MOTU M6 Desktop 6×4 USB-C Audio Interface

Pristine, versatile, and portable, the MOTU M6 desktop 6×4 USB Type-C audio-MIDI interface combines high-class audio performance, a robust bundle of DAWs, virtual instruments, loops, and samples, and a feature set that makes it equally powerful and user-friendly for musicians, podcasters, and producers, all at a highly affordable price point. With its four mic/line/instrument preamps and two balanced line inputs, the M6 can record anything from dynamic and condenser microphones to electric guitars and drum machines in distortion-free, sparkling clarity. Equipped with top-notch ESS digital-to-analog converters that drive the main outs and the headphone jack, the M6 lets you monitor through your speakers and headphones with the dynamic range normally found only on much more expensive interfaces.

The MOTU M6 Usb audio interface is equally suitable for producers, thanks to its MIDI 5-pin I/O. Plug in a MIDI keyboard to control virtual instruments or run MIDI from the M6 to your favorite hardware synth to capture its glorious tones through the M6’s pristine analog preamps. No matter what you do, the M6’s specially engineered drivers ensure ultralow-latency monitoring, so you can rehearse and record in real time without hearing any distracting echo, and the full-color LCD screen shows you high-resolution metering for all inputs and outputs at all times. The MOTU M6 includes Performer Lite and Ableton Live Lite 11, as well as 100+ virtual instruments (Performer Lite), and over 6GB of free loops, samples, and one-shots from industry-leading libraries.

MOTU M6 At a Glance

• 6-in / 4-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
• 4 x mic/line/hi-Z guitar inputs on combo XLR/TRS
• Individual preamp gain and 48V phantom power for each mic input
• 2 x balanced 1/4-inch line inputs
• Hardware (direct) monitoring for all inputs
• Monitor mix knob to balance live inputs and computer playback
• A/B switch to compare mix output on two sets of studio monitors
• Measured -129 dB EIN on mic inputs
• 4 balanced, DC-coupled 1/4-inch TRS outputs
• Measured 120 dB dynamic range on the 1/4-inch balanced TRS outputs
• 2 headphone outputs (driven by ESS converters) with independent volume control
• Switch for optional headphone monitoring through Line outputs 3-4
• MIDI in/out (16 channels to/from USB host)
• 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 at 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 cables included)
• Multi-blade international DC power adapter for stand-alone operation without a computer
• Rugged metal construction (extruded case, faceplates, and knobs)
• Workstation software included (MOTU Performer Lite and Ableton Live Lite 11)
• 100+ instruments (in Performer Lite)
• Over 6 GB of included free loops, samples, and one-shots from industry leading libraries
• Kensington security slot
• Two-year warranty

Professional-Level Audio Quality

Equipped with the same ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC technology found in audio interfaces the pros use, the M6 delivers 120 dB of dynamic range on its main outputs. ESS converters also drive the headphone output. Ultraclean preamp circuits produce a measured -129 dBu EIN on the mic inputs; this means while recording, you’ll only hear the mic, not the mic pre.

Balanced Monitoring

The M6 has balanced 1/4″ outputs for professional-level monitoring. With two 1/4″ headphone outputs, you can also monitor your work privately, plus the 3-4 switch allows for headphone monitoring through Line ouputs 3-4.

Loopback Channels for Podcast Recording and Live Streaming

The M6’s included driver provides convenient loopback channels to your host computer, so you can easily capture your computer’s output. Combine computer audio with live mics while recording in your DAW, allowing you to capture guests over Skype or other VoIP programs. You can also use the loopback function while streaming live to sites like Twitch.

Line Inputs and Line Outputs

In addition to the monitor outputs, the M6 offers two 1/4″ line outputs. Use these outputs to feed outboard gear such as compressors, equalizers, stereo-width processors, or whatever else you have in your arsenal. Route audio to channels 3-4, through your favorite hardware pieces, and then back in through the two balanced 1/4″ line inputs. This makes the unit suitable for hybrid mix engineers.

Low Latency

The M6 provides ultralow latency for monitoring live inputs through your computer, thanks to MOTU’s expertly engineered USB drivers. These deliver 2.5 ms of round-trip latency, measured with a 32-sample buffer at 96 kHz.

Hardware Monitoring and Input Mix Knob

The M6 gives you one-touch hardware monitoring for all inputs, including line inputs 3-4. You’ll also note the mix knob for balancing live inputs with computer playback; this lets you secure your perfect monitor mix, so you can hear your playing without latency, along with playback tracks, all at the same time.

Integrates with MIDI Gear and Analog Synths

The M6 includes full-sized 5-pin DIN MIDI input and output ports, so you can connect a MIDI controller, a sound module, or even a keyboard workstation without having to get a separate MIDI interface. The four 1/4″ outputs on the M6 are DC-coupled, allowing you to send data from your DAW as Control Voltage (CV) to hardware analog synthesizers, Eurorack modules, and sequencers.

Audio Interface or Standalone Operation

With the included multiblade international DC power adapter, the M6 can be used as a standalone preamp and basic mixer with no host computer required. Simply engage the monitor button for all six inputs (and 48V phantom power, if needed) and adjust the preamp gain as needed. Connect the main outs to any line-level destination, such as a PA or patch bay.

Software Included

• Ableton Live Lite
• MOTU Performer Lite
• Included are over 100 instruments for Performer Lite, as well as 6GB of loops, sounds, and one-shot samples for either DAW.