Pristine, versatile, and portable, the MOTU M6 USB-C Audio MIDI Interfacedesktop 6x4 (not counting headphone outputs) USB-C audio-MIDI interface combines high-class audio performance, a robust bundle of DAWs, virtual instruments, loops, and samples, and a feature set that makes it equally powerful and user-friendly for musicians, podcasters, and producers, all at a highly affordable price point. With its four mic/line/instrument preamps and two balanced line inputs, the M6 can record anything from dynamic and condenser microphones to electric guitars and drum machines in distortion-free, sparkling clarity. Equipped with top-notch ESS digital-to-analog converters that drive the main outs and the headphone jack, the M6 lets you monitor through your speakers and headphones with the dynamic range normally found only on much more expensive interfaces.

The M6 is equally suitable for producers, thanks to its MIDI 5-pin I/O. Plug in a MIDI keyboard to control virtual instruments or run MIDI from the M6 to your favorite hardware synth to capture its glorious tones through the M6's pristine analog preamps. No matter what you do, the M6's specially engineered drivers ensure ultralow-latency monitoring, so you can rehearse and record in real time without hearing any distracting echo, and the full-color LCD screen shows you high-resolution metering for all inputs and outputs at all times. The MOTU M6 includes Performer Lite and Ableton Live Lite 11, as well as 100+ virtual instruments (Performer Lite), and over 6GB of free loops, samples, and one-shots from industry-leading libraries.

Musicians, Podcasters, and Producers    AC and Bus Powered / Mac, Windows    4 Mic / Line / Hi-Z Preamps, 2 Line In    2 Headphone Out, 4 Line Out    24-Bit / 192 kHz Audio AD/DA Conversion    Full-Color LCD with I/O Metering    48V, Zero-Latency Direct Monitoring    Loopback Mode for Streaming    MIDI I/O on 5-Pin DIN Jacks    DAWs, VI, and Plug-Ins + 6GB of Samples

• 6-in / 4-out USB audio interface with studio-quality sound
• Best-in-class audio quality driven by ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC Technology
• Best-in-class speed (ultralow latency) for host software processing
• Best-in-class metering for all inputs/outputs with a full-color LCD
• 4 mic / line / Hi-Z guitar inputs on combo XLR/TRS
• Individual preamp gain and 48V phantom power for each mic input
• 2 balanced 1/4-inch line inputs
• Hardware (direct) monitoring for all inputs
• Monitor mix knob to balance live inputs and computer playback
• A/B switch to compare mix output on two sets of studio monitors
• Measured -129 dB EIN on mic inputs
• 4 balanced DC-coupled 1/4-inch TRS outputs
• Measured 120 dB dynamic range on the 1/4-inch balanced TRS outputs
• 2 headphone outputs (driven by ESS converters) with independent volume control
• Switch for optional headphone monitoring through line outputs 3-4
• MIDI in/out (16 channels to/from USB host)
• 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 roundtrip latency (32-sample buffer at 96 kHz)
• Mac driver (optional, for 2.5 ms RTL at 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-A) with power switch (USB cables included)
• Multiblade international DC power adapter for standalone operation without a computer
• Rugged metal construction (extruded case, faceplates, and knobs)
• Workstation software included (MOTU Performer Lite and Ableton Live Lite 11)
• 100+ instruments (in Performer Lite)
• Over 6GB of included free loops, samples, and one-shots from industry leading libraries
• Kensington security slot
• Two-year warranty

Equipped with the same ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC technology found in audio interfaces the pros use, the M6 delivers 120 dB of dynamic range on its main outputs. ESS converters also drive the headphone output. Ultraclean preamp circuits produce a measured -129 dBu EIN on the mic inputs; this means while recording, you'll only hear the mic, not the mic pre.

The M6 has balanced 1/4" outputs for professional level monitoring. With two 1/4" headphone outputs, you can also monitor your work privately, plus the 3-4 switch allows for headphone monitoring through line ouputs 3-4.

The M6's included driver provides convenient loopback channels to your host computer, so you can easily capture your computer's output. Combine computer audio with live mics while recording in your DAW, allowing you to capture guests over Skype or other VoIP programs. You can also use the loopback function while streaming live to sites like Twitch.

