Description
MOTU M2 2×2 USB-C Audio Interface
Description
Rugged and affordable 2×2 interface driven by premium ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC Technology.
The MOTU M2 is a 2-in/2-out USB-C audio interface for Mac, Windows and iOS that offers premium audio quality, ultra-low latency processing and best-in-class metering with a full-color LCD. The M2 includes MOTU Performer Lite and Ableton Live Lite production software, 100+ instruments, dozens of plug-ins, and over 6 GB of loops and samples to start making music right away.
Record Quickly and Easily
The MOTU M2 offers a full complement of I/O and control. It has two mic/line/hi-Z instrument XLR combo inputs, individual preamp gain and 48V phantom power and one-touch hardware monitoring. The M2 also has support for stereo monitoring, balanced 1/4-inch DC-coupled outputs, unbalanced RCA outputs (mirrored), ESS-driven headphone output with independent volume control. It has MIDI in/out, driver “loopback” channels for live-streaming and podcasting, and USB bus power with power switch (USB cable included).
Equipped with the same ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC Technology found in audio interfaces costing thousands, the M2 delivers 120 dB Dynamic Range on its main outputs. ESS converters also drive the headphone output, which rivals dedicated headphone amplifiers costing hundreds. Ultra-clean preamp circuits produce a measured -129 dBu EIN on the mic inputs.
The M2 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 (32 sample buffer at 96 kHz).
When recording and mixing, nothing is more critical than achieving optimum levels to get your sound just right. The MOTU M2 2×2 interface features a full color 160×120 pixel LCD serving up clear, detailed level meters for all inputs and outputs.
The M2 driver provides convenient loopback channels to your host computer, so you can easily route computer output back to the computer. This allows you to mix it with live mics and/or guitar inputs from the M2 in your host software for live streaming or podcasting.
With a standard USB-C power adapter, the M2 can be used as a stand-alone preamp and basic mixer, with no host computer required. Simply engage the monitor button for each input (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.
- 2-in/2-out USB audio interface with studio-quality sound
- Driven by ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC Technology
- Ultra-low latency for host software processing
- Full-color LCD metering for all inputs/outputs
- 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 slotSPECIFICATIONS
SPECS
- Sample rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz
- Mic/line/guitar inputs: 2 x XLR/TRS “combo jack” mic/line/Hi-Z guitar inputs
- Independent preamp gain, 48V phantom power and monitor switch for each input
- Analog outputs: 2 x 1/4″ TRS line out (balanced, DC coupled), 2 x RCA (unbalanced) analog out (mirrored), 1 x 1/4″ TRS stereo headphone
- Computer I/O: 1 x USB-C (compatible with USB Type A) 2.0 audio class compliant
- MIDI I/O: 1 x MIDI IN, 1 x MIDI OUT, 16 MIDI channels to/from computer host
- Headphone: 1 x 1/4″ TRS stereo phone
- Phantom power: 2 x individual +48V
- Front panel: 1 x 1/4″ TRS headphone output, 2 x XLR/TRS combo inputs, 1 x potentiometer for monitor vol, 1 x potentiometer for phone vol, 2 x potentiometer for mic/instr input gain, 4 x switches for (2) 48V and (2) MON, 160 x 120 pixel full-colored LCD with input and output level meters
- Power: Bus-powered through USB
- Dimensions (width x depth x height): 7.5 x 4.25 x 1.75″,
- Weight: 1.35 lbs / 0.61 kg
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
- Mac System Requirements: 1 GHz Intel-based Mac or faster, 2 GB RAM; 4 GB or more recommended, macOS version 10.11 or later, 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 7, 8 or 10 (x64 only), a large hard drive (at least 500 GB for recording)
raktim duttagupta –
The MOTU M2 is an amazing interface for anyone who wants high-quality sound without spending a fortune. The sound clarity is incredible, with crisp highs and deep lows. The preamps are clean and transparent, and I love the fact that it supports USB-C for fast and reliable connectivity. The LCD display is also a great feature, showing precise levels in real time. I use it for my home studio and couldn’t be happier with the performance at this price point.
