MOTU 16A – 32 x 34 Thunderbolt/USB Audio Interface – for Mac, Windows and iOS with Mixing, Effects and Networking

OVERVIEW

The completely redesigned 16A delivers everything you need to turn your computer into a powerful 24-bit/192 kHz digital audio workstation.

The 16A connects to a Mac, PC or iOS device with the included 40 Gbps USB-C cable (compatible with Thunderbolt 3/4, USB4, USB3 and USB2) for up to 256 audio channels (128 in and 128 out), depending on the host computer connection. Class-compliant firmware and reputable MOTU drivers work with all your favourite audio apps, delivering industry-leading, ultra-low round trip latency (RTL) performance less than 2 ms at 96 kHz with high-performance DAW hosts. USB audio class-compliant firmware allows connection to your iPadTM or any iOSTM device via USB-C or a standard camera connection kit (Lightning adapter, sold separately).

The 16A is equally well-suited for studio and stage. As an interface or standalone mixer, the 16A provides 32 separate inputs and 34 separate outputs, including 16 balanced 1/4-inch TRS analog (line-level) in/out, two banks of 8-channel optical I/O, and a front-panel headphone output. Renowned ESS Sabre32TM DAC technology delivers superb analog performance.

Connect all of your studio gear, including microphones, guitars, synths, keyboards, drum machines and effects processors. Record, monitor, and process all of these live inputs with no latency and no processor strain on your computer. Powerful 32-bit floating point DSP delivers 64-channel mixing with 64 inputs, 32 busses, and effects processing, including reverb, 4-band EQ, high-pass filter, gate and compression at all sample rates up to 96 kHz.

Use two Gigabit network ports to daisy-chain multiple units using standard network cabling, or add an AVB switch to build a network with multiple interfaces and computers with ultra-low network latency, even over long cable runs (hundreds of meters). Stream hundreds of audio channels among devices and computers on the network. The 16A is compatible with previous- generation MOTU AVB devices.

Take control of your recording sessions with talkback. Connect up to three sets of speakers and check your mixes instantly with A/B/C speaker select switching. Stream your sessions to the web with loopback channels and your customised mix of any 16A inputs.

After recording and mixing in the studio, take the 16A on stage for operation as a stand-alone mixer with effects. Control everything over Wi-Fi from the CueMix ProTM app running on your laptop, tablet and smartphone.

From studio to stage, the 16A delivers exceptional sound quality, state-of-the-art operation and rock-solid performance.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Unparalleled Connectivity:

Connects seamlessly to Mac, Windows, and iOS with Thunderbolt 4, USB4, USB3, and USB2 compatibility for maximum versatility.

Superior Audio Quality:

ESS Sabre32 DAC technology ensures pristine analog performance with a dynamic range of 125 dB and sample rates up to 192 kHz.

Extensive I/O Capabilities:

Offers 32 inputs and 34 outputs, including 16 balanced TRS analog I/O, two banks of 8-channel optical I/O, and a headphone output.

Ultra-Low Latency:

Industry-leading round-trip latency performance of less than 2 ms at 96 kHz with high-performance DAW hosts.

Advanced DSP Mixing:

Powerful 32-bit floating point DSP engine with 64-channel mixing, 64 inputs, 32 busses, and effects processing.

AVB Networking Ready:

Expand your system with ultra-low network latency using AVB switches and stream hundreds of audio channels seamlessly.

Comprehensive Control Options:

Control everything via Wi-Fi from the CueMix Pro app on your laptop, tablet, or smartphone.

