MOTU 1248 AVB - Hybrid audio interface with Thunderbolt, USB and AVB network
The MOTU 1248 AVB is a high-performance audio interface designed for professional recording studios, producers, and musicians who demand the highest sound quality and unparalleled connectivity flexibility. This hybrid device combines the best of three worlds: the speed and ultra-low latency of Thunderbolt™ technology, the universal compatibility of USB 2.0 and 3.0, and the power of AVB (Audio Video Bridging) audio networking for scalable and efficient system expansion.
At its core, the 1248 is equipped with state-of-the-art ESS Sabre32 Ultra™ DACs, renowned for delivering an exceptional 123 dB of dynamic range on their analog outputs. This translates into incredibly clear, detailed, and accurate audio reproduction, from the most subtle recordings to the final master. With a total of 32 inputs and 34 independent outputs, the 1248 offers massive connectivity for any studio setup: 4 phantom-powered microphone preamps, 2 high-impedance guitar inputs, 8 balanced line inputs and 12 balanced line outputs, and digital I/O via 2 optical ADAT banks and S/PDIF.
One of the MOTU 1248's biggest draws is its powerful internal DSP processor. This 32-bit floating-point engine powers a complete 48-channel, 12-bus stereo digital mixing console, allowing you to create complex monitor mixes with zero latency and without overloading your computer's CPU. The DSP also includes a suite of high-quality effects, such as classic reverb, a 4-band parametric EQ modeled after British analog EQs, and compression that emulates the legendary LA-2A optical compressor. All audio routing is completely flexible, allowing you to send any input to any output or even split a signal to multiple destinations simultaneously.
Main features
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Hybrid Connectivity: Ultra-low latency Thunderbolt port, compatible with high-speed USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 for universal connection with any Mac or PC computer.
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Exceptional Audio Quality: ESS Sabre32 Ultra™ DAC converters provide a dynamic range of 123 dB on the analog outputs, ensuring impeccable audio fidelity.
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Extensive I/O Configuration: A total of 66 audio channels (32 inputs and 34 outputs) including 4 mic/line preamps, 2 Hi-Z guitar inputs, 8 line inputs, 12 line outputs, 2 main monitor outputs, 2 headphone outputs and 16 channels of ADAT optical I/O.
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Integrated DSP Mixer: Powerful 48-input, 12-bus stereo digital mixer with 32-bit floating-point effects processing, including reverb, modeled EQ, and vintage compression.
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AVB Audio Network: Ethernet port for connecting the interface to an AVB network. Allows system expansion with other MOTU AVB interfaces, achieving hundreds of audio channels with minimal latency over standard network cables.
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Universal Control via Web App: Control all device functions (mixing, effects, routing) from any device with a web browser (iPad, iPhone, tablet, smartphone, or laptop) connected to the same local network. No software installation required.
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Detailed Measurement: A large 324 x 24 pixel backlit LCD panel provides accurate and detailed measurement of all analog and digital signal activity.
Benefits for audio professionals
The MOTU 1248 AVB is designed to be the nerve center of any music production environment. Its conversion quality and transparent preamps ensure that every nuance of the performance is captured with the utmost fidelity. For the mixing engineer, the internal DSP frees up computer resources, enabling the creation of headphone mixes for musicians with effects and no perceptible latency. The flexibility of its digital routing matrix facilitates complex setups, such as processing external hardware or creating streaming sends. Furthermore, the AVB network's expandability protects your investment for the future, allowing your studio to grow without needing to replace the core equipment.
Use cases
This interface is the ideal solution for a wide range of applications. In a professional recording studio, it acts as the main converter for recording entire bands, connecting synthesizers, external processors, and monitoring systems. For the musician in an advanced home studio, it offers all the tools of a large studio in a compact, one-rack-unit format. In live sound, it can function as a standalone digital mixer controlled from a tablet or as part of a high-quality multitrack recording system. It is also an excellent choice for audio post-production and mastering, where the quality of the D/A converter is critical.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the AVB audio network?
AVB (Audio Video Bridging) is an Ethernet network standard designed to transmit audio and video with very low latency and a high degree of reliability. It allows you to connect multiple compatible devices (such as other MOTU interfaces) through an AVB switch (sold separately) using standard network cables, creating a large distributed audio system.
Can I use the 1248 without a computer?
Yes. The MOTU 1248 can function as a standalone digital mixer. Once set up, you can control all its mixing, routing, and effects functions directly from a smartphone or tablet connected to the same Wi-Fi network, without needing a computer to be turned on.
What is the interface latency?
Connected via Thunderbolt, the MOTU 1248 offers extremely low round-trip latency (RTL), which can reach as low as 1.4 ms at 96 kHz with a 32-sample buffer. This makes it ideal for monitoring the signal through software with real-time effects.
Is it compatible with my production software (DAW)?
Yes, it is compatible with any audio software on Mac and Windows that supports Core Audio or ASIO drivers, including Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Cubase, Studio One, and many more.
Project description
Hybrid audio interface for rack mounting (1U). Connectivity via Thunderbolt 1/2 and USB 2.0/3.0. Features AVB audio networking over Ethernet. Offers 32 simultaneous inputs and 34 outputs, including four mic/line preamps with 48V phantom power, two Hi-Z instrument inputs, eight TRS analog line inputs, twelve TRS analog line outputs, two XLR main monitor outputs, and two stereo headphone outputs. Digital I/O is provided via 16 ADAT channels and two S/PDIF channels. Supports sample rates of 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, and 192 kHz. Includes a 48-channel, 12-bus DSP mixer with 32-bit floating-point EQ, compression, and reverb effects. Controllable via a web application over a local network.