Rajib Guha –
I’m so impressed with the MOTU M2. As someone who’s just starting out in music production, I was looking for a reliable and affordable interface, and the M2 is just that. The sound quality is exceptional—crystal-clear audio that really brings my recordings to life. The USB-C connection is a game-changer, offering fast setup and zero latency. The LCD meters are easy to read, and the overall build is compact and durable. Highly recommended for anyone looking for professional quality on a budget
Shamim Akhter –
The MOTU M2 is an incredible interface for the price. The sound quality is amazing, with rich preamps that capture every detail of my voice and instruments. I love the minimal latency, and the USB-C connection makes it super easy to set up with my DAW. The LCD display is also a nice touch, giving me a visual cue for input levels, which makes recording so much easier. It’s compact, yet it feels like a premium product. You can’t go wrong with this interface!”
SIRSHENDU DAS –
I’ve been using the MOTU M2 for a few weeks now, and I’m really happy with my decision. The audio quality is stunning—every track sounds so clear and detailed. The preamps are very clean and powerful, which makes a huge difference when recording vocals. The USB-C connectivity is quick and reliable, and setup was a breeze. The LCD display is helpful for keeping track of my levels during recording. Overall, this interface provides great performance at a very competitive price.
SULAKSHINI LAKHMANI –
The MOTU M2 is exactly what I needed for my home studio. I do a lot of live recordings, and the sound quality of this interface is fantastic. The preamps are incredibly clean and transparent, providing a very accurate representation of my instruments. I also love the USB-C connection—super fast and stable, and the LCD meter is very useful for monitoring levels in real time. It’s very well-built and compact, and it’s been a solid addition to my setup.
Ramtanu Banerjee –
I’m really impressed with the MOTU M2. The sound quality is crystal-clear, and the preamps are noise-free, which is a huge plus when recording vocals. The USB-C connection is reliable and delivers fast data transfer, ensuring that I can record without any latency. The LCD display is an excellent feature, helping me to easily monitor input levels while tracking. For anyone looking for an affordable, professional-grade interface, the MOTU M2 is the way to go.
Ramtanu Banerjee –
As a musician and producer, the MOTU M2 has become my go-to interface. The sound quality is amazing, with accurate preamps that really let the character of my instruments come through. The USB-C connection ensures a fast and stable connection to my computer, and I haven’t experienced any latency at all. The LCD meters are very useful for keeping track of levels, and the interface itself is compact, sturdy, and very well-made. This is a fantastic interface for the price!
Debottam Barman Roy –
I’ve been using the MOTU M2 for podcasting, and it has worked perfectly for my needs. The sound quality is exceptional—my voice comes through with great clarity and warmth, and the preamps are transparent and clean. The USB-C connectivity ensures I have fast, reliable performance, and the LCD display makes it easy to monitor levels in real-time. It’s also incredibly compact, so it doesn’t take up much space on my desk. If you need an interface that delivers professional results, this one is hard to beat.”
Sourish Ghosh –
I’ve used a few audio interfaces in the past, but the MOTU M2 is by far the best I’ve tried. The sound quality is absolutely amazing—very clean and detailed. The preamps are top-notch, providing the warmth I need for my recordings. The USB-C connection is fast, and I haven’t had any issues with latency. The LCD display for input and output levels is really useful, and the interface itself is sturdy and compact, making it easy to integrate into my studio setup. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for high-quality audio at an affordable price.
Sitesh Mukherjee –
The MOTU M2 has been a fantastic addition to my home recording setup. The sound quality is outstanding—crystal-clear preamps, and I’ve noticed a big difference in my recordings. The USB-C connection is fast and reliable, and I appreciate the low latency. The LCD meters are a nice touch, providing a quick, accurate view of my levels. The interface is compact, well-built, and easy to use. I can’t recommend this enough for anyone who wants professional-grade sound without paying a premium price.