Motu 16A (2025)
The completely redesigned 16A provides everything you need to turn your computer into a powerful digital 24-bit/192 kHz audio workstation.
The 16A connects to a Mac, PC, or iOS device using the included 40 Gbit/s USB-C cable (compatible with Thunderbolt 3/4, USB4, USB3, and USB2) and provides up to 256 audio channels (128 in and 128 out) depending on the host computer connection. Thanks to class-compliant compatibility and proven MOTU drivers, it works seamlessly with all major audio software and delivers industry-leading, ultra-low round-trip latency (RTL) of under 2 ms at 96 kHz with high-performance DAW hosts. The USB class-compliant firmware also allows connection to an iPad or any iOS device via USB-C or a standard camera connection kit (Lightning adapter, sold separately).
The 16A is equally suited for studio and stage use. As an interface or standalone mixer, it offers 32 separate inputs and 34 separate outputs, including 16 balanced analog 1/4-inch TRS inputs/outputs (line level), two banks of 8-channel optical I/O, and a headphone output on the front panel. The renowned ESS Sabre32 DAC technology delivers outstanding analog performance.
The 16A features a built-in AVB switch with two Gigabit Ethernet ports, allowing multiple 16A units to be connected using standard network cables. Alternatively, the network can be expanded by connecting an external AVB switch to build a network of multiple interfaces, computers, and ultra-low network latency—even over long cable runs (hundreds of meters).
Audio Performance - Outstanding Analog Audio Quality
The renowned ESS Sabre32 DAC technology provides a dynamic range of 125 dB and extremely low harmonic distortion. The superior and crystal-clear audio quality is based on decades of experience in audio interface technology.
Universal Connectivity - Thunderbolt and USB for Mac, PC, and iOS
The 16A is the first audio interface to offer cutting-edge Thunderbolt 4 and USB 4 universal connectivity for Mac, PC, and iOS. Connect your host device with the included 40 Gbit/s USB-C cable, and the 16A automatically adapts to the fastest possible speed of up to 40 Gbit/s with backward compatibility for Thunderbolt 3 (and USB 3 & 2) host connections. Thunderbolt and USB4 provide an amazing 256 channels for computer I/O (128 in and 128 out) at sample rates up to 96 kHz.
Audio Inputs and Outputs - 66 Simultaneous Audio Channels
Sixteen balanced/unbalanced analog TRS I/O, 2 x 8-channel ADAT optical connectors, and an independent stereo headphone output provide 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 once!
High-Performance Drivers - Ultra-Low Latency
Optimized drivers for Mac and PC deliver MOTU’s well-known ultra-low latency performance. With a high-performance DAW like Digital Performer, the 16A delivers a stunning round-trip latency (RTL) of ~1.8 ms (milliseconds) via Thunderbolt and USB at 96 kHz with a 32-sample host buffer.
Thunderbolt™ Technology - Simple Plug-and-Play with Massive Bandwidth
Daisy-chain the 16A with up to six other Thunderbolt devices, all connected to your host computer with massive 40 Gbit/s bandwidth, to easily handle hundreds of audio channels, 8K video, terabytes of storage, and more. A Thunderbolt 4-compatible USB-C cable is included (length = 2 meters).
Mixing and Effects - 64-Channel Mixing with 32-Bit Floating Point Precision
The 16A features a 64-channel mixer designed like a large-format mixing console. The 64 inputs can receive signals from anywhere: the physical inputs of the 16A interface itself, audio channels from the host software on your computer, streams from the audio network, or even mixer outputs. The mixer offers 26 aux buses, as well as main, reverb, monitor, and solo buses. All input and output buses include a 4-band dual-precision parametric EQ and compressor. Additionally, input channels include a high-pass filter and gate.
Point-to-Point Routing - Patchbay Routing and Splitting
Using intuitive virtual patch cables, any source signal can be routed to any destination. Sources can be analog 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. A single source (or stereo pair) can even be split to an unlimited number of output destinations.
Audio Networking - Flexible System Expansion
Audio networking has matured, opening up a whole new world of possibilities. The 16A features a built-in AVB switch with two Gigabit Ethernet ports, allowing multiple 16A units to be connected using standard network cables. Alternatively, the network can be expanded by connecting an external AVB switch to build a network of multiple interfaces, computers, and ultra-low network latency.
Tech Specs
System Requirements:
Mac System Requirements:
- Intel Core i3 Mac or faster (including Apple Silicon Macs)
- 4 GB RAM; 8 GB or more recommended
- macOS 12 or later (with driver or USB class-compliant)
- Available Thunderbolt 3+ or USB port
- Large hard drive (at least 500 GB for audio recording)
- USB class-compliant for plug & play operation on macOS or iOS (no driver required)
Windows System Requirements:
- Intel Core i3 PC (or AMD equivalent)
- 4 GB RAM; 8 GB or more recommended
- Windows 10 22H2 or later (x64 AMD/Intel only)
- Windows 11 23H2 or later (x64 AMD/Intel only)
- Available Thunderbolt 3+ or USB port
- Large hard drive (at least 500 GB for audio recording)
- Sample rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz
Analog Inputs:
- 16 TRS line inputs (balanced/unbalanced)
- Dynamic range: 120 dB
- Noise floor: -114 dB (0.0002%)
- Max level: +21 dBu
- +20 dB digital gain on each input
Analog Outputs:
- 16 TRS line outputs (balanced)
- Dynamic range: 125 dB
- Noise floor: -114 dB (0.0002%)
- Max level: +21 dBu
- -99 dB digital trim on each output
Digital I/O:
- 2 optical ADAT banks (16 channels) at 1x sample rates
- 1 bank (8 channels) SMUX at 2x sample rates
- Optional stereo optical S/PDIF on Bank A
Headphones:
- 1 x stereo headphone output
- TRS jack
- Dynamic range: 118 dB
- Noise floor: -110 dB (0.0003%)
- Output impedance: <1Ω
- Max level: 13.3 dBu
Computer Connection:
2 x Thunderbolt 4 / USB 4.1 (40 Gbit/s) Type C
- USB3/USB2 compatible
- USB audio class-compliant compatible (no driver required)
1 x Thunderbolt-compatible / USB4 GEN3 C-to-C cable
- 40 Gbps / 240 W
- Length = 2 meters
- Cable included
- Provides 15 W downstream power / 0 W upstream
Compatible with USB2 Type A using a C-to-A cable (sold separately)
Computer I/O:
- 32 inputs / 34 outputs (66 total channels) at 1x sample rate
- 24 inputs / 26 outputs (50 total channels) at 2x sample rate
- 16 inputs / 18 outputs (34 total channels) at 4x sample rate
Synchronization:
- 1 word clock input
- 1 word clock output
Front Panel: 1 x 1/4" TRS headphone output
- 1 x knob – headphone volume
- 1 x knob – headphone channel select
- 1 x knob – menu navigation
- 1 x large knob – main volume
- 3 x buttons – (1) headphone mono, (2) menu navigation
- 2 x 3.9-inch 480 x 128 pixel 24-bit RGB TFT displays
- 1 x latching power switch
Power Supply:
- 100–240 V
- Auto-switching voltage
- 50–60 Hz • 0.5 A max
Dimensions and Weight:
- 48.26 x 31.1 x 4.44 cm (W/D/H, 19", 1U), 5 kg
Included Software:
- CueMix Pro
- MOTU Performer Lite
- 6 GB of loops and sounds from Big Fish Audio, LucidSamples, Loopmasters, and MOTU
