Essential Information About the MOTU 16A Audio Interface
- High-end ESS Sabre32 (ES9026PRO) conversion and equally high-quality headphone outputs for precise stereo imaging and a dynamic range up to 125 dB.
- Universal Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 connectivity with two USB-C ports for daisy-chaining displays/storage and compatibility with Mac, Windows, and iOS.
- Ultra-low round-trip latency down to 1.8 ms at 96 kHz, 64-input / 32-bus mixer, and 32-bit floating DSP with reverb, EQ, gate, and compression.
- Scalable AVB network via 2 Ethernet ports, 16 AVB streams (128 channels), Wi-Fi/CueMix Pro control, and dual 3.9-inch TFT displays for detailed metering.
A New Generation for MOTU's AVB Series
A major evolution of the historic "16A" model, the 2025 version modernizes the entire production workflow: Thunderbolt 4/USB4, new ESS converters, and optimized local control thanks to two TFT screens. Professional monitoring features (talkback, A/B/C speaker selection) and native loopback meet current streaming and post-production needs.
Designed for Hybrid Studios, Tours, and Installations
The 16A targets artistic directors, broadcast control rooms, stages, and modular studios requiring a large number of balanced line I/Os, minimal latency, and robust AVB network integration. DC-coupled outputs facilitate controlling modular synths, while iOS compatibility simplifies mobile recordings.
Features Designed for the Modern Workflow
Conversion and Performance
Carefully crafted analog stages and ESS Sabre32 DACs ensure transparent reproduction with high dynamic range and very low THD+N on both inputs and outputs. Sampling rates up to 192 kHz and a 1.8 ms RTL provide natural monitoring.
DSP Mixing and Advanced Monitoring
The 32-bit floating DSP delivers reverb, 4-band EQ, high-pass filters, gate, and compression on a 64-input/32-bus mixer. Integrated talkback, A/B/C speaker selection, and 1 dB step boost/trim speed up your takes and comparisons.
Network and Control
Two Gigabit Ethernet ports enable AVB daisy-chaining (up to 7 devices, including switches) and 16 bidirectional 8-channel AVB streams. CueMix Pro offers full control from macOS, Windows, or iOS, including Wi-Fi.
Versatile Computer Connectivity
Two Thunderbolt/USB-C ports provide host connection and daisy-chaining for a display or storage device. USB audio class-compliant operation allows plug-and-play functionality on macOS and iOS.
Technical Specifications
Audio Performance and Conversion
- Exceptional analog audio quality with ESS Sabre32 DAC technology (ES9026PRO), also used for headphone output
- Analog output dynamic range: 125 dB
- Output THD+N: -113 dB
- Analog input dynamic range: 119 dB
- Input THD+N: -115 dB
- Supports sampling rates up to 192 kHz
- Ultra-low round-trip latency (RTL): down to 1.8 ms at 96 kHz
Audio Connections
- 16 balanced 1/4" TRS analog inputs (line level)
- 16 balanced 1/4" TRS analog outputs (line level), DC-coupled
- 2 banks of optical digital I/O: 16 ADAT channels at 44.1/48 kHz or 8 S/MUX channels at 88.2/96 kHz; Bank A can provide stereo TOSLink I/O (optical S/PDIF) up to 96 kHz
- Front-panel headphone output with independent volume control and source selection
- Word Clock I/O (In/Out/Thru) supporting all sampling rates up to 192 kHz
Computer Connectivity
- Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 32x34 audio interface
- Compatible with Mac, Windows, and iOS
- 66 simultaneous audio channels (32 inputs / 34 outputs)
- 2 Thunderbolt / USB-C ports: one for connection to your Mac, PC, or iOS device, the other for daisy-chaining, display, or storage device connection
- Universal Thunderbolt / USB-C connectivity (compatible with Thunderbolt 3/4, USB4, USB3, USB2)
Network, Control, and Software
- 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports for AVB networking and daisy-chaining (limited to 7 devices including switches, compatible with older MOTU AVB interfaces)
- 16 AVB streams of 8 channels each (128 audio channels)
- Wi-Fi control via CueMix Pro app (macOS, Windows, iOS)
- Intuitive virtual patchbay with flexible routing and splitting
- CueMix Pro app for mixing and parameter control
- Performer Lite DAW software included
- Over 100 instruments included in Performer Lite
- More than 6 GB of loops, samples, and one-shots included
DSP, Mixing, and Monitoring
- 64-input digital mixer with 32 buses
- 32-bit floating DSP for mixing and effects (reverb, 4-band EQ, high-pass filter, gate, compression) up to 96 kHz
- Monitoring control features: Talkback and A/B/C speaker selection
- Precise boost/trim (1 dB increments) for analog I/Os and phase inversion for analog inputs
- Loopback function for streaming and podcasting
- Flexible front-panel metering with customizable views
Display and Ergonomics
- Two 3.9-inch TFT LCD screens (480 x 128 pixels) for metering and settings
Form Factor, Construction, and Accessories
- 1U rack format with robust steel construction
- Integrated rack ears for enhanced durability
- Locking power button
- Includes a Thunderbolt-compatible USB-C cable (40 Gbps)
Dimensions, Weight, and Warranty
- Carton dimensions: 629 x 133 x 425 mm
- Gross weight: 6.8 kg
- Product dimensions (bare): 483 x 311 x 444 mm
- Net weight: 5.2 kg
- Manufacturer's warranty: 2 years
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