MOTU Now Shipping M6 USB-C Audio Interface with ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC Technology

A new audio interface from Cambridge, MA-based Mark of the Unicorn (MOTU), directly targeted at home and project studios, stands-out for its combination of features, specifications and design. MOTU is now shipping the M6, a new USB-C bus-powered audio interface for Mac, Windows and iOS offering audio quality, ultra-low latency, and best-in-class metering with a full-color LCD. And it features ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC converters, including for the two headphone outputs, with independent volume control. With more inputs and outputs than the M2 and M4 models in the same series from MOTU, the 6-input/4-output M6 features four mic/line/hi-Z guitar inputs with individual preamp gain and 48V phantom power, two additional 1/4-inch analog inputs, one-touch hardware (direct) monitoring of all inputs (in mono or stereo), four 1/4-inch balanced analog outputs, two headphone outputs with independent volume, MIDI I/O, and "loopback" driver channels for live-streaming and podcasting.

The new MOTU M6 also features an A/B monitor switch, unique to its class, to compare mix output on two sets of studio monitors, which in itself is reason enough to opt for the M6, compared to the other two models. Driven by ESS Sabre32 Ultra digital-to-analog converters, both headphone outputs mirror the signal on Monitor Outs 1-2 and feature independent volume control. The second headphone output includes a 3-4 switch that allows it to independently monitor Line Outs 3-4, which can provide a completely separate mix from the computer.

While this audio interface can be bus-powered from USB-C computer hosts like the other two models in the series, the M6 includes a multi-blade international DC power adapter that allows the M6 to provide stand-alone monitoring, without a computer. The power adapter also provides power when the M6 is connected to a USB-A computer host.

"Similar to the M2 and M4, the M6 delivers unmatched audio performance and features in a four mic input interface at this price," says Jim Cooper, Director of Marketing at MOTU. "Equipped with the same ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC technology found in audio interfaces costing thousands, the M6 delivers an astonishing 120dB Dynamic Range on its balanced, DC-coupled outputs," he adds.

Thanks to MOTU's expertly engineered M Series USB drivers, the M6 delivers class-leading, ultra-low 2.5 ms Round Trip Latency (with a 32 sample buffer at 96kHz). And the M6 also stands-out from comparably-priced audio interfaces with its full-color, high-resolution LCD featuring clear, detailed level meters for all inputs and outputs.

The interface is built on a rugged metal extruded case and comes bundled with workstation software including a license for MOTU Performer Lite and Ableton Live Lite 11, 100+ instruments included in Performer Lite, over 6 GB of included free loops, samples and one-shots from industry leading libraries. Now shipping for $399.95 USD.
www.motu.com