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MOTU 16A 32 x 34 Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 Audio Interface

BH #MA16A23X34TI • MFR #9321
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MOTU 16A 32 x 34 Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 Audio Interface
Key Features
  • For Studio and Live Work
  • AC Powered, Mac/Windows/iOS
  • 66-Channel I/O, Stream 256-Channel I/O
  • 16 Line In,16 DC-Coupled Line Out
Designed as the central hub of a high-performance recording or live-sound environment, the MOTU 16A is a 32-in / 34-out audio interface featuring Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 connectivity, onboard DSP mixing and effects, AVB networking, and advanced A/D/A conversion supporting up to 32-bit / 192 kHz resolution. The unit integrates a 64-channel DSP-driven monitor mixer with 32-bit floating-point internal processing, enabling low-latency routing and effects independent of host CPU load. A full digital patch bay provides flexible signal routing between physical I/O, the internal mixer, computer channels, and the AVB network.
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MOTU 16A Overview

Thunderbol 4 / USB4 Audio Interface with DSP, Mixing, Effects and Networking
Designed as the central hub of a high-performance recording or live-sound environment, the MOTU 16A is a 32-in / 34-out audio interface featuring Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 connectivity, onboard DSP mixing and effects, AVB networking, and advanced A/D/A conversion supporting up to 32-bit / 192 kHz resolution. The unit integrates a 64-channel DSP-driven monitor mixer with 32-bit floating-point internal processing, enabling low-latency routing and effects independent of host CPU load. A full digital patch bay provides flexible signal routing between physical I/O, the internal mixer, computer channels, and the AVB network.

The 16A supports 66 simultaneous audio channels locally and enables up to 256 channels of low-latency streaming over Thunderbolt to a host system. It also offers a full range of digital connectivity options including ADAT/SPDIF and Wordclock I/Os. The unit operates in multiple modes: as a standalone digital mixer, as an audio interface for macOS, Windows, or iOS devices, as an AVB network node, or any combination thereof. Comprehensive control of the mixer and system settings is provided via the CueMix Pro application. To jumpstart your workflow, Performer Lite production software is included, along with a comprehensive library of loops and sounds from industry leaders like Big Fish Audio, Lucidsamples, and Loopmasters.

Superb Analog-Audio Quality
The 16A features ESS Sabre32 DAC technology for pristine sound with 125 dB dynamic range and ultralow distortion—backed by decades of MOTU audio expertise.
66 Simultaneous Audio Channels
Includes 16 balanced/unbalanced TRS analog I/O, dual 8-channel ADAT optical ports, and a dedicated stereo headphone out—totaling 32 inputs and 34 outputs. Use the 16A as expanded analog I/O, a flexible patchbay/mixer, or both.
Universal Connectivity
Connect via Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 with the included 40 Gbps USB-C cable. Enjoy plug-and-play compatibility with Mac, Windows, and iOS.

Supports Thunderbolt 3, USB3, and USB2—delivering up to 256 channels of I/O (128-in / 128-out) at 96 kHz.

Ultralow Latency Performance
Optimized drivers deliver round-trip latency as low as 1.8 ms at 96 kHz with a 32-sample buffer over Thunderbolt and USB, using high-performance DAWs like Digital Performer.
Plug-and-Play with Massive Bandwidth
Daisy-chain up to six Thunderbolt devices with 40 Gbps bandwidth—handling hundreds of audio channels, 8K video, and terabytes of data with ease. Thunderbolt 4–compatible cable included.
64-Channel Mixer with 32-Bit Floating Point Precision
The internal mixer mirrors a large-format console with 64 inputs from any source: analog, digital, host software, network streams, or mixer buses.

Includes 26 aux buses, main, reverb, monitor, and solo buses—all with 4-band EQ and compression. Inputs also feature HPF and gating.

Intuitive Patchbay Routing and Splitting
Easily route any source to any destination via virtual patch cables. Split any source to multiple outputs, whether from interface I/O, host software, or AVB network devices.
Flexible System Expansion via AVB Networking
Integrated AVB switch with dual Gigabit Ethernet ports supports daisy-chaining or external AVB switch expansion.

Each unit transmits and receives 128 channels over the network, with ultralow latency across long cable runs. Fully compatible with legacy MOTU AVB devices.

Wireless Control with CueMix Pro
CueMix Pro gives complete control over mixing, routing, and settings wirelessly from macOS, Windows, or iOS.

Multiple devices can control the 16A simultaneously via Wi-Fi.

Balanced Analog I/O
TRS connections are fully balanced and engineered to reject RF interference, AC hum, and environmental noise.
DC-Coupled Outputs for CV Control
All analog outputs are DC-coupled, allowing CV sequencing of modular synths directly from your DAW.
Optical I/O and Expansion
Two ADAT banks support 16 channels at 48 kHz, 8 S/MUX channels at 96 kHz, or optional stereo TOSLINK up to 96 kHz.

Use the 16A as an optical expander or interface.

Custom Meter Views
Tailor your workflow with customizable meter views for analog I/O, digital I/O, or combined configurations.
Performer Lite
Performer Lite provides everything you need to record, edit, mix, process, and master your own music tracks quickly and easily.

Plug in your mic, guitar, and MIDI keyboard, and start tracking with over 100 virtual instruments, dozens of effect plug-ins, guitar FX processing, and much more.

