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MOT-848
MOTU 848 28 x 32 Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 / AVB Audio Interface
Type: Thunderbolt Interfaces
MOTU 848: The Next-Generation Studio Centrepiece
Meet the MOTU 848, a powerhouse audio interface engineered to be the nerve centre of the modern creative studio. Built on cutting-edge Thunderbolt™ 4 and universal USB4 technology, the 848 delivers staggering channel counts, class-leading audio performance, and the flexibility to handle any project you can imagine. From recording a full band to mixing in immersive Dolby Atmos, its renowned ESS Sabre32™ converters, powerful internal DSP, and advanced audio networking capabilities provide a rock-solid foundation for your productions. The 848 isn't just an interface; it's a complete studio ecosystem designed for uncompromising quality and workflow.
Key Features & Benefits:
- Reference-Grade Audio Quality: Hear your sound with absolute precision thanks to renowned ESS Sabre32™ DAC technology, providing an incredible 125 dB of dynamic range on the analog outputs for transparent monitoring and mastering.
- Future-Proof Universal Connectivity: Connect to any modern Mac, PC, or iOS device with cutting-edge Thunderbolt™ 4 and USB4. A single cable unlocks a massive 256 channels of computer I/O and provides enough bandwidth to daisy-chain hard drives, displays, and other Thunderbolt devices.
- Massive I/O for Any Task: With 60 simultaneous audio channels (28 inputs and 32 outputs), you can connect your entire studio. Microphones, guitars, synths, drum machines, and outboard effects can all be patched in and ready to go simultaneously.
- Track in Real-Time with Ultra-Low Latency: MOTU's highly optimized drivers deliver astonishing round-trip latency of ~1.8 ms at 96 kHz, allowing you to record and monitor through your DAW with virtual instruments and plug-ins without any perceptible delay.
- Professional Studio Control: Take command of your sessions with built-in control room features, including A/B/C speaker switching, a dedicated talkback button, and flexible monitor grouping to control surround and Atmos systems up to 7.1.4.
- Latency-Free Mixing with Onboard DSP: The powerful internal 64-channel digital mixer, complete with EQ, compression, and reverb, lets you create complex, custom headphone and monitor mixes for your artists with zero latency, all without taxing your computer's CPU.
- Integrate Your Outboard Gear Seamlessly: Dedicated analog insert loops on two of the mic preamps make it easy to incorporate your favourite hardware compressors and EQs into your recording chain. The Hi-Z inputs are perfect for DI tracking and re-amping guitars.
- Build a Scalable Studio Network: Utilise industry-standard AVB Ethernet to easily expand your system. Daisy-chain multiple MOTU interfaces with a simple network cable for more I/O, or create a facility-wide network with ultra-low latency over long distances.
- Wireless Control from your iPad or iPhone: Use the powerful CueMix™ Pro app to control the 848’s mixer, routing, and settings wirelessly from anywhere in your studio.
Start Creating Immediately: Get recording straight out of the box with the included Performer Lite™ workstation software, plus a 6 GB library of loops and sounds from industry leaders like Big Fish Audio and Loopmasters.
Tech Specs
Technical Specifications
| Sample rates | 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz |
|---|---|
| Mic/line/instr inputs | 4 x XLR/TRS "combo" jacks Individual -20 dB pad and 48V phantom power Preamp gain: +74 dB in 1 dB increments 1 MΩ impedance on the line/instr inputs Independent balanced send/return inserts on channels 3-4 |
| Analog inputs | 8 x 1/4-inch TRS line in (balanced/unbalanced) 2 x 1/4-inch insert returns function as balanced TRS line inputs (with no mic inputs connected) Max level: +21 dBu +20 dB digital gain on each input |
| Analog outputs | 12 x 1/4-inch TRS line out (balanced, DC coupled) Max level: +21 dBu -99 dB digital trim on each output 2 x 1/4-inch TRS stereo headphone (see below) |
| Digital I/O | 2 banks (16 ch) of ADAT optical I/O at 1x sample rates 2 banks (8 ch) of S/MUX optical I/O at 2x sample rates Bank A switchable to stereo TOSLink I/O (optical S/PDIF) |
