MOTU M2 2-Channel Audio USB Interface

Equipped with the same ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC Technology found in audio interfaces costing thousands, the M2 delivers an astonishing 120 dB Dynamic Range on its main outputs. ESS converters also drive the headphone output, 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 M2 provides best-in-class speed for monitoring live inputs (mic, guitar or keyboard) through your computer, thanks to MOTU's expertly engineered USB drivers, which deliver class-leading, ultra-low 2.5 ms Round Trip Latency (at 96 kHz with a 32 sample buffer).

When recording and mixing, nothing is more critical than achieving optimum levels. The M2 is the only audio interface in its class with a full color LCD featuring clear, detailed level meters for all inputs and outputs. Enjoy professional-level volume control and feedback to get your sound just right.

The M2 driver provides convenient loopback channels to your host computer, so you can easily combine computer audio with live mics and/or guitar inputs to stream the combined mix to Youtube or your favorite podcasting platform in real time. Streaming and podcasting has never been easier and better-sounding!

Key Features

• 2-in / 2-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
• 2x mic/line/hi-Z guitar inputs on combo XLR/TRS
• Individual preamp gain and 48V phantom power for each input
• Hardware (direct) monitoring for each input (mono or stereo)
• Measured -129 dB EIN on mic inputs
• 2x balanced, DC-coupled 1/4-inch TRS outputs
• Measured 120 dB dynamic range on the 1/4-inch balanced TRS outputs
• 2x RCA (unbalanced) analog out (mirrored)
• 1x headphone out (driven by ESS converters) with independent volume control
• MIDI in/out
• 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@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 cable included)
• Rugged metal construction
• Workstation software included (MOTU Performer Lite 10 and Ableton Live Lite 10)
• 100+ instruments (in Performer Lite)
• Over 6 GB of included free loops, samples and one-shots from industry leading libraries
• Kensington security slot
• Built in the USA
• Two-year warranty

Technical Specifications

Sample rates
44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz
Mic/line/guitar inputs
2 x XLR/TRS “combo jack” mic/line/Hi-Z guitar inputs
Independent preamp gain, 48V phantom power and monitor switch for each input
Analog outputs
2 x 1/4” TRS line out (balanced, DC coupled)
2 x RCA (unbalanced) analog out (mirrored)
1 x 1/4” TRS stereo headphone
Computer I/O
1 x USB-C (compatible with USB Type A) 2.0 audio class compliant
MIDI I/O
1 x MIDI IN
1 x MIDI OUT
16 MIDI channels to/from computer host
Headphone
1 x 1/4” TRS stereo phone
Phantom power
2 x individual +48V
Front panel
1 x 1/4” TRS headphone output
2 x XLR/TRS combo inputs
1 x potentiometer monitor vol
1 x potentiometer phone vol
2 x potentiometer mic/instr input gain
4 x switches (2) 48V and (2) MON
160 x 120 pixel full-colored LCD with input and output level meters
Power
Bus-powered through USB
Dimensions and weight
(width x depth x height, enclosure only)
7.5 x 4.25 x 1.75 inches
19.05 x 10.8 x 4.5 cm
1.35 lbs / 0.61 kg
Mac System Requirements
1 GHz Intel-based Mac or faster
2 GB RAM; 4 GB or more recommended
macOS version 10.11 or later
Available USB port
A large hard drive (at least 500 GB for recording)
Windows System Requirements
1 GHz Pentium-based PC compatible or faster
2 GB RAM; 4 GB or more recommended
Windows 7, 8 or 10
Available USB port
A large hard drive (at least 500 GB for recording)
Class-Compliant Support
USB audio class compliant for plug-and-play operation on Mac or iOS (no driver required)
Included Software
MOTU Performer Lite
Ableton Live 10 Lite
6GB of loops and sounds from Big Fish Audio, LucidSamples, Loopmasters and MOTU
Operating Systems
macOS 10.11 or later; Windows 7 or later
Compatible Mac Software
The M2 ships with standard Core Audio drivers for macOS for compatibility with virtually all Core Audio-compatible apps, including:
MOTU Performer Lite
MOTU Digital Performer
Avid Pro Tools (version 9 or later)
Apple Logic Pro
Apple Logic Express
Apple Garage Band
Apple SoundTrack Pro
Ableton Live
Presonus Studio One
Propellerhead Record & Reason
Steinberg Cubase
Cockos Reaper
Native Instruments Kontakt
Waves stand-alone apps (and plug-ins, via compatible host)
Compatible Windows Software
The M2 ships with standard ASIO and Wave drivers for Windows 7, 8 and 10 for compatibility with virtually all ASIO- and Wave-compatible audio apps, 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
Propellerhead Record & Reason
Sony Vegas Pro
Sony Sound Forge
Sony Acid
Steinberg Cubase
Waves stand-alone apps (and plug-ins, via compatible host)