FEATURES

• Next-gen 32 x 34 Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 audio interface – The world’s first Thunderbolt 4 audio interface built on 30 years of proven success as an industry-leading audio interface brand.
• New 3.9-inch TFT displays – Two bright, 24-bit RGB LCDs provide 480 x 128 pixel high-resolution metering for all analog and digital I/O, plus detailed status info and access to hardware settings from a simple and convenient menu.
• Superb analog audio quality and high-end converters – Renowned ESS Sabre32TM 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 1.8 ms at 96kHz with high-performance DAW hosts.
• Universal Thunderbolt/USB-C connectivity – Connect to any computer with the included 40 Gbps Thunderbolt-compatible USB4 cable (compatible with USB3 and USB2) for up to 256 audio channels (128 in and 128 out), depending on the host computer connection. Class-compliant firmware and industry standard drivers work with any audio apps. Connects to an iPadTM with USB-C or a Lightning adapter kit (sold separately). Use an additional Thunderbolt port to connect additional computer peripherals, a USB hub or Thunderbolt dock.
• 66 simultaneous audio channels – 32 inputs and 34 outputs, including 16 TRS analog (line-level) in/out, two banks of 8-channel optical I/O, and a front-panel headphone output.
• 64-channel mixing with effects – Powerful 32-bit floating point DSP delivers 64-channel mixing with 64 inputs, 32 busses, and effects processing, including reverb, 4-band double-precision EQ, high-pass filter, gate and compression at all sample rates up to 96 kHz.
• Patchbay routing and splitting – Using intuitive, virtual patch cords, easily route any source signal to any destination. Split any source to multiple destinations.
• AVB Networking – Use two Gigabit network ports to daisy-chain multiple units using standard network cabling, or add an AVB switch to build a network with multiple interfaces and computers with ultra-low network latency, even over long cable runs (hundreds of meters). Stream hundreds of audio channels among devices and computers on the network. Compatible with previous-generation MOTU AVB devices.
• Wi-Fi control – Control everything wirelessly over Wi-Fi from the CueMix Pro app running on mobile devices or other computers on the same network (even multiple devices at the same time).
• Precision boost/trim for analog I/O – Calibrate analog input and output signals in precise 1 dB increments. Apply phase invert individually to analog inputs.
• Control room features – Control your sessions with “talk” button and “A/B/C” speaker select buttons to quickly compare your mixes on three sets of studio monitors.
• Flexible headphone output – With independent volume control and front panel source select knob, the headphone output can mirror any output pair, any CueMix bus, or any Thunderbolt/USB channels. Or create a completely customized mix that includes live 16A 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 S/MUX at 88.2/96 kHz. Bank A can optionally provide stereo TOSLink (optical S/PDIF) I/O up to 96 kHz.
• Word clock in/out/thru – Supports all sample rates up to 192 kHz.
• DC-coupled TRS outputs – Use the 16A 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 inputs from the 16A in your host software for live streaming or podcasting.
• Flexible front-panel metering – Choose customized meter views for analog I/O only, digital I/O only and other combinations to best support your workflow.
• CueMix Pro app – Control mixing and settings from your Mac, PC or iOS device. (Note: iOS app coming soon to the Apple App Store).
• Performer Lite – Workstation software with over 100 included instruments, dozens of effects and 6 GB of included loops to make music right away.

TECHNICAL SPECS

Connectivity: Thunderbolt 4, USB4, USB3, USB2 (compatible with Mac, Windows, and iOS devices)

I/O Channels: 32 inputs, 34 outputs

Analog I/O: 16 balanced 1/4″ TRS (line-level) inputs and outputs

Digital I/O: Two banks of 8-channel optical I/O (ADAT or S/MUX), Word Clock in/out/thru

Headphone Output: Independent volume control with source select knob

Resolution: 24-bit/192 kHz

Latency: Ultra-low round-trip latency (<2 ms at 96 kHz)

DSP Mixing: 64-channel mixing with 64 inputs, 32 busses, effects processing (reverb, EQ, compression)

Networking: AVB networking with two Gigabit network ports for daisy-chaining or connecting to AVB switches

Compatibility: Works with all major DAWs, iPad, and iOS devices via USB-C or Lightning adapter

Build Quality: Rugged construction with bright 3.9-inch TFT displays for real-time monitoring

Software: CueMix Pro app for wireless control, Performer Lite workstation software included