (96 kHz, 32-sample buffer)
Sample Rate Up to 192 kHz
Chassis 19-inch rack-mount, 1U

Final Thoughts

The MOTU 10pre brings together exceptional audio performance, advanced network integration, and a truly professional workflow — all in a compact, versatile design. Whether you’re expanding your studio, building a mobile rig, or creating a scalable networked system, the 10pre offers the flexibility and fidelity you need to take your production to the next level.