| Computer I/O | 2 x Thunderbolt 4 / USB 4.1 (40 Gbps) Type C • USB3 / USB2 compatible • USB audio class compliant (no driver needed) 1 x Thunderbolt-compatible / USB4 GEN3 C-to-C cable • 40Gpbs / 240W • Length = 2 meters • Cable included • Provides 15W power downstream / 0W upstream Compatible with USB2 Type A with a C-to-A cable • (sold separately) Round Trip Latency (RTL): ~1.8 ms • (32 sample buffer at 96K) Total audio channels: see "Total Audio I/O" below |
| Total audio I/O | 28 in / 32 out (60 total channels) at 1x sample rates 20 in / 24 out (44 total channels) at 2x sample rates 12 in / 16 out (28 total channels) at 4x sample rates |
| Headphone | 2 x 1/4-inch TRS stereo headphones Output impedance: <1Ω Max output: 13.3 dBu |
| Networking | 2x Gigabit AVB Ethernet ports 16 AVB streams in/out at sample rates up to 96 kHz 8 AVB streams in/out at 176.4 or 192 kHz 1-8 audio channels configurable per stream Up to 128 audio channels in & out (up to 96 kHz) Supports 1722.1 for Connection Management and Control Supports AAF stream formats & legacy AM8-24 format Stream format configurable per stream |
| Sync I/O | 1 x BNC Word Clock In 1 x BNC Word Clock Out/Thru Sample rates: all (from 44.1 to 192 kHz) |
| Front panel | 2 x 1/4" TRS headphone output 2 x encoder • headphone volume 4 x encoder • preamp gain 8 x switches • (4) PAD and (4) 48V 6 x switches • control room 1 x encoder • menu navigation 2 x switches • menu nav 1 x large encoder • main volume 1 x 3.9-inch 480 x 128 pixel 24-bit RGB TFT display 1 x latching power button |
| Power | Internal 100-240V autoswitching supply 50-60 Hz • 1.0A max |
| Dimensions and weight | (width x depth x height, enclosure only) 19 x 12.25 x 1.75 inches / 48.26 x 31.1 x 4.44 cm 11 lbs / 5 kgs |
System Requirements
| Mac System Requirements | Intel Core i3 Mac or faster (including Apple silicon Macs) 4 GB RAM; 8 GB or more recommended macOS 12 or later (with driver or USB class compliant) Available Thunderbolt 3+ or USB port A large hard drive (at least 500 GB for recording) |
|---|---|
| Windows System Requirements | Intel Core i3 PC (or AMD equivalent) 4 GB RAM; 8 GB or more recommended Windows 10 22H2 or later (x64 AMD/Intel only) Windows 11 23H2 or later (x64 AMD/Intel only) Available Thunderbolt 3+ or USB port A large hard drive (at least 500 GB for recording) |
| iOS System Requirements | iOS 17.5 or later* |
| Class-Compliant Support | USB audio class compliant for plug-and-play operation on macOS or iOS (no driver required) |
| Included Software | CueMix Pro for macOS, Windows and iOS Drivers for macOS, Windows and iOS** MOTU Performer Lite for macOS and Windows 6GB of loops and sounds from Big Fish Audio, LucidSamples, Loopmasters and MOTU |
*iPhone models and iPad models compatible with iOS 17.
**Low-latency Thunderbolt driver support available only for
iPad models with an M series processor.
Analog I/O
| Connector Type | Dynamic Range (A-weighted) | THD+N (unweighted) | Max Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Line Input | 1/4" TRS, balanced, tip hot | 120 dB | -114 dB (0.0002%) | +21 dBu |
| Line Output | 1/4" TRS, balanced, tip hot | 125 dB | -114 dB (0.0002%) | +21 dBu |
| Mic Input | XLR, balanced, pin 2 hot | 118 dB | THD+N: -114 dB EIN: -129 dBu | Max level: 0 dBu (without pad) Preamp gain: +74 dB |
| Headphones | 1/4", TRS stereo | 118 dB | -110 dB (0.0003%) | Max level: 13.3 dBu Output Impedance: <1 Ohm |
Host Audio Channel Count
| 44.1 / 48 kHz (in & out) | 88.2 / 96 kHz (in & out) |
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 | 128 | 128 | 64 |
| USB3 (driver) | 128 | 64 | 32 |
| USB3 (class compliant) | 128 | 64 | 32 |
| USB2 (driver) | 64 | 32 | 18 |
| USB2 (class compliant) | 64 | 32 | 18 |
Compatible Mac Software
The 848 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 Garage Band
- Ableton Live
- Presonus Studio One
- Steinberg Cubase
- Cockos Reaper
- Native Instruments Kontakt
- Waves stand-alone apps (and plug-ins, via compatible host)
Compatible Windows Software
The 848 ships with standard ASIO and Wave drivers for Windows 10 and 11 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
- Magix Vegas Pro
- Magix Sound Forge
- Magix Acid
- Steinberg Cubase
- Waves stand-alone apps (and plug-ins, via compatible host)
848 Feature Highlights
- Next-gen 28 x 32 Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 audio interface — Built on 30 years of proven success as an industry-leading audio interface brand.
