The MicroBook II from MOTU is a roadworthy, pocket-sized audio interface that delivers professional quality recordings for musicians on the go. Simply plug in your microphone, guitar, keyboard or any other instrument and record up to four simultaneous tracks. You can also connect portable audio devices for rehearsing or sampling.
The bus-powered MicroBook II includes all the features of the original MicroBook and adds hands-on volume control, USB 2.0 connectivity for low-latency performance, six outputs, an XLR mic input and support for 96 kHz recording and playback. Tracks can be mixed with the included CueMix FX software and DSP-powered effects which include a multi-band EQ and compressor. The audio mixer allows you to mix live inputs (voice, guitar, keys, etc.) with your host software playback tracks. With the 1/4" stereo outputs, 96 kHz digital S/PDIF and stereo-mini output jacks for both headphones and desktop speakers, the MicroBook II allows you to monitor live and recorded tracks in most any way you choose. Edit and finalize your recording with the included AudioDesk software. A wealth of tools for audio analysis and diagnostics are provided along with drivers for multi-platform compatibility on both Mac and Windows. From on-the-go remote recording, to personal studio production, to laptop-based DJing and remixing, the MicroBook delivers professional quality audio and advanced features in a highly compact form factor.Precision Digital Trim
Balanced Line Level Connectors
Superb Audio Quality
AudioDesk
Windows
Modeled Analog EQ
Advanced Mixing Features
Compression
FFT and Spectrogram
X-Y Plot
White/Pink Noise Generator
Oscilloscope
Phase Analysis
| Analog Input |
1 x XLR 1 x 1/4" Hi-Z instrument 1 x 1/4" line 1 x 1/8" stereo mini line |
| Analog Output |
2 x 1/4" TRS 1 x 1/4" TRS headphone 1 x 1/8" TRS stereo mini Line |
| Sample Rates | Up to 96 kHz |
| Digital Input | No |
| Digital Output | S/PDIF RCA coaxial |
| MIDI In/Out | No |
| Sync In/Out | S/PDIF |
| Phantom Power | 48V |
| Pad | 20 dB |
| Headphone Output | Yes |
| THD + N | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Dynamic Range | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Frequency Response | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Power Requirements | USB 2.0 bus powered |
| Compatibility | Mac and PC |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 5.5 x 3.5 x 1.25" (140 x 89 x 31.75mm) |
| Weight | 2 lbs (0.9kg) |
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Comments about MOTU MicroBook II - USB Audio Interface:
Bought this to use w/ Ableton Live. Sounds as good as my MOTU Firewire Hybrid MK3 and the portability of this model is a big plus. I've had good luck with MOTU products and they're built well and seem like they'll last a good while.
One note, MOTU told me to connect this to a powered USB hub, which i did; however on the 2nd day of use, the Microbook II would lose the signal (essentially turning on/off) after about 10 minutes. no need to explain what that's a big problem. Easy fix though - as per MOTU tech support's suggestion, it's now connected directly to the USB port on my Macbook Pro and it's been working just fine.
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Comments about MOTU MicroBook II - USB Audio Interface:
For a home studio card arount the $ dollar mark, this thing is fantastc. It doesnt have midi, so what! who cares, buy a usb midi cable. I upgraded from a cheap M-audio soundcard that was plauged with delay issues, cracks & pops, and was built really cheaply. This box feels solid (much like the Rane turntable interfaces). This thing feels like it will out last me! Sound qualiy is top notch too! I did take a few minutes to set up the headphone outs with Ableton live, and generally make the outputs work with my DAW, I wish Motu had a simple qucik setup guide for certain DAWs. Anyway, great soundcard, worth much more than what I paid.
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Comments about MOTU MicroBook II - USB Audio Interface:
I had never used MOTU before and was a little skeptical when buying it. The unit is small and doesn't take up desk space. It works great with my macbook pro and Protools 10. I have been very happy and quite impressed. It is an all metal chassis and has held up. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a decent small interface to travel with.
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Comments about MOTU MicroBook II - USB Audio Interface:
I bought the Microbook II after a lot of research and procrastination over the years. I wanted to replace my old Yamaha DSP Factory setup for a long time, but I kept holding off and waiting for my Y2K PC to die. The DSP Factory was reliable, and although not cutting edge in 2012 it 'worked for me'. It was 24/32-bit float @ 44.1 or 48khz,(input converters were 20-bit - no big deal to me because noise is noise). It had DSP capabilities that took the CPU load off the computer's processor and decent effects, that included great dynamics, EQ, delay, reverb, chorus, etc., but the latency was too high and it didn't allow for real time monitoring through the PC. I use my PC and laptops for writing and multitracking songs. Occasionally, I'll record live bands. I needed an audio interface that had the features of the DSP Factory, which was way ahead of its time in 1999. Because my new machine had fewer PCI slots, I had to go with USB or Firewire this time. The two PCI slots are occupied by a UAD-1 and TC Powercore card. (I know, time to update those as well.)I first looked at some of the semi and multi-functioning devices, (i.e. MIDI controller or guitar pedal/audio interface combo), but I made an executive decision to not settle for a toy. I didn't need a MIDI controller or another guitar pedal - I needed a High Quality Audio Interface that was at least on par with what I had. I decided to steer away from the 'all in one' audio interfaces.'MOTU' is synonymous with high quality to me. I longed to own one of their products, but most units were always out of my price range. In this case I couldn't afford the higher-priced models; (I want them, believe me). When I stumbled upon the Microbook II I was impressed. It is a dedicated USB audio interface, has DSP dynamics, EQ and controls, (CueMix), has cool knobs and most importantly - it's packaged in a METAL casing that's small enough for me to port around. It also has a PHANTOM-POWERED XLR Mic input, all in a tiny unit that's sitting on my desktop right now. No more chains of preamps, phantom power boxes or wires for me. I plug my Rode NT1 condenser MIC right into the Microbook II, turn on the phantom power (push and hold MIC input knob) and I'm good to go. If you push the MIC input knob without holding it down it activates padding. Pressing the output knob cycles through the six outputs.One con.. I run Windows and the MOTU AudioDesk software is a MAC program. I use my own software anyway, so it's a minor con for PC people like me. Still, I like to toy around with bundled software when I buy a hardware device, but since this is MOTU hardware I won't complain.In conclusion, I replaced my ancient and beloved audio card with the Microbook II and I gained a cutting edge audio interface that has state of the art converters and many valuable features. If you are on a budget, want Pro-Audio quality, high compatibility and great features that can travel, get the MOTU Microbook II. It works for me.
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