MOTU 16A Thunderbolt™ 4 / USB4 Audio Interface - Ultimate Studio and Stage Solution
Transform your computer into a powerhouse 24-bit/192 kHz digital audio workstation with the completely redesigned MOTU 16A Thunderbolt™ 4 / USB4 Audio Interface. This full-rack unit combines 32 inputs and 34 outputs with advanced DSP, mixing, effects, and networking capabilities. Featuring ultra-low latency (~2 ms RTL at 96 kHz), ESS Sabre32 Ultra™ DAC technology, and universal connectivity via a 40 Gbps USB-C cable (compatible with Thunderbolt 3/4, USB4, USB3, and USB2), the 16A is perfect for studio recording, live sound, and everything in between.
Unmatched Audio Quality and Flexibility
Connect microphones, guitars, synths, and more to 16 balanced TRS analog inputs (120 dB dynamic range) and two banks of 8-channel optical I/O. Monitor through 16 DC-coupled TRS outputs (125 dB dynamic range) and a dedicated headphone output. With 66 simultaneous audio channels and a 64-input DSP-driven mixer, you can record and process live inputs with zero latency, leveraging effects like reverb, 4-band EQ, gate, compressor, and high-pass filter—all without taxing your computer.
Advanced Networking and Control
Expand your setup with two Gigabit Ethernet ports for AVB daisy-chaining or networking via standard CAT-5/6 cables, supporting up to 128 audio channels in/out. Control the 16A wirelessly with the CueMix Pro™ app on your Mac, PC, or iOS device, or use it as a standalone mixer on stage. Features like talkback, A/B/C speaker switching, and loopback channels make it ideal for studio production, live mixing, streaming, and podcasting.
Built for Performance and Durability
Handcrafted with rugged steel construction, the 16A includes luxurious dual 3.9-inch RGB LCDs for precise metering of all I/O. With MOTU’s proven drivers, class-compliant firmware, and a two-year warranty, this interface delivers rock-solid performance and exceptional sound quality, from initial tracking to final mastering.
Key Features of the MOTU 16A
- World’s first Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 audio interface with 32x34 I/O
- Superb audio with ESS Sabre32 Ultra™ DAC: 120 dB (inputs) and 125 dB (outputs) dynamic range
- Ultra-low latency (~2 ms RTL at 96 kHz with 32-sample buffer)
- Universal connectivity via 40 Gbps USB-C (Thunderbolt 3/4, USB4, USB3, USB2 compatible)
- 66 simultaneous channels: 16 TRS analog in/out, 16 ADAT optical, headphone out
- 64-input DSP mixer with 32 busses and effects (reverb, EQ, gate, compressor, HPF)
- 2x Gigabit Ethernet ports for AVB networking and daisy-chaining
- Wi-Fi control via CueMix Pro™ app on multiple devices
- Control room features: Talkback, A/B/C monitor select, flexible headphone output
- DC-coupled TRS outputs for modular synth CV control
- Loopback for streaming and podcasting with custom input mixes
- Includes MOTU Performer Lite, 100+ instruments, and 6 GB of loops/samples
- Two-year warranty, rugged 1U steel chassis
Technical Specifications
- Sample Rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz
- Analog Inputs: 16x Balanced 1/4" TRS (120 dB Dynamic Range)
- Analog Outputs: 16x Balanced, DC-Coupled 1/4" TRS (125 dB Dynamic Range)
- Digital I/O: 2x 8-Channel ADAT Optical (16 channels at 1x rates), Optional TOSLink on Bank A
- Total I/O: 32 Inputs, 34 Outputs (66 Total) at 1x Sample Rates
- Computer I/O: USB-C (40 Gbps, 128 In/Out at 96 kHz), 2x Gigabit Ethernet (128 In/Out via AVB)
- Sync I/O: Word Clock In/Out/Thru
- Headphone Output: 1x 1/4" TRS with Independent Volume/Source Select
- Displays: 2x 3.9" 24-bit RGB LCDs for Precision Metering
- Form Factor: 1U Rackmount, Steel Construction