In addition to the monitor outputs, the M6 offers two 1/4" line outputs. Use these outputs to feed outboard gear such as compressors, equalizers, stereo-width processors, or whatever else you have in your arsenal. Route audio out channels 3-4, through your favorite hardware pieces, and then back in through the two balanced 1/4" line inputs. This makes the unit suitable for hybrid mix engineers.

The M6 provides ultralow latency for monitoring live inputs through your computer, thanks to MOTU's expertly engineered USB drivers. These deliver 2.5 ms of roundtrip latency, measured with a 32-sample buffer at 96 kHz.

The M6 gives you one-touch hardware monitoring for all inputs, including line inputs 3-4. You'll also note the mix knob for balancing live inputs with computer playback; this lets you secure your perfect monitor mix, so you can hear your playing without latency, along with playback tracks, all at the same time.

The M6 includes full-sized 5-pin DIN MIDI input and output ports, so you can connect a MIDI controller, a sound module, or even a keyboard workstation without having to get a separate MIDI interface. The four 1/4" outputs on the M6 are DC coupled, allowing you to send data from your DAW as control voltage (CV) to hardware analog synthesizers, Eurorack modules, and sequencers.

With the included multiblade international DC power adapter, the M6 can be used as a standalone preamp and basic mixer with no host computer required. Simply engage the monitor button for all six inputs (and 48V phantom power, if needed) and adjust the preamp gain as needed. Connect the main outs to any line-level destination such as a PA or patch bay.

The M6 includes Ableton Live Lite and MOTU Performer Lite, popular and capable DAWs geared for music recording and production. Also included are over 100 instruments for Performer Lite, as well as 6GB of loops, sounds, and one-shot samples for either DAW.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. I'm curious if the M2 can properly power a pair of 250 ohm headphones...?

A: We would recommend using an external headphone for 250 ohm headphones. Here's an option BH #FIK5PRO.

Q: 2. is it possible to listen to a microphone plugged into the left channel through both left and right sides of my headphones, or send one mic into both channels?

A: It is possible to monitor channel one through both sides of your headphones with this interface. The Input Monitor Mix button will send a mono input to both channel outputs. As well, if monitoring from a DAW, a mono channel in the DAW will playback in both ears.

Q: 3. Is this compatible with pro tools software & MAC Catalina?

A: The Motu M2 audio interface is compatible with macOS 10.11 or later, and does not require a driver to be installed to run on an Apple computer. Protools and most other DAW's will recognize and work well with this device.

Q: 4. Will this work with Adobe Audition on a Mac?

A: Yes, you can use the MOTU M2 USB Audio-MIDI Interface with Adobe Audition on a Mac computer.

Q: 5. How does this interface work for monitoring other taks like watch movies, make video editions, navigate the web, etc? What about the delay? I will use it for video editing, record some music and also for my personal computer use.

A: This will work well for all of the above. Round trip latency is just 2.5 ms, which is undetectable.

Q: 6. MOTU M2 assembled in USA or made in China?

A: The MOTU M2 is made in China.

Q: 7. I noticed that the front connectors say XLR/LINE/Guitar yet I dont see a switch to change it from line to instrument. How does this work?

A: The interface adjusts automatically based on what input connection is used. Please note, the XLR connection is only meant for mic level sources, any +4 line level input should be connected to the TRS input of the interface.

Q: 8. Can this be used as a decent field mixer/recorder? Given the rear XLR's and USB, it seems to have potential!

A: The MOTU M6 cannot be used as a recorder because it does not have an SD card port to be able to record any audio to. Furthermore, this uses a DC power adapter so it requires wall plugin power for indoor use.

Q: 9. Is this the newer revision for 2021? It's supposed to be better build and has an upgraded DAC

A: The MOTU M2 Desktop 2x2 USB Type-C Audio-MIDI Interface we have is the most recent version offered by the manufacturer for March 2023.

Q: 10. Does this record in true 32 bit float?

A: This has a depth of 24 bit, and does not have a 32 bit float.