MOTU 16A
OFFER PRICE - Rs. 1,87,990
MOTU 16A: 32 x 34 Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 audio interface with 16 x 16 analog I/O, ESS Sabre32 DACs, 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 | 32‑in / 34‑out Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 audio interface with 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 | 32 in / 34 out (66 channels) at 1x rates; 24 in / 26 out (50) at 2x rates; 16 in / 18 out (34) 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
| Line inputs | 16 x 1/4‑inch TRS (balanced/unbalanced), max +21 dBu, 0 to +20 dB digital gain in 1 dB steps, phase invert |
| Line outputs | 16 x 1/4‑inch TRS (balanced, DC‑coupled), max +21 dBu, up to -99 dB digital trim |
| Headphone output | 1 x 1/4‑inch TRS stereo with source select, output impedance below 1 ohm, max 13.3 dBu |
Audio performance
| Line input | |
|---|---|
| Connector | 1/4‑inch TRS, balanced, tip hot |
| Dynamic range (A‑weighted) | 120 dB |
| THD+N (unweighted) | -114 dB (0.0002%) |
| Max level | +21 dBu |
| 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 |
| Headphone | |
| 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 16 channels (5.1, 7.1.4 and others); talkback and A/B/C speaker select in CueMix Pro |
Front panel
| Displays | 2 x 3.9‑inch 480 x 128 pixel 24‑bit RGB TFT, metering for all analog and digital I/O |
| Controls | Headphone volume, headphone source select, menu encoder, large main volume knob |
| Switches | Headphone mono, menu SELECT and BACK, latching power button |
| Headphone | 1 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 16A is a 32-in / 34-out Thunderbolt™ 4 / USB4 audio interface for Mac, Windows and iOS, with on-board DSP mixing, effects and Milan™ AVB networking in one rack space. MOTU presents it as the world's first Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 audio interface.
Sixteen balanced 1/4-inch TRS line inputs, sixteen DC-coupled line outputs, two banks of ADAT optical I/O and a front-panel headphone output give 66 simultaneous channels. Use the 16A to add a large amount of analog I/O to your computer, as a comprehensive patchbay and mixer, or both, in the studio and on stage.
| Output dynamic range | 125 dB |
| Simultaneous channels | 66 |
| Round-trip latency | 1.8 ms |
| Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 | 40 Gbps |
Key features
- ESS Sabre32™ DAC technology with a measured 125 dB dynamic range on the line outputs
- 16 x 16 balanced analog I/O on 1/4-inch TRS, plus 16 channels of ADAT optical I/O
- Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 with up to 128 channels in and 128 out to the computer; 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
- Two 3.9-inch colour displays (480 x 128 pixels) with metering for all analog and digital I/O
- Milan™ AVB networking on two Gigabit Ethernet ports, up to 128 network channels in and out
- CueMix Pro control from Mac, PC, iPhone or iPad, including over Wi-Fi
- DC-coupled outputs for control voltage (CV) work with modular synthesizers
- Word clock in and out/thru, loopback for streaming, and class-compliant operation on macOS and iOS
Audio quality and speed
Renowned ESS Sabre32™ converters give the line outputs a measured 125 dB dynamic range with very low distortion, while the line inputs measure 120 dB. Every input offers up to +20 dB of precision digital gain and every output up to -99 dB of trim, adjustable in 1 dB steps. MOTU's drivers deliver about 1.8 ms round-trip latency at 96 kHz, so you can play through software instruments and effects in real time.
Universal Thunderbolt and USB connectivity
Connect the included 40 Gbps USB-C cable and the 16A negotiates the fastest link your computer offers: Thunderbolt 4, USB4, Thunderbolt 3, USB3 or USB2. Thunderbolt and USB4 carry 256 channels of computer audio (128 in and 128 out) at up to 96 kHz. A second Thunderbolt port connects drives, displays, a USB hub or dock, or a chain of up to six further Thunderbolt devices.
64-channel mixing and patchbay routing
The 32-bit floating-point mixer is laid out like a large-format console: 64 inputs taken from the analog and optical inputs, the computer, the network or other mixer buses, feeding 32 buses. Inputs and buses have 4-band parametric EQ and compression, inputs add a gate and high-pass filter, and a built-in reverb completes the set. In CueMix Pro, route any source to any destination with virtual patch cords, split one source to many outputs, or manage hundreds of channels at a glance in the Routing Grid.
Milan AVB networking
An integrated Milan™ AVB switch with two Gigabit Ethernet ports lets you daisy-chain several 16A units with standard network cable, or add an AVB switch to build a network of interfaces and computers. Point-to-point runs reach 100 m on CAT-5e or CAT-6, network latency is fixed at 2 ms, and every device locks to one reference clock. The 16A works with all MOTU AVB interfaces and is Milan™ certified.
