MOTU 16A | 32x34 Thunderbolt / Usb4 Audio Interface W/ Mixing, Effects, Networking

16A 

32x34 Thunderbolt / USB4 Audio Interface W/ Mixing, Effects, 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.

Specifications

• 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
• Input Level Adjustment
  • via Software 
• 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 
• 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
• 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 
• Sync I/O
  • 1x BNC Word Clock Input
  • 1x BNC Word Clock Output
• Network I/O
  • 2x RJ45 AVB (Gigabit)
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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 Requirements
  • AC Input
• AC Input Power
  • 100 to 240 VAC, 50 / 60 Hz
• 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

In The Box

• MOTU 16A 32 x 34 Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 Audio Interface
• 40 Gbps/240W USB-C Cable
• IEC Power Cord
• Limited 2-Year Manufacturer Warranty