MOTU M2

Product overview

The MOTU M2 is a 2-in / 2-out USB-C audio interface for Mac, Windows and iOS, built around three strengths: studio-grade audio quality, ultra-low latency and full-colour metering.

Two combo inputs take a microphone, a line source or a guitar, each with its own gain, 48V phantom power and direct-monitor switch. Balanced outputs feed your studio monitors, a dedicated headphone output has its own volume, and MIDI in/out connects a keyboard or synth. The M2 is powered over USB, housed in a rugged metal case and ready for the studio, the stage or the road.

Key features

• ESS Sabre32 Ultra™ DAC technology on the main and headphone outputs, the same converter technology used in interfaces costing thousands
• Measured 120 dB dynamic range on the balanced 1/4-inch outputs
• Ultra-clean mic preamps with a measured -129 dBu EIN
• 2.5 ms round-trip latency (32-sample buffer at 96 kHz) with MOTU's Mac and Windows drivers
• Full-colour LCD with level meters for every input and output, unique in its class
• Hardware direct monitoring on each input, mono or stereo
• Loopback channels for live streaming and podcasting
• MIDI in/out, 16 channels to and from the computer
• USB-C bus power (USB Type-A compatible), power switch and rugged metal construction
• Plug-and-play on Mac and iOS: USB audio class compliant, no driver required

Audio quality

The M2 is equipped with ESS Sabre32 Ultra™ DAC technology for a measured 120 dB dynamic range on its main outputs. ESS converters also drive the headphone output, which rivals dedicated headphone amplifiers. Ultra-clean preamp circuits measure -129 dBu EIN on the mic inputs, so quiet sources stay clean and detailed.

Speed and monitoring

MOTU's USB drivers deliver 2.5 ms round-trip latency, so you can play and sing through software effects in real time. For zero-latency monitoring, press MON on any input to hear it directly on your speakers and headphones without routing through the computer.

Metering you can trust

The M2 is the only interface in its class with a full-colour LCD, showing clear, detailed meters for all inputs and outputs, so you can set recording levels and monitoring volume precisely.

Streaming and podcasting with loopback

The M2 driver adds loopback channels that send your computer's audio back into the computer. Mix it with your live mics and guitar in your streaming or podcasting software and broadcast the combined mix in real time.

Software included

Register your M2 to download MOTU Performer Lite (record, edit, mix, process and master, with 100+ virtual instruments and dozens of effects plug-ins), Ableton Live Lite, and over 6 GB of loops, samples and one-shots from Big Fish Audio, LucidSamples, Loopmasters and MOTU.

In the box

• MOTU M2 audio interface
• USB-C to USB-A cable
• Safety instruction sheet
• Software, instruments and sounds available after product registration

Two-year MOTU warranty. Works with virtually all Core Audio, ASIO and Wave-compatible audio software.

MOTU M2: frequently asked questions

Does the MOTU M2 need a driver?

No driver is needed on Mac or iOS: the M2 is USB audio class compliant. MOTU's optional Mac driver adds the 2.5 ms low-latency performance and loopback. On Windows, install the MOTU M Series driver.

Does the M2 need a power adapter?

No. The M2 is powered by its USB-C connection and works with USB-C and USB Type-A ports.

Can I use the M2 with an iPhone or iPad?

Yes. Connect it through a camera adapter kit and a powered USB hub; no driver is required.

What sample rates does it support?

44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 192 kHz.

Where can I buy the MOTU M2 in India?

The MOTU M2 is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Home studio recording

Turn a bedroom or home office into a recording studio: vocals, guitar and keys into your recording software.

Connections

Setup

1. Install the MOTU driver on Windows (optional on Mac) and select the M2 in your recording software.
2. Set each input's gain while watching the LCD meters; keep peaks out of the red.
3. Record at up to 192 kHz; use a 32-sample buffer for the lowest latency while tracking.
4. Balance speakers and headphones with the monitor and headphone volume knobs.

Tip: Register the M2 to download Performer Lite, Ableton Live Lite, 100+ instruments and 6 GB of loops to start producing straight away.

Workflow 2: Podcast and live streaming

Two-person podcast or a live stream that mixes microphones with game, music or call audio from the computer.

Connections

Setup

1. Install the MOTU driver to enable the loopback channels.
2. In your streaming or podcasting app, select the M2 inputs and the loopback channels.
3. Set mic gain on the LCD meters, then balance voices against computer audio in the app.
4. Press MON on both inputs so each person hears themselves with zero latency.

Tip: Loopback captures everything the computer plays, so call guests, music beds and sound effects reach the stream together with your voices.

Workflow 3: Mobile and location recording

Record anywhere: the M2 runs on laptop USB bus power, and works with iPad and iPhone.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the M2 to the laptop: it powers from the USB port, so no adapter is needed.
2. On iOS the M2 is class compliant: plug in and select it in your recording app.
3. Monitor on headphones with MON for zero-latency listening.
4. Pack it away in its rugged metal case for the next session.

Workflow 4: Live performance with backing tracks

Mix a live mic and guitar with tracks played from the computer on stage.

Connections

Setup

1. Route backing tracks and the live inputs to the main outputs in your performance software.
2. Set levels on the LCD meters during soundcheck.
3. Use the headphone output with its own volume for your monitor mix.
4. The power switch lets you power the M2 down cleanly between sets.

Tip: The RCA outputs mirror the main outputs, so you can feed a second destination such as a recorder at the same time.

Workflow 5: MIDI and electronic music production

Produce with a MIDI keyboard or hardware synth and record the synth's audio.

Connections

Setup

1. Select the M2 as the MIDI input and output in your production software (16 channels each way).
2. Play virtual instruments, including the 100+ in Performer Lite, from the keyboard.
3. Sequence the hardware synth over MIDI OUT and record its audio on inputs 1-2.
4. Build tracks quickly with the included loops and one-shots.

Workflow 6: Mixing and critical listening

Mix and master with clean, detailed playback on monitors and headphones.

Connections

Setup

1. Play your mix through the main outputs: 120 dB dynamic range reveals fine detail and reverb tails.
2. Check the mix on headphones, driven by the same ESS converters.
3. Watch output levels on the LCD meters while setting final loudness.
4. Run sessions at up to 192 kHz for high-resolution projects.