MOTU 848

The MOTU 848 turns any Mac, PC or iOS device into a complete 28×32 recording system over a single 40 Gbps Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 connection. With 60 simultaneous channels of I/O and ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC technology delivering 125 dB of dynamic range at sample rates up to 24-bit/192kHz, it captures every source with vanishing distortion (-114 dB THD+N) and round-trip latency as low as 1.8 ms.

Four combo XLR/TRS inputs supply transparent mic preamps with up to +74 dB of gain, a switchable -20 dB pad, 48V phantom power and remote control, doubling as hi-Z guitar DIs with dedicated send/return inserts on channels 3-4. Eight additional line inputs and twelve DC-coupled TRS outputs handle outboard gear, synth CV and immersive monitoring up to 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos, while two banks of optical I/O and word clock keep your digital rig in sync.

A 32-bit floating-point DSP engine drives a 64-channel, 32-bus mixer with reverb, EQ, gate and compression, all controllable from the CueMix Pro app over USB, Wi-Fi or the network. Dual Gigabit AVB ports let you daisy-chain up to eight 848 or 16A units for hundreds of networked channels, and a 3.9-inch RGB TFT display, loopback recording and A/B/C monitoring with talkback complete the rugged 1U package.

FEATURES

• Next-gen 28 x 32 Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 audio interface — Built on 30 years of proven success as an industry-leading audio interface brand.

• New 3.9-inch TFT display — 24-bit RGB LCD provides 480 x 128 pixel high-resolution metering for all analog and digital I/O, plus detailed status info and access to hardware settings from a simple and convenient menu.

• Superb analog audio quality and high-end converters — Renowned ESS Sabre32™ DAC technology delivers 125 dB dynamic range. Support for all standard sample rates up to 192 kHz.

• Ultra-low latency and proven, high-performance MOTU drivers — Round-trip latency (RTL) performance as low as 1.8 ms at 96kHz with high-performance DAW hosts.

• Universal Thunderbolt/USB-C connectivity — Connect to any computer with the included 40 Gbps Thunderbolt-compatible USB4 cable  (compatible with USB3 and USB2) for up to 256 audio channels (128 in and 128 out), depending on the host computer connection. Class-compliant firmware and industry standard drivers work with any audio apps. Connects to an iPad™ with USB-C or a Lightning adapter kit (sold separately). Use the second Thunderbolt port to connect additional computer peripherals, a USB hub or Thunderbolt dock.

• 60 simultaneous audio channels — 28 inputs and 32 outputs, including 8x12 TRS analog (line-level) in/out, two banks of 8-channel optical I/O, and two front-panel headphone outputs.

• Advanced mic channels — Cutting-edge components deliver ultra-transparent sound with -114 dB THD+N, 118 dB dynamic range and -129 dBu EIN. Each mic channel provides individual controls for +74 dB of preamp gain, -20 dB pad, 48V phantom power, and phase invert. All settings can be controlled remotely from a computer or iOS device. Mic inputs 3-4 include a dedicated send/return insert for outboard gear processing.

• Flexible insert returns — When nothing is connected to mic inputs 3-4, the two returns function as additional line inputs with identical signal path characteristics as the other eight line inputs.

• Dolby Atmos™ monitoring — Twelve line outputs support up to 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos monitoring systems.

• 64-channel mixing with effects — Powerful 32-bit floating point DSP delivers 64-channel mixing with 64 inputs, 32 busses, and effects processing, including reverb, 4-band double-precision EQ, high-pass filter, gate and compression at all sample rates up to 96 kHz.

• Patchbay routing and splitting — Using intuitive, virtual patch cords, or a comprehensive routing grid, easily route any source signal to any destination. Split any source to multiple destinations.

• AVB Networking — Use two Gigabit network ports to daisy-chain multiple units using standard network cabling, or add an AVB switch to build a network with multiple interfaces and computers with ultra-low network latency, even over long cable runs (hundreds of meters). Stream hundreds of audio channels among devices and computers on the network. Compatible with previous-generation MOTU AVB devices.

• Wi-Fi control — Control everything wirelessly over Wi-Fi from the CueMix Pro app running on mobile devices or other computers on the same network — even multiple devices at the same time.

• Precision boost/trim for analog I/O — Calibrate analog input and output signals in precise 1 dB increments. Apply phase invert individually to analog inputs.

• Control room features — Control your sessions with "talk" button and "A/B/C" speaker select buttons on the front panel to quickly compare your mixes on three sets of studio monitors. Mute and sum-to-mono buttons are also included.

• Two flexible headphone outputs — With independent volume control, each headphone output can mirror each other, the Main Outs, any other analog output pair, any mixer bus, or any computer output channels. Or you can create a completely customized mix for each headphone that includes live 848 inputs and built-in reverb.

