The M6 is a 6-in/4-out USB-C audio interface for Mac, Windows and iOS that offers best-in-class audio quality, best-in-class speed (ultra-low latency) and best-in-class metering with a full-color LCD. Record vocals, instruments or other audio sources quickly and easily. The M6 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.
Additional features include four mic/line/hi-Z instrument XLR combo inputs, individual preamp gain _and 48V phantom power, two balanced 1/4-inch line inputs, one-touch hardware monitoring for all inputs, support for stereo monitoring, mix knob for balancing live input with computer playback, four balanced 1/4-inch DC-coupled outputs, A/B switch for comparing a mix on two different pairs of monitors, two ESS-driven headphone outputs with independent volume control, 3-4 switch for independent headphone monitoring of outputs 3-4 (instead of 1-2), MIDI in/out, driver loopback channels for live-streaming and podcasting, USB bus power with power switch (USB C-to-C and C-to-A cables included), and optional DC power adapter for stand-alone operation without a computer.
Features:
Best-in-class audio quality
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 line 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. Capture and monitor your audio with pristine clarity.
Best-in-class 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 (32 sample buffer at 96 kHz).
Best-in-class 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 160x120 pixel 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 for live streaming and podcasting
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 live mics and/or guitar inputs from the M6 in your host software for live streaming or podcasting. Streaming and podcasting has never been easier and better-sounding!
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 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+ Instruments
Performer Lite includes over 100 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 over 6 GB of free loops and sample packs from industry leaders MOTU, Big Fish Audio, Lucidsamples and Loopmasters to help you start making music right away. Choose from dozens of musical styles, then drag and drop into your project's timeline to build your track quickly.
Stand-alone operation
With the included multi-blade international DC power adapter, the M6 can be used as a stand-alone 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.
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.
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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) USB C-to-C and C-to-A cables included |
MIDI I/O | 1 x MIDI IN 1 x MIDI OUT 16 MIDI channels to/from computer host |
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) |
Included Software | MOTU Performer Lite Ableton Live Lite 11 6 GB of loops and sounds from Big Fish Audio, LucidSamples, Loopmasters and MOTU |
Compatible Mac Software | |
The M6 ships with standard Core Audio drivers for macOS for compatibility with virtually all Core Audio-compatible apps, including: |
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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: |
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