Best Universal Audio Interfaces in 2026

ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC technology for superb analog sound

The same converter technology used in audio interfaces costing thousands

Measured 120 dB dynamic range on outputs

Generously adopted ESS Sabre 32 Ultra DAC Converter Technology used in hundreds of thousands of yen class audio interfaces

Powerful headphone output with ESS Technology

48V Phantom Power can be set separately - Includes 2 clean preamps with 129 dBu EIN

MIDI Connectivity

Expansion and Compatibility

USB-powered

MIDI connectivity - eight independent MIDI inputs and outputs (128 MIDI channels)

Expansion - add additional MIDI ports by plugging in another MOTU MIDI interface

Works with your favorite software (includes drivers for Mac OS X and Windows)

Best-in-class audio quality — Equipped with the same ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC Technology found in audio interfaces costing thousands, the M6 delivers an astonishing 120 dB Dynamic Range on its line outputs. ESS converters also drive the headphone outputs, rivaling dedicated headphone amplifiers costing hundreds. Ultra-clean preamp circuits produce a measured -129 dBu EIN on the mic inputs. Capture and monitor your audio with pristine clarity.

Best-in-class speed — The M6 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 (32 sample buffer at 96 kHz).

Best-in-class metering — When recording and mixing, nothing is more critical than achieving optimum levels. The M6 is the only audio interface in its class with a full color 160x120 pixel LCD featuring clear, detailed level meters for all inputs and outputs. Enjoy professional-level volume control and feedback to get your sound just right.

6-output USB 2.0 Audio Interface with Microphone Preamp

Stereo Line-level Analog Input - Mac/PC/iPad

Guitar Input

ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC technology for superb analog sound

The same converter technology used in audio interfaces costing thousands

Measured 120 dB dynamic range on outputs

Same analog design as MOTU's groundbreaking 1248, 8M and 16A audio interfaces

72 simultaneous audio channels

24 high-quality, balanced analog outputs

with 4 Bs of Optical ADAT/SMUX/TOSLink I/O - Mac/PC/iOS

32-in/32-out USB/AVB Audio Interface

16 inputs with 8 mic preamps and 12 outputs including separate phone and main outs.

Provides you all the basic I/O you need for a powerful desktop studio.

Connect up to a combination or 8 mic or line sources. Discrete in/outs - no "sharing" of inputs.

4-input, 2-output bus-powered "plug-and-play" USB audio interface

4 x 8 physical input/output channels.

10-bus digital mixer to route and mix live inputs with live computer tracks.

Hi-speed USB 2.0 audio interface for Mac and Windows " provides 16 inputs with 8 mic preamps and 12 outputs including separate phone and main outs for all the basic I/O you need for a powerful desktop studio.

Eight XLR/TRS "combo jack" mic inputs " connect up to eight mics, or mix and match mics with guitars, synths, drum machines and other analog input signals.

Flexible analog inputs " each provides a crystal-clear preamp (for both the XLR and TRS input), 24-bit 96 kHz converters, indiv

Sturdy lightweight construction ready to travel with you anywhere

Compact size (14.75 x 9 inches) fits easily into a napsack, briefcase or computer bag and sits perfectly under any laptop

Powered by computer

Same analog design as MOTU's groundbreaking 1248, 8M and 16A audio interfaces72 simultaneous audio channels24 high-quality, balanced analog inputs48 digital channels on three banks of 8-channel ADAT opticalConnects to a computer with standard AVB Ethernet or audio class compliant high-speed USB 2On-board DSP with mixing and effects32-bit floating point processingModeled vintage effects processingAdd up to 5 MOTU interfaces using a MOTU AVB Switch (sold separately)AVB audio networkingMatrix routi

The 24Ai is the next interface in their prestigious lineup, offering 24 analog channels in one rack space, AVB audio networking, and large console style mixing with 48 channels and 12 stereo busses to help you achieve the best sound possible

The 24Ai offers 24 balanced analog inputs in a single rack space with three 8-channel ADAT optical banks, for a total of 72 channels (24 analog plus 48 optical)

