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MOTU 16A (2025)
The MOTU 16A is a groundbreaking 32-in/34-out audio interface that sets a new standard in professional audio connectivity and performance. As the world's first interface to offer Thunderbolt™ 4 and USB4 connectivity, the 16A delivers ultra-low latency, exceptional audio quality, and unparalleled flexibility for Mac, Windows, and iOS platforms.
Features
Universal Connectivity: Seamlessly connect to any host device using the included 40 Gbps USB-C cable, ensuring the fastest possible data transfer speeds with backward compatibility for Thunderbolt 3, USB3, and USB2 connections.
Exceptional Audio Quality: Equipped with renowned ESS Sabre32™ DAC technology, the 16A delivers a dynamic range of 125 dB and extremely low harmonic distortion, providing pristine audio clarity for both recording and playback.
Comprehensive I/O: Featuring 16 balanced/unbalanced TRS analog inputs and outputs, two banks of 8-channel ADAT optical I/O, and an independent stereo headphone output, the 16A offers a total of 32 inputs and 34 outputs to accommodate complex studio setups.
Advanced Mixing and Effects: The built-in 64-channel mixer provides 32-bit floating point precision, 4-band EQ, compression, gating, and reverb effects, allowing for versatile signal processing directly within the interface.
AVB Networking: With two Gigabit Ethernet ports, the 16A supports AVB networking, enabling the daisy-chaining of multiple units and the streaming of hundreds of audio channels across devices and computers on the network with ultra-low latency.
User-Friendly Interface: Dual 3.9-inch full-color TFT displays provide high-resolution metering for all analog and digital I/O, along with detailed status information and access to hardware settings via an intuitive menu.
SpecificationsSpecification
Details
Sample Rates
44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz
Analog Inputs
16 x 1/4-inch TRS line in (balanced/unbalanced), Max level: +21 dBu, +20 dB digital gain
Analog Outputs
16 x 1/4-inch TRS line out (balanced, DC coupled), Max level: +21 dBu, -99 dB digital trim
Headphone Output
1 x 1/4-inch TRS stereo headphone, Output impedance: <1Ω, Max output: 13.3 dBu
Digital I/O
2 banks (16 ch) of ADAT optical I/O at 1x sample rates; 2 banks (8 ch) of S/MUX optical I/O at 2x sample rates; Bank A switchable to stereo TOSLink I/O (optical S/PDIF)
Computer I/O
2 x Thunderbolt 4 / USB 4.1 (40 Gbps) Type C; USB3 / USB2 compatible; USB audio class compliant (no driver needed)
Networking
2x Gigabit AVB Ethernet ports; 16 AVB streams in/out at sample rates up to 96 kHz; 8 AVB streams in/out at 176.4 or 192 kHz
Sync I/O
1 x BNC Word Clock In; 1 x BNC Word Clock Out/Thru; Sample rates: all (from 44.1 to 192 kHz)
Front Panel Controls
1 x 1/4" TRS headphone output; 1 x encoder for headphone volume; 1 x encoder for headphone channel select; 1 x encoder for menu navigation; 1 x large encoder for main volume; 3 x switches (1 for headphone mono, 2 for menu navigation); 2 x 3.9-inch 480 x 128 pixel 24-bit RGB TFT displays; 1 x latching power button
Power Supply
Internal 100-240V autoswitching supply; 50-60 Hz; 1.0A max
Dimensions and Weight
19 x 12.25 x 1.75 inches / 48.26 x 31.1 x 4.44 cm; 11 lbs / 5 kgs
System Requirements (Mac)
Intel Core i3 Mac or faster (including Apple silicon Macs); 4 GB RAM (8 GB recommended); macOS 12 or later; Available Thunderbolt 3+ or USB port
System Requirements (Windows)
Intel Core i3 PC (or AMD equivalent); 4 GB RAM (8 GB recommended); Windows 10 22H2 or later (x64 AMD/Intel only); Windows 11 23H2 or later (x64 AMD/Intel only); Available Thunderbolt 3+ or USB port
System Requirements (iOS)
iOS 17.5 or later; Class-compliant support
Included Software
CueMix Pro for macOS, Windows, and iOS; Drivers for macOS, Windows, and iOS; MOTU Performer Lite for macOS and Windows; 6GB of loops and sounds from Big Fish Audio, LucidSamples, Loopmasters, and MOTU
The MOTU 16A is a versatile and powerful solution for professionals seeking high-quality audio performance, extensive connectivity options, and advanced mixing capabilities in a single rack-mounted unit.
