MOTU 10pre
OFFER PRICE - Rs. 1,87,990
MOTU 10pre: 26 x 28 Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 audio interface with ten mic preamps, eight line outputs, DSP mixing and Milan AVB. Available in India from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
VISUAL GUIDE — See Every Photo, Spec & Setup Step (PDF)
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General
| Type | 26‑in / 28‑out Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 audio interface with ten mic preamps, DSP mixing, effects and AVB networking |
| DAC technology | ESS Sabre32™ |
| Sample rates | 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz |
| Total audio I/O | 26 in / 28 out (54 channels) at 1x rates; 10 in / 12 out (22) at 4x rates |
Computer connection
| Computer connection | 2 x Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 (40 Gbps) USB‑C ports: HOST (to the computer or iOS device) and DEVICE (for peripherals or further Thunderbolt devices) |
| Compatibility | Thunderbolt 3 and 4, USB4, USB3 and USB2; USB audio class compliant (no driver needed on macOS and iOS) |
| USB Type‑A hosts | USB2 Type‑A with a USB‑C to USB‑A cable (sold separately) |
| Included cable | Thunderbolt‑compatible USB4 Gen 3 USB‑C to USB‑C, 40 Gbps / 240 W, 2 m |
| Downstream power | 15 W from the DEVICE port |
| Round‑trip latency | About 1.8 ms (32‑sample buffer at 96 kHz) |
Host audio channels
| Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 | |
|---|---|
| 44.1 / 48 kHz (in and out) | 128 |
| 88.2 / 96 kHz (in and out) | 128 |
| 176.4 / 192 kHz (in and out) | 64 |
| USB3 (driver or class compliant) | |
| 44.1 / 48 kHz (in and out) | 128 |
| 88.2 / 96 kHz (in and out) | 64 |
| 176.4 / 192 kHz (in and out) | 32 |
| USB2 (driver or class compliant) | |
| 44.1 / 48 kHz (in and out) | 64 |
| 88.2 / 96 kHz (in and out) | 32 |
| 176.4 / 192 kHz (in and out) | 18 |
Analog inputs and outputs
| Mic / line / instrument inputs | 10 x XLR/TRS combo jacks (2 front, 8 rear); +74 dB preamp gain in 1 dB steps; individual -20 dB pad and 48V phantom power; 1 megohm line/instrument impedance |
| Inserts | Balanced 1/4‑inch send and return on channels 1‑2; returns work as balanced TRS line inputs when no mic is connected |
| Return line inputs | Max +21 dBu, up to +20 dB digital gain |
| Line outputs | 8 x 1/4‑inch TRS (balanced, DC‑coupled), max +21 dBu, up to -99 dB digital trim |
| Headphone outputs | 2 x 1/4‑inch TRS stereo, independent volume, output impedance below 1 ohm, max 13.3 dBu |
Audio performance
| Mic input | |
|---|---|
| Connector | XLR, balanced, pin 2 hot |
| Dynamic range (A‑weighted) | 118 dB |
| THD+N (unweighted) | -114 dB; EIN -129 dBu |
| Max level | 0 dBu (without pad) |
| Line output | |
| Connector | 1/4‑inch TRS, balanced, tip hot |
| Dynamic range (A‑weighted) | 125 dB |
| THD+N (unweighted) | -114 dB (0.0002%) |
| Max level | +21 dBu |
| Headphones | |
| Connector | 1/4‑inch TRS stereo |
| Dynamic range (A‑weighted) | 118 dB |
| THD+N (unweighted) | -110 dB (0.0003%) |
| Max level | 13.3 dBu |
Digital I/O and sync
| Optical I/O | 2 banks of ADAT optical: 16 channels at 44.1/48 kHz, 8 channels (S/MUX) at 88.2/96 kHz |
| TOSLink | Bank A switchable to stereo TOSLink (optical S/PDIF) up to 96 kHz; IN and OUT formats set independently |
| Word clock | 1 x BNC in, 1 x BNC out/thru; all sample rates from 44.1 to 192 kHz |
Networking
| Ports | 2 x Gigabit AVB Ethernet (integrated Milan™ AVB switch) |