• Two banks of optical I/O — Connect outboard digital processors, digital mixers or other gear with 16 channels of ADAT at 44.1/48 kHz or 8 channels of S/MUX at 88.2/96 kHz. Bank A can optionally provide stereo TOSLink (optical S/PDIF) I/O up to 96 kHz.

• Word clock in/out/thru — Supports all sample rates up to 192 kHz.

• DC-coupled TRS outputs — Use the 848 to manipulate and sequence voltage-controlled modular synthesizers from a host DAW.

• Guitar re-amping — Connect your guitar to the front-panel input, use CueMix's near-zero latency to loop to any output (with a re-amp adapter, if needed), and record both the dry signal and your mic’d up amp simultaneously. Then re-amp the dry signal later with different amps and cabs — or amp modeling plug-ins — to experiment with different tones.

• Loopback for live streaming and podcasting — Easily route computer output back to the computer, where you can mix it with live inputs from the 848 in your host software for live streaming or podcasting.

• Flexible front-panel metering — Choose customized meter views for analog I/O only, digital I/O only and other combinations to best support your workflow.

• CueMix Pro app — Control mixing and settings from your Mac, PC or iOS device.

• Performer Lite — Workstation software with over 100 included instruments, dozens of effects and 6 GB of included loops to make music right away.

Audio Performance - Superb analog audio quality
Renowned ESS Sabre32™ DAC technology delivers 125 dB dynamic range and extremely low harmonic distortion. Analog performance is driven by decades of engineering expertise in audio interface technology.

Universal Connectivity - Thunderbolt™ and USB connectivity for Mac, PC and iOS
The 848 delivers cutting-edge Thunderbolt™ 4 and USB4 universal connectivity for Mac, PC and iOS. Connect your host device with the included 40 Gbps USB-C cable and the 848 negotiates the fastest possible connectivity speed, up to 40 Gbps, with backward compatibility for Thunderbolt 3, USB3 and USB2 host connections. Thunderbolt and USB4 connections deliver an astonishing 256 channels of computer I/O (128 in and 128 out) at sample rates up to 96 kHz.

Audio I/O - 60 simultaneous audio channels
Connect all your studio gear, including monitors, headphones, microphones, guitars, synths, keyboards, drum machines, outboard processors, optical expanders, and more. All 28 inputs and 32 outputs are available simultaneously.

High Performance Driver - Ultra-low latency performance
Optimized drivers for both Mac and PC deliver renowned, ultra-low latency performance. With a high-performance DAW such as Digital Performer, the 848 delivers an astonishing round trip latency (RTL) of ~1.8 ms (milliseconds) over Thunderbolt and USB at 96 kHz with a 32-sample host buffer.

Thunderbolt™ Technology - Plug and play ease with massive bandwidth
Daisy-chain the 848 with up to six other Thunderbolt devices, all connected to your host computer with massive 40 Gbps bandwidth to easily handle hundreds of audio channels, 8K video, terabytes of hard drive storage, and more. Thunderbolt 4-compatible USB-C cable included (length = 2 meters).

Four Mic Inputs - Transparent mic channels and hi-Z guitar inputs
Capture your recorded material in its truest, most natural form with -114 dB THD+N, 118 dB dynamic range and -129 dBu EIN performance. Each mic channel has individual preamp gain, pad, 48V phantom power and remote control from your computer or iOS device. Each combo jack alternately provides a 1/4-inch high-impedance TS guitar input for DI tracking and reamping.

Channel 3-4 Inserts - Extra line inputs when you need them
Do you work with compressors and other outboard gear? Mic inputs 3-4 each offer a dedicated analog send/return loop, allowing for both mono or stereo mic channel outboard processing via fully balanced connections. If nothing is plugged in to a mic input, its return serves as an extra line input with identical signal characteristics to all other line inputs.

Monitor Group - Control up to twelve analog outputs
Control your 5.1 or 7.1.4 Atmos surround speaker system with a single fader. The Monitor Group gives you the flexibility to choose any analog outputs you wish to control.

Control Room - A/B/C speaker select and talkback
Take control of your recording sessions with the front-panel talkback switch. Connect three sets of monitors and check your mixes instantly with front-panel A/B/C select buttons.

Mixing and Effects - 64-channel mixing with 32-bit floating point precision
The 848 is equipped with a 64-channel mixer designed just like a large format mixing console. The 64 inputs can take signal from anywhere: the physical inputs on the 848 interface itself, audio channels from host software on your computer, audio network streams, or even mixer outputs. The mixer provides 26 aux busses, plus main, reverb, monitor, and solo buses. All inputs and output buses provide 4-band double-precision parametric EQ and a compressor. Additionally, input channels include a High-Pass Filter and Gate. In essence: capable and transparent mixing.