Read more
The MOTU 16A is a groundbreaking 32-in/34-out audio interface that sets a new standard in professional audio connectivity and performance. As the world's first interface to offer Thunderbolt™ 4 and USB4 connectivity, the 16A delivers ultra-low latency, exceptional audio quality, and unparalleled flexibility for Mac, Windows, and iOS platforms.
Features
Universal Connectivity: Seamlessly connect to any host device using the included 40 Gbps USB-C cable, ensuring the fastest possible data transfer speeds with backward compatibility for Thunderbolt 3, USB3, and USB2 connections.
Exceptional Audio Quality: Equipped with renowned ESS Sabre32™ DAC technology, the 16A delivers a dynamic range of 125 dB and extremely low harmonic distortion, providing pristine audio clarity for both recording and playback.
Comprehensive I/O: Featuring 16 balanced/unbalanced TRS analog inputs and outputs, two banks of 8-channel ADAT optical I/O, and an independent stereo headphone output, the 16A offers a total of 32 inputs and 34 outputs to accommodate complex studio setups.
Advanced Mixing and Effects: The built-in 64-channel mixer provides 32-bit floating point precision, 4-band EQ, compression, gating, and reverb effects, allowing for versatile signal processing directly within the interface.
AVB Networking: With two Gigabit Ethernet ports, the 16A supports AVB networking, enabling the daisy-chaining of multiple units and the streaming of hundreds of audio channels across devices and computers on the network with ultra-low latency.
User-Friendly Interface: Dual 3.9-inch full-color TFT displays provide high-resolution metering for all analog and digital I/O, along with detailed status information and access to hardware settings via an intuitive menu.
SpecificationsSpecification
Details
Sample Rates
44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz
Analog Inputs
16 x 1/4-inch TRS line in (balanced/unbalanced), Max level: +21 dBu, +20 dB digital gain
Analog Outputs
16 x 1/4-inch TRS line out (balanced, DC coupled), Max level: +21 dBu, -99 dB digital trim
Headphone Output
1 x 1/4-inch TRS stereo headphone, Output impedance: <1Ω, Max output: 13.3 dBu
Digital I/O
2 banks (16 ch) of ADAT optical I/O at 1x sample rates; 2 banks (8 ch) of S/MUX optical I/O at 2x sample rates; Bank A switchable to stereo TOSLink I/O (optical S/PDIF)
Computer I/O
2 x Thunderbolt 4 / USB 4.1 (40 Gbps) Type C; USB3 / USB2 compatible; USB audio class compliant (no driver needed)
Networking
2x Gigabit AVB Ethernet ports; 16 AVB streams in/out at sample rates up to 96 kHz; 8 AVB streams in/out at 176.4 or 192 kHz
Sync I/O
1 x BNC Word Clock In; 1 x BNC Word Clock Out/Thru; Sample rates: all (from 44.1 to 192 kHz)
Front Panel Controls
1 x 1/4" TRS headphone output; 1 x encoder for headphone volume; 1 x encoder for headphone channel select; 1 x encoder for menu navigation; 1 x large encoder for main volume; 3 x switches (1 for headphone mono, 2 for menu navigation); 2 x 3.9-inch 480 x 128 pixel 24-bit RGB TFT displays; 1 x latching power button
Power Supply
Internal 100-240V autoswitching supply; 50-60 Hz; 1.0A max
Dimensions and Weight
19 x 12.25 x 1.75 inches / 48.26 x 31.1 x 4.44 cm; 11 lbs / 5 kgs
System Requirements (Mac)
Intel Core i3 Mac or faster (including Apple silicon Macs); 4 GB RAM (8 GB recommended); macOS 12 or later; Available Thunderbolt 3+ or USB port
System Requirements (Windows)
Intel Core i3 PC (or AMD equivalent); 4 GB RAM (8 GB recommended); Windows 10 22H2 or later (x64 AMD/Intel only); Windows 11 23H2 or later (x64 AMD/Intel only); Available Thunderbolt 3+ or USB port
System Requirements (iOS)
iOS 17.5 or later; Class-compliant support
Included Software
CueMix Pro for macOS, Windows, and iOS; Drivers for macOS, Windows, and iOS; MOTU Performer Lite for macOS and Windows; 6GB of loops and sounds from Big Fish Audio, LucidSamples, Loopmasters, and MOTU
The MOTU 16A is a versatile and powerful solution for professionals seeking high-quality audio performance, extensive connectivity options, and advanced mixing capabilities in a single rack-mounted unit.
Read more
Specifications
| Interface type | USB audio interfaces |
| Computer connection | USB-C |
| Analog inputs | 16 |
| Analog outputs | 16 |
| Digital outputs | 1 |
| Type | Rack unit |
| Headphone outputs | 1 |
| Brand | Motu |