The MOTU 16A Thunderbolt Audio Interface is a groundbreaking solution for high-performance audio recording and mixing. With Thunderbolt™ 4 and USB4 connectivity, it ensures seamless compatibility with Mac, PC, and iOS devices. Offering blazing-fast 40 Gbps speeds, the 16A delivers up to 256 channels of audio I/O, providing 128 inputs and 128 outputs at sample rates up to 96 kHz. Its extensive I/O options, including 16 balanced/unbalanced TRS analog inputs and outputs, two 8-channel ADAT optical ports, and a stereo headphone output, make it ideal for both studio and live applications.
Optimized for ultra-low latency, the 16A boasts impressive round trip latency of approximately 1.8 ms, ensuring pristine audio quality with zero compromise. The device’s 64-channel mixing capabilities, featuring 32-bit floating point precision, offer exceptional control with 26 aux buses, EQ, compressors, high-pass filters, and gates on each input channel. Seamless routing and patching of audio sources and destinations are made easy via intuitive virtual patch cords.
The 16A also supports audio networking through its built-in AVB switch, offering flexible system expansion with up to 256 audio channels over the network. This ensures low-latency, high-quality audio transmission even over long distances. Control all settings via the CueMix™ Pro app, available for macOS, Windows, and iOS, enabling complete wireless control of your device.
MOTU 16A features
- Thunderbolt™ 4 and USB4 Connectivity
- 256 Channels of Audio I/O
- Ultra-Low Latency Performance
- 64-Channel Mixing with 32-Bit Floating Point Precision
- Audio Networking with AVB
- Flexible Patchbay Routing
- CueMix™ Pro Wireless Control
- DC-Coupled TRS Outputs for CV Control
MOTU 16A Specifications
| Sample rates |
44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz |
| Analog inputs |
16 x 1/4-inch TRS line in (balanced/unbalanced)
Max level: +21 dBu
+20 dB digital gain on each input |
| Analog outputs |
16 x 1/4-inch TRS line out (balanced, DC coupled)
Max level: +21 dBu
-99 dB digital trim on each output
1 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 |
32 in / 34 out (66 total channels) at 1x sample rates
24 in / 26 out (50 total channels) at 2x sample rates
16 in / 18 out (34 total channels) at 4x sample rates |
| Headphone |
1 x 1/4-inch TRS stereo headphone with channel select
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 |
1 x 1/4" TRS headphone output
1 x encoder • headphone volume
1 x encoder • headphone channel select
1 x encoder • menu navigation
1 x large encoder • main volume
3 x switches • (1) headphone mono, (2) menu nav
2 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 |
