MOTU M2 2-in / 2-out USB Audio Interface
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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 combine computer audio with live mics and/or guitar inputs to stream the combined mix to Youtube or your favorite podcasting platform in real time. Streaming and podcasting has never been easier and better-sounding!
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.
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
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
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 • monitor vol
• 1 x potentiometer • phone vol
• 2 x potentiometer • mic/instr input gain
• 4 x switches • (2) 48V and (2) MON
• 160 x 120 pixel full-colored LCD with input and output level meters
Power: Bus-powered through USB
Dimensions, enclosure only (W x D x H): 19.05 x 10.8 x 4.5 cm / (7.5 x 4.25 x 1.75 inches)
Weight: 0.61 kg / 1.35 lbs
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
• 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 7, 8 or 10
• 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 10 Lite
• 6GB of loops and sounds from Big Fish Audio, LucidSamples, Loopmasters and MOTU
Q & A
- asked on Nov 9, 2023
Reviews
Protect your investment with the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty
A warranty can be a very important factor when making a buying decision. Because repairs can be very expensive in terms of parts and labour costs, manufacturers usually only provide one year limited warranties that generally only cover items that malfunction due to a manufacturer’s defect. With an important purchase such as a musical
instrument or piece of studio gear, however, many people want to have the peace of mind in knowing that their investment will be protected should the product no longer be performing at 100%.
Because of this, Long & McQuade provides our customers with a FREE one-year Performance Warranty on most of our products. The Long & McQuade Performance Warranty supplements the manufacturer’s warranty to ensure that our customers receive complete “no hassle” warranty coverage within their first year.
How does the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty differ from most manufacturers' warranties?
- Performance Guarantee: Normal wear and tear is covered, so your product will be performing as well as the day you purchased it for the entire duration of the coverage. Band and Orchestral Performance Warranty does not include replacing pads or cleaning for woodwind instruments, unless deemed necessary by our repair staff. Ultrasonic cleaning for brass instruments will be provided if deemed necessary by our repair staff, but is not routinely offered under the Performance Warranty.
- Product Replacement: If your product cannot be fixed or costs too much to fix, we will replace it with the equivalent model for no additional charge. If this is not possible, a full refund will be provided.
- No Lemon Policy: Your product will be replaced should the same problem occur multiple times.
- Convenient: Easy drop off and pick up of the product at any Long & McQuade location.
- Guitar Setup: Guitars purchased at Long & McQuade come with 1 free setup, to be redeemed within 1 year for new guitars and 90 days for used guitars.
- Loaners Available: A loaner product may be given while the product is being repaired.
- Power Surge Protection: Your product is covered even if damaged from a power surge.
- Accessory Coverage: Any peripheral devices or accessories that come with your product (i.e. foot pedal, case) are also covered.
- Commercial Use Coverage: Music and recording professionals who purchase gear for “heavy-use” commercial purposes will still be covered.
Long & McQuade reserves the right to restrict the purchase of additional years of Performance Warranty. Used products come with a 3-month Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Some products (i.e. computers, software, cymbals and other items) are covered only by the manufacturer‘s warranty. Consumables (i.e. strings, reeds, drum sticks, batteries, tubes, cross faders) are excluded as they are designed to be replaced. Cosmetic Damage, Accidental Damage, or problems caused by Humidity or Temperature Issues are not covered. Speakers damaged by overpowering are generally not covered. Our coverage does not provide compensation for loss of use. As of June 2018 the Performance Warranty is no longer transferable. The warranty is only valid in Canada.
Purchasing additional years of coverage
Some manufacturers provide warranties for longer than 1 year; however, these are usually limited warranties that do not provide the same coverage as the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Customers interested in more complete and convenient (but not necessarily longer) coverage are still able to purchase additional years of the Performance Warranty.
If you are interested in receiving this coverage for longer than one year, you have the option of purchasing additional years of the Performance Warranty. The pricing is as follows:
- NEW products: Starting at 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. Starting at 4% for each additional year.
- USED products: Starting at 4% of the current new selling price to increase the warranty from 3 months to 1 year. Starting at 4% for each additional year.
- GUITARS: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year. $45 maximum. An additional free setup is not included with additional purchased years of Performance Warranty.
- BAND and ORCHESTRAL instruments: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year.