The MOTU 16A is a high-performance audio interface that seamlessly combines 16 analogue inputs and outputs, 48-channel digital mixing, and AVB audio networking, making it an ideal solution for both studio and live sound applications.
Equipped with 16 balanced/unbalanced TRS analogue inputs and outputs, along with two 8-channel ADAT optical ports, the MOTU 16A offers a total of 32 inputs and 32 outputs. This extensive I/O configuration allows for expanded analogue connectivity to your computer and serves as a flexible, comprehensive patchbay and mixer.
At the heart of the MOTU 16A are the latest-generation ESS Sabre32 Ultra™ converters, renowned for their industry-leading performance. These, combined with expertly engineered analogue circuits reflecting over three decades of pro audio expertise, enable the 16A to achieve a remarkable 123 dB dynamic range (A-weighted, 20 Hz to 20 kHz) on its balanced TRS analogue outputs.
Latency is a critical factor in digital audio workflows, and the 16A excels with ultra-low I/O latency. Over Thunderbolt, it delivers a round-trip host latency of an impressive 1.4 milliseconds, measured from analogue input, through the host, to analogue output at 96 kHz with a 32-sample host buffer.
The inclusion of Thunderbolt technology provides plug-and-play ease with massive bandwidth, offering 256 channels of computer I/O (128 in and out). This facilitates routing audio to the physical inputs and outputs on the 16A, the internal 48-channel mixer, and audio network streams. For systems without Thunderbolt, the MOTU 16A offers high-speed USB 2.0 connectivity, ensuring broad compatibility with most laptops and desktops. Being USB audio class compliant, it also supports iPad integration (with a camera connection kit), making it a future-proof investment for any studio setup.
The built-in 48-channel digital mixer is designed to emulate large-format mixing consoles, providing 48 inputs that can source signals from the 16A’s physical inputs, computer audio channels, network streams, or even mixer outputs. The mixer includes seven stereo auxiliary buses, three groups, a reverb bus (which can serve as a fourth group), a Main Mix bus, and a separate Monitor bus that can function as a solo bus.
Each input channel features modelled analogue EQ and compression, replicating the classic profiles of British analogue mixing consoles and renowned compressors. Groups and the Main Mix bus are equipped with MOTU’s Leveler™, an accurate model of the legendary Teletronix™ LA-2A™ optical levelling amplifier, known for its unique Automatic Gain Control characteristics.
For advanced routing and system expansion, the MOTU 16A supports matrix-style routing and splitting, allowing any source signal to be routed to any destination with a single click. This includes routing to and from the computer, mixer inputs, and any devices on the AVB network. The AVB Ethernet port facilitates system expansion and audio networking, enabling the addition of multiple MOTU interfaces with standard Ethernet cables. This setup allows for the creation of extensive audio networks with ultra-low latency, even over long cable runs, and the streaming of hundreds of audio channels among devices and computers on the network.
Control over the MOTU 16A is made convenient through a web app served directly from the hardware, accessible via any device with a web browser connected to the local network. This allows users to manage on-board DSP, mixing, device settings, and network audio routing wirelessly, providing flexibility for both studio and live environments.
The MOTU 16A combines high-quality analogue I/O, versatile connectivity options, comprehensive digital mixing, and advanced audio networking capabilities, making it a powerful and flexible solution for professional audio applications.
Mac System Requirements
- Intel Core i3 Mac or faster (including the new Apple silicon Macs)
- 2 GB RAM; 4 GB or more recommended
- Mac OS X version 10.8 or later
- Available Thunderbolt, USB 2.0 or AVB Ethernet port*
- A large hard drive (at least 500 GB for recording)
- *AVB Ethernet audio interface operation requires OS X Yosemite
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 2.0 or 3.0 port
- Available Ethernet port for firmware updates
- A large hard drive (at least 500 GB for recording)
