The MOTU M6 is a compact USB audio and MIDI interface designed to deliver pristine sound quality, ultra-fast performance, precise metering, and practical workflow features for recording, streaming, podcasting, and mobile production. Its main outputs employ ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC technology, the same converter platform used in far more expensive interfaces, achieving a measured 120 dB dynamic range. The headphone outputs are also driven by ESS conversion so monitoring quality remains consistent whether on loudspeakers or headphones. Ultra-clean microphone preamp circuits deliver a measured −129 dBu EIN on the mic inputs, enabling clear capture of quiet sources and detailed transients with minimal noise.
Engineered for speed, the MOTU M6 provides best-in-class monitoring responsiveness via expertly tuned USB drivers that achieve class-leading 2.5 ms round-trip latency at 96 kHz with a 32-sample buffer. Front-panel metering is equally advanced. A full colour LCD presents clear, detailed level meters for all inputs and outputs, delivering professional feedback when setting gains and balancing mixes. For live streaming and podcasting, the MOTU M6 driver supplies convenient loopback channels to route computer audio back to the host, where it can be mixed with up to four microphones and guitars from the MOTU M6 in your software for simple, great-sounding streams.
Connectivity covers modern studio needs. Four XLR/TRS combo inputs accept microphone, line, or Hi-Z guitar signals, and two additional balanced 6.35 mm line inputs extend analogue I/O. Four balanced 6.35 mm TRS line outputs provide speaker and outboard feeds, while two independent stereo headphone outputs with dedicated volume controls support flexible cueing and collaboration. Standard MIDI in and out handle keyboards, controllers, and external sound modules. The MOTU M6 connects via bus-powered USB-C and includes USB C-to-C and C-to-A cables. It is compatible with USB Type A hosts when using the included DC power adapter. iOS operation is supported with a Lightning to USB3 Camera Adapter and appropriate power.
Workflow refinements include hardware direct monitoring, independent +48 V phantom power per mic input, and unique A/B monitor switching that lets you connect two pairs of monitors and compare mixes at the push of a button. With the included multi-blade international DC power adapter connected, the MOTU M6 can also run stand-alone with the computer off, allowing you to monitor live inputs without a host device. The rugged metal enclosure is designed for travel and everyday use, and sample rates from 44.1 kHz to 192 kHz support high-resolution recording.
To get you creating immediately, the MOTU M6 includes Performer Lite and Ableton Live Lite, plus over 6 GB of loops, one-shots, and sounds. Performer Lite adds over 100 virtual instruments and extensive effects and guitar processing, while Live Lite 11 covers essential Ableton workflows for recording and performance. MOTU’s tradition of engineering for hit records, tours, broadcast, and film underpins the MOTU M6’s design and reliability.
Features
- ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC technology on main outputs
- Measured 120 dB dynamic range on outputs
- Measured −129 dBu EIN on mic inputs
- ESS-driven dual headphone outputs
- Ultra-low 2.5 ms round-trip latency at 96 kHz with 32-sample buffer
- Full-colour LCD with detailed meters for all inputs and outputs
- Loopback channels for streaming and podcasting
- Four mic/line/Hi-Z inputs on XLR/TRS combo sockets
- Two additional balanced 6.35 mm line inputs
- Four balanced 6.35 mm TRS line outputs
- Two independent stereo headphone outputs with front-panel volume
- MIDI in and out
- A/B monitor switching for two speaker pairs
- Hardware direct monitoring and independent +48 V phantom power
- Bus-powered USB-C, optional DC power adapter included
- USB Type A compatibility with included cables and power adapter
- iOS compatible with Lightning adapter
- Stand-alone operation when powered via DC adapter
- Rugged metal construction
- 44.1 to 192 kHz sample rates
- Includes Performer Lite, Ableton Live Lite, and 6 GB of loops and sounds
