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MOTU M2 2x2 USB-C Audio Interface

2-in/2-out USB-C Audio Interface with 2 Microphone Preamps, LCD Screen, Hardware Monitoring, Loopback, and 6+GB of Free Content - Mac/PC/iOS
$199.95

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MOTU M2 2x2 USB-C Audio Interface
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A High-quality Audio Interface That Won’t Break the Bank

Looking for a high-quality audio interface that won’t break the bank? The MOTU M2 fits that description to a T. This 2-in/2-out USB-C audio interface includes ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC technology for top-shelf sound, along with optimized drivers that yield impressive low-latency performance. Two great-sounding mic preamps include individual gain adjustment and phantom power, while 1-touch hardware monitoring ensures smooth tracking. You’ll also benefit from convenient front-panel metering, by way of the M2’s full-color LCD screen. Podcasters will appreciate the built-in loopback functionality. Bus-powered for the ultimate in portability, the MOTU M2 packs a lot of performance into a compact, high-powered audio interface.

Best-in-class D/A, low latency, and ample I/O

Sweetwater and MOTU have enjoyed a long-standing relationship, due to MOTU's products offering our customers superb sound and solid performance. The M2 follows suit, packing top-notch sound, impressively low latency, and ample I/O into a single-rack enclosure. Renowned ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC technology delivers 120dB of dynamic range, ensuring that the M2's analog audio quality can hang with the most impressive gear on the market. Optimized drivers yield round-trip latency as low as 2.5ms at 24-bit/96kHz with a 32 sample buffer. The M2 includes all of the essential connections, including two mic preamps, two DC-coupled analog outputs, and an ESS-driven stereo headphone output. MIDI I/O is also included.

Loopback functionality makes live internet streaming easy

If you do live streaming or podcasting, you’ll appreciate the MOTU M2’s loopback functionality. Loopback blends your mic or other input signals with the output from your computer, then sends the blended signal back to your computer. This enables you to record your computer’s output, along with the inputted material.

Hardware monitoring offers zero-latency operation

Latency can really take the mojo out of a performance — it’s a jarring sensation. That’s why the M2 includes 1-touch hardware monitoring. This feature enables all of the interface’s analog inputs to be routed directly to its analog outputs, resulting in zero-latency operation. This means that there is no delay between what you play and/or sing and what you hear in your headphones. The M2’s inputs can also be recorded simultaneously, allowing you to monitor with zero latency while tracking — a must for achieving a natural-sounding performance.

MOTU M2 USB-C Audio Interface Features:

  • 2-in/2-out USB-C audio interface
  • ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC technology delivers 120dB of dynamic range and superb audio quality
  • Optimized drivers yield round-trip latency as low as 2.5ms at 24-bit/96kHz with a 32 sample buffer
  • Full-color LCD screen supplies convenient front-panel metering
  • 2 great-sounding microphone preamps with individual gain and phantom power
  • 1-touch hardware monitoring on all inputs
  • Loopback for live streaming and podcasting
  • USB bus-powered for the ultimate in portability
  • 6+GB of free loops, samples, and 1-shots from industry-leading libraries

Additional Media

Warranty Info

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Tech Specs

  • Computer Connectivity: USB 2.0
  • Form Factor: Desktop, Portable
  • Simultaneous I/O: 2 x 2
  • Number of Preamps: 2
  • Phantom Power: Yes
  • A/D Resolution: 24-bit/192kHz (32 sample buffer)
  • Analog Inputs: 2 x XLR-1/4" combo (mic/line/Hi-Z)
  • Analog Outputs: 2 x 1/4" TRS (DC coupled), 1 x Dual RCA Stereo
  • Headphones: 1 x 1/4"
  • MIDI I/O: In/Out/USB
  • USB: 1 x USB-C
  • Software: MOTU Performer Lite, Ableton Live Lite, Bundled Loops/Sounds
  • OS Requirements - Mac: OS X 10.13 or later
  • OS Requirements - PC: Windows 10 or later
  • Bus Powered: Yes
  • Power Supply: USB bus powered
  • Height: 1.75"
  • Width: 7.5"
  • Depth: 4.25"
  • Weight: 1.35 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: 3120

