MOTU M2 USB-C Audio Interface

FEATURES

• 2-in / 2-out USB audio interface with studio-quality sound
• Best-in-class audio quality driven by ESS Sabre32 Ultra™ DAC Technology
• Best-in-class speed (ultra-low latency) for host software processing
• Best-in-class metering for all inputs/outputs with a full-color LCD
• 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 slot
• Built in the USA

Speed

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 (at 96 kHz with a 32 sample buffer).

Metering

When recording and mixing, nothing is more critical than achieving optimum levels. The M2 is the only audio interface in its class with a full color 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

The M2 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 M2 in your host software for live streaming or podcasting. Streaming and podcasting has never been easier and better-sounding!

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.

Flexible “combo-jack” inputs

• Each input can accept either a mic or a guitar, with independent preamp gain and 48V phantom power for condenser mics.

Direct monitoring

• Press the MON (monitor) button to hear live input on your speakers or headphones, without routing the signal through host software on your computer.

Preamp gain

• Each input provides plenty of preamp gain and incredible sound quality, with -129 dB EIN for each mic input.

Full-color LCD

• Enjoy professional-level metering for inputs and outputs, to precisely control recording levels and monitoring volume.

Metal case

• Solid metal construction means the rugged M2 is ready for anything you throw at it, on the go and on the road.

Headphone output

• The headphone output offers separate volume control and enough drive for even the most demanding headphones.

I/O

• 2x mic/line/Hi-Z guitar inputs
• 2x balanced 1/4-inch TRS out
• 2x RCA analog out (mirrored)
• 1x stereo headphone w/volume
• 1x MIDI in/out

dB RANGE

• 120 dB dynamic range on output
• -129 dBu EIN on mic inputs

CONNECTIVITY

• Bus-powered USB-C
• Compatible with USB Type A
• Windows driver
• Mac driver (optional)
• iOS compatible (with adapter kit)

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS

• Plug-and-play operation
• Hardware (direct) monitoring
• Independent 48V phantom power
• Rugged metal construction
• 44.1 to 192 kHz sample rates

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

• macOS 10.11 or higher
• Windows 7, 8, 10 or higher
• iOS 9 or higher

Workstation software, virtual instruments and loops to get you making music right away

Connect the M2 to your Mac or PC and start laying down tracks with the included Performer Lite or Live Lite production software, plus hundreds of loops, one-shots and sounds from industry leaders Big Fish Audio, Lucidsamples and Loopmasters.

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 virtual instruments, dozens of effects plug-ins, guitar FX processing and much more.

Ableton Live Lite

Live 10 Lite is a lightweight version of Ableton Live 10. 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+ Virtual Instruments

Performer Lite includes over 100 virtual 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 6 GB of free loops and sample packs from leading sample content providers to help you start making music right away. Choose from dozens of musical styles, then drag and drop in your project’s timeline to build your track quickly.

For musicians, podcasters, and audio professionals seeking pristine sound quality and seamless recording capabilities, the MOTU M2 USB-C Audio Interface offers a powerful yet straightforward solution. Whether you are laying down tracks in a home studio, streaming live, or capturing high-quality audio on the go, the M2 provides the essential tools to elevate your audio production with professional-grade performance.

Many audio interfaces struggle to deliver both exceptional sound clarity and reliable connectivity, often requiring bulky setups or complex configurations. The MOTU M2 addresses these challenges by combining high-resolution audio capture with a compact, desktop-friendly design powered directly through USB-C. This means you can enjoy crisp, transparent recordings at up to 24-bit/192 kHz without the need for external power supplies, making it ideal for mobile and desktop use alike.

At the heart of the M2 are its two combo XLR-1/4″ inputs, each capable of handling microphones, line-level sources, or Hi-Z instruments such as electric guitars and basses. This flexibility allows you to connect a wide range of audio gear without additional adapters or preamps. Speaking of preamps, the unit features two high-quality microphone preamps with phantom power support, enabling you to use condenser microphones that require 48V power. This ensures your vocals and acoustic instruments are captured with clarity and dynamic range, essential for professional recordings.

