The MOTU 24Ai is a professional-grade audio interface designed to offer 24 channels of pristine, balanced analogue input in a single rack space. Built with the same industry-leading analogue design as MOTU’s acclaimed 1248, 8M, and 16A interfaces, the 24Ai delivers exceptional audio quality, making it ideal for professional studios, live sound environments, and complex audio installations.
The interface provides 24 balanced analogue inputs, available through multi-channel DB-25 D-sub or 12-pin Phoenix connectors, allowing seamless integration with a wide range of audio equipment. With a dynamic range of 110 dB and a THD+N of -102 dB on its line inputs, the MOTU 24Ai captures audio with remarkable clarity and precision.
In addition to its analogue inputs, the MOTU 24Ai features three banks of 8-channel ADAT optical ports, delivering 48 channels of digital I/O. This flexible configuration allows the MOTU 24Ai to handle a total of 72 simultaneous audio channels, offering significant versatility for expanding analogue connectivity or integrating digital systems via optical connections. The device is equipped with a high-speed USB 2.0 port, ensuring broad compatibility with most laptops and desktops. As a USB audio class-compliant device, it provides OS-level support, including compatibility with iOS devices via a camera connection kit, ensuring future-proof connectivity for modern and evolving workflows.
The MOTU 24Ai also supports AVB Ethernet, enabling advanced audio networking. Users can add additional MOTU AVB interfaces to build extensive audio networks with ultra-low latency, even over long cable runs using standard Ethernet cabling. This feature is particularly valuable for complex studio installations or live sound setups requiring high channel counts and networked audio distribution.
A built-in 48-channel digital mixer offers advanced mixing capabilities, including 12 stereo buses and DSP effects such as reverb, 4-band EQ, gate, and compression. Each input channel features modelled analogue EQ and compression, emulating the classic sound profiles of British analogue consoles and legendary compressors. The mixer utilises 32-bit floating-point processing, providing virtually unlimited headroom and delivering exceptional audio fidelity and clarity.
The MOTU 24Ai offers flexible matrix-style routing and splitting, allowing any input to be directed to any output or multiple outputs simultaneously. This includes routing to and from the computer, mixing inputs, and any devices on the AVB network, making it a highly adaptable tool for both studio and live environments. Control of the 24Ai is simple and convenient, thanks to a web app served directly from the hardware.
Accessible from any device with a web browser connected to the local network, this interface allows users to manage on-board DSP, mixing, device settings, and network audio routing wirelessly, providing ultimate flexibility in operation. The interface also features a large backlit 324 x 24 LCD, delivering clear and detailed visual feedback for all analogue and digital I/O.
The MOTU 24Ai stands out for its exceptional audio quality, extensive I/O options, versatile connectivity, and advanced mixing and routing capabilities. It is a robust and flexible solution for professionals seeking to expand their studio’s analogue input capacity, manage large-scale audio installations, or integrate modern digital audio networks with traditional analogue gear. Whether used as part of a sophisticated studio setup or in demanding live sound applications, the 24Ai offers the performance, reliability, and ease of use that professional environments require.
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 high-speed 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)