- New 3.9-inch TFT display — 24-bit RGB LCD provides 480 x 128 pixel high-resolution metering for all analog and digital I/O, plus detailed status info and access to hardware settings from a simple and convenient menu.
- Superb analog audio quality and high-end converters — Renowned ESS Sabre32™ DAC technology delivers 125 dB dynamic range. Support for all standard sample rates up to 192 kHz.
- Ultra-low latency and proven, high-performance MOTU drivers — Round-trip latency (RTL) performance as low as 1.8 ms at 96kHz with high-performance DAW hosts.
- Universal Thunderbolt/USB-C connectivity — Connect to any computer with the included 40 Gbps Thunderbolt-compatible USB4 cable (compatible with USB3 and USB2) for up to 256 audio channels (128 in and 128 out), depending on the host computer connection. Class-compliant firmware and industry standard drivers work with any audio apps. Connects to an iPad™ with USB-C or a Lightning adapter kit (sold separately). Use the second Thunderbolt port to connect additional computer peripherals, a USB hub or Thunderbolt dock.
- 60 simultaneous audio channels — 28 inputs and 32 outputs, including 8x12 TRS analog (line-level) in/out, two banks of 8-channel optical I/O, and two front-panel headphone outputs.
- Advanced mic channels — Cutting-edge components deliver ultra-transparent sound with -114 dB THD+N, 118 dB dynamic range and -129 dBu EIN. Each mic channel provides individual controls for +74 dB of preamp gain, -20 dB pad, 48V phantom power, and phase invert. All settings can be controlled remotely from a computer or iOS device. Mic inputs 3-4 include a dedicated send/return insert for outboard gear processing.
- Flexible insert returns — When nothing is connected to mic inputs 3-4, the two returns function as additional line inputs with identical signal path characteristics as the other eight line inputs.
- Dolby Atmos™ monitoring — Twelve line outputs support up to 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos monitoring systems.
- 64-channel mixing with effects — Powerful 32-bit floating point DSP delivers 64-channel mixing with 64 inputs, 32 busses, and effects processing, including reverb, 4-band double-precision EQ, high-pass filter, gate and compression at all sample rates up to 96 kHz.
- Patchbay routing and splitting — Using intuitive, virtual patch cords, or a comprehensive routing grid, easily route any source signal to any destination. Split any source to multiple destinations.
- AVB Networking — Use two Gigabit network ports to daisy-chain multiple units using standard network cabling, or add an AVB switch to build a network with multiple interfaces and computers with ultra-low network latency, even over long cable runs (hundreds of meters). Stream hundreds of audio channels among devices and computers on the network. Compatible with previous-generation MOTU AVB devices.
- Wi-Fi control — Control everything wirelessly over Wi-Fi from the CueMix Pro app running on mobile devices or other computers on the same network — even multiple devices at the same time.
- Precision boost/trim for analog I/O — Calibrate analog input and output signals in precise 1 dB increments. Apply phase invert individually to analog inputs.
- Control room features — Control your sessions with "talk" button and "A/B/C" speaker select buttons on the front panel to quickly compare your mixes on three sets of studio monitors. Mute and sum-to-mono buttons are also included.
- Two flexible headphone outputs — With independent volume control, each headphone output can mirror each other, the Main Outs, any other analog output pair, any mixer bus, or any computer output channels. Or you can create a completely customized mix for each headphone that includes live 848 inputs and built-in reverb.
- Two banks of optical I/O — Connect outboard digital processors, digital mixers or other gear with 16 channels of ADAT at 44.1/48 kHz or 8 channels of S/MUX at 88.2/96 kHz. Bank A can optionally provide stereo TOSLink (optical S/PDIF) I/O up to 96 kHz.
- Word clock in/out/thru — Supports all sample rates up to 192 kHz.
- DC-coupled TRS outputs — Use the 848 to manipulate and sequence voltage-controlled modular synthesizers from a host DAW.
- Guitar re-amping — Connect your guitar to the front-panel input, use CueMix's near-zero latency to loop to any output (with a re-amp adapter, if needed), and record both the dry signal and your mic’d up amp simultaneously. Then re-amp the dry signal later with different amps and cabs — or amp modeling plug-ins — to experiment with different tones.
- Loopback for live streaming and podcasting — Easily route computer output back to the computer, where you can mix it with live inputs from the 848 in your host software for live streaming or podcasting.
- Flexible front-panel metering — Choose customized meter views for analog I/O only, digital I/O only and other combinations to best support your workflow.
- CueMix Pro app — Control mixing and settings from your Mac, PC or iOS device.
- Performer Lite — Workstation software with over 100 included instruments, dozens of effects and 6 GB of included loops to make music right away.