Manufacturers

Wish List  [more]

Log In to be able to add this product to your Wish List.

MOTU M6 USB-C 6x4 Mac PC Audio Interface

Price :
$399.95
  • Model: MOTU3160
  • Shipping Weight: 3lbs
  • Manufactured by: MOTU

DESCRIPTION

MOTU M6 USB-C 6x4 Mac  PC Audio Interface

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.

The M6 is equally suitable for producers, thanks to its MIDI 5-pin I/O. Plug in a MIDI keyboard to control virtual instruments or run MIDI from the M6 to your favorite hardware synth to capture its glorious tones through the M6's pristine analog preamps. No matter what you do, the M6's specially engineered drivers ensure ultralow-latency monitoring, so you can rehearse and record in real time without hearing any distracting echo, and the full-color LCD screen shows you high-resolution metering for all inputs and outputs at all times. The MOTU M6 includes Performer Lite and Ableton Live Lite 11, as well as 100+ virtual instruments (Performer Lite), and over 6GB of free loops, samples, and one-shots from industry-leading libraries.

At a Glance
  • 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 -129 dB EIN on mic inputs
  • 4 balanced, DC-coupled 1/4-inch TRS outputs
  • Measured 120 dB dynamic range on the 1/4-inch balanced TRS outputs
  • 2 headphone outputs (driven by ESS converters) with independent volume control
  • Switch for optional headphone monitoring through Line outputs 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 at 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
Professional-Level Audio Quality
Equipped with the same ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC technology found in audio interfaces the pros use, the M6 delivers 120 dB of dynamic range on its main outputs. ESS converters also drive the headphone output. Ultraclean preamp circuits produce a measured -129 dBu EIN on the mic inputs; this means while recording, you'll only hear the mic, not the mic pre.
Balanced Monitoring
The M6 has balanced 1/4" outputs for professional-level monitoring. With two 1/4" headphone outputs, you can also monitor your work privately, plus the 3-4 switch allows for headphone monitoring through Line ouputs 3-4.
Loopback Channels for Podcast Recording and Live Streaming
The M6's included driver provides convenient loopback channels to your host computer, so you can easily capture your computer's output. Combine computer audio with live mics while recording in your DAW, allowing you to capture guests over Skype or other VoIP programs. You can also use the loopback function while streaming live to sites like Twitch.
Line Inputs and Line Outputs
In addition to the monitor outputs, the M6 offers two 1/4" line outputs. Use these outputs to feed outboard gear such as compressors, equalizers, stereo-width processors, or whatever else you have in your arsenal. Route audio to channels 3-4, through your favorite hardware pieces, and then back in through the two balanced 1/4" line inputs. This makes the unit suitable for hybrid mix engineers.
Low Latency
The M6 provides ultralow latency for monitoring live inputs through your computer, thanks to MOTU's expertly engineered USB drivers. These deliver 2.5 ms of round-trip latency, measured with a 32-sample buffer at 96 kHz.
Hardware Monitoring and Input Mix Knob
The M6 gives you one-touch hardware monitoring for all inputs, including line inputs 3-4. You'll also note the mix knob for balancing live inputs with computer playback; this lets you secure your perfect monitor mix, so you can hear your playing without latency, along with playback tracks, all at the same time.
Integrates with MIDI Gear and Analog Synths
The M6 includes full-sized 5-pin DIN MIDI input and output ports, so you can connect a MIDI controller, a sound module, or even a keyboard workstation without having to get a separate MIDI interface. The four 1/4" outputs on the M6 are DC-coupled, allowing you to send data from your DAW as Control Voltage (CV) to hardware analog synthesizers, Eurorack modules, and sequencers.
Audio Interface or Standalone Operation
With the included multiblade international DC power adapter, the M6 can be used as a standalone 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.
Software Included
The M6 includes Ableton Live Lite and MOTU Performer Lite, popular and capable DAWs geared for music recording and production. Also included are over 100 instruments for Performer Lite, as well as 6GB of loops, sounds, and one-shot samples for either DAW.

Compare M2, M4 and M6

Features  M2  M4  M6
Best-in-class audio quality driven by ESS Sabre32 Ultra™ DAC Technology
 x x x
Best-in-class speed (ultra-low latency) for host software processing
 x x x
Best-in-class metering for all inputs/outputs with a full-color LCD x x x
Measured 120 dB dynamic range on 1/4-inch outputs x x x
Measured -129 dB EIN on mic inputs
 x x x
Support for 44.1 to 192 kHz sample rates
 x x x
Mic/line/hi-Z guitar inputs on combo XLR/TRS
 2 2 4
Balanced 1/4-inch line inputs 0 2 2
RCA (unbalanced) analog out (mirrored)
 2 4 0
Balanced, DC-coupled 1/4-inch TRS outputs
 2 4 4
ESS-driven headphone output w/volume
 1 1 1
Individual preamp gain knob and 48V phantom power switch for each mic input
 x x x
Hardware (direct) monitoring switch for all inputs
 x x x
Monitor mix knob for balancing live inputs with computer playback
   x x
A/B switch for comparing a mix on two different pairs of monitors
     x
MIDI in/out (16 channels to/from USB host)
 x x x
Bus powered USB-C (compatible with USB Type A)
 x x x
DC power adapter for stand-alone monitoring (the M6 requires DC power for USB-A hosts)
     x
Power switch
 x x x
Plug-and-play operation on Mac (no driver required)
 x x x
Ultra-low latency drivers for Mac and Windows
 x x x
iOS compatible (USB audio class compliant)
 x x x
Driver loopback (with or without live inputs mixed in)
 x x x
Rugged metal construction (case, faceplates & knobs)
 x x x
Performer Lite and Ableton Live Lite
 x x x
100+ instruments (in Performer Lite)
 x x x
Over 6 GB of included free loops & samples
 x x x
Kensington security slot
 x x x
Two-year warranty
 x x x

