Essential Information About the MOTU M6 USB Audio Interface
- ESS Sabre32 Ultra Conversion 24-bit/192 kHz, dynamic range up to 120 dB on the main outputs for studio-quality sound.
- 4 Ultra-Clean Microphone Preamps with individual phantom power (+48 V) and EIN measured at -129 dBu for highly transparent recordings.
- Ultra-Low Round-Trip Latency of 2.5 ms at 96 kHz (32-sample buffer) thanks to MOTU USB drivers.
- Professional Control via color LCD screen covering all I/O, dual headphone outputs, and "Monitor A/B" switch.
In the Lineage of MOTU's M Series
The MOTU M6 sits at the top of the M series, above the M2 and M4 models. It retains the sonic signature of ESS converters while adding more mic inputs, more flexible monitoring, and ergonomics designed for both stage and studio. It's the natural choice for expanding capabilities without leaving the MOTU ecosystem.
Who Is It For and What For?
Ideal for producers, multi-instrumentalists, content creators, streamers, and demanding podcasters. The M6 effortlessly handles recording vocals, guitars, and keyboards, streaming with software loopback, as well as controlling two pairs of monitors alternately via the "A/B" switch.
Features Designed for Speed and Precision
Reference-Quality Audio
The ESS converters also drive the headphone outputs, offering headroom and definition worthy of dedicated amplifiers. The neutral and silent preamps reveal the details of your dynamic, condenser, or ribbon microphones with an extremely low noise floor.
Optimized Drivers and Minimal Latency
MOTU USB drivers ensure exemplary responsiveness for playing and singing through plug-ins with no perceptible delay, even in high sample rate sessions.
Professional Metering and Monitoring
The color LCD screen provides precise bargraphs on all inputs and outputs. The "Monitor A/B" switch facilitates comparison between two listening systems, while the two headphone outputs allow independent monitoring during recording.
Loopback, Streaming, and Standalone Mode
The built-in loopback simplifies mixing computer audio with up to four microphones/instruments for live streaming or podcasting. With the included power adapter, the M6 also operates standalone to monitor your sources without a computer.
Technical Specifications
Conversion & Audio
- 24-bit / 192 kHz A/D and D/A converters (ESS Sabre32 Ultra technology)
- Main outputs dynamic range: up to 120 dB
- Microphone preamp EIN: -129 dBu
- Round-trip latency: 2.5 ms at 96 kHz (32-sample buffer)
Mic and Instrument Inputs
- 4 microphone preamps with individually switchable +48 V phantom power
- 4 combo XLR / 6.3 mm jack inputs, switchable to Hi-Z instrument input
- 2 balanced 6.3 mm jack line inputs
Outputs, Headphones, and Monitoring
- 4 balanced 6.3 mm jack line outputs
- 2 stereo 6.3 mm headphone outputs (dedicated ESS converters)
- "Monitor A/B" switch to toggle between two monitor mixes
- Color LCD screen with level indicators for all I/O
Connectivity & Signal Flow
- 6-channel USB 2.0 audio interface, USB-C connector
- Loopback function for streaming/podcasting
- MIDI I/O
Power & Accessories
- Bus-powered via USB-C or standalone operation via included multi-blade DC power supply
- USB-C to USB-A cable included
Compatibility
- macOS 10.11 or later
- Windows 10 or later (64-bit)
Included Software
- Ableton Live Lite and over 6 GB of loops and samples
Dimensions & Weight
- 234 x 120 x 46 mm
- 0.97 kg