MOTU 16A Review
32x32 Thunderbolt/USB 2.0 Audio Interface
- 16x Analog Inputs and 16x Analog Outputs
- AVB Up to 256 Thunderbolt Channels
- 48-Channel Software Mixer with DSP
- Remote Control Using Web Application
- 2x 8-Channel ADAT Optical and RCA S/PDIF
- USB 2.0 Audio Compatibility
- DSP Modeled EQ and Compression
- V-Limit Prevents Digital Clipping
- Digital Routing Through CAT-5e or CAT-6
- Standalone Mixer Operation
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 1 to 6 of 6 Reviews
Reliable interface
MOTU 16A - Thunderbolt and USB Audio Interface With AVB Networking and DSP (16x16, Line)
Reviewed by Hiro on B&H Photo Video
I use this Thunderbolt interface for live recordings at live Jazz houses and small to medium size concert halls for classical music. I used to use Apollo 16 for this purpose, but it needs expensive MADI preamps to have channels more than 16. Motu 16A has two ADAT connections, which take 8 channel SMAX. I then have 24 channels at double sampling rates. I can also have 32 channels at 48 or 44.1 kHz. My 6 units case has Motu 16A + two 8CH analog preamps + two 8CH ADAT preamps having SMAX connections + power conditioner. By using 16A with Protools loaded MacBook Pro through Thunderbolt connection, I made many recordings for about a year now. I have experienced no trouble with Protools. This is very satisfying, because reliability is the most important factor for live recording uses. Dynamic range is large enough for my purpose and I do not find any noticeable distortions. Since I currently have only one 16A, I have not utilized AVB capability. I am thinking to purchase another 16A for my recording studio uses to replace Digidesign 192 HD. For half the price of Apollo 16, I do not see much negatives. ... More
Very Deep
MOTU 16A - Thunderbolt and USB Audio Interface With AVB Networking and DSP (16x16, Line)
Reviewed by Thomas on B&H Photo Video
I've been using another high end interface, but got tired of dealing with latency and limited routing options when tracking larger ensembles. This interface was so much less expensive (about the price of a single add on input module on my other interface), that I was concerned about how it would sound. Very pleasantly surprised, and actually preferred the MOTU on a blind test (piano recording). I am using a Apogee Big Ben for clocking, so that might help, but whatever the reason the 16A sounds fantastic. I have a mid level commercial studio with very picky clients, so sound quality is paramount, and I know this unit will make them happy. Now on to the routing - it's unbelievable. It has internal mixing buses, eq, compressors etc that can be used for monitoring while the unaffected sound goes directly to the DAW. It can be a bit daunting to really get the routing options down, but MOTU has some great help videos. Once you understand the routing, you realize there's almost nothing this interface (or multiple ethernet linked AVB connected MOTU interfaces) can't do. Definitely a hidden gem, and hands down the best bargain out there. ... More
Brilliant conversion and easy operation. Great value!
MOTU 16A Thunderbolt / USB 2.0 Audio Interface
Reviewed by Francis S. on Reverb
This is really a first impressions review. Simple controls on the front to control the menus, really useful metering and very versatile. The sample rate changes are instant (contrary to some reviews which talk about having to reboot the unit each time). I haven't tried it on AVB but on Thunderbolt it was more or less plug and play. Completely flexible routing and sensibly laid-out mixer software as well, though I haven't really used it much - this will be used for classical music recording, mixing etc. The only thing I miss is the inclusion of just one headphone out and associated volume control. I'm also really impressed that it will respond to the built-in keyboard volume controls on my MacBook (there's a check-box in the web interface for this, so you can turn it on and off). ... More
Fantastic piece of kit
MOTU 16A Thunderbolt / USB 2.0 Audio Interface
Reviewed by Wade C. on Reverb
Bought this to replace a MOTU 828mk2 that after nearly 15 years of reliability finally gave up the ghost. Sonically, the 16A is light years better. Monitoring material I'm intimately familiar with on my Event ASP8's, I immediately noticed a clearer, richer low end, a more pleasant top end and lots of definition across the spectrum. With 16 ins and 16 outs, this thing will service most home studios just about perfectly. I front mine with a rack full of ClassicAPI and SoundSkulptor preamps that I built, and I've got one of the output pairs dedicated to a ClassicAPI headphone amp. This thing is just about perfect. ... More
Great Audio interface
MOTU 16A Thunderbolt / USB 2.0 Audio Interface
Reviewed by Clark S. on Reverb
I recently bought this to expand and have more I/Os for my studio and this thing is amazing. I went from an RME Fireface UC to this and the sound quality is great. It has a lot of options 16 TRS in and out along with another 16 I/O through adat. You can also expand even further with the avb network. The only thing I will say is there is a good learning curve to using the routing not like my RME or my old personus192 but once you get around that this is one of the best audio interfaces you can purchase. I'm sure anyone looking into this unit already knows but you need preamps to run into this unit. If you need an audio interface with preamps they make some other great units as well. ... More
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Works as described
MOTU 16A Thunderbolt / USB 2.0 Audio Interface
Reviewed by Matt W. on Reverb
16 1/4" analog in and out, plus optical and USB, thunderbolt, and Ethernet AVB connectivity. It does exactly what it needs to do. I purchased this as an extension to my Motu 1248. Connected them with an Ethernet patch cable, set up the configuration tab for AVB streams and it just worked. Great product and bang for your buck in terms of simple AD/DA connectivity.
