MOTU M6

The MOTU M6 expands MOTU's M-series with six inputs and four outputs, bringing studio-quality sound to busier desktop and small-studio setups. The same ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC technology found in far more expensive interfaces delivers 120 dB of dynamic range, a measured -129 dBu EIN on the mic inputs and class-leading 2.5 ms round-trip latency at up to 24-bit/192kHz.

Four front-panel combo XLR/TRS inputs let you track a full band or podcast panel with mics, line sources and hi-Z guitars, joined by two rear line inputs for synths and outboard gear. Four balanced 1/4-inch DC-coupled outputs and two independent ESS-driven headphone outputs support A/B monitoring and separate cue mixes, while MIDI I/O, driver loopback and a full-color 160×120 LCD — unique in its class — complete a flexible recording and streaming hub. The M6 runs on USB bus power or the included DC adapter.

FEATURES

• 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 (ultra-low latency) for host software processing

• Best-in-class metering for all inputs/outputs with a full-color LCD

• 4 x mic/line/hi-Z guitar inputs on combo XLR/TRS

• Individual preamp gain and 48V phantom power for each mic input

• 2 x balanced 1/4-inch line inputs

• Hardware (direct) monitoring for all inputs (in mono or stereo)

• 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 x balanced, DC-coupled 1/4-inch TRS outputs

• Measured 120 dB dynamic range on the 1/4-inch balanced TRS outputs

• 2 x headphone out (driven by ESS converters) with independent volume control

• 1 x 3-4 switch for optional headphone monitoring of Line Out 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 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 cables included)

• Multi-blade international DC power adapter for stand-alone 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 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 M6 delivers an astonishing 120 dB Dynamic Range on its main outputs. ESS converters also drive the headphone outputs, 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 M6 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 M6 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 M6 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 up to four mics (and/or guitars) from the M6 in your host software for live streaming or podcasting. Streaming and podcasting has never been easier and better-sounding!

Monitor Switching - A/B Monitor Switch
The M6 is the only audio interface in its class to offer A/B monitor switching. Connect two pairs of monitors and quickly check your mixes on each pair with the push of a button.

Optional DC Power Adapter - Stand-alone operation
With the included multi-blade international DC power adapter connected, you can power the M6 when the computer is turned off (or completely disconnected from the M6). This allows you to monitor any live inputs you may have (mics, guitars, keyboards, etc.) without a host computer or iOS device needed.

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. 

• 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. You can even monitor with the computer turned off (and DC power connected).

• Four mic/line/hi-Z guitar inputs
  Each input can accept either a mic or a guitar, with independent preamp gain and 48V phantom power for condenser mics.

• Mono or stereo monitoring
  Press and hold the MON button to toggle between mono or stereo input monitoring.

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

• Input Monitor Mix
  Easily control the balance between live inputs and computer playback.

• Live monitoring of inputs 5-6
  Connect a keyboard and listen with zero-latency, direct hardware monitoring.

• A/B speaker switch
  Compare your mix on two different pairs of studio monitors with the A/B speaker switch.

• Full-color LCD
  Precisely control recording levels and monitoring volume with vivid, responsive level meters in the full-color LCD.

• Large volume knob
  Feel precision and quality inside and out with knurled metal knobs.

• 3-4 button
  This headphone output can optionally mirror Line Out 3-4 with its own, completely separate computer mix.

• Metal case
  Solid metal construction means the rugged M6 is ready for anything you throw at it, on the go and on the road.

• Two headphone outputs
  Two headphone outputs offer independent volume control and enough drive for even the most demanding headphones. Both mirror Monitor Out 1-2.

Workstation software, virtual instruments and loops to get you making music right away
Connect the M6 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.

• In the 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 M6 can hit the road with you

• On the air
  Create podcasts and livestream with ease

SPECIFICATIONS

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

• 4 x XLR/TRS "combo jack" mic/line/Hi-Z guitar inputs

• Independent preamp gain, 48V phantom power and monitor switch for each input

Analog inputs: 2 x 1/4" line in
Analog outputs:

• 4 x 1/4" TRS line out (balanced, DC coupled)

• 2 x 1/4" TRS stereo headphone with independent volume

Computer I/O:

• 1 x USB-C 2.0 audio class compliant

• Compatible with USB Type A host (*see power below)

• USB C-to-C and C-to-A cables included

MIDI I/O:

• 1 x MIDI IN

• 1 x MIDI OUT

• 16 MIDI channels to/from computer host

Headphones:

• 2 x 1/4" TRS stereo headphone with independent volume

• 1 x 3-4 switch for optional monitoring of Line Out 3-4

Phantom power: 4 x individual +48V
Front panel:

• 2 x 1/4" TRS headphone output

• 1 x potentiometer • monitor vol

• 2 x potentiometer • phone vol

• 1 x potentiometer • input monitor mix

• 4 x potentiometer • mic/line/guitar input gain

• 11 x switches • (4) 48V, (5) MON, (1) A/B and (1) 3-4

• 160 x 128 pixel full-colored LCD with input and output level meters

Power:

• Bus-powered through USB*

• Optional multi-blade international 15V DC power adapter (included), 1.0A max • tip pos or neg, supports 100-240V power sources (US/Japan, EU, UK, Australia)

*USB bus power available with USB-C hosts only. For other hosts, use the included DC power adapter. For iOS devices with a Lightning port, an Apple Lightning to USB3 Camera Adapter is required (sold separately).

Dimensions and weight (width x depth x height, enclosure only):

• 9.21 x 4.75 x 1.8 inches / 23.4 x 12.0 x 4.57 cm

• 2.15 lbs / 0.975 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 Lite 11

• 6 GB of loops and sounds from Big Fish Audio, LucidSamples, Loopmasters and MOTU