MOTU 24Ai AVB - Hybrid Network Audio Interface
The MOTU 24Ai AVB is a high-performance hybrid audio interface designed for professional recording studios, live sound systems, and large-scale audio networks. This versatile device combines exceptional audio quality with extensive connectivity, offering 24 analog inputs and a total of 72 simultaneous audio channels. Its hybrid technology allows connection to a computer via a high-speed USB 2.0 port (compatible with USB 3.0 and iOS devices) or via an Ethernet port to become part of an AVB (Audio Video Bridging) audio network, ensuring ultra-low latency and unparalleled reliability in complex installations.
Built upon the award-winning technology of MOTU's acclaimed interfaces, the 24Ai guarantees pristine analog-to-digital conversion. Its 24 balanced analog inputs, available via standard 25-pin D-sub connectors and Phoenix terminals, offer superior connectivity flexibility for integrating synthesizers, mixing consoles, effects processors, and any other line-level gear. The quality of its analog design is reflected in its impressive 110 dB dynamic range, capturing every nuance of the sound source with exceptional clarity and precision.
Main Features
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Universal Hybrid Connectivity: Functions as a standard USB 2.0 audio interface, compatible with USB 3.0 and iOS, or as a network device via its AVB Ethernet port for integration into distributed audio systems.
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Superior Sound Quality: Equipped with high-end AD converters that support sampling rates from 44.1 kHz to 192 kHz. Internal 32-bit floating-point processing ensures maximum headroom and the highest fidelity at all stages of the signal.
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Integrated Digital Mixer: Includes a powerful 48-channel, 12-bus stereo digital mixer modeled after large-format consoles. It allows for the creation of latency-free monitor mixes and complex signal routing internally.
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Vintage Effects DSP Processing: Access high-quality effects without consuming CPU resources. Includes classic reverb, compression modeled after the legendary Teletronix LA-2A, and EQ inspired by iconic British analog consoles.
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Large Channel Capacity: Offers a total of 72 simultaneous audio channels: 24 high-quality analog inputs and 3 banks of ADAT optical I/O (24 channels at 1x, 12 channels at 2x with SMUX).
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Front Panel with Detailed Measurement: A crisp 324 x 24 pixel LCD screen on the front panel displays signal activity for all input and output channels, allowing for clear and accurate visual monitoring.
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Remote Control via Web App: Control all device functions (mixer, effects, routing) wirelessly from your laptop, tablet or smartphone (iOS, Android, Windows, Mac) via a web application that runs in any browser connected to the same network.
Benefits for the Audio Professional
The MOTU 24Ai AVB is designed for sound engineers, producers, and system integrators who need a robust and scalable solution for capturing multiple audio sources. Its ability to integrate into an AVB network allows for easy system expansion, connecting up to five MOTU interfaces via a single AVB switch to create a low-latency audio ecosystem in large installations. Standalone operation, without the need for a computer, makes it a powerful, self-contained digital mixer for live applications. Wireless control frees the user from being tethered to the rack, allowing adjustments from anywhere in the studio or venue.
Use Cases
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Recording Studios: Perfect for recording full bands, simultaneously capturing multiple tracks from a mixing console, external preamps, or a collection of synthesizers and sound modules.
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Live Sound: Use it as a rugged digital stage box to send stage signals to a FoH mixing console via a single Ethernet cable, or as a personal monitor mixer wirelessly controlled by the musicians.
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Fixed Installations: Ideal for theaters, auditoriums, and convention centers where audio needs to be distributed to multiple locations with minimal latency and a centralized setup.
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Broadcast and Post-production: Its high channel density and reliability make it ideal for broadcast environments that require the ingestion of multiple audio sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a computer to use the MOTU 24Ai?
Not necessarily. The 24Ai can function as a standalone AD converter and digital mixer. You can control it via its web app by connecting it to a standard Wi-Fi router, without needing a computer.
What is AVB and why is it important?
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 hundreds of audio channels to be sent over a standard network cable (Cat-5e/6), simplifying cabling and enabling modular system expansion.
Can I use the 24Ai with my favorite DAW?
Yes. The MOTU 24Ai includes high-performance ASIO, Core Audio, and Wave drivers, ensuring compatibility with virtually any audio software on Mac OS and Windows.
What type of analog connectors does it use?
The interface features 24 balanced line inputs on D-sub 25 (DB-25) multipin connectors following the Tascam standard, and also on 12-pin Phoenix-type terminal connectors for fixed installations.
Project description
Hybrid audio interface with USB 2.0 and Ethernet AVB connectivity. It offers 24 balanced analog inputs on D-sub 25 and Phoenix connectors, and 24 channels of ADAT optical digital I/O, for a total of 72 simultaneous channels. It supports sampling rates from 44.1 to 192 kHz with 32-bit floating-point internal processing. It includes a 48-input digital mixer with 12 stereo buses and integrated DSP processing (reverb, compression, and EQ). Features include Word Clock I/O, a front panel LCD display for metering, and remote control via a web application. 1U rack format.
