MOTU 16A AVB - Professional Hybrid Audio Interface with Thunderbolt and AVB Network Connectivity
The MOTU 16A is a professional audio solution designed to deliver exceptional sound quality, unprecedented connectivity flexibility, and powerful mixing and processing capabilities. This hybrid interface adapts to any studio environment thanks to its triple connectivity: ultra-low latency Thunderbolt, high-speed USB 3.0 (backward compatible with USB 2.0), and the revolutionary AVB (Audio Video Bridging) audio network. With 16 analog line-level inputs and 16 analog outputs, the 16A is ideal for integrating synthesizers, external processors, mixing consoles, and other studio equipment, providing a total of 32 simultaneous inputs and 32 outputs when combined with its ADAT digital channels.
At the heart of the MOTU 16A are the acclaimed ESS Sabre32 Ultra™ converters, guaranteeing a dynamic range of 123 dB on its analog outputs. This translates into pristine audio reproduction, with clarity, depth, and detail that respects the integrity of the sound source, from recording to final mastering. Its robust, one-rack-unit (1U) aluminum chassis makes it a durable and reliable centerpiece for any installation.
One of its biggest draws is the powerful internal DSP. The 16A functions as a complete 48-channel, 12-bus stereo digital mixer, processed at 32-bit floating point. This DSP engine allows you to apply high-quality effects without consuming your computer's CPU resources. It includes a parametric equalizer modeled after British analog consoles, vintage compression that emulates the legendary Teletronix LA-2A, and classic reverb, all available on every input and output channel—ideal for creating latency-free monitor mixes for musicians.
Complete control of the device is achieved through the innovative MOTU Pro Audio Control web application. This application runs in the browser of any device connected to the same network (iPad, iPhone, Android tablet, smartphone, or any laptop), eliminating the need to install specific software or drivers. From this intuitive interface, you can manage the routing matrix, mixer, DSP effects, and device settings with complete freedom.
Main Features
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Exceptional Audio Quality: Equipped with ESS Sabre32 Ultra™ converter technology that provides a dynamic range of 123 dB on the analog outputs, delivering mastering-level sound fidelity.
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Hybrid Connectivity: Connect it to your computer via Thunderbolt for extremely low latency (1.6 ms round trip at 96 kHz) or via USB 3.0/2.0 for universal compatibility.
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32 Simultaneous Inputs and 32 Outputs: Offers 16 balanced TRS analog inputs, 16 balanced TRS analog outputs and 16 channels of ADAT optical digital I/O (2 banks of 8 channels), for a total of 64 audio channels.
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Powerful Digital DSP Mixer: Includes a 48-input, 12-bus stereo mixer with 32-bit floating-point processing, allowing complex mixing and routing without overloading the computer's CPU.
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Modeled DSP Effects: It has Reverb, a modeled 4-band parametric equalizer (British Analog EQ), vintage compression (modeled from the Teletronix LA-2A) and a gate on each channel.
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Universal Control via Web App: Manage all settings, the mixer and effects from any device with a web browser (computer, tablet or smartphone) connected to the same local network.
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Scalable AVB Audio Network: Connect multiple MOTU AVB interfaces (such as the 1248, 8M, or 24Ai) via Ethernet cable to a MOTU AVB switch (sold separately) to build a large-scale audio network with hundreds of channels and near-zero latency between devices.
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Flexible Routing Matrix: Allows routing any input to any output, or splitting a signal to multiple destinations, both locally at the interface and throughout the entire AVB network.
Benefits for Modern Study
The MOTU 16A is designed to be the core of a modern recording studio. Its flexibility allows it to adapt to any workflow, whether as the main interface for a DAW, a high-quality AD/DA converter for an analog console, or a standalone mixer for live performances. Expandability via AVB networking future-proofs your investment, allowing your system to grow with your needs without having to replace the core equipment. The internal DSP frees your computer from processing effects for monitor mixes, ensuring that artists hear themselves with professional quality and no perceptible latency.
Use Cases
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Professional Recording Studio: Ideal as a main interface for connecting external preamp racks, synthesizers, drum machines and effects processors, centralizing all analog equipment in the digital environment.
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Analog Mixing and Summing: Use its 16 high-quality outputs to send tracks from your DAW to an analog mixer or summing mixer, and return the stereo mix through two of its elite inputs.
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Live Sound and Events: Functions as a reliable, standalone digital mixer. Control the mix of an entire band from an iPad, managing monitors and the main output with built-in effects.
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Post-production and Broadcast Installations: Create an AVB audio network to connect multiple rooms, voice booths, or workstations, sharing audio sources with minimal latency and through a simple network cable.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need microphone preamps to use the MOTU 16A?
- Yes. The 16A is equipped with line-level inputs (+4/-10 dBu). To connect microphones, you'll need to use external preamps and connect their outputs to the interface's inputs.
- What exactly is the AVB 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 multiple compatible devices to be connected through an AVB switch to create a large, distributed audio system.
- Can I use DSP effects as plugins in my DAW?
- The 16A's DSP effects are primarily designed for real-time processing on the interface's inputs and outputs (for example, to create latency-free monitor mixes). They don't function as VST/AU/AAX plugins within the DAW, but audio can be routed from the DAW through the 16A's mixer for processing.
- Is the interface compatible with the latest operating systems?
- Yes, MOTU regularly provides driver updates to ensure compatibility with the latest versions of macOS and Windows. It is always recommended to check specific compatibility on the official MOTU website before purchasing.
Project description
Audio interface with Thunderbolt 1, USB 3.0, and AVB audio network connectivity. It offers a total of 32 simultaneous input and output channels, comprised of 16 analog inputs and 16 analog outputs on balanced TRS connectors, and 16 digital I/O channels in optical ADAT format. Equipped with ESS Sabre32 Ultra™ converters that achieve a dynamic range of 123 dBA on the outputs. It integrates a 48-channel digital mixer with 32-bit floating-point DSP, including modeled EQ, vintage compression, and reverb. It is controllable via a web application from any device. The system is expandable via the AVB network. It features a 1U rackmount aluminum chassis.
