MOTU 10pre 26×28 Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 Audio Interface

MOTU 10pre

The MOTU 10pre is an advanced Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 audio interface, offering exceptional sound quality, flexible connectivity, and cutting-edge network expansion for modern studios. Featuring world-renowned ESS Sabre32 DAC technology with 125 dB dynamic range and ultralow distortion, the 10pre delivers pristine analog performance refined by decades of MOTU engineering expertise.

With ten transparent mic/instrument inputs, up to 54 simultaneous channels of I/O, and integrated AVB networking, the 10pre is equally at home in professional recording studios, live sound rigs, and mobile production environments. Thunderbolt and USB connections offer lightning-fast 256-channel computer I/O (128 in / 128 out) at sample rates up to 96 kHz—all with round-trip latency as low as 1.8 milliseconds.

MOTU 10pre Key Features

• 10 transparent mic / Hi-Z combo inputs with -114 dB THD+N
• ESS Sabre32 DAC (125 dB dynamic range)
• Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 for Mac, Windows, iOS, iPadOS
• 256-channel computer I/O (128 in / 128 out at 96 kHz)
• 64-channel digital mixer with EQ, compression, and FX
• AVB networking for multidevice expansion
• Optical I/O for ADAT or S/MUX gear
• DC-coupled TRS outputs for modular synth CV control
• Two independent headphone outputs
• Round-trip latency only 1.8 ms at 96 kHz (32-sample buffer)
• Performer Lite DAW and 6GB of loop content included

Superb Analog Performance

ESS Sabre32 DAC conversion and -114 dB THD+N mic preamps ensure immaculate detail and headroom. Each mic channel offers independent gain, pad, and 48V phantom power, with remote control from your computer or iOS device. Combo jacks also serve as 1/4″ Hi-Z inputs for direct guitar tracking and reamping.

Flexible Connectivity

Connect via Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 using the included 40 Gb/s USB-C cable. The MOTU 10pre autonegotiates the fastest available speed and is backward compatible with Thunderbolt 3, USB 3, and USB 2. All 26 inputs and 28 outputs are available simultaneously for mics, instruments, synths, monitors, and outboard processors. Daisy-chain up to six devices over Thunderbolt for massive I/O and 8K video bandwidth.

Studio Control and Monitoring

Each channel features 4-band parametric EQ, compressor, high-pass filter, and gate. Mic inputs 1-2 include balanced send/return loops for external outboard gear. The Monitor Group controls up to eight analog outputs for 5.1 or 7.1 surround, with front-panel A/B/C speaker selection and talkback. Two independent headphone outputs allow custom mixes for artists and engineers.

Powerful 64-Channel Mixer

Modeled after large-format consoles, the 10pre’s 64-channel mixer offers 32-bit floating-point precision, 26 aux busses, plus main, monitor, reverb, and solo buses. All routing is managed through CueMix Pro software on Mac, Windows, or iOS—even wirelessly via Wi-Fi.

AVB Networking for Expansion

Built-in dual Gigabit Ethernet ports let you connect multiple MOTU AVB interfaces (10pre, 848, 16A, etc.) with standard Cat 5e or Cat 6 cables up to 328′. AVB provides deterministic 2 ms latency, network-wide clock sync measured in nanoseconds, and support for hundreds of audio channels at high sample rates.

Digital and Analog Expansion

Two optical banks provide 16 channels of ADAT I/O at 48 kHz or 8 channels of S/MUX I/O at 96 kHz. All TRS outputs are DC-coupled for sending control voltage (CV) to modular synths directly from your DAW. Loopback functionality lets you mix computer playback with live inputs for podcasting and streaming.

Included Software and Content

The MOTU 10pre includes Performer Lite, MOTU’s easy-to-use DAW for recording, editing, mixing, and mastering music projects. Start creating immediately with over 100 virtual instruments and 6GB of loops and samples from Big Fish Audio, LucidSamples, and Loopmasters.