MOTU 624 - Professional Thunderbolt / USB3 / AVB Audio Interface
The MOTU 624 is a high-performance audio interface designed for professional studios, mobile production, and live performance. Housed in a robust and compact half-rack chassis, this interface combines exceptional audio quality with cutting-edge connectivity and unparalleled flexibility. Equipped with the renowned ESS Sabre32 Ultra™ DAC conversion technology, the 624 delivers crystal-clear, detailed sound with an impressive 123 dB of dynamic range that captures every nuance of your recordings and mixes. Its versatile connectivity options, including Thunderbolt™, high-speed USB 3.0, and AVB/TSN audio networking, ensure seamless, ultra-low-latency integration with any Mac, PC, or iOS device.
At its core, the MOTU 624 offers a total of 32 simultaneous audio channels (16 inputs and 16 outputs). It features two microphone inputs with high-quality preamps and individual phantom power, two front-accessible Hi-Z instrument inputs for guitars and basses, four balanced line inputs, six balanced line outputs, and a separate headphone output. Digital connectivity is handled via 8-channel ADAT optical ports, which also support stereo S/PDIF, allowing for easy system expansion. Its powerful internal DSP engine provides a 48-channel digital mixer with 32-bit floating-point processing, freeing up your computer's CPU and enabling latency-free monitoring.
Main Features
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Exceptional Audio Quality: The ESS Sabre32 Ultra™ D/A conversion technology in the main outputs offers a dynamic range of 123 dB, providing pure and detailed audio reproduction.
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Universal Connectivity: Equipped with Thunderbolt™, USB 3.0 and AVB/TSN Ethernet ports, the 624 offers full compatibility with Mac and Windows computers, as well as iOS devices, ensuring a fast and stable connection in any environment.
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Ultra Low Latency: Thanks to its high-performance drivers, the interface achieves a round-trip latency (RTL) as low as 1.6 ms at 96 kHz via Thunderbolt and 1.9 ms via USB.
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Powerful Integrated DSP Mixer: Includes an internal 48-channel, 12-bus digital console with high-quality DSP effects, including classic reverb, EQ modeled after British analog consoles, and compression inspired by the legendary Teletronix LA-2A.
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Input and Output Flexibility: Offers a total of 16 inputs and 16 outputs, including 2 mic preamps, 2 Hi-Z guitar inputs, 4 line inputs, 6 line outputs, headphone output and 8 channels of ADAT optical I/O.
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Remote Control via Web App: Control all device functions, the DSP mixer and signal routing wirelessly from the web browser of your laptop, tablet or smartphone connected to the same network.
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Standalone Operation: The 624 can function as a standalone digital mixer. Connect a Wi-Fi router to the Ethernet port and control the entire mix and effects without a computer.
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AVB/TSN Audio Network: The Ethernet port allows the 624 to be connected to a MOTU AVB network to expand the system with more interfaces and route hundreds of audio channels between devices and computers over long distances.
Benefits for the Audio Professional
For the studio engineer, the MOTU 624 offers the sonic purity and reliability needed for the most demanding recording and mixing sessions. The quality of its converters ensures that what you hear is a faithful representation of the source, while the DSP mixer with vintage-quality effects allows you to create headphone mixes for musicians with zero latency and without overloading the computer's processor. For the traveling musician or producer, its compact and rugged form factor makes it the perfect travel companion, offering studio-level I/O anywhere. The ability to operate independently with wireless control is ideal for live performances, allowing you to manage the sound mix directly from the stage.
Use Cases
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Professional Recording Studio and Home Studio: Record vocals, instruments, and line-level sources with pristine clarity. Use the DSP for latency-free monitoring and flexible routing to integrate external equipment.
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Mobile Music Production: Its compact chassis and universal connectivity make it ideal for recording in any location, from band rehearsals to field recordings.
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Live Sound: Use it as a powerful compact digital mixer for small bands or solo artists, controlling the entire mix wirelessly from an iPad.
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Network Audio System: Integrate it into an AVB/TSN network in larger installations, such as multitrack studios or concert venues, for low latency, high channel capacity audio distribution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which operating systems are compatible with the MOTU 624?
The MOTU 624 is compatible with Mac (OS X and later) and Windows (7, 8, 10 and later). It also works with iOS devices via the appropriate camera adapter.
Can I use the interface without a computer?
Yes. The MOTU 624 can function as a standalone digital mixer. Simply connect it to a Wi-Fi network via a router, and you can control all its mixing and effects functions from a smartphone, tablet, or another computer.
What is the difference between the 624 and other models like the UltraLite?
The 624's main advantage is its superior hybrid connectivity, which includes Thunderbolt, USB 3.0, and AVB/TSN. This provides greater bandwidth, lower latency, and the ability to integrate into professional networked audio systems—features that may not be present in lower-end models.
Is the recording software included?
Yes, the MOTU 624 includes a license for the AudioDesk 4.0 audio workstation (DAW) software for Mac and Windows, which provides a complete 24-bit recording, editing, and mixing environment.
Is it possible to connect more than one MOTU AVB interface together?
Yes, you can connect multiple AVB/TSN-compatible MOTU interfaces via a MOTU AVB switch (sold separately) to create a large-scale audio network with channel routing between all connected devices.
Project description
Half-rack audio interface with Thunderbolt, USB 3.0, and AVB/TSN Ethernet connectivity. It offers 16 simultaneous inputs and 16 outputs, with a maximum resolution of 24-bit/192kHz. It incorporates ESS Sabre32 Ultra™ D/A conversion technology. Features include two microphone preamps with phantom power, two Hi-Z inputs, four TRS line inputs, and six TRS line outputs. It also includes an 8-channel ADAT optical I/O (compatible with SMUX and S/PDIF) and a headphone output. An integrated DSP processor provides 48 channels of mixing and effects for EQ, compression, noise gate, and reverb. It allows for control via web-app software on multiple devices and operation as a standalone mixer. Compatible with Mac, Windows, and iOS.