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 5/5

Rock Solid Stable

I had been using the M-Audio C400 for many years and moved last month to the Focusrite Scarlet 2i2 (3rd Gen). Despite my deep research and multiple troubleshooting I could not depend on it due to drop outs or the mic input just ceasing to work in a zoom meeting so I returned it.
I use my computer for a lot between video (Premiere Pro, After Effects and WeVideo) and music production (Audition, Cakewalk, EastWest Play) and teaching through Zoom and Google Meets while using Guitar Pro and Sibelius. Also OBS and YouTube live streaming. The MOTU M2 is exceptionally solid and does not freak out when I have multiple applications opened. It handles them wonderfully. I used the loopback function yesterday to stream a Google Meet through OBS and then to YouTube. Lot's going on there and it worked beautifully. I didn't think I'd care about front panel metering but it turns out I do. Very useful when getting a good level that's not clipping when you have to use it in many different programs. I am looking forward to using Performer Lite this week which is free with the purchase of this. Seriously, could not be more happy this unit. I hope it works as well for you as it does for me!
Music background: Guitar & Bass Instructor (25 years), Videographer, Live shows and 22 musical, runs Honors Grad GIT
Rated 4.5/5

Best Dynamic Range on I/O for an Interface Sub-$500!

This interface has the ability to deliver clear audio, true to the source, and latency will not be an issue. Is it the best interface I've ever owned? No. But I've used UA interfaces and have always preferred them. Still, COVID-19 had other plans for my Apollo Twin (had to sell) and this was my compromise. While I do miss the UAD software quite a bit, I have to say I am absolutely stunned at both the quality and dynamic range of audio coming in, as well as audio going out to my monitors.

I researched every day for about two weeks (not kidding), and this interface had the best technical specs of any interface under $700 at the time. Recently, UA released their new Apollo Solo series, which have 3db more dynamic range on the inputs and 5db LESS dynamic range on the outputs. ...I would be skeptical of anyone claiming they could tell the difference between 115db and 118db of dynamic range on inputs. Again, the real value of the Apollo inputs that the MOTU can't compete with is the unison/UAD software. Also, different converters have different character and that plays into the sound of an interface, and I tend to like the overall "sound" or character or UA interfaces over others I've used, however the MOTU M2 is no slacker.

Let's remember this is $... and I am comparing it directly to an interface that costs almost 3x that amount.

The video I linked to this review is what finally convinced me to purchase this interface. The listed interface in this video is the MOTU M4, which is the exact same thing but with some more I/O I didn't need personally. Your music won't sound like this strictly because of this interface - that would require lots of Warm Audio's awesome gear, and this video likely underwent some serious mixing and mastering with highly professional individuals in very cush studios. Still, the video proves one thing - this is what your music CAN sound like with this interface. It will support and translate the other awesome gear you buy very accurately, and in my opinion, that is exactly what an interface should do at its core.
Music background: Film Composer, Music Producer, Songwriter
Rated 4/5

Sound Is Amazing!! But a few drawbacks

I have owned the Motu M2 for 3 months now and I really do love it. There are a few cons below but I think for this price its hard to beat all depending on your specific application.

Pros -
Sound quality and a/d converters are great ...same as on their higher end gear
Metering on front is awesome
Set Up was quick and easy
headphone out driven by same high end converters
I can use it as a DAC to listen to amazon ultra HD Flac audio through my headphones and its quite remarkable
comes with a loopback feature so you can record audio from any software on your computer (this is an extremely useful feature for sampling and for streaming audio from youtube to podcasts)
USB Powered
Portable
Well Constructed

Cons:
No routing or mixing software - this means that the inputs and outputs are fixed - for instance it is not possible to assign a cue function to the headphone outputs so if you want to do any dj style productions where you need a cue then this is not the interface for you
In addition this also limits anyone from hearing a click in their headphones that isnt coming out of the main outputs and you cannot create a separate mix to send to the headphones.

No Direct Monitor mix adjustment - there is no way to mix the levels of your direct monitor and inside the box volume - so youll have to actually adjust the track or master volume in your daw - this is addressed with the bigger brother M4 that includes a monitor mix knob.

All in all I do enjoy this little bad boy but I will need another device for doing live shows where I need my click only in my headphones.
Rated 5/5

I am happy with my new acquisition

Really nice interface great audio quality and the shipping service was great too
Rated 5/5

Nothing Even Close for the Value and Price

I have used the M2 for some time ... when it comes to quality (in every respect) and latency ... I don't think anything compares (you have to check out review about the latency numbers, amazing< ... I have to admit, MOTU has some problems with Windows 11 ... I know, we have spent hours trying to figure out and are hoping MOTU will deliver on a solid driver for Windows 11 ... just purchased a new Creation Station with Windows 11 and there were problems with the MOTU M2 install ... looks like we might have it figured out for now ... the reason I write this review is because Sweetwater sent me another new audio interface (which online is getting good reviews), but it's not even close IMHO on Main Output and Headphonw jack out ... no question the overall performance is super ... built like a tank ... has independent separate phantom power for each combi-input ... I've been around for a long time ... this unit has been exceptional overall ... I hope MOTU always stays in business ... becuase they have a standard of build, quality, and features like no other ...
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