| AVB streams | 16 streams in and out up to 96 kHz; 8 streams in and out at 176.4 or 192 kHz |
| Channels per stream | 1 to 8, configurable per stream |
| Network audio | Up to 128 channels in and 128 out (up to 96 kHz) |
| Standards | IEEE 1722.1 connection management and control; AAF and legacy AM8‑24 stream formats, configurable per stream |
| Certification | Milan™ certified as a bridged endstation |
| Compatibility | All MOTU AVB interfaces, including previous generations |
Mixing and DSP
| Mixer | 64 inputs, 32 buses, 32‑bit floating‑point DSP |
| Effects | Reverb, 4‑band double‑precision parametric EQ and compressor on inputs and buses; high‑pass filter and gate on inputs (all rates up to 96 kHz) |
| Routing | CueMix Pro patchbay with virtual patch cords and Routing Grid; split any source to multiple destinations |
| Loopback | Computer output returned to the computer for streaming and podcasting |
| Control | CueMix Pro for macOS, Windows and iOS; Wi‑Fi control from several devices at once |
| Monitoring | Monitor Group for surround up to 8 channels (5.1, 7.1 and others) |
| Optical expansion | Optical Expander preset in the front‑panel menu |
Front panel
| Display | 1 x 3.9‑inch 480 x 128 pixel 24‑bit RGB TFT, metering for all analog and digital I/O |
| Inputs | 2 x XLR/TRS combo jacks |
| Preamp controls | Input channel select encoder and 2 select switches, preamp gain encoder, PAD and 48V switches |
| Control room | 6 switches: TALK, A, B, C, MUTE, MONO |
| Other controls | 2 x headphone volume, menu encoder with SELECT and BACK, large main volume knob, latching power button |
| Headphones | 2 x 1/4‑inch TRS stereo |
Physical
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 48.26 x 31.1 x 4.44 cm (19 x 12.25 x 1.75 in), enclosure only |
| Weight | 5 kg (11 lb) |
| Construction | Rugged steel 1U full‑rack enclosure for rack or desktop use |
| Power | Internal 100‑240 V auto‑switching supply, 50‑60 Hz, 1.0 A max, IEC connector; latching power button |
System requirements
| Mac | macOS 12 or later (with driver or class compliant); Apple silicon and Intel; 8 GB+ RAM recommended; Thunderbolt 3 or later, or USB port |
| Windows | Windows 11 23H2 or later; x86‑64 (Intel, AMD) and ARM PCs; 8 GB+ RAM recommended; Thunderbolt 3 or later, or USB port |
| iOS | iOS 17.5 or later; USB audio class compliant, no driver required |
| Software | Core Audio, ASIO and Wave drivers: works with virtually all audio software |
Included software
| Control and drivers | CueMix Pro for macOS, Windows and iOS; drivers for macOS, Windows and iOS |
| Production | MOTU Performer Lite for macOS and Windows, with 100+ virtual instruments and dozens of effects |
| Sounds | 6 GB of loops and sounds from Big Fish Audio, LucidSamples, Loopmasters and MOTU |
| Warranty | Two years |
Product overview
The MOTU 10pre is a 26-in / 28-out Thunderbolt™ 4 / USB4 audio interface for Mac, Windows and iOS with ten ultra-quiet mic preamps, DSP mixing, effects and Milan™ AVB networking in one rack space.
Ten XLR/TRS combo inputs, two on the front and eight on the rear, take mics, guitars or line sources. Eight balanced, DC-coupled line outputs, two banks of ADAT optical I/O and two headphone outputs bring the total to 54 simultaneous channels. Use it to record a full band or drum kit, add ten preamps to an existing setup over optical, or run it as a stand-alone mixer on stage.
