16A (2025) Motu Audio Interface

Description

16A (2025) Motu Audio Interface

Thunderbolt™ 4 / USB4 audio interface with DSP, mixing, effects and networking

• The new 16A is AVB-compatible with all other MOTU AVB interfaces.
• 256 channels of host computer I/O (128 in / 128 out) via Thunderbolt or USB3.
• 16 8-channel streams for 256 channels of network audio I/O (128 in / 128 out).
• Each audio stream can be individually configured between 1-8 audio channels.
• Use multiple PC hosts on the network. Each host can send/receive to all devices and other hosts.
• Use existing Ethernet wiring. Just replace Ethernet switches with AVB-compatible switches.
• Shared operation with standard Ethernet devices like wireless routers, switches, etc.
• Supports 1722.1 for Connection Management and Control.
• Supports AAF stream formats and the legacy AM8-24 format, configurable per stream.
• Gigabit Ethernet speeds support many devices on the network.

Superb analog audio quality

Renowned ESS Sabre32™ DAC technology delivers 125 dB dynamic range and extremely low harmonic distortion. Analog performance is driven by decades of engineering expertise in audio interface technology.

Thunderbolt™ and USB connectivity for Mac, PC and iOS

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.

66 simultaneous audio channels

Sixteen balanced/unbalanced TRS analog 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!

Ultra-low latency performance

Optimized 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 bandwidth

Daisy-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).

64-channel mixing with 32-bit floating point precision

The 16A is equipped with 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. Additionally, input channels include a High-Pass Filter and Gate. In essence: capable and transparent mixing

Patchbay routing and splitting

Using intuitive, virtual patch cords, you can easily route any source signal 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. You can even split any single source (or

stereo pair) to unlimited multiple output destinations.

Matrix routing, splitting and patching

For complex workflows that involve routing and splitting at scale, the Routing Grid provides a global "bird's-eye" view of all the connections in your 16A system. Manage hundreds of audio channels quickly, at a

glance. Check for signal with convenienct activity meters. Show and hide audio banks to customize your routing environment. Display destinations on either the right side or left side of the grid, as you prefer. 

Flexible system expansion

Audio 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.