Patchbay - Point-to-Point routing and splitting
Using intuitive, virtual patch cords, you can easily route any source signal to any destination. Sources can be analog or digital inputs on the interface, computer channels, mixer bus outputs, or audio network streams from other devices on the network. Destinations include interface outputs, host software inputs, mixer inputs, or any other device (or computer) on the network. You can even split any single source (or stereo pair) to unlimited multiple output destinations.

Routing Grid - Matrix routing, splitting and patching
For complex workflows that involve routing and splitting at scale, the Routing Grid provides a global "bird's-eye" view of all the connections in your 848 system. Manage hundreds of audio channels quickly, at a glance. Check for signal with convenienct activity meters. Show and hide audio banks to customize your routing environment. Display destinations on either the right side or left side of the grid, as you prefer. 

Audio Networking with Milan™ AVB - Flexible system expansion
Audio networking has come of age, delivering a world of possibilities. The 848 features an integrated Milan AVB switch with two Gigabit Ethernet ports, allowing you to daisy-chain multiple 848 units using standard network cabling. Alternatively, expand your network by connecting an external AVB switch to build a network with multiple interfaces, computers, and ultra-low network latency, even over long cable runs (hundreds of meters). Each 848 can transmit and receive 128 audio channels to and from the network. Stream hundreds of audio channels among devices and computers on the network. The 848 is compatible with previous-generation MOTU AVB devices and is Milan™ Certified for integration with Milan AVB networks and workflows.

Industry standard networking
Developed by the IEEE, Audio Video Bridging (AVB) is widely adopted across the pro audio industry, with no licensing fees required.

Long cable runs
A point-to-point connection can run up to 100 meters with a standard CAT-5e or CAT-6 cable, or much longer with fiber-optic cables.

Milan™ AVB Interoperability
Seamlessly integrate with other Milan Certified network devices from Meyer Sound, L-Acoustics, d&b Audiotechnik, DiGiCo, and many others.

Extremely low latency
AVB network latency (from point to point) is fixed at 2 ms throughout the AVB network, even through 100-meter cable runs, daisy-chained devices, and AVB switches.

Guaranteed audio streams
AVB streams are never interrupted by other network traffic to ensure continuous real-time performance.

High channel counts
AVB supports hundreds of audio channels over the network, even at high sample rates.

True plug-and-play operation
Just connect devices and go. No IT expertise required. AVB is a self-managing network protocol.

Network-wide clocking and sync
All devices resolve to a single reference clock with better-than-sample-accurate phase lock measured in nanoseconds.

Flexible topology
Daisy-chain up to eight devices. Add one or more AVB switches to create a network that covers facilities of any size and configuration.

Additional features

• The 848 is AVB-compatible with all other MOTU AVB interfaces.

• 256 channels of host computer I/O (128 in / 128 out) via Thunderbolt or USB3.

• 16 8-channel streams for 256 channels of network audio I/O (128 in / 128 out).

• Each audio stream can be individually configured between 1-8 audio channels.

• Use multiple PC hosts on the network. Each host can send/receive to all devices and other hosts.

• Use existing Ethernet wiring. Just replace Ethernet switches with AVB-compatible switches.

• Shared operation with standard Ethernet devices like wireless routers, switches, etc.

• Supports 1722.1 for Connection Management and Control.

• Supports AAF stream formats and the legacy AM8-24 format, configurable per stream.

• Gigabit Ethernet speeds support many devices on the network.

CueMix™ Pro - Control everything from your laptop, tablet and phone
CueMix™ Pro is the consummate app for controlling everything in the 848, including device settings, signal routing and 64-channel mixing and effects. Available for macOS, Windows, and iOS, you can run CueMix Pro on multiple devices at the same time and access the 848 wirelessly through Wi-Fi. As a 1722.1 controller, CueMix Pro can also be used to access AVB-related settings in 3rd-party devices on the network.

Wireless Control - CueMix Pro for iOS
Control all settings and mixing from your host PC or from an iPhone or iPad running the CueMix Pro app. You can even use multiple iOS devices simultaneously.

Advanced Extras

• Balanced analog
  The 848's balanced I/O connections are well-protected against RF interference, AC hum, and other noise-producing environmental factors.

• Optical I/O and optical expansion
  Two optical banks provide 16 channels of ADAT optical at 48 kHz, 8 channels of S/MUX optical I/O at 96 kHz, with optional stereo TOSLink at rates up to 96kHz. Expand your 848 with other optical gear, or use it as an optical expander.

• Meter Views
  Not using the optical I/O? Or any digital I/O? The 848 provides customized meter views for analog I/O only, digital I/O only and other combinations to best support your workflow.

• Two headphone outputs
  Each headphone output can be programmed with the same or different mixes, with independent volume control and source selection from the front-panel or CueMix Pro.

• Loopback and live streaming
  Easily route computer output channels — as many as you need — back to the computer, where you can mix them with live mics and/or guitar inputs from the 848 in your host software for live streaming or podcasting. 