| Mic preamps | 10 |
| Mic input EIN | -129 dBu |
| Output dynamic range | 125 dB |
| Round-trip latency | 1.8 ms |
Key features
- Ten mic preamps with +74 dB of gain, -129 dBu EIN, -20 dB pad, 48V phantom power and hi-Z guitar input on every channel
- Balanced inserts on channels 1-2 for outboard compressors and EQ
- ESS Sabre32™ DAC technology with a measured 125 dB dynamic range on the line outputs
- Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 with up to 128 channels in and 128 out; works with Thunderbolt 3, USB3 and USB2
- About 1.8 ms round-trip latency (32-sample buffer at 96 kHz) with MOTU's Mac and Windows drivers
- 64-channel DSP mixer with 32 buses, reverb, EQ, compression, gate and high-pass filter
- Front-panel control room: TALK, A/B/C speaker select, MUTE and MONO
- Two headphone outputs, each with its own volume and mix
- Optical Expander preset to add ten preamps and eight outputs to other ADAT-equipped gear
- Milan™ AVB networking, word clock and CueMix Pro control over Wi-Fi
Ten transparent mic channels
Each mic channel measures -114 dB THD+N, 118 dB dynamic range and -129 dBu EIN, capturing sources in their most natural form. Gain runs to +74 dB in 1 dB steps, with individual pad, phantom power and phase invert. Select a channel on the front panel and adjust it with the Precision Digital Trim knob, or control all ten preamps remotely from a computer or iOS device. Every combo jack also accepts a 1/4-inch high-impedance guitar for DI tracking and re-amping.
Inserts for outboard gear
Mic inputs 1-2 each have a dedicated balanced send and return, so you can add a favourite compressor, EQ or other processor to the channel, in mono or stereo. With no mic connected, each return acts as a line input.
Control room and monitoring
Front-panel buttons switch the main mix between three pairs of monitors (A/B/C), open talkback to the live room, mute the speakers and sum to mono. The Monitor Group lets the large volume knob control stereo, 5.1 or 7.1 systems on up to eight outputs. Two headphone outputs can mirror the main outputs or carry their own mixes with live inputs and reverb.
Connectivity, mixing and networking
The included 40 Gbps USB-C cable connects to Thunderbolt 4, USB4, Thunderbolt 3, USB3 or USB2, and the 10pre picks the fastest link. The 64-input, 32-bus mixer provides EQ, compression, gate, high-pass filter and reverb, while the CueMix Pro patchbay and Routing Grid send any source to any destination. Two Gigabit AVB ports daisy-chain the 10pre with the 16A, 848 and other MOTU AVB interfaces or join a Milan™ network.
Optical expansion, streaming and more
Choose the Optical Expander preset in the front-panel menu to add ten mic inputs and eight line outputs to any gear with 8-channel optical I/O. Loopback channels return computer audio to the computer for streaming and podcasting, and the DC-coupled outputs can sequence modular synthesizers with control voltage (CV).
Software included
The free CueMix Pro app controls every setting, route and mix from macOS, Windows or iOS. Register your 10pre to download MOTU Performer Lite (record, edit, mix, process and master, with 100+ virtual instruments and dozens of effects) and 6 GB of loops and sounds from Big Fish Audio, LucidSamples, Loopmasters and MOTU.
In the box
- MOTU 10pre audio interface
- 40 Gbps / 240 W USB-C cable (2 m)
- IEC power cord
- Printed user guide
- Getting Started card
Two-year MOTU factory warranty. Core Audio, ASIO and Wave drivers for compatibility with virtually all audio software.
MOTU 10pre: frequently asked questions
Does the MOTU 10pre need a driver?
No driver is needed on macOS or iOS: the 10pre is USB audio class compliant. Installing the MOTU driver from the CueMix Pro app on macOS 13 or later gives the full Thunderbolt or USB4 channel count and the lowest latency. On Windows, install the MOTU Pro Audio driver.
Does my computer need Thunderbolt?
No. The 10pre connects to Thunderbolt 3 and 4, USB4, USB3 and USB2 hosts with the included USB-C cable, and to USB Type-A ports with a USB-C to USB-A cable.
Can I add the 10pre's preamps to my existing interface or mixer?
Yes. Connect it over ADAT optical and choose the Optical Expander preset in the front-panel menu.
Can the 10pre work without a computer?
Yes. It runs as a stand-alone mixer with effects, controlled over Wi-Fi from CueMix Pro on a laptop, tablet or phone.
Where can I buy the MOTU 10pre in India?
The MOTU 10pre is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.
Workflow 1: Full band and drum recording
Record a drum kit or a whole band at once with ten matched preamps.
