MOTU 848 28x32 Thunderbolt/USB4 Audio Interface - Studio and Stage Powerhouse
The MOTU 848 is a next-generation 28-in/32-out Thunderbolt 4/USB4 audio interface for Mac, Windows, and iOS, delivering pristine 24-bit/192 kHz audio with ultra-low latency (~1.8 ms RTL at 96 kHz). Featuring ESS Sabre32™ DACs, a 64-channel DSP mixer with effects, and AVB networking, it’s ideal for studio recording, live mixing, and streaming. With four mic/line/guitar inputs, 12 TRS outputs, dual headphone outs, and two banks of optical I/O, the 848 integrates seamlessly with mics, guitars, synths, and outboard gear, all controllable via the CueMix Pro™ app.
Superb Audio Quality and Connectivity
Renowned ESS Sabre32™ converters deliver 125 dB dynamic range (outputs) and -114 dB THD+N (mic inputs), with four combo XLR/TRS inputs offering +74 dB gain, -20 dB pad, and 48V phantom. Eight TRS line inputs and 12 DC-coupled TRS outputs support modular synths and Dolby Atmos™ (up to 7.1.4). Two ADAT optical banks provide 16 channels at 48 kHz, with optional TOSLink S/PDIF. Dual Gigabit Ethernet ports enable AVB networking for multi-unit setups and low-latency streaming.
Powerful DSP and Control
The 848’s 32-bit floating-point DSP offers 64-channel mixing with reverb, 4-band EQ, gate, compressor, and high-pass filter, all latency-free. Control room features include talkback, A/B/C speaker switching, mute, and mono sum. The CueMix Pro™ app enables Wi-Fi control from laptops, tablets, or smartphones, while loopback channels simplify streaming and podcasting. Class-compliant USB-C ensures plug-and-play operation on iOS devices (Lightning adapter sold separately).
Versatile and Robust Design
A 3.9-inch 24-bit RGB LCD displays detailed metering and settings. With universal Thunderbolt/USB-C connectivity (40 Gbps cable included), the 848 supports up to 256 audio channels (128 in/out). Its rugged 1U rackmount chassis is built for studio and stage, with word clock I/O, two headphone outs with custom mixes, and compatibility with MOTU’s Performer Lite software for instant music production.
Key Features of the MOTU 848
- 28x32 Thunderbolt 4/USB4 interface with 24-bit/192 kHz audio
- ESS Sabre32™ DACs: 125 dB dynamic range, -114 dB THD+N (mic)
- 4x mic/line/guitar inputs with +74 dB gain, -20 dB pad, 48V phantom
- 8x TRS line in, 12x DC-coupled TRS out, 2x ADAT optical banks
- 64-channel DSP mixer with reverb, EQ, gate, compressor, HPF
- Dual Gigabit Ethernet for AVB networking, Wi-Fi control via CueMix Pro™
- 3.9-inch RGB LCD for metering and settings
- Loopback for streaming, talkback, A/B/C speaker select, mono sum
- Includes Performer Lite, 100+ instruments, 6 GB loops
- 2-year warranty
Technical Specifications
- Type: Thunderbolt 4/USB4 audio interface
- Inputs: 4x XLR/TRS combo (mic/line/guitar), 8x 1/4” TRS line, 2x ADAT (16 ch. at 48 kHz)
- Outputs: 12x 1/4” TRS line (DC-coupled), 2x headphone, 2x ADAT, optional TOSLink S/PDIF
- Converters: ESS Sabre32™, 125 dB DNR (DAC), 118 dB DNR (ADC)
- Mic Preamp: -114 dB THD+N, 118 dB DNR, -129 dBu EIN, +74 dB gain
- Sample Rate: 44.1–192 kHz
- Connectivity: USB-C/Thunderbolt (40 Gbps), 2x Gigabit Ethernet (AVB)
- Power: Internal PSU, 100–240V AC, 15–30W
- Dimensions: 19 x 1.75 x 11 in (483 x 44 x 279 mm)
- Weight: 4.4 lbs (2 kg)
- Warranty: 2-year limited
Included Accessories
- MOTU 848 Audio Interface
- 40 Gbps USB-C cable
- Power cable
- CueMix Pro™ app
- Performer Lite software with 100+ instruments, 6 GB loops