USB MIDI interface for Mac and Windows Stand-alone MIDI patchbay/merger/processor SMPTE time code sync in all formats (includes new support for 23.976 fps time code) 8x8 MIDI merge matrix: connects any device to any other 16 front panel presets 8 independent MIDI IN 8 independent MIDI OUT (9 output connectors) 128 MIDI channels Supports MIDI Machine Control Pedal input for momentary foot switch 16 presets with 8 programmable, battery-backed memory MIDI Time Stamping (MTS) for sub-millisecond tim

The Express XT provides 8 MIDI IN, 9 MIDI OUT, 128 MIDI channels and compatibility with all Mac and Windows software

Sixteen convenient, one-touch presets (8 factory and 8 user programmable) give you instant front-panel access to multiple operational configurations

MIDI interface for Macintosh and WindowsCan connect both a Mac and a PC at the same timeStandalone MIDI patchbay/merger/processorSMPTE tape sync in all formats4 x 6 MIDI merge matrix - connects any device to any otherFront panel presets for plug-and-play convenience4 independent MIDI IN6 independent MIDI OUT (9 actual MIDI OUT ports)96 MIDI channelsSupports MIDI Machine Control transport messagesPedal input for momentary foot switchAudio click input - converts audio click into MIDI data16 preset

Bundle Includes: MOTU M4 4x4 USB-C Audio Interface, 4oz Headphone Cleaning Spray, Microfiber Cleaning Cloth

Speed: The M4 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 M4 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

Bundle Includes: MOTU M2 2x2 USB-C Audio Interface, 4oz Headphone Cleaning Spray, Microfiber Cleaning Cloth, MDR7506 Headphone, and Two XLR Cables

Sabre32 Ultra DAC Technology: Equipped with the same ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC Technology found in audio interfaces costing thousands, the M2 delivers an astonishing 120 dB Dynamic Range on its main outputs. ESS converters also drive the headphone output, which rivals dedicated headphone amplifiers costing hundreds. Ultra-clean preamp circuits produce a measured -129 dBu EIN on the mic inputs. Capture and monitor your audio with pristine clarity

Best-in-class 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)

Bundle Includes: MOTU M6 6x4 USB-C Audio Interface, 4oz Headphone Cleaning Spray, Microfiber Cleaning Cloth, MDR7506 Headphone, and Two XLR Cables

Best-in-class audio quality — Equipped with the same ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC Technology found in audio interfaces costing thousands, the M6 delivers an astonishing 120 dB Dynamic Range on its line outputs. ESS converters also drive the headphone outputs, rivaling dedicated headphone amplifiers costing hundreds. Ultra-clean preamp circuits produce a measured -129 dBu EIN on the mic inputs. Capture and monitor your audio with pristine clarity.

Best-in-class speed — The M6 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 (32 sample buffer at 96 kHz).

Bundle Includes: MOTU M2 2x2 USB-C Audio Interface, 4oz Headphone Cleaning Spray, Microfiber Cleaning Cloth

Sabre32 Ultra DAC Technology: Equipped with the same ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC Technology found in audio interfaces costing thousands, the M2 delivers an astonishing 120 dB Dynamic Range on its main outputs. ESS converters also drive the headphone output, which rivals dedicated headphone amplifiers costing hundreds. Ultra-clean preamp circuits produce a measured -129 dBu EIN on the mic inputs. Capture and monitor your audio with pristine clarity

Best-in-class 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)

Bundle Includes: MOTU M6 6x4 USB-C Audio Interface, 4oz Headphone Cleaning Spray, Microfiber Cleaning Cloth

Best-in-class audio quality — Equipped with the same ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC Technology found in audio interfaces costing thousands, the M6 delivers an astonishing 120 dB Dynamic Range on its line outputs. ESS converters also drive the headphone outputs, rivaling dedicated headphone amplifiers costing hundreds. Ultra-clean preamp circuits produce a measured -129 dBu EIN on the mic inputs. Capture and monitor your audio with pristine clarity.

Best-in-class speed — The M6 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 (32 sample buffer at 96 kHz).

Bundle Includes: MOTU M4 4x4 USB-C Audio Interface, 4oz Headphone Cleaning Spray, Microfiber Cleaning Cloth, MDR7506 Headphone, and Two XLR Cables

Speed: The M4 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 M4 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