Control room and studio extras
Talkback and A/B/C speaker selection in CueMix Pro let you compare mixes on three sets of monitors, and the Monitor Group controls surround systems such as 5.1 and 7.1.4 (up to sixteen channels) from the main volume knob. The headphone output has its own volume and a front-panel source knob. The optical banks expand the 16A with other ADAT gear, and Bank A can switch to stereo TOSLink. Meter views show all I/O, analog only or digital only.
Software included
The free CueMix Pro app controls every setting, route and mix from macOS, Windows or iOS. Register your 16A 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 16A audio interface
- 40 Gbps / 240 W USB-C cable (2 m)
- IEC power cord
- Printed Quick Start guide
- Getting Started card
Two-year MOTU warranty. Core Audio, ASIO and Wave drivers for compatibility with virtually all audio software.
MOTU 16A: frequently asked questions
Does the MOTU 16A need a driver?
No driver is needed on macOS or iOS: the 16A 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 16A 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 the 16A 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.
Can I connect it to other MOTU interfaces?
Yes. Use the two AVB network ports to daisy-chain other MOTU AVB interfaces, or connect an AVB switch for a larger network.
Where can I buy the MOTU 16A in India?
The MOTU 16A is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.
Workflow 1: Studio I/O expansion
Give your computer 16 balanced line inputs and outputs for synths, drum machines and outboard processors, all patched in software.
Connections
| Connect | To |
|---|---|
| Synths and drum machines | Line inputs 1‑16 (1/4‑inch TRS) |
| Outboard processors | Line outputs (send) and line inputs (return) |
| Studio monitors | Line outputs 1‑2 (main pair) |
| Headphones | Headphone output |
| Computer | HOST port (Thunderbolt or USB) |
Setup
- Install the MOTU driver and CueMix Pro, then select the 16A in your recording software.
- Trim each input with up to +20 dB of digital gain while watching the front-panel meters.
- Patch sends and returns for outboard gear in the CueMix Pro patchbay.
- Record at up to 192 kHz and monitor through the main volume knob.
Tip: Register the 16A to download Performer Lite, 100+ instruments and 6 GB of loops.
Workflow 2: Stand-alone stage mixer
Take the 16A on stage as a mixer with effects for keyboards, playback and line sources, with or without a computer.
Connections
| Connect | To |
|---|---|
| Keyboards and line sources | Line inputs |
| PA system or front‑of‑house | Line outputs 1‑2 |
| Monitor wedges or in‑ear systems | 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 separate monitor mixes on the mixer buses and patch them to line outputs.
- Run the 16A 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: AVB networked studio
Link several MOTU AVB interfaces and computers so any channel can reach any room, over long cable runs.
Connections
| Connect | To |
|---|---|
| Second 16A 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 16A sends and receives up to 128 channels to and from the network at up to 96 kHz.
Workflow 4: Optical expansion
Add 16 more channels by connecting digital mixers, processors or ADAT-equipped converters to the two optical banks.
Connections
| Connect | To |
|---|---|
| ADAT device 1 | Optical bank A in/out |
| ADAT device 2 | Optical bank B in/out |
| Word clock master or slave | BNC word clock in or out/thru |
| Computer | HOST port |
Setup
- Connect the optical cables and choose ADAT (or stereo TOSLink on Bank A) in CueMix Pro.
- Set the clock source so every device runs at the same sample rate.
- Use 16 optical channels at 44.1/48 kHz or 8 channels at 88.2/96 kHz.
- Switch the front-panel meter view to digital only to check optical levels.
Tip: Bank A IN and OUT formats are independent, so you can receive ADAT and send stereo TOSLink at the same time.
Workflow 5: Surround and multi-speaker mixing
Mix in stereo and surround, compare speaker sets and talk to performers from one interface.
Connections
| Connect | To |
|---|---|
| Main monitors | Line outputs 1‑2 |
| Second and third monitor sets | Further line output pairs (A/B/C) |
| Surround speakers | Line outputs assigned to the Monitor Group (up to 16) |
| Headphones | Headphone output |
Setup
- Assign surround outputs to the Monitor Group so the main knob controls them all.
- Set up A/B/C speaker select in CueMix Pro and switch between monitor pairs.
- Use the 125 dB outputs to judge fine detail and reverb tails.
- Check the mix on headphones with their own volume and source.
Workflow 6: Modular synthesizer control
Sequence and modulate voltage-controlled modular synths straight from your recording software.
Connections
| Connect | To |
|---|---|
| Modular synth CV inputs | DC‑coupled line outputs |
| Modular synth audio outputs | Line inputs |
| Studio monitors | Line outputs 1‑2 |
| Computer | HOST port |
Setup
- Patch line outputs to the modular's pitch, gate and modulation inputs.
- Send control voltage (CV) from tracks in your software to those outputs.
- Return the modular's audio to the line inputs and record it.
- Use the remaining outputs for monitors and effects sends.
Tip: All sixteen line outputs are DC-coupled, so any of them can carry CV.
