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MOTU M2 2x2 USB-C Audio Interface
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Return this item for free
Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
Learn more about free returns.- Go to your orders and start the return
- Select the return method
- Ship it!
Purchase options and add-ons
Brand | MOTU |
Compatible Devices | Personal Computer |
Connectivity Technology | USB |
Number of Channels | 2 |
Product Dimensions | 7.5"D x 4.25"W x 1.75"H |
About this item
- Sabre32 Ultra DAC Technology: Equipped with the same ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC Technology found in audio interfaces costing thousands, the M2 delivers an astonishing 120 dB Dynamic Range on its main outputs. ESS converters also drive the headphone output, which rivals dedicated headphone amplifiers costing hundreds. Ultra-clean preamp circuits produce a measured -129 dBu EIN on the mic inputs. Capture and monitor your audio with pristine clarity
- Best-in-class Speed: The M2 provides best-in-class speed for monitoring live inputs (mic, guitar or keyboard) through your computer, thanks to MOTU's expertly engineered USB drivers, which deliver class-leading, ultra-low 2.5 ms Round Trip Latency (at 96 kHz with a 32 sample buffer)
- Best Metering: When recording and mixing, nothing is more critical than achieving optimum levels. The M2 is the only audio interface in its class with a full color LCD featuring clear, detailed level meters for all inputs and outputs. Enjoy professional-level volume control and feedback to get your sound just right
- Live Streaming Loopback: The M2 driver provides convenient loopback channels to your host computer, so you can easily route computer output back to the computer, where you can mix it with live mics and/or guitar inputs from the M2 in your host software for live streaming or podcasting. Streaming and podcasting has never been easier and better-sounding
- A Tradition of Engineering Excellence: Decades of award-winning product engineering for hit songs, mega tours, primetime shows and blockbuster movies goes into every MOTU audio interface
Frequently bought together
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Product information
Item Weight | 1.35 pounds |
---|---|
Product Dimensions | 7.5 x 4.25 x 1.75 inches |
ASIN | B0812B26TN |
Item model number | M2 |
Customer Reviews |
4.5 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #3,165 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments) #27 in Computer Recording Audio Interfaces |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | November 6, 2019 |
Color Name | Black |
Compatible Devices | Personal Computer |
Hardware Interface | USB |
Operating System | Windows |
Warranty & Support
Feedback
Videos
Videos for this product
4:26
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Motu M2 2x2 USB Audio Interface Overview
Scott J. Waldron
Videos for this product
1:52
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Customer Review: Part Of A Great Combination
KS80537
Product Description
ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC technology Offers superb analog sound Ultra-low 2.5 ms Round Trip Latency Best-in-class speed for monitoring live inputs Full color LCD with detailed meters Live streaming loopback feature
Compare with similar items
This Item MOTU M2 2x2 USB-C Audio Interface | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | |
Price | $199.95$199.95 | $699.00$699.00 | $149.00$149.00 | -18% $122.32$122.32 Typical price: $149.00 | $229.99$229.99 | $649.95$649.95 |
Delivery | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2 | Get it Apr 12 - 17 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Apr 3 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Sound quality | 4.5 | 5.0 | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.5 | 4.5 |
Value for money | 4.3 | — | 4.6 | 4.6 | 3.9 | 4.1 |
Tech Support | 3.9 | — | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.1 | 3.9 |
Quality of material | 4.5 | — | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.0 | — |
Easy to use | 4.4 | — | 4.6 | 4.6 | 3.3 | — |
Sold By | AVLGEAR | Instrumentpro | DigitalDJGear | Amazon Global Store UK | Streamline Audio Video | Kellards |
number of channels | 2 | 20 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 8 |
hardware interface | usb | usb | usb | usb | usb | usb |
connectivity tech | USB | External Line Return | USB | USB | USB | USB, External Line Return |
model year | 2020 | 2022 | 2021 | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 |
style | — | Digital | Reliable | Reliable | — | Digital,Impedance,Unique |
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Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the quality, value, and ease of installation of the audio midi interface. For example, they mention the build and finish is amazing, the knobs are tight, and the product inside looked pristine. They also appreciate the latency, recording quality, and headphone amp. That said, opinions are mixed on audio quality, performance.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the quality of the audio midi interface. They mention that the build and finish is amazing, the knobs are tight and feel quality, and the build is solid. The product inside looked pristine, and can withstand reasonable abuse. It has a great interface, stable drivers, extremely low latency, and a fantastic display.
"...The DAC is actually pretty good! Not unjustly sibilant or colored, very impressive for a DAC, especially one that’s integrated into an audio..." Read more
"...feel of it, it's made of aluminum and the the knobs are tight and feel quality (I saw another review complaining they were loose feeling), theirs..." Read more
"...The new cable was much thicker and better quality than the included cable, but it still came as a surprise to me that lo and behold, the cable..." Read more
"...Outside of that, it's sleek, solid, and aesthetically pleasing." Read more
Customers like the value of the audio midi interface. For example, they say it's well worth the money, surprised at the quality for the price, and the best audio interface in its price range. That said, some say it is a decent product and worth the wait.
