MOTU M2

The MOTU M2 is a 2-in/2-out USB-C audio interface that delivers studio-quality sound in a compact, bus-powered desktop unit. Built around the same ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC technology found in interfaces costing far more, it provides 120 dB of dynamic range on its outputs, a measured -129 dBu EIN on the mic inputs and class-leading 2.5 ms round-trip latency at up to 24-bit/192kHz.

Two front-panel combo XLR/TRS inputs handle mics, line sources and hi-Z guitars with individual gain, 48V phantom power and one-touch hardware monitoring. Balanced 1/4-inch DC-coupled outputs and mirrored RCA outputs feed monitors and consumer gear, an ESS-driven headphone output supplies critical-listening clarity, and MIDI I/O plus driver loopback round out a feature set tailored to musicians, podcasters and producers. A full-color 160×120 LCD shows detailed metering for every input and output — unique in its class.

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

• Two-year warranty

Best In Class Audio Quality
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.

Best In Class Speed
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).

Best In Class Metering
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.

Live Streaming - Loopback
The M2 driver provides convenient loopback channels to your host computer, so you can easily route computer output back to the computer, where you can mix it with live mics and/or guitar inputs from the M2 in your host software for live streaming or podcasting. Streaming and podcasting has never been easier and better-sounding!

• Home Studio
  Turn your bedroom or home office into a recording studio

• On Stage
  Mix live mic and guitar with computer tracks

• On Location
  Use bus power from your laptop to record anywhere

• On The Road
  Rugged and compact, the M2 can hit the road with you

• Podcasts
  Create your own podcasts with ease

A tradition of engineering excellence
Decades of award-winning product engineering for hit songs, mega tours, primetime shows and blockbuster movies goes into every MOTU audio interface.

• Flexible "combo-jack" inputs
  Each input can accept either a mic or a guitar, with independent preamp gain and 48V phantom power for condenser mics.

• Direct monitoring
  Press the MON (monitor) button to hear live input on your speakers or headphones, without routing the signal through host software on your computer.

• Preamp gain
  Each input provides plenty of preamp gain and incredible sound quality, with -129 dB EIN for each mic input.

• Full-color LCD
  Enjoy professional-level metering for inputs and outputs, to precisely control recording levels and monitoring volume.

• Headphone output
  The headphone output offers separate volume control and enough drive for even the most demanding headphones.

• Metal case
  Solid metal construction means the rugged M2 is ready for anything you throw at it, on the go and on the road.

Workstation software, virtual instruments and loops to get you making music right away
Connect the M2 to your Mac or PC and start laying down tracks with the included Performer Lite or Live Lite production software, plus hundreds of loops, one-shots and sounds from industry leaders Big Fish Audio, Lucidsamples and Loopmasters.

MOTU 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. 

Ableton Live Lite
Live Lite 11 is a lightweight version of Ableton Live 11. It comes with all of Live’s essential workflows, instruments and effects – everything you need to record songs, create hands-on with your controller, take music made in your apps further and so much more. 

100+ Virtual 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.

Loops and sounds
You get 6 GB of free loops and sample packs from leading sample content providers to help you start making music right away. Choose from dozens of musical styles, then drag and drop in your project's timeline to build your track quickly.

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 128 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

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 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 USB port

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