• DC-coupled TRS outputs
  All analog outputs are DC-coupled. This means you can use the 848 to manipulate and sequence modular synthesizers from a host DAW using control voltage (CV).

Start making music right away with included workstation software, virtual instruments and loops
Connect the 848 to your Mac or PC and start laying down tracks with the included Performer Lite production software, plus hundreds of loops, one-shots and sounds from industry leaders Big Fish Audio, Lucidsamples and Loopmasters.

Performer Lite
Performer Lite provides everything you need to record, edit, mix, process and master your own music tracks quickly and easily. Plug in your mic, guitar and MIDI keyboard and start tracking with over 100 virtual instruments, dozens of effects plug-ins, guitar FX processing and much more.

100+ Instruments
Performer Lite includes over 100 virtual instruments, including acoustic and electric pianos, guitars, basses, drums, organs synths, orchestral instruments, choirs, world instruments and much more. Take your musical muse wherever it wants to go.

6 GB of free loops and sample packs
Performer Lite includes 6 GB of free loops and sample packs from leading sample content providers to help you start making music right away. From Performer Lite's Content Browser, choose from dozens of musical styles, click to audition, then drag and drop in your projects timeline to build your track quick.

• Since 1986, Big Fish Audio has consistently produced the highest quality sample libraries available. Over the years, their sounds have been featured in hundreds of charting songs and top film and television soundtracks.

• Lucidsamples is a collective of experienced music producers and professional musicians that offers high quality samples and sample packs which are suitable for creating products in the most popular music genres. Their sounds are being used all over the world by many well known DJs, music producers and companies.

• Loopmasters is the definitive "sample boutique." Based in Brighton, England, this label has been providing pristine audio libraries for more than a decade. Content has been expansive and evolving over the years, with hundreds upon hundreds of royalty-free packs to inspire amateurs and seasoned artists alike.

SPECIFICATIONS

Sample rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz
Mic/line/instr inputs:

• 4 x XLR/TRS "combo" jacks

• Individual -20 dB pad and 48V phantom power

• Preamp gain: +74 dB in 1 dB increments

• 1 MΩ impedance on the line/instr inputs

• Independent balanced send/return inserts on channels 3-4

Analog inputs:

• 8 x 1/4-inch TRS line in (balanced/unbalanced)

• 2 x 1/4-inch insert returns function as balanced TRS line inputs (with no mic inputs connected)

• Max level: +21 dBu

• +20 dB digital gain on each input

Analog outputs:

• 12 x 1/4-inch TRS line out (balanced, DC coupled)

• Max level: +21 dBu

• -99 dB digital trim on each output

• 2 x 1/4-inch TRS stereo headphone (see below)

Digital I/O:

• 2 banks (16 ch) of ADAT optical I/O at 1x sample rates

• 2 banks (8 ch) 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

•         • 40Gpbs / 240W

•         • Length = 2 meters

•         • 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 96K)
Total audio channels: see "Total Audio I/O" below
Total audio I/O:

• 28 in / 32 out (60 total channels) at 1x sample rates

• 20 in / 24 out (44 total channels) at 2x sample rates

• 12 in / 16 out (28 total channels) at 4x sample rates

Headphone:

• 2 x 1/4-inch TRS stereo headphones

• Output impedance: <1Ω

• Max output: 13.3 dBu

Networking:

• 2x Gigabit AVB Ethernet ports

• 16 AVB streams in/out at sample rates up to 96 kHz

• 8 AVB streams in/out at 176.4 or 192 kHz

• 1-8 audio channels configurable per stream

• Up to 128 audio channels in & out (up to 96 kHz)

• Supports 1722.1 for Connection Management and Control

• Supports AAF stream formats & legacy AM8-24 format

• Stream format configurable per stream

• Milan™ certified as a bridged endstation

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:

• 2 x 1/4" TRS headphone output

• 2 x encoder • headphone volume

• 4 x encoder • preamp gain

• 8 x switches • (4) PAD and (4) 48V

• 6 x switches • control room

• 1 x encoder • menu navigation

• 2 x switches • menu nav

• 1 x large encoder • main volume

• 1 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 / 48.26 x 31.1 x 4.44 cm

• 11 lbs / 5 kgs

System Requirements
Mac System Requirements:

• Apple silicon and Intel processors supported

• 8+ GB RAM recommended for optimal performance

• macOS 12 or later (with driver or USB class compliant)

• Available Thunderbolt 3+ or USB port

Windows System Requirements:

• x86-64 (Intel, AMD) & ARM (Snapdragon) PCs supported

• 8+ GB RAM recommended for optimal performance

• Windows 11 23H2 or later (x86-64/ARM64)

• Available Thunderbolt 3+ or USB port

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.