MOTU 16A 32 x 34 Thunderbolt/USB Audio Interface

MOTU 16A 32 x 34 Thunderbolt/USB Audio Interface

The MOTU 16A stands as a groundbreaking audio interface, seamlessly integrating 16 analog inputs and outputs with cutting-edge Thunderbolt technology. Designed for professionals seeking expansive connectivity and superior sound quality, the 16A offers a comprehensive solution for both studio and live environments. Its robust construction and advanced features make it an indispensable tool for audio engineers and musicians alike.

At the heart of the 16A lies the renowned ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC technology, delivering exceptional audio fidelity. This ensures pristine sound reproduction, capturing every nuance of your recordings with remarkable clarity. Whether you're tracking multiple instruments or mixing complex sessions, the 16A's high-performance converters provide the dynamic range and low distortion necessary for professional-grade audio production.

Beyond its impressive analog capabilities, the 16A boasts versatile digital I/O options, including dual ADAT optical ports. This flexibility allows for seamless integration with a wide array of digital equipment, expanding your setup's potential. Additionally, the 16A's ultra-low latency performance ensures real-time responsiveness, crucial for both recording and live performance scenarios. With its combination of extensive connectivity, superior audio quality, and reliable performance, the MOTU 16A redefines what an audio interface can achieve.

Key Features

• 16 balanced/unbalanced TRS analog inputs and outputs
• Dual ADAT optical ports for expanded digital connectivity
• ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC technology for exceptional audio fidelity
• Ultra-low latency performance for real-time monitoring
• Flexible matrix-style routing and splitting
• On-board DSP with mixing and effects, including reverb, 4-band EQ, gate, and compression
• Web app control for convenient device settings and network audio routing
• Stand-alone mixing capabilities with wireless control options
• Comprehensive metering with a large backlit LCD display
• Universal connectivity via Thunderbolt, USB, or AVB Ethernet

Technical Specifications

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
Digital Gain: +20 dB on each input

Analog Outputs: 16 x 1/4-inch TRS line out (balanced, DC coupled)
Max Level: +21 dBu
Digital Trim: -99 dB on each output

Digital I/O: 2 banks (16 channels) of ADAT optical I/O at 1x sample rates
2 banks (8 channels) 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)
1 x Thunderbolt-compatible / USB4 GEN3 C-to-C cable
• 40 Gbps / 240W
• Length: 6.56 feet
• Cable included
• Provides 15W power downstream / 0W upstream
Compatible with USB2 Type A with a C-to-A cable (sold separately)
Round Trip Latency (RTL): ~1.8 ms (32 sample buffer at 96 kHz)
Total Audio Channels: see "Total Audio I/O" below

Total Audio I/O: 32 in / 34 out (66 total channels) at 1x sample rates
24 in / 26 out (50 total channels) at 2x sample rates
16 in / 18 out (34 total channels) at 4x sample rates

Headphone: 1 x 1/4-inch TRS stereo headphone with channel select
Output Impedance: <1Ω
Max Output: 13.3 dBu

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: 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) headphone mono, (2) menu navigation
2 x 3.9-inch 480 x 128 pixel 24-bit RGB TFT display
1 x latching power button

Power: Internal 100-240V autoswitching supply
50-60 Hz • 1.0A max

Dimensions and Weight: (width x depth x height, enclosure only)
19 x 12.25 x 1.75 inches
11 lbs

System Requirements

Mac System Requirements:
Intel Core i3 Mac or faster (including Apple silicon Macs)
4 GB RAM; 8 GB or more recommended
macOS 12 or later (with driver or USB class compliant)
Available Thunderbolt 3+ or USB port
A large hard drive (at least 500 GB for recording)

Windows System Requirements:
Intel Core i3 PC (or AMD equivalent)
4 GB RAM; 8 GB or more 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
A large hard drive (at least 500 GB for recording)

iOS System Requirements:
iOS 17.5 or later*

Class-Compliant Support:
USB audio class compliant for plug-and-play operation on macOS or iOS (no driver required)

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
*iPhone models and iPad models compatible with iOS 17.
**Low-latency Thunderbolt driver support available only for iPad models with an M series processor.

Compatible Mac Software:
The 16A ships with standard Core Audio drivers for macOS, ensuring compatibility with virtually all Core Audio-compatible applications, including:
• MOTU Performer Lite
• MOTU Digital Performer
• Avid Pro Tools (version 9 or later)
• Apple Logic Pro
• Apple Garage Band
• Ableton Live
• Presonus Studio One
• Steinberg Cubase
• Cockos Reaper
• Native Instruments Kontakt
• Waves stand-alone apps (and plug-ins, via compatible host)

Compatible Windows Software:
The 16A ships with standard ASIO and Wave drivers for Windows 10 and 11, ensuring compatibility with virtually all ASIO- and Wave-compatible audio applications, including:
• MOTU Performer Lite
• MOTU Digital Performer
• Avid Pro Tools (version 9 or later)
• Ableton Live
• Cakewalk Sonar
• Cockos Reaper
• Image Line FL Studio
• Native Instruments Kontakt
• Presonus Studio One
• Magix Vegas Pro
• Magix Sound Forge
• Magix Acid
• Steinberg Cubase
• Waves stand-alone apps (and plug-ins, via compatible host)

What’s Included

• MOTU 16A Audio Interface
• Thunderbolt-compatible / USB4 GEN3 C-to-C cable (6.56 feet, 40 Gbps, 240W)
• Power cable
• Software bundle including CueMix Pro, MOTU Performer Lite, and additional sound libraries
• Quick start guide