Connections
| Connect | To |
|---|---|
| Drum and instrument mics | Mic inputs 1‑10 (XLR); 48V for condenser mics |
| Bass or guitar DI | A front combo jack (1/4‑inch, hi‑Z) |
| Studio monitors | Line outputs 1‑2 |
| Computer | HOST port (Thunderbolt or USB) |
Setup
- Install the MOTU driver and CueMix Pro, then select the 10pre in your recording software.
- Select each channel on the front panel and set gain, pad and 48V while watching the meters.
- Arm ten tracks and record at up to 192 kHz.
- Send each musician a headphone mix from the two headphone outputs.
Tip: Patch a hardware compressor into the channel 1-2 inserts for kick and snare or a lead vocal.
Workflow 2: Stand-alone stage mixer
Take the 10pre on stage as a ten-channel mixer with effects, controlled from a tablet or phone.
Connections
| Connect | To |
|---|---|
| Vocal and instrument mics | Mic inputs 1‑10 |
| PA system | Line outputs 1‑2 |
| Stage monitors | Further line outputs as monitor mixes |
| Tablet or phone | Same Wi‑Fi network (via a router on a network port) |
Setup
- Build the mix in CueMix Pro with EQ, compression, gate and reverb on each channel.
- Create monitor mixes on the mixer buses and patch them to line outputs.
- Run the 10pre as a stand-alone mixer, with no computer needed on stage.
- Adjust levels during the show from CueMix Pro on one or several mobile devices.
Workflow 3: Optical preamp expansion
Add ten mic inputs and eight line outputs to an interface or digital mixer that has 8-channel optical I/O.
Connections
| Connect | To |
|---|---|
| Interface or mixer optical out | Optical bank in |
| Interface or mixer optical in | Optical bank out |
| Word clock (if used) | BNC word clock in or out/thru |
| Mics | Mic inputs 1‑10 |
Setup
- Connect the optical cables between the 10pre and the other device.
- Choose the Optical Expander preset in the 10pre front-panel menu.
- Set both devices to the same sample rate and clock source.
- Adjust the ten preamps from the front panel or CueMix Pro.
Workflow 4: Control room with talkback
Run a session with performers in another room: compare speakers, talk to the band and check mono.
Connections
| Connect | To |
|---|---|
| Talkback mic | A mic input |
| Main, second and third monitor pairs | Line output pairs for A, B and C |
| Performer headphones | Headphone output 2 |
| Engineer headphones | Headphone output 1 |
Setup
- Set up talkback and the A/B/C speaker pairs in CueMix Pro.
- Press A, B or C to switch the main mix between monitor pairs.
- Press TALK to speak to the performers.
- Use MONO and MUTE to check the mix and silence the speakers.
Workflow 5: Podcast and live streaming
Host a multi-guest podcast or stream and mix in computer audio such as music, calls or games.
Connections
| Connect | To |
|---|---|
| Host and guest mics | Mic inputs |
| Host headphones | Headphone output 1 |
| Guest headphones | Headphone output 2 |
| Computer | HOST port |
Setup
- Install the MOTU driver to enable the loopback channels.
- In your streaming or podcasting app, select the mic inputs and loopback channels.
- Add EQ and compression to each voice in the CueMix Pro mixer.
- Give each headphone output its own mix and volume.
Tip: Loopback can return as many computer output channels as you need.
Workflow 6: AVB networked system
Combine the 10pre with the 16A, 848 or other MOTU AVB interfaces for more inputs and outputs across rooms.
Connections
| Connect | To |
|---|---|
| 16A, 848 or other MOTU AVB interface | Network port (CAT‑5e or CAT‑6) |
| AVB switch (larger systems) | Network port |
| Computer | HOST port, or the AVB network |
Setup
- Daisy-chain units with standard network cable, up to 100 m between points.
- Open the CueMix Pro Discovery tab to find every device on the network.
- Create AVB streams of 1 to 8 channels and route them in the patchbay.
- Let all devices lock to the network clock for sample-accurate sync.
Tip: Each 10pre sends and receives up to 128 channels to and from the network at up to 96 kHz.
