MOTU M6

Audio Quality
 
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.

• ESS Sabre32 Ultra™ DAC Technology for superb analog sound
• The same converter technology used in audio interfaces costing thousands
• Measured 120 dB dynamic range on outputs
• Measured -129 dBu EIN on mic inputs
• ESS-driven headphone outputs

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 2.5 ms Round Trip Latency (at 96 kHz with a 32 sample buffer).

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 color 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
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 up to four mics (and/or guitars) from the M6 in your host software for live streaming or podcasting. Streaming and podcasting has never been easier and better-sounding!

A/B Monitor Switch
The M6 is the only audio interface in its class to offer A/B monitor switching. Connect two pairs of monitors and quickly check your mixes on each pair with the push of a button.

Stand-alone operation
With the included multi-blade international DC power adapter connected, you can power the M6 when the computer is turned off (or completely disconnected from the M6). This allows you to monitor any live inputs you may have (mics, guitars, keyboards, etc.) without a host computer or iOS device needed.

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

I/O

• 4x mic/line/hi-Z guitar inputs
• 2x balanced 1/4-inch line inputs
• 4x balanced 1/4-inch TRS out
• 2x stereo headphone w/volume
• 1x MIDI in/out
• 1x USB-C (compatible with Type A)

ANALOG SPECS

• 120 dB dynamic range on output
• -129 dBu EIN on mic inputs

CONNECTIVITY

• Bus-powered USB-C
• Optional DC power adapter
• Compatible with USB Type A (requires power adapter)
• Windows driver
• Mac driver (optional)
• iOS compatible (with Lightning adapter)

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS

• Plug-and-play operation
• Hardware (direct) monitoring
• Independent 48V phantom power
• A/B monitor switching
• Stand-alone operation with power adapter
• Rugged metal construction
• 44.1 to 192 kHz sample rates

Workstation software, virtual instruments and loops to get you making music right away
Connect the M6 to your Mac or PC and start laying down tracks with the included Performer Lite or Live Lite production software, plus hundreds of loops, one-shots and sounds from industry leaders Big Fish Audio, Lucidsamples and Loopmasters.

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 virtual 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 virtual 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 6 GB of free loops and sample packs from leading sample content providers to help you start making music right away. Choose from dozens of musical styles, then drag and drop in your project's timeline to build your track quickly.

M6 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 (in mono or stereo)
• 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 x balanced, DC-coupled 1/4-inch TRS outputs
• Measured 120 dB 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 44.1 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@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

Technical Specifications

Sample rates

• 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz

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)

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) 48V, (5) MON, (1) A/B and (1) 3-4
• 160 x 120 pixel full-colored LCD with input and output level meters

Power

• Bus-powered through USB*
• Optional multi-blade international 15V DC power adapter (included)
  *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).

Dimensions and weight    (width x depth x height, enclosure only)

• 9.21 x 4.75 x 1.8 inches
• 23.4 x 12.0 x 4.57 cm
• 2.15 lbs / 0.975 kg

System Requirements

Mac System Requirements

• Intel Core i3 Mac or faster (including Apple silicon Macs)
• 4 GB 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 500 GB for recording)

Windows System Requirements

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

Class-Compliant Support

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

Analog I/O

Line Output
Connector type: 1/4" TRS, balanced, tip hot    
Dynamic range (A-weighted): 120 dB    
THD+N (unweighted): -110 dB    
Max level: +16 dBu

Line Input    
Connector type: 1/4" TRS, bal/unbal, tip hot    
Dynamic range (A-weighted): 115 dB    
THD+N (unweighted): -107 dB    
Max level: +18 dBu

Mic input    
Connector type: XLR, balanced, pin 2 hot    
Dynamic range (A-weighted): 115 dB    
THD+N (unweighted): -129 dBu EIN    
Max level: +10 dBu (at minimum gain)

Phones
Connector type: 1/4", TRS stereo    
Dynamic range (A-weighted): 115 dB    
THD+N (unweighted):  -110 dB     
Max level: +12.5 dBu

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)