100+ Instruments, 6GB of Free Loops and Sample Packs
Performer Lite includes over 100 virtual instruments, including acoustic and electric pianos, guitars, basses, drums, organs synths, orchestral instruments, choirs, world instruments, and much more.

Performer Lite includes 6GB of free loops and sample packs from Big Fish Audio, Lucidsamples, and Loopmasters, to help you start making music right away.

UPC: 839128006287

MOTU 16A Specs

Key Specs
Channels of I/O
32 Inputs / 34 Outputs
Maximum Sampling Rate
192 kHz / 32-Bit
Number of Microphone Inputs
No Mic Inputs
Analog Audio I/O
16x 1/4" TRS Line Input
16x 1/4" TRS Line Output
1x 1/4" TRS Headphone Output
Digital Audio I/O
TOSLINK Optical ADAT / S/PDIF Input
TOSLINK Optical ADAT Input
TOSLINK Optical ADAT / S/PDIF Output
TOSLINK Optical ADAT Output
Host Connection
2x USB-C (Class-Compliant)
Power Requirements
AC Input
General
Display
2x 3.9" Color TFT
Channels of I/O
32 Inputs / 34 Outputs
Built-In DSP
Yes
Maximum Sampling Rate
192 kHz / 32-Bit
Number of Microphone Inputs
No Mic Inputs
Built-In Microphone
No
Input Level Adjustment
via Software
Signal Processing
Pad
No
Gain/Trim Range
1/4" Line Inputs:
0 dB to +20 dB
1/4" Line Outputs:
0 dB to -99 dB
Solo/Mute
Solo, Mute per Input Channel, Bus
Connectivity
Analog Audio I/O
16x 1/4" TRS Balanced/Unbalanced Line Input
16x 1/4" TRS Balanced Line Output
1x 1/4" TRS Headphone Output
Phantom Power
No
Digital Audio I/O
1x TOSLINK Optical ADAT / S/PDIF Input (S/MUX Support)
1x TOSLINK Optical ADAT Input (S/MUX Support)
1x TOSLINK Optical ADAT / S/PDIF Output (S/MUX Support)
1x TOSLINK Optical ADAT Output (S/MUX Support)
Host Connection / USB
2x USB-C (Class-Compliant)
Host Connection Protocol
Thunderbolt 4, USB 2.0, USB 3.0 / 3.1/3.2 Gen 1, USB4
USB (Non-Host)
No
Sync I/O
1x BNC Word Clock Input
1x BNC Word Clock Output
Network I/O
2x RJ45 AVB (Gigabit)
MIDI I/O
No
Expansion Slots
No
Wireless
No
Performance
Frequency Response
1/4" Line Inputs:
20 Hz to 20 kHz ±0.05 dB
1/4" Line Outputs:
20 Hz to 20 Hz +0.01/-0.15 dB
1/4" Headphone Outputs:
22 Hz to 20 kHz +0.01/-0.1 dB
Maximum Input Level
1/4" Line Inputs:
+21 dBu
Maximum Output Level
1/4" Line Outputs:
+21 dBu
1/4" Headphone Outputs:
13.3 dBu
Impedance
1/4" Line Inputs:
20 Kilohms
1/4" Line Inputs:
220 Ohms
1/4" Headphone Inputs:
< 1 Ohm
Dynamic Range
1/4" Line Inputs:
120 dB
1/4" Headphone Outputs:
118 dB
1/4" Line Outputs:
125 dB
THD+N
1/4" Line Inputs:
-114 dB
1/4" Line Outputs:
-114 dB
1/4" Headphone Outputs:
-110 dB
Digital Audio
Sample Rates
44.1 to 192 kHz
Bit Depths
32-Bit
Latency
1.8 ms at 96 kHz (Dependent on Buffer Size)
Sync Sources
ADAT, AVB, Internal, S/PDIF, Word Clock
Clocking
Word Clock:
Input Termination: 75 Ohms
Input Voltage: 1 to 3 V p-p
Output Voltage: 5 V p-p
Lock Range: 44.1 to 48 kHz
Audio Storage & Playback
Media/Memory Card Slot
No
Compatibility
OS Compatibility
Computer: macOS / Windows
Mobile: iOS Only
RAM Requirements
4 GB, 8 GB Recommended
Storage Requirements
500 GB
Mobile Device Compatibility
iPhone
iPad
Required Hardware
Thunderbolt 3 Port, USB-A Port, USB-C Port
Power
Power Requirements
AC Input
AC Input Power
100 to 240 VAC, 50 / 60 Hz
Physical
Rackmount Size
1 U
Dimensions
19 x 12.25 x 1.75" / 48.3 x 31.12 x 4.45 cm
Weight
11.0 lb / 5.0 kg
Packaging Info
Package Weight
17.22 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
25.8 x 18.5 x 6.2"

MOTU 16A Reviews

See any errors on this page?

Can you connect two computers to the new 16A?

Can you connect two computers to the new 16A?
Asked by: Randall
Yes, you can connect two computers to the MOTU 16A, but the method of connection depends on the desired functionality. The MOTU 16A facilitates a dual-computer setup through its AVB networking capabilities. By adding an AVB switch, you can integrate multiple computers into the audio network, allowing them to share and access all connected audio interfaces, including the 16A.
Answered by: Daniel O
Date published: 2026-02-09
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