MOTU 16A Thunderbolt 4 / USB4
UPC/EAN #839128006287
MPN #16A(2025)
32 x 34 Thunderbolt/USB audio interface for Mac, Windows and iOS with mixing, effects and networking
The completely redesigned 16A delivers everything you need to turn your computer into a powerful 24-bit/192 kHz digital audio workstation.
The 16A connects to a Mac, PC or iOS device with the included 40 Gbps USB-C cable (compatible with Thunderbolt 3/4, USB4, USB3 and USB2) for up to 256 audio channels (128 in and 128 out), depending on the host computer connection. Class-compliant firmware and reputable MOTU drivers work with all your favorite audio apps, delivering industry-leading, ultra-low round trip latency (RTL) performance less than 2 ms at 96 kHz with high-performance DAW hosts. USB audio class-compliant firmware allows connection to your iPad? or any iOS? device via USB-C or a standard camera connection kit (Lightning adapter, sold separately).
The 16A is equally well-suited for studio and stage. As an interface or standalone mixer, the 16A provides 32 separate inputs and 34 separate outputs, including 16 balanced 1/4-inch TRS analog (line-level) in/out, two banks of 8-channel optical I/O, and a front-panel headphone output. Renowned ESS Sabre32? DAC technology delivers superb analog performance.
Connect all of your studio gear, including microphones, guitars, synths, keyboards, drum machines and effects processors. Record, monitor, and process all of these live inputs with no latency and no processor strain on your computer. Powerful 32-bit floating point DSP delivers 64-channel mixing with 64 inputs, 32 busses, and effects processing, including reverb, 4-band EQ, high-pass filter, gate and compression at all sample rates up to 96 kHz.
Use two Gigabit network ports to daisy-chain multiple units using standard network cabling, or add an AVB switch to build a network with multiple interfaces and computers with ultra-low network latency, even over long cable runs (hundreds of meters). Stream hundreds of audio channels among devices and computers on the network. The 16A is compatible with previous-generation MOTU AVB devices.
Take control of your recording sessions with talkback. Connect up to three sets of speakers and check your mixes instantly with A/B/C speaker select switching. Stream your sessions to the web with loopback channels and your customized mix of any 16A inputs.
After recording and mixing in the studio, take the 16A on stage for operation as a stand-alone mixer with effects. Control everything over Wi-Fi from the CueMix Pro? app running on your laptop, tablet and smartphone.
From studio to stage, the 16A delivers exceptional sound quality, state-of-the-art operation and rock-solid performance.
Features
Next-gen 32 x 34 Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 audio interface: The world's first Thunderbolt 4 audio interface built on 30 years of proven success as an industry-leading audio interface brand.New 3.9-inch TFT displays: Two bright, 24-bit RGB LCDs provide 480 x 128 pixel high-resolution metering for all analog and digital I/O, plus detailed status info and access to hardware settings from a simple and convenient menu.Superb analog audio quality and high-end converters: Renowned ESS Sabre32? DAC technology delivers 125 dB dynamic range. Support for all standard sample rates up to 192 kHz.Ultra-low latency and proven, high-performance MOTU drivers: Round-trip latency (RTL) performance as low as 1.8 ms at 96kHz with high-performance DAW hosts.Universal Thunderbolt/USB-C connectivity: Connect to any computer with the included 40 Gbps Thunderbolt-compatible USB4 cable (compatible with USB3 and USB2) for up to 256 audio channels (128 in and 128 out), depending on the host computer connection. Class-compliant firmware and industry standard drivers work with any audio apps. Connects to an iPad? with USB-C or a Lightning adapter kit (sold separately). Use the second Thunderbolt port to connect additional computer peripherals, a USB hub or Thunderbolt dock.66 simultaneous audio channels: 32 inputs and 34 outputs, including 16 TRS analog (line-level) in/out, two banks of 8-channel optical I/O, and a front-panel headphone output.64-channel mixing with effects: Powerful 32-bit floating point DSP delivers 64-channel mixing with 64 inputs, 32 busses, and effects processing, including reverb, 4-band double-precision EQ, high-pass filter, gate and compression at all sample rates up to 96 kHz.Patchbay routing and splitting: Using intuitive, virtual patch cords, easily route any source signal to any destination. Split any source to multiple destinations.AVB Networking: Use two Gigabit network ports to daisy-chain multiple units using standard network cabling, or add an AVB switch to build a network with multiple interfaces and computers with ultra-low network latency, even over long cable runs (hundreds of meters). Stream hundreds of audio channels among devices and computers on the network. Compatible with previous-generation MOTU AVB devices.Wi-Fi control: Control everything wirelessly over Wi-Fi from the CueMix Pro app running on mobile devices or other computers on the same network " even multiple devices at the same time.Precision boost/trim for analog I/O: Calibrate analog input and output signals in precise 1 dB increments. Apply phase invert individually to analog inputs.Control room features: Control your sessions with "talk" button and "A/B/C" speaker select buttons to quickly compare your mixes on three sets of studio monitors.Flexible headphone output: With independent volume control and front panel source select knob, the headphone output can mirror any output pair, any CueMix bus, or any Thunderbolt/USB channels. Or create a completely customized mix that includes live 16A inputs and built-in reverb.Two banks of optical I/O: Connect outboard digital processors, digital mixers or other gear with 16 channels of ADAT at 44.1/48 kHz or 8 channels of S/MUX at 88.2/96 kHz. Bank A can optionally provide stereo TOSLink (optical S/PDIF) I/O up to 96 kHz.Word clock in/out/thru: Supports all sample rates up to 192 kHz.DC-coupled TRS outputs: Use the 16A to manipulate and sequence voltage-controlled modular synthesizers from a host DAW.Loopback for live streaming and podcasting: Easily route computer output back to the computer, where you can mix it with live inputs from the 16A in your host software for live streaming or podcasting.Flexible front-panel metering: Choose customized meter views for analog I/O only, digital I/O only and other combinations to best support your workflow.CueMix Pro app: Control mixing and settings from your Mac, PC or iOS device. Note: iOS app coming soon.Performer Lite: Workstation software with over 100 included instruments, dozens of effects and 6 GB of included loops to make music right away.
