The Best MOTU Audio Interfaces for a Better Desk Setup

6+gb of free content - macos/windows/ios. USB-C audio interface with 2 preamps.

Against Motu M4 4x4 USB-C Audio Interface, neither pick has an obvious edge on paper, so the deciding factor comes down to whichever spec matters most for your specific use case.

This one is the right call if you want the strongest all-around pick in this comparison and would rather not keep shopping around. Bundled software licenses vary by retailer and aren't always the full paid version, so check the specific bundle before assuming you get everything advertised.

4-in/4-out USB-C audio interface with 2 microphone preamps. 6+gb of free content - mac/PC/ios.

MOTU M2 USB-C Audio Interface is a reasonable point of comparison here, close enough that the actual listing details are worth checking before deciding between them.

Choose this if you want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly. Driver stability can vary by operating system version, so check recent user reports for your specific OS before buying.

Ess sabre32 ultra dac technology for superb analog sound. The same converter technology used in audio interfaces costing thousands.

Held up against MOTU M2 USB-C Audio Interface, both cover the basics equally well, what actually separates them is measured 120 DB dynamic range on outputs.

Go with this pick if you want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly. Bundled software licenses vary by retailer and aren't always the full paid version, so check the specific bundle before assuming you get everything advertised.

Next-gen 28 x 32 usb3 audio interface, builds on 22 years of proven success as an industry-leading audio interface brand. Superb analog audio quality and high-end converters, renowned ess sabre32 dac technology delivers 125 DB dynamic range.

MOTU M2 USB-C Audio Interface covers similar ground, though ultra-low latency and proven, high-performance motu drivers, round-trip latency (rtl) performance as low as 2 ms at 96khz with high-performance DAW hosts is what tips the choice one way or the other.

Choose this if you are willing to spend the most in this comparison for the fuller feature set that comes with it. Driver stability can vary by operating system version, so check recent user reports for your specific OS before buying.

18 x 22 USB audio interface, 2 combo XLR/TRS mic/line/hi-z guitar inputs, 6 analog ins, 10 analog outs, headphone out, s/pdif digital I/o and 8-channel optical I/o for 40 simultaneous audio channels. Superb analog quality with ultra-low latency, analog outputs deliver 125 DB dynamic range.

Side by side with MOTU M2 USB-C Audio Interface, the real difference worth noting is DSP-driven monitor mixing, mix live inputs to any analog output pair.

This fits best if you want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly. Bundled software licenses vary by retailer and aren't always the full paid version, so check the specific bundle before assuming you get everything advertised.

Pro performance with great pre-amps - achieve a brighter recording thanks to the high performing mic pre-amps of the scarlett 3rd gen. Get the well suited guitar and vocal take with - with two high-headroom instrument inputs to plug in your guitar or bass so that they shine through.

MOTU M2 USB-C Audio Interface lands in a similar spot overall, but the deciding factor between the two is studio quality recording for your music & podcasts - achieve pro sounding recordings with scarlett 3rd gen’s high-performance converters enabling you to record and mix at up to 24-bit/192khz.

Choose this if you want a capable pick without paying for headroom you won't use. Driver stability can vary by operating system version, so check recent user reports for your specific OS before buying.

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. Metering, when recording and mixing, nothing is more critical than achieving optimum levels.

Unique a/b monitor switch, the m6 is the only audio interface in its class to offer a/b monitor switching, which is the main thing that distinguishes this pick from MOTU M2 USB-C Audio Interface.

This one is the right call if you want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly. Bundled software licenses vary by retailer and aren't always the full paid version, so check the specific bundle before assuming you get everything advertised.

4 mic/line/instrument preamps, 2 line in.

The gap between this and MOTU M2 USB-C Audio Interface isn't in the essentials, it shows up in high-performance 24-bit / 192 kHz audio.

Go with this pick if you want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly. Driver stability can vary by operating system version, so check recent user reports for your specific OS before buying.