 

MOTU M6 Specs

Display 1 x Color LCD
Channels of I/O Analog:
6 Inputs / 4 Outputs
Maximum Sampling Rate 192 kHz / 24-Bit
Number of Microphone Preamps 4 Preamps
Input Level Adjustment 4 x Knob
Signal Processing
Pad None
Gain/Trim Range Mic Inputs:
0 dB to +60 dB
Line/Hi-Z Inputs:
0 dB to +57 dB
High-Pass Filter None
Solo/Mute None
Connectivity
Analog Audio I/O 4 x Combo XLR-1/4" TRS Balanced/Unbalanced Mic/Line/Hi-Z Input
2 x 1/4" TRS Balanced Line Input
2 x 1/4" TRS Unbalanced Headphone Output
4 x 1/4" TRS Balanced Line Output (DC-Coupled)
Phantom Power 48 V, Selectable On/Off (Selectable on Individual Inputs)
Digital Audio I/O None
Host Connection / USB 1 x USB-C
Host Connection Protocol USB 2.0
USB (Non-Host) None
Sync I/O None
Network I/O None
MIDI I/O 1 x DIN 5-Pin Input
1 x DIN 5-Pin Output
Wireless Connectivity None
Performance
Frequency Response Mic Inputs:
20 Hz to 20 kHz +0/-0.1 dB
Line, Hi-Z Inputs:
20 Hz to 20 kHz ±0.15 dB
Line Inputs:
20 Hz to 20 kHz ±0.07 dB
Line Outputs:
20 Hz to 20 kHz +0/-0.1 dB
Maximum Input Level Mic Inputs:
+10 dBu (Max Level In)
Line Inputs:
+16 dBu (Max Level In)
Maximum Output Level Line Outputs:
+18 dBu (Balanced)
Line Outputs:
+16 dBu (Unbalanced)
Headphone Outputs:
+12.5 dBu
Impedance Mic Inputs:
2.65 Kilohms
Line Inputs:
2 Megohms
Hi-Z Inputs:
1 Megohm
Line Outputs:
100 Ohms
Dynamic Range Mic Inputs:
115 dBA
Line Inputs:
114 dBA
Line/Monitor Outputs:
120 dBA
Headphone Outputs:
115 dBA
THD+N Mic Inputs:
-97 dB
Line Inputs:
< -100 dB / < 0.001% (@ 14 dBu)
Line/Monitor Outputs:
< -110 dB / < 0.00032% (@ -1 dBFS, Unweighted, 1 kHz)
Headphone Outputs:
< -110 dB
EIN Mic Inputs:
-129 dBu A-Weighted (@ Max Gain, 150 Ohms)
Digital Audio
Sample Rates Up to 192 kHz
Sample Rate Conversion None
Bit Depths 24-Bit
Latency Zero-Latency Direct Monitoring2.5 ms at 96 kHz (Dependent on Buffer Size, Input to Output)
Sync Sources Internal
Audio Storage & Playback
Memory Card Slot None
Compatibility
OS Compatibility macOS 10.11 or Later (64-Bit Only)
macOS 10.13 or Later (64-Bit Only)
Windows 10 or Later (64-Bit Only)
*As of October, 2022: Check with manufacturer for the most up-to-date compatibility
Included Software Ableton Live Lite
Digital Performer Lite
Compatible Software (Not Included) Any Core Audio (Mac) Compliant Software
Included Plug-Ins None
Supported Drivers/API & Plug-Ins macOS Class-Compliant (No Driver Needed)
Processor Requirement Mac:
1 GHz Intel Core i3 (64-Bit)
PC:
1 GHz Intel Pentium
RAM Requirements 2 GB, 4 GB Recommended
Storage Requirements 500 GB
Required Hardware Available USB 2.0 Port
USB Cable (Included)
Internet Connection Required for Software/Driver Download
Power
Power Requirements AC/DC Power Adapter (Included)
Physical
Anti-Theft Features Kensington Security Slot
Dimensions 9.21 x 4.75 x 1.8" / 23.39 x 12.06 x 4.6 cm (Chassis Only)
Weight 2.2 lb / 1.0 kg
Packaging Info
Package Weight 3.21 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH) 13.9 x 7.8 x 3.2"
UPC: 839128006263

The Electronic Music Box is an authorized dealer of Mark of the Unicorn (MOTU) products.

In accordance with California labeling requirements:

WARNING: Cancer & Reproductive Harm - www.P65Warnings.ca.gov


REVIEWS