MOTU M6 – USB-C Audio Interface

The MOTU M6 is a 6-in/4-out USB-C audio interface for Mac, Windows, and iOS that offers best-in-class audio quality, best-in-class speed (ultra-low latency), and best-in-class metering with a full-colour LCD.

Record vocals, instruments, or other audio sources quickly and easily. The M6 includes MOTU Performer® Lite and Ableton Live® Lite production software, 100+ instruments, dozens of plug-ins, and over 6GB of loops and samples to start making music right away.

Additional features include four mic/line/hi-Z instrument XLR combo inputs, individual preamp gain and 48V phantom power, two balanced 1/4-inch line inputs, one-touch hardware monitoring for all inputs, support for stereo monitoring, mix knob for balancing live input with computer playback, four balanced 1/4-inch DC-coupled outputs, A/B switch for comparing a mix on two different pairs of monitors, two ESS-driven headphone outputs with independent volume control, 3-4 switch for independent headphone monitoring of outputs 3-4 (instead of 1-2), MIDI in/out, driver “loopback” channels for live-streaming and podcasting, USB bus power with power switch (USB C-to-C and C-to-A cables included), and optional DC power adapter for stand-alone operation without a computer.

Feature Highlights

• 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 -129dB EIN on mic inputs
• 4 x balanced, DC-coupled 1/4-inch TRS outputs
• Measured 120dB dynamic range on the 1/4-inch balanced TRS outputs
• 2 x headphone out (driven by ESS converters) with independent volume control
• 1 x 3-4 switch for optional headphone monitoring of Line Out 3-4
• MIDI in/out (16 channels to/from USB host)
• Support for 44.1kHz to 192kHz sample rates
• USB audio class compliant for plug-and-play operation on Mac (no driver required)
• Windows driver with 2.5ms Round Trip Latency (32 sample buffer at 96kHz)
• Mac driver (optional, for 2.5ms RTL@32/96kHz 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 6GB of included free loops, samples, and one-shots from industry-leading libraries
• Kensington security slot
• Two-year warranty

Best-In-Class Audio Quality

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

Best-In-Class Speed

The M6 provides best-in-class speed for monitoring live inputs (mic, guitar or keyboard) through your computer, thanks to MOTU’s expertly engineered USB drivers, which deliver class-leading, ultra-low 2.5ms Round Trip Latency (32 sample buffer at 96kHz).

Best-In-Class Metering

When recording and mixing, nothing is more critical than achieving optimum levels. The M6 is the only audio interface in its class with a full-colour 160×120 pixel LCD featuring clear, detailed level meters for all inputs and outputs. Enjoy professional-level volume control and feedback to get your sound just right.

Loopback for Live Streaming and Podcasting

The M6 driver provides convenient loopback channels to your host computer, so you can easily route computer output back to the computer, where you can mix it with live mics and/or guitar inputs from the M6 in your host software for live streaming or podcasting. Streaming and podcasting has never been easier and better-sounding!

MOTU Performer® Lite

Performer® Lite provides everything you need to record, edit, mix, process and master your own music tracks quickly and easily. Plug in your mic, guitar, and MIDI keyboard and start tracking with over 100 instruments, dozens of effects plug-ins, guitar FX processing, and much more.

Ableton Live® Lite

Live® Lite 11 is a lightweight version of Ableton Live® 11. It comes with all of Live’s essential workflows, instruments, and effects – everything you need to record songs, create hands-on with your controller, take music made in your apps further and so much more.

100+ Virtual Instruments

Performer® Lite includes over 100 instruments, including acoustic and electric pianos, guitars, basses, drums, organs, synths, orchestral instruments, choirs, world instruments, and much more. Take your musical muse wherever it wants to go.

Loops and Sounds

You get over 6GB of free loops and sample packs from industry leaders MOTU, Big Fish Audio, Loopmasters, and LucidSamples, to help you start making music right away. Choose from dozens of musical styles, then drag and drop them into your project’s timeline to build your track quickly.

Stand-Alone Operation

With the included multi-blade international DC power adapter, the M6 can be used as a stand-alone 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.

A Tradition of Engineering Excellence

Decades of award-winning product engineering for hit songs, mega tours, primetime shows, and blockbuster movies go into every MOTU audio interface.