Specifications
General Specifications
32 x 34 Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 audio interfaceInternal 100"240V autoswitching power supplyPower frequency: 50"60 Hz, 1.0A maxDimensions: 19 x 12.25 x 1.75 inches (48.26 x 31.1 x 4.44 cm)Weight: 11 lbs (5 kg)2 x 3.9" TFT displays, 480x128 pixels, 24-bit RGB
Analog Inputs
16 x 1/4" TRS line in (balanced/unbalanced)Max level: +21 dBu+20 dB digital gain on each inputDynamic range: 120 dB (A-weighted)THD+N: -114 dB (0.0002%)
Analog Outputs
16 x 1/4" TRS line out (balanced, DC-coupled)Max level: +21 dBu-99 dB digital trim on each outputDynamic range: 125 dB (A-weighted)THD+N: -114 dB (0.0002%)
Headphone Output
1 x 1/4" TRS stereo headphoneOutput impedance: <1?Max output: 13.3 dBuDynamic range: 118 dBTHD+N: -110 dB (0.0003%)
Digital I/O
2 banks of ADAT optical I/O at 1x sample rates (16 channels)2 banks of S/MUX optical I/O at 2x sample rates (8 channels)Bank A switchable to stereo TOSLink I/O (optical S/PDIF)
Computer I/O
2 x Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 (40 Gbps) Type C portsUSB 3 / USB 2 compatibleClass-compliant USB audioIncludes 2m Thunderbolt-compatible USB4 C-to-C cable (240W, 15W downstream)
Host Audio Channel Count
Thunderbolt 4 / USB4: 128x128 @ 44.1"96 kHz, 64x64 @ 176.4"192 kHzUSB3 (driver): 128x128 @ 44.1"48 kHz, 64x64 @ 88.2"96 kHz, 32x32 @ 176.4"192 kHzUSB3 (class compliant): 128x128 @ 44.1"48 kHz, 64x64 @ 88.2"96 kHz, 32x32 @ 176.4"192 kHzUSB2 (driver/class compliant): 64x64 @ 44.1"48 kHz, 32x32 @ 88.2"96 kHz, 18x18 @ 176.4"192 kHz
Total Audio I/O
32 in / 34 out @ 1x sample rates24 in / 26 out @ 2x sample rates16 in / 18 out @ 4x sample rates
Round Trip Latency
~1.8 ms @ 96kHz with 32-sample buffer
Networking
2 x Gigabit AVB Ethernet ports16 AVB streams in/out up to 96 kHz8 AVB streams in/out at 176.4 or 192 kHzUp to 128 audio channels I/O (at 96 kHz)
Sync I/O
1 x BNC Word Clock In1 x BNC Word Clock Out/ThruSupports all sample rates from 44.1 to 192 kHz
Front Panel Controls
1 x 1/4" TRS headphone out4 x encoders (headphone volume, channel select, menu nav, main volume)3 x switches (mono, menu navigation)1 x latching power button
Software & OS Compatibility
macOS 12+, Windows 10 22H2+ or 11 23H2+ (64-bit only), iOS 17.5+Class-compliant USB audio for plug-and-play on macOS/iOSCueMix Pro software (macOS, Windows, iOS)MOTU Performer Lite DAW included6GB sound library from Big Fish Audio, LucidSamples, Loopmasters, and MOTU
DAW Compatibility
macOS: Digital Performer, Pro Tools, Logic Pro, GarageBand, Ableton Live, Cubase, Reaper, Studio One, Kontakt, WavesWindows: Digital Performer, Pro Tools, FL Studio, Cubase, Reaper, Studio One, Sonar, Acid, Vegas, Sound Forge, Kontakt, Waves
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