The interface’s analog-to-digital converters deliver pristine audio resolution up to 24-bit/192 kHz, meaning your recordings retain every nuance and detail. This level of fidelity is particularly beneficial for music producers and audio engineers who demand accuracy in mixing and mastering. Complementing this, the MOTU M2 includes DC-coupled balanced 1/4″ TRS outputs and a pair of RCA stereo outputs, giving you versatile monitoring options for both studio monitors and consumer-grade speakers.

On the connectivity front, the single USB-C port ensures fast, stable data transfer with minimal latency, compatible with both Mac and Windows systems running OS X 10.11 or later and Windows 7 SP1 or newer. The bus-powered design eliminates the need for an external power supply, simplifying setup and making the M2 an excellent choice for portable recording rigs. Additionally, a dedicated 1/4″ headphone output lets you monitor your recordings in real time with low latency, a critical feature for performers and voice artists.

Included software further enhances the user experience. MOTU Performer Lite provides a streamlined digital audio workstation environment, while Ableton Live 10 Lite offers powerful tools for music production and live performance. Bundled loops and sounds can inspire creativity right out of the box, enabling users to start producing immediately without sourcing additional content.

Measuring compactly for desktop use, the MOTU M2 is designed to fit comfortably alongside your computer and instruments without clutter. Its rugged build and intuitive interface make it accessible for beginners and seasoned professionals alike, providing a reliable and versatile hub for all your audio needs.

In summary, the MOTU M2 USB-C Audio Interface delivers studio-quality sound, flexible connectivity, and ease of use in a compact, bus-powered package. Whether you are recording vocals, tracking instruments, or streaming content, this interface ensures your audio is captured with clarity and precision. At a competitive price point of ₹23,500 on sale, the M2 offers tremendous value for those seeking professional audio performance without compromise. Choose the MOTU M2 and confidently elevate your audio production to the next level.

Q: Will the MOTU M2 USB-C Audio Interface work with my Mac, Windows PC, or i Pad/i Phone?
A: Yes. The M2 is USB audio class compliant for plug-and-play on Mac (mac OS 10.11 or later) and is i OS-compatible (i OS 9 or later) with the proper adapter. Windows (7 SP1 or later) uses MOTU’s Windows driver for best performance. Optional Mac drivers are available for the lowest latency and the loopback/advanced features.

Q: Can I record a condenser microphone and an electric guitar at the same time?
A: Yes. The M2 has 2 combo XLR‑1/4″ inputs that accept mic/line/Hi‑Z instruments. Each input has independent gain and 48 V phantom power (for condenser mics), so you can run a condenser on one input and a guitar on the other simultaneously.

Q: What exactly comes in the box and how do I get the bundled software?
A: The M2 ships with the unit, a USB‑C cable (compatible with USB‑A), a quick‑start guide and the MOTU software bundle. You get download/activation instructions for MOTU Performer Lite and Ableton Live 10 Lite plus access to 6+ GB of loops/samples and 100+ virtual instruments via the provided registration code or download links.

Q: How do I monitor with near-zero latency and what is the M2’s latency performance?
A: For zero‑latency monitoring, press the MON (monitor) button to use hardware direct monitoring so inputs route straight to outputs/headphones. With MOTU drivers the M2 achieves class‑leading low round‑trip latency — 2.5 ms RTL at 96 k Hz with a 32‑sample buffer (Windows and optional Mac driver settings).

Q: Will the headphone output and monitor outputs drive my studio headphones and monitors?
A: Yes. The headphone output is ESS‑driven with its own volume control and is rated to drive demanding headphones. Balanced 1/4″ TRS outputs are DC‑coupled and deliver a measured 120 d B dynamic range for accurate monitor playback. RCA outputs are also provided (mirrored) for consumer speakers.

Q: How will the MOTU M2 be packaged and what should I expect for shipping and delivery?
A: The M2 is shipped in the original MOTU retail box with protective internal packaging, the USB cable and documentation. Delivery times, carriers and tracking depend on the seller/checkout option — check the product page for available shipping methods, estimated delivery dates and tracking information. When you receive it, inspect the box for damage and keep the packaging and proof of delivery in case you need to report carrier damage.