MOTU Audio Express
Motu

MOTU Audio Express

Product Highlights
  • 6 Input / 6 Output
  • Dual Microphone Preamps with 48V Phantom
  • S/PDIF and MIDI I/O
  • 8-Bus Digital Mixer
  • Front Panel Controls
  • Extensive Metering
  • CueMix FX Software (Mac and Win)
  • AudioDesk Software (Mac Only)
  • Mac OS X
  • Windows Vista/7

  • Overview
  • Tech Specs

Firewire/USB Audio Interface

The Audio Express from MOTU is a compact, yet fully featured digital audio interface that connects to any current Mac or PC via FireWire or high-speed USB 2.0. The interface is compatible with virtually all DAWs on the market today, but can also function as a standalone mixer, both in the studio and for live events.

The unit provides a lot of connectivity for a compact unit. Connect a microphone, guitar, keyboard, and digital input, and the interface is ready to make pro-quality recordings. Quickly balance the levels of the analog and digital inputs, right from the front panel. Each instrument has its own volume control. Route inputs directly to any output pair, each with its own unique mix - main outs, line outs, S/PDIF out, and phones.

Because immediate volume adjustments are always within reach, the Audio Express serves as the perfect compact, portable live mixer, with or without a computer. Even without a computer, the interface provides complete control over all four mix busses with direct access to volume, mute and solo for each input. So for a live event, one mix can be sent to the main PA while another mix is sent to the personal monitors.

On-screen mixing with the included CueMix FX application provides comprehensive graphic control over a mix and other settings in the Audio Express. The application can be operated side by side with any host audio software for Mac or Windows, and it can be controlled from the Mackie Control Universal Pro automated work surface.

Converters 24-bit
Sample Rates Up to 96kHz
Analog Input 2 x 1/4" TS/XLR combo Microphone/Instrument
2 x 1/4" TRS phone Line
Analog Output 4 x 1/4" TRS phone
1 x 1/4" TRS phone Headphone
Digital Input 1 x RCA coaxial S/PDIF
Digital Output 1 x RCA coaxial S/PDIF
Other Connectors 2 x 5-pin DIN MIDI I/O
1 x FireWire
1 x USB2
1 x 1/4" TS phone Footswitch
Headphones Yes, with individual volume control
Phantom Power +48V individually switchable for either preamp
Metering Main/Line Output: 2 x 5 dual ladder LEDs
Mic/Inst Input: 2 x 10 dual ladder LEDs
Power Requirements FireWire or USB powered
9-18VDC "+" or "-" tip, 5W power supply (included)

Mac System Requirements
  • A Mac with an Intel processor
  • 1 GB RAM; 2 GB or more recommended
  • Mac OS X version 10.6 or later required
  • Available Thunderbolt or high-speed USB 2.0 (or 3.0) port
  • USB cable included; Thunderbolt cable purchased separately
  • A large hard drive (preferably at least 250 GB)

Windows System Requirements
  • 1 GHz Pentium-based PC compatible or faster
  • 1 GB RAM; 2 GB or more recommended
  • Windows 10, 8, 7 or Vista, 32- or 64-bit; Vista SP 2 or later required
  • Available Thunderbolt or high-speed USB 2.0 (or 3.0) port
  • USB cable included; Thunderbolt cable purchased separately
  • A large hard drive (preferably at least 250 GB)

Operating Systems
  • Mac OS X version 10.6 or later
  • Windows 10, 8, 7 or Vista (SP2 or later is required)

64-bit operation
  • Available for Mac OS X 10.6 or later
  • Available for 64-bit versions of Windows 10, 8, 7 or Vista
  • Requires a 64-bit CPU