MOTU M2 Desktop 2×2 USB Type-C Audio-MIDI Interface

MOTU M2 Overview

The MOTU M2 is a professional 2-in/2-out USB-C audio interface designed for musicians, producers, podcasters, singers, streamers, and home-studio creators. It combines high-quality audio conversion, ultra-low-latency monitoring, two microphone/line/Hi-Z inputs, MIDI connectivity, and a full-color LCD level meter in a compact, rugged desktop design.

With ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC technology, the MOTU M2 delivers up to 120 dB dynamic range on its balanced outputs, while its ultra-clean microphone preamps provide a measured -129 dBu EIN. It supports sample rates from 44.1 kHz up to 192 kHz, giving you high-resolution recording for music production, vocals, instruments, podcasting, and content creation.

Motu M2 Features

• 2-in / 2-out USB audio interface with studio-quality sound
• Best-in-class audio quality driven by ESS Sabre32 Ultra™ DAC Technology
• Best-in-class speed (ultra-low latency) for host software processing
• Best-in-class metering for all inputs/outputs with a full-color LCD
• 2x mic/line/hi-Z guitar inputs on combo XLR/TRS
• Individual preamp gain and 48V phantom power for each input
• Hardware (direct) monitoring for each input (mono or stereo)
• Measured -129 dB EIN on mic inputs
• 2x balanced, DC-coupled 1/4-inch TRS outputs
• Measured 120 dB dynamic range on the 1/4-inch balanced TRS outputs
• 2x RCA (unbalanced) analog out (mirrored)
• 1x headphone out (driven by ESS converters) with independent volume control
• MIDI in/out
• Support for 44.1 to 192 kHz sample rates
• USB audio class compliant for plug-and-play operation on Mac (no driver required)
• Windows driver with 2.5 ms Round Trip Latency (32 sample buffer at 96 kHz)
• Mac driver (optional, for 2.5 ms RTL@32/96 kHz and loopback feature)
• iOS compatible (USB audio class compliant)
• Driver loopback for capturing host output, live streaming and podcasting
• Bus powered USB-C (compatible with USB Type A) with power switch (USB cable included)
• Rugged metal construction
• Workstation software included (MOTU Performer Lite 10 and Ableton Live Lite 10)
• 100+ instruments (in Performer Lite)
• Over 6 GB of included free loops, samples and one-shots from industry leading libraries
• Kensington security slot
• Built in the USA

Professional Audio Quality

The MOTU M2 is built around high-performance ESS Sabre32 Ultra conversion technology. Its balanced ¼-inch outputs provide a measured 120 dB dynamic range, while the microphone inputs offer clean, detailed preamplification with up to 60 dB of gain

Two Versatile Combo Inputs

The M2 features two XLR/TRS combo inputs, allowing you to connect microphones, line-level equipment, guitars, keyboards, and other compatible sources. Each input provides independent gain control, 48V phantom power, and direct monitoring

The Hi-Z capability makes the M2 particularly useful for guitarists and bass players who want to connect their instruments directly to their audio interface.

Ultra-Low-Latency Monitoring

MOTU’s optimized drivers provide approximately 2.5 ms round-trip latency at 96 kHz with a 32-sample buffer, making the M2 suitable for monitoring microphones, guitars, keyboards, and other live inputs through your computer with minimal delay.

Full-Color LCD Metering

One of the standout features of the MOTU M2 is its full-color LCD display. The screen provides clear input and output level meters, helping you monitor recording levels and avoid unwanted clipping while recording or mixing.

Built-In Loopback for Streaming and Podcasting

The M2 includes loopback functionality, allowing computer audio to be routed back into your recording or streaming software. This makes it particularly useful for live streaming, podcasting, online content creation, and recording computer audio together with microphones or instruments

MIDI Input and Output

In addition to audio connectivity, the MOTU M2 provides MIDI In and MIDI Out, allowing you to connect MIDI keyboards, controllers, synthesizers, drum machines, and other MIDI equipment.

Headphone and Monitor Outputs

The M2 provides a dedicated ¼-inch stereo headphone output with independent volume control, along with balanced ¼-inch TRS monitor outputs. It also includes mirrored RCA outputs for additional unbalanced connectivity.

USB-C and Bus-Powered Design

The MOTU M2 connects to your computer via USB-C and is USB-bus powered, eliminating the need for a separate power adapter in typical computer setups. It is also compatible with USB Type-A systems using the appropriate cable or adapter.

Loopback

The MOTU M2 driver provides convenient loopback channels to your host computer, so you can easily route computer output back to the computer, where you can mix it with live mics and/or guitar inputs from the MOTU M2 in your host software for live streaming or podcasting. Streaming and podcasting has never been easier and better-sounding!

A tradition of engineering excellence

Decades of award-winning product engineering for hit songs, mega tours, primetime shows and blockbuster movies goes into every MOTU audio interface.

Compatible Mac Software

The MOTU M2 ships with standard Core Audio drivers for macOS for compatibility with virtually all Core Audio-compatible apps, including:

• MOTU Performer Lite
• MOTU Digital Performer
• Avid Pro Tools (version 9 or later)
• Apple Logic Pro
• Apple Logic Express
• Apple Garage Band
• Apple SoundTrack Pro
• Ableton Live
• Presonus Studio One
• Propellerhead Record & Reason
• Steinberg Cubase
• Cockos Reaper
• Native Instruments Kontakt
• Waves stand-alone apps (and plug-ins, via compatible host)

Compatible Windows Software

The MOTU M2 ships with standard ASIO and Wave drivers for Windows 7, 8 and 10 for compatibility with virtually all ASIO- and Wave-compatible audio apps, including:

• MOTU Performer Lite
• MOTU Digital Performer
• Avid Pro Tools (version 9 or later)
• Ableton Live
• Cakewalk Sonar
• Cockos Reaper
• Image Line FL Studio
• Native Instruments Kontakt
• Presonus Studio One
• Propellerhead Record & Reason
• Sony Vegas Pro
• Sony Sound Forge
• Sony Acid
• Steinberg Cubase
• Waves stand-alone apps (and plug-ins, via compatible host)

Why Choose the MOTU M2?

The MOTU M2 USB audio interface is an excellent choice for anyone looking for professional-quality recording in a compact 2-in/2-out interface. Its ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC, clean microphone preamps, 24-bit/192 kHz support, ultra-low latency, full-color LCD metering, MIDI I/O, loopback, and versatile combo inputs make it suitable for both beginners building a home studio and experienced producers who need a reliable desktop interface