MOTU M2
UPC/EAN #839128006119
MPN #M2
2-in / 2-out USB audio interface with studio-quality sound
Equipped with the same ESS Sabre32 Ultra? DAC Technology found in audio interfaces costing thousands, the M2 delivers an astonishing 120 dB Dynamic Range on its main outputs. ESS converters also drive the headphone output, 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.
- ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC technology for superb analog sound
- The same converter technology used in audio interfaces costing thousands
- Measured 120 dB dynamic range on outputs
Speed
The M2 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).
Metering
When recording and mixing, nothing is more critical than achieving optimum levels. The M2 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.
Loopback
The M2 driver provides convenient loopback channels to your host computer, so you can easily combine computer audio with live mics and/or guitar inputs to stream the combined mix to Youtube or your favorite podcasting platform in real time. Streaming and podcasting has never been easier and better-sounding!
Features
2-in / 2-out USB audio interface with studio-quality soundBest-in-class audio quality driven by ESS Sabre32 Ultra? DAC TechnologyBest-in-class speed (ultra-low latency) for host software processingBest-in-class metering for all inputs/outputs with a full-color LCD2x mic/line/hi-Z guitar inputs on combo XLR/TRSIndividual preamp gain and 48V phantom power for each inputHardware (direct) monitoring for each input (mono or stereo)Measured -129 dB EIN on mic inputs2x balanced, DC-coupled 1/4-inch TRS outputsMeasured 120 dB dynamic range on the 1/4-inch balanced TRS outputs2x RCA (unbalanced) analog out (mirrored)1x headphone out (driven by ESS converters) with independent volume controlMIDI in/outSupport for 44.1 to 192 kHz sample ratesUSB 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 podcastingBus powered USB-C (compatible with USB Type A) with power switch (USB cable included)Rugged metal constructionWorkstation software included (MOTU Performer Lite 10 and Ableton Live Lite 10)100+ instruments (in Performer Lite)Over 6 GB of included free loops, samples and one-shots from industry leading librariesKensington security slotBuilt in the USA
Specifications
Sample rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz
Mic/line/guitar inputs: 2 x XLR/TRS "combo jack" mic/line/Hi-Z guitar inputs Independent preamp gain, 48V phantom power and monitor switch for each input
Analog outputs: 2 x 1/4" TRS line out (balanced, DC coupled) 2 x RCA (unbalanced) analog out (mirrored) 1 x 1/4" TRS stereo headphone
Computer I/O: 1 x USB-C (compatible with USB Type A) 2.0 audio class compliant
MIDI I/O: 1 x MIDI IN 1 x MIDI OUT 16 MIDI channels to/from computer host
Headphone: 1 x 1/4" TRS stereo phone
Phantom power: 2 x individual +48V
Front panel:
1 x 1/4" TRS headphone output
2 x XLR/TRS combo inputs
1 x potentiometer . monitor vol
1 x potentiometer . phone vol
2 x potentiometer . mic/instr input gain
4 x switches . (2) 48V and (2) MON
160 x 120 pixel full-colored LCD with input and output level meters
Power: Bus-powered through USB
Dimensions and weight: (width x depth x height, enclosure only) 7.5 x 4.25 x 1.75 inches 19.05 x 10.8 x 4.5 cm 1.35 lbs / 0.61 kg
System Requirements
Mac System Requirements
1 GHz Intel-based Mac or faster
2 GB RAM; 4 GB or more recommended
macOS version 10.11 or later
Available USB port
A large hard drive (at least 500 GB for recording)
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 port
A large hard drive (at least 500 GB for recording)
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 10 Lite
6GB of loops and sounds from Big Fish Audio,
LucidSamples, Loopmasters and MOTU
Operating Systems
macOS 10.11 or later; Windows 7 or later
Write a review about the MOTU M2
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3.5
Steven
Winnipeg, MB
April 14, 2022
Solid product, Windows Support lacking
First off: things I didn't like- 1) the software this comes with isn't amazing, I could barely get it to run and when I did it was worse than even the cheapest stuff I've found paid elsewhere. 2) The DAC from a PC is not good, if you're driving good headphones through this and trying to use it for anything besides monitoring you'll have a sad day.
Read more3) Drivers aren't great for windows. When attempting to setup as an input device it won't allow it to only appear as a microphone input, which makes certain programs not behave well with the interface.
For the good:
Wow this has a ton of power. Drives an SM7B without a cloud lifter at ~90-100% gain. Just make sure it's plugged into a ***powered USB slot*** and not a USB hub.
The screen with line levels is *amazing* actual 10/10 feature.
Build quality leaves no complaints, so far so good.
It's a lightweight but sturdy unit. I wish it were a little deeper in width so it could be the bottom of a unit stack more comfortably but I can't have it both Light *and* larger.
Honestly I haven't and probably won't put this through its paces, it definitely serves its intended function well enough for my casual use case.
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5.0
GooseTronics
Nova Scotia
March 4, 2021
Freakin amazing
The staff were awesome, had 2 emails I sent and both were followed up in mere hours... package came quickly and the soundcard is just so so good
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4.5
Justin
Toronto
December 16, 2020
Just what I was looking for
I was looking for an affordable but good quality, simple audio interface with RCA outputs, and this is it. The loopback feature is also a great bonus when working with both hardware and software. Studio Economik was the only Canadian seller I could find that still had it in stock,
Read moreand I appreciated their fast service.
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4.5
Kris
November 26, 2020
Good product, great service.
Good product, great service.
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4.0
Adtron5000
Saskatchewan
June 18, 2020
MOTU M2 Great Interface
Everything works as expected. Solid construction. Been using for about 2 months.
Excellent service by the Studio Economik team.
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4.0
Matt
Montreal Qc
May 17, 2020
Excellent Product
I had the M2 up and running in no time at all and it has been very easy to get sounds I like. The LCD display is very practical to get your levels right. I would recommend this product. Very good for the price. The staff at Studio Economik were very helpful
Read moreand the product was delivered earlier than I expected which was great.
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