MOTU M6 6-Channel USB Audio Interface

Equipped with the same ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC Technology found in audio interfaces costing thousands, the M6 delivers an astonishing 120 dB Dynamic Range on its main outputs. ESS converters also drive the headphone outputs, which rivals dedicated headphone amplifiers costing hundreds. Ultra-clean preamp circuits produce a measured -129 dBu EIN on the mic inputs. Capture and monitor your audio with pristine clarity.

Speed
The M6 provides best-in-class speed for monitoring live inputs (mic, guitar or keyboard) through your computer, thanks to MOTU’s expertly engineered USB drivers, which deliver class-leading, ultra-low 2.5 ms Round Trip Latency (at 96 kHz with a 32-sample buffer).

Metering
When recording and mixing, nothing is more critical than achieving optimum levels. The M6 is the only audio interface in its class with a full color LCD featuring clear, detailed level meters for all inputs and outputs. Enjoy professional-level volume control and feedback to get your sound just right.

Loopback
The M6 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 up to four mics (and/or guitars) from the M6 in your host software for live streaming or podcasting. Streaming and podcasting has never been easier and better-sounding!

A/B Monitor Switch
The M6 is the only audio interface in its class to offer A/B monitor switching. Connect two pairs of monitors and quickly check your mixes on each pair with the push of a summary.

Stand-alone operation
With the included multi-blade international DC power adapter connected, you can power the M6 when the computer is turned off (or completely disconnected from the M6). This allows you to monitor any live inputs you may have (mics, guitars, keyboards, etc.) without a host computer or iOS device needed.

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.

Workstation software, virtual instruments and loops to get you making music right away
Connect the M6 to your Mac or PC and start laying down tracks with the included Performer Lite or Live Lite production software, plus hundreds of loops, one-shots and sounds from industry leaders Big Fish Audio, Lucidsamples and Loopmasters.

MOTU Performer Lite
Performer Lite provides everything you need to record, edit, mix, process and master your own music tracks quickly and easily. Plug in your mic, guitar and MIDI keyboard and start tracking with over 100 virtual instruments, dozens of effects plug-ins, guitar FX processing and much more.

Ableton Live Lite
Live Lite 11 is a lightweight version of Ableton Live 11. It comes with all of Live’s essential workflows, instruments and effects – everything you need to record songs, create hands-on with your controller, take music made in your apps further and so much more.

100+ Virtual Instruments
Performer Lite includes over 100 virtual instruments, including acoustic and electric pianos, guitars, basses, drums, organs synths, orchestral instruments, choirs, world instruments and much more. Take your musical muse wherever it wants to go.

Loops and sounds
You get 6 GB of free loops and sample packs from leading sample content providers to help you start making music right away. Choose from dozens of musical styles, then drag and drop in your project’s timeline to build your track quickly.

Key Features

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 gains and 48V phantom power for each mic input
2 x balanced 1/4-inch line inputs
Hardware (direct) monitoring for all inputs (in mono or stereo)
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 x balanced, DC-coupled 1/4-inch TRS outputs
Measured 120 dB dynamic range on the 1/4-inch balanced TRS outputs
2 x headphone out (driven by ESS converters) with independent volume control
1 x 3-4 switch for optional headphone monitoring of Line Out 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@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

Technical Specifications

Sample rates
44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz
Mic/line/guitar
4 x XLR/TRS “combo jack” mic/line/Hi-Z guitar inputs
Independent preamp gain, 48V phantom power and monitor switch for each input
Analog inputs
2 x 1/4” line in
Analog outputs
4 x 1/4” TRS line out (balanced, DC coupled)
2 x 1/4” TRS stereo headphone with independent volume
Computer I/O
1 x USB-C 2.0 audio class compliant
Compatible with USB Type A host (*see power below)
Headphones
2 x 1/4” TRS stereo headphone with independent volume
1 x 3-4 switch for optional monitoring of Line Out 3-4
Phantom power
4 x individual +48V
Front panel
2 x 1/4” TRS headphone output
1 x potentiometer/monitor vol
2 x potentiometer/phone vol
1 x potentiometer/input monitor mix
4 x potentiometer/mic/line/guitar input gain
11 x switches/ (4) 48V, (5) MON, (1) A/B and (1) 3-4
160 x 120 pixel full-colored LCD with input and output level meters
Power
Bus-powered through USB*
Optional multi-blade international 15V DC power adapter (included)
*USB bus power available with USB-C hosts only. For other hosts, use the included DC power adapter. For iOS devices with a Lightning port, an Apple Lightning to USB3 Camera Adapter is required (sold separately).
Dimensions and weight (width x depth x height, enclosure only)
9.21 x 4.75 x 1.8 inches
23.4 x 12.0 x 4.57 cm
2.15 lbs / 0.975 kg
System Requirements
Mac System Requirements
Intel Core i3 Mac or faster (including Apple silicon Macs)
4 GB RAM; 8 GB or more recommended
macOS version 10.11 or later
(Optional driver requires 10.13 or later)
Available USB port
A large hard drive (at least 500 GB for recording)
Windows System Requirements
1 GHz Pentium-based PC compatible or faster
2 GB RAM; 4 GB or more recommended
Windows 10 or later (x64 only)
Available USB port
A large hard drive (at least 500 GB for recording)
Class-Compliant Support
USB audio class compliant for plug-and-play operation on Mac or iOS (no driver required)
Analog I/O
Line Output
Connector type
1/4” TRS, balanced, tip hot
Dynamic range (A-weighted)
120 dB
THD+N (unweighted)
-110 dB
Max level
+16 dBu
Line Input
Connector type
1/4” TRS, bal/unbal, tip hot
Dynamic range (A-weighted)
115 dB
THD+N (unweighted)
-107 dB
Max level
+18 dBu
Mic input
Connector type
XLR, balanced, pin 2 hot
Dynamic range (A-weighted)
115 dB
THD+N (unweighted)
-129 dBu EIN
Max level
+10 dBu (at minimum gain)
Phones
Connector type
1/4”, TRS stereo
Dynamic range (A-weighted)
115 dB
THD+N (unweighted)
-110 dB
Max level
+12.5 dBu
Compatible Mac Software
The M6 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 M6 ships with standard ASIO and Wave drivers for Windows 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)