Technical Specifications

Sample rates	44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz
Mic/line/guitar	4 x XLR/TRS “combo jack” mic/line/Hi-Z guitar inputs Independent preamp gain, 48V phantom power, and monitor switch for each input
Analog inputs	2 x 1/4″ line in
Analog outputs	4 x 1/4″ TRS line out (balanced, DC coupled) 2 x 1/4″ TRS stereo headphone with independent volume
Computer I/O	1 x USB-C 2.0 audio class compliant Compatible with USB Type A host (*see power below) USB C-to-C and C-to-A cables included
MIDI I/O	1 x MIDI IN 1 x MIDI OUT 16 MIDI channels to/from computer host
Headphones	2 x 1/4″ TRS stereo headphone with independent volume 1 x 3-4 switch for optional monitoring of Line Out 3-4
Phantom power	4 x individual +48V
Front panel	2 x 1/4″ TRS headphone output 1 x potentiometer (monitor vol) 2 x potentiometer (phone vol) 1 x potentiometer (input monitor mix) 4 x potentiometer (mic/line/guitar input gain) 11 x switches (4 x 48V, 5 x MON, 1 x A/B, and 1 x 3-4) 160 x 120 pixel full-colored LCD with input and output level meters
Power	Bus-powered through USB – USB bus power available with USB-C hosts only. For other hosts, use the included DC power adapter. For iOS devices with a Lightning port, an Apple Lightning to USB3 Camera Adapter is required (sold separately) Optional multi-blade international 15V DC power adapter (included)
Dimensions and Weight (width x depth x height, enclosure only)	23.4cm x 12.0cm x 4.57cm / 9.21″ x 4.75″ x 1.8″ 0.975kg / 2.15lbs

System Requirements

• Mac System Requirements
• Intel Core i3 Mac or faster (including Apple silicon Macs)
• 4GB RAM; 8 GB or more recommended
• macOS version 10.11 or later
• (Optional driver requires 10.13 or later)
• Available USB port
• A large hard drive (at least 500GB for recording)

Windows System Requirements

• 1GHz Pentium-based PC compatible or faster
• 2GB RAM; 4GB or more recommended
• Windows 10 or later (x64 only)
• Available USB port
• A large hard drive (at least 500GB for recording)

Class-Compliant Support

• USB audio class compliant for plug-and-play operation on Mac or iOS (no driver required)

Included Software

• MOTU Performer® Lite
• Ableton Live® Lite 11
• 6GB of loops and sounds from Big Fish Audio, Loopmasters, LucidSamples, and MOTU

Analog I/O

	Connector Type	Dynamic Range (A-Weighted)	THD+N (Unweighted)	Max Level
Line Output	1/4″ TRS, balanced, tip hot	120dB	-110dB	+16dBu
Line Input	1/4″ TRS, bal/unbal, tip hot	115dB	-107dB	+18dBu
Mic input	XLR, balanced, pin 2 hot	115dB	-129dBu EIN	+10dBu (at minimum gain)
Phones	1/4″, TRS stereo	115dB	-110dB	+12.5dBu

Compatible Mac Software

The M6 ships with standard Core Audio drivers for macOS for compatibility with virtually all Core Audio-compatible apps, including:

• MOTU Performer® Lite
• MOTU Digital Performer®
• Avid Pro Tools (version 9 or later)
• Apple Logic Pro
• Apple Logic Express
• Apple Garage Band
• Apple SoundTrack Pro
• Ableton Live®
• Presonus Studio One
• Propellerhead Record & Reason
• Steinberg Cubase
• Cockos Reaper
• Native Instruments Kontakt
• Waves stand-alone apps (and plug-ins, via compatible host)

Compatible Windows Software

The M6 ships with standard ASIO and Wave drivers for Windows 10 for compatibility with virtually all ASIO- and Wave-compatible audio apps, including:

• MOTU Performer® Lite
• MOTU Digital Performer®
• Avid Pro Tools (version 9 or later)
• Ableton Live
• Cakewalk Sonar
• Cockos Reaper
• Image Line FL Studio
• Native Instruments Kontakt
• Presonus Studio One
• Propellerhead Record & Reason
• Sony Vegas Pro
• Sony Sound Forge
• Sony Acid
• Steinberg Cubase
• Waves stand-alone apps (and plug-ins, via compatible host)