MOTU 16A Thunderbolt 4/USB4 Audio Interface
MOTU - 16A - 32 x 34 Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 Audio Interface with DSP, Mixing, Effects and Networking
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Thunderbolt 4/USB4 Audio Interface
MOTU - 16A
Superb analogue audio qualityThe MOTU 16A is a Thunderbolt™ 4 and USB4 audio interface with DSP, mixing, effects and networking. Renowned ESS Sabre32™ DAC technology delivers 125 dB dynamic range and extremely low harmonic distortion. Analogue performance is powered by decades of engineering expertise in audio interface technology.
The 16A is the first audio interface to deliver 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 16A 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.
Sixteen balanced/unbalanced TRS analogue inputs and outputs, 2 x 8-channel ADAT optical ports, and an independent stereo headphone output deliver a total of 32 inputs and 34 outputs. Use the 16A for expanded analog I/O for your computer, or as a flexible, comprehensive patchbay and mixer. Or both!
at a glance
• Thunderbolt™ 4 and USB4 universal connectivity for Mac, PC and iOS
• Backward compatibility for Thunderbolt 3, USB3 and USB2 host connections
• 125 dB dynamic range and extremely low harmonic distortion
• 256 channels of computer I/O (128 in and 128 out)
• Up to 40 Gbps of connectivity speed
• ESS Sabre32™ DAC technology
• 96 kHz sample rate
The Ultimate Audio Interface
Ultra-low latency performanceOptimized drivers for both Mac and PC deliver renowned, ultra-low latency performance. With a high-performance DAW such as Digital Performer, the 16A 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.
Plug and play ease with massive bandwidthDaisy-chain the 16A 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).
Mixing and Effects
64-channel mixing with
32-bit floating point precisionThe 16A features 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 16A 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. The nput channels also include a High-Pass Filter and Gate.
Point-to-Point Routing
Patchbay routing and splittingUsing intuitive, virtual patch cords, you can easily route any source signal to any destination. Sources can be analogue 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.
Audio Networking
Flexible system expansionAudio networking has come of age, delivering a world of possibilities. The 16A features an integrated AVB switch with two Gigabit Ethernet ports, allowing you to daisy-chain multiple 16A 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 16A 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 16A is compatible with previous-generation MOTU AVB devices.
Control Everything from Your Laptop, Tablet and Phone
CueMix™ ProCueMix™ Pro is the consummate app for controlling everything in the 16A, 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 16A 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.
Advanced Extras
Balanced analogueThe 16A's balanced I/O connections are well-protected against RF interference, AC hum, and other noise-producing environmental factors.
Optical I/O and optical expansionTwo 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 16A with other optical gear, or use it as an optical expander.
DC-coupled TRS outputsAll analogue outputs are DC-coupled. This means you can use the 16A 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
Performer LitePerformer Lite gives users everything needed 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. 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. Performer Lite also 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.
Big fish audioSince 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.
LucidsamplesLucidsamples 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.
LoopmastersLoopmasters 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.
The Tech Spec
| Features | Specifications | Sample rates | 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz |
|---|---|
| Analogue inputs | 16 x 1/4-inch TRS line in (balanced/unbalanced) Max level: +21 dBu +20 dB digital gain on each input |
| Analogue outputs | 16 x 1/4-inch TRS line out (balanced, DC coupled) Max level: +21 dBu -99 dB digital trim on each output 1 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 | 32 in / 34 out (66 total channels) at 1x sample rates 24 in / 26 out (50 total channels) at 2x sample rates 16 in / 18 out (34 total channels) at 4x sample rates |
| Headphone | 1 x 1/4-inch TRS stereo headphone with channel select Output impedance: <1Ω Max output: 13.3 dBu |
| 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 | 1 x 1/4" TRS headphone output 1 x encoder • headphone volume 1 x encoder • headphone channel select 1 x encoder • menu navigation 1 x large encoder • main volume 3 x switches • (1) headphone mono, (2) menu nav 2 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 (width x depth x height, enclosure only) | 19 x 12.25 x 1.75 inches 48.26 x 31.1 x 4.44 cm |
| Weight | 11 lbs 5 kgs |
PayPal Credit
| Monthly Payment: | £52.49 |
| Instalment Rate: | 16.9% p.a. (fixed) |
| Cost of purchase: | £1,498.99 |
| Total inc. interest: | £1,889.69 |
| Monthly Payment: | £42.27 |
| Instalment Rate: | 16.9% p.a. (fixed) |
| Cost of purchase: | £1,498.99 |
| Total inc. interest: | £2,028.57 |
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| Instalment Rate: | N/A |
| Cost of purchase: | £99 |
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