MOTU M2 - Professional Studio Quality 2x2 USB Audio Interface
The MOTU M2 sets a new standard in compact audio interfaces, offering musicians, producers, and podcasters exceptional sound quality and class-leading speed performance. Designed with the prestigious ESS Sabre32 Ultra™ DAC conversion technology, the same found in high-end equipment, the M2 delivers an astounding 120 dB of dynamic range on its main outputs. This translates into crystal-clear, detailed audio reproduction, allowing you to hear every nuance of your recordings and mixes with unprecedented clarity.
Built on decades of professional audio engineering experience, the MOTU M2 stands out not only for its sound but also for its ultra-low latency. Thanks to its expertly designed USB drivers, it achieves a round-trip latency of just 2.5 ms (at 96 kHz with a 32-sample buffer), allowing you to record and monitor through your software plugins and effects in real time, without the annoying delay that interrupts your creativity. Its robust metal construction and USB-C bus power make it the perfect companion for both home studios and recording sessions on the go.
Main Features
Exceptional Sound Quality
Equipped with ESS Sabre32 Ultra™ DAC technology, the M2 guarantees absolute fidelity in audio reproduction. Its microphone preamps are incredibly clean and quiet, with an equivalent input noise (EIN) of -129 dBu, ensuring your vocal and instrument recordings are professional and free of unwanted noise.
Class-Leading Latency
High-speed performance is crucial for a natural workflow. The M2 offers ultra-low latency, allowing you to play virtual instruments and process audio in real time, just like you would with analog hardware.
Precise Measurement with Full Color LCD Screen
Unlike other interfaces in its category that use simple LEDs, the M2 features a high-resolution, full-color LCD screen. This provides clear and detailed level measurements for all inputs and outputs, giving you complete and precise visual control to avoid clipping and optimize your signal levels.
Loopback function for Streaming and Podcasting
The M2 includes a handy loopback channel that lets you capture the computer's audio output and mix it with the microphone inputs. This feature is essential for podcasters, streamers, and content creators who need to record Skype calls, game audio, or any other sound source from their system along with their voice.
Professional and Flexible Connectivity
It features two combo inputs (XLR/TRS) that accept microphones, guitars, basses (Hi-Z), or line-level sources. Each input has its own gain control and individual +48V phantom power, allowing the simultaneous use of condenser and dynamic microphones. It also includes MIDI I/O for connecting external synthesizers and controllers.
Benefits for the Musician and Creator
With the MOTU M2, your productions will reach a new level of professionalism. The sonic clarity will allow you to make better mixing decisions, while the lack of latency will inspire you to perform more naturally. The visual control offered by its LCD screen will give you the confidence to always record at the correct levels. Furthermore, its robust metal construction ensures durability and reliability for everyday use. A complete software package is included, featuring the Ableton Live Lite and MOTU Performer Lite workstations, over 100 virtual instruments, and 6 GB of loops, so you can start creating music right away.
Use Cases
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Home Recording Studio: Perfect for singer-songwriters, guitarists, and producers who need to record vocals and instruments with impeccable studio quality.
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Podcasting and Live Streaming: The loopback function and high-quality preamps make producing professional audio content simple and straightforward.
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Mobile Music Production: Its compact design, USB bus power and rugged chassis make it the ideal interface to take anywhere and record with a laptop or iOS device.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need to install drivers to use the MOTU M2?
- On Mac and iOS, the interface is class-compliant, meaning it works plug-and-play without the need for drivers. For Windows computers, installing the MOTU ASIO driver is recommended for maximum performance and the lowest possible latency. The Mac driver is optional and is installed to enable the loopback function and ensure minimal latency.
- Can I connect my guitar or bass directly?
- Yes, both XLR/TRS combo inputs support high-impedance (Hi-Z) signals. You can connect your electric guitar or bass directly without a DI box, preserving the full tone of your instrument.
- What is the "loopback" function?
- It's a feature that lets you record the audio output from your own computer. It's extremely useful for recording audio for a tutorial, a video call for a podcast, or a video game soundtrack while you're live streaming.
- Can 48V phantom power be activated per channel?
- Yes, each of the two microphone inputs has its own switch to independently activate 48V phantom power. This gives you the flexibility to use a condenser microphone that needs power alongside a dynamic or ribbon microphone that doesn't.
Project description
This audio interface features a USB-C connection, a 2-input, 2-output configuration, and integrates ESS Sabre32 Ultra™ DAC technology with 120 dB of dynamic range on the balanced outputs. It includes two mic/line/Hi-Z preamps on combo jacks, with individual gain control and switchable +48V phantom power per channel. It offers a round-trip latency of 2.5 ms (at 96 kHz with a 32-sample buffer). Additional features include switchable hardware direct monitoring (mono/stereo), MIDI I/O on 5-pin DIN connectors, and a full-color LCD screen for precise level measurement. It supports sample rates from 44.1 kHz to 192 kHz. The chassis is metal and is USB bus-powered.