"...Not unjustly sibilant or colored, very impressive for a DAC, especially one that’s integrated into an audio interface!Now the pre-amp...." Read more
"...'s a fantastic sounding audio interface that's absolutely the best at it's price point." Read more
"...It is fantastic value, and in my opinion, has no faults at this price point. MOTU, if you're listening, make it a tad bit heavier ;)" Read more
"...It has a solid build with a metal body, good and solid knobs and plugs, and many components and tech from MOTU's much more expensive lines...." Read more
Customers find the installation process of the audio midi interface to be easy. They mention that the interface software provided is easy to use, and the plug-and-play functionality works perfectly. Some appreciate the clear sound and the simple materials of the product.
"...It was extremely easy to setup and I love that it only has a single cable attached to it and even includes a POWER SWITCH...." Read more
"...Software: Nothing fancy, small file size and easy to install...." Read more
"...Setup is super easy. I'm using this with an SM58 (XLR) and a pair of super cheap headphones that I plug into the front monitor port...." Read more
"...others seem to be good quality too, but the aforementioned are the easiest to use and have the most free features without nagging you too hard...." Read more
Customers like the latency of the audio midi interface. They say it has extremely low latency, with an option to use lowest latency offsets. The setup is easy, and the frequency response is flat. It launches seamlessly on their computer.
"...Dynamic range is really high and the unit runs with very low latency. It can easily record and deliver high quality audio in a tiny package...." Read more
"Pros, it was easy to setup with my Studio One rig, the latency is OK, but I solved that with a Mackie 802 mixer to handle monitoring...." Read more
"...A great interface, stable drivers (Win10Pro), extremely low latency, and much more gain and less noise than the focusrite...." Read more
"Wanted to love this thing but it constantly had bit rate conversion problems and would randomly make all of the sound coming out of it sound super..." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the recording quality of the audio midi interface. They mention that the screen based meters are very handy when recording, it's really helpful during sound check, and it'll be perfect for live performance. The set is great and it is perfect for what they need. It makes analytical headphones make sense, and the output is well defined. It's good multipurpose for casual use, and is super practical as an alternative.
"...However, the Motu M2 is super practical as an alternative unless you have very hard to drive planars...." Read more
"...It can easily record and deliver high quality audio in a tiny package.Software: Nothing fancy, small file size and easy to install...." Read more
"...The latency is almost nonexistent and the recording quality is wonderful. It's also built like a brick and can withstand reasonable abuse...." Read more
"...The large physical volume knob is also super handy to use. Very happy with my purchase." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the headphone amp of the audio midi interface. They mention that it is plenty powerful, can handle high impedance headphones very well, and has an unexpectedly audiophile quality.
"...The headphone amp is actually surprisingly good. I tried my DT 770 Pro (80 Ohm) headphones on these...." Read more
"...great balance of high-quality pre-amps, ultra low noise, and great headphone amps...." Read more
"...The knobs all feel very pleasant to turn.-Can handle high impedance headphones very well." Read more
"...The headphone amp is good enough to power most headphones. I think the sound quality is fine (nothing to compare it to)...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the audio quality of the audio midi interface. Some mention that the sound was very good, it'll get plenty loud without distorting, has high-quality pre-amps, ultra low noise, and great headphone amps. They also say that it's a step up in terms of quiet gain, with 70dB available vs. 50-55dB. However, others say that the mic is still a bit quiet, and the webpages and the audio interface must be restarted to restore sound. They've been plagued by random buzzing noises on recordings, and there is no way to increase the volume of the monitor without using a separate power source. Overall, opinions are mixed, and it'd be best to read the reviews carefully before making a purchase.
"...The M2 has more bass and a "follow through" when you speak. it sounds nice and is noticeably better...." Read more
"...I just finished my first project on M2 and it sounds great! I hope this unit works well for a long time. I will post any updates." Read more
"...Very good audio quality and low noise. It performs much better than my Behringer Q802USB did. I really love this interface so much...." Read more
"...I love it, but I must clarify that it clearly has a warm, tube-like tonality to it. This isn’t muddy...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the performance of the audio midi interface. Some mention it works very well, while others say it stops working. Some say the features on the device work perfectly, while other say it crackles or pops. Some customers also mention that the playback signal would quit working and the phantom power button would not engage.
"...I immediately replaced it with the new unit and now it works great! I just finished my first project on M2 and it sounds great!..." Read more
"...other people who bought the MOTU M2 USB interface, the playback signal would quit working for me on a pretty regular basis, at least a handful of..." Read more
"Works great for my Sundara headphones, but feel that these are barely able to power the Shure SM7B. Don't get me wrong, it works, but the mic is..." Read more
"...Sadly, my mic arm snapped and dropped my mic on my desk so I may be selling this thing...." Read more
Reviews with images
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Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
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Don’t think I’m trying to say the Motu M2 is comparable to a high-end setup all-in-one, but dang it had me impressed.
My pre-disposed view on ESS Sabre DAC’s utilizing their stock internal filters is a negative one. I expect delta-sigma typical ring from the mediocre oversampling filters and a blatantly colored response.
Fortunately, I wasn’t disappointed when I used the integrated ESS DAC from the Motu on my main system (driving Hifiman He1000v1’s with a restored Harman Kardon HK770). The DAC is actually pretty good! Not unjustly sibilant or colored, very impressive for a DAC, especially one that’s integrated into an audio interface!
Now the pre-amp. For the actual monitor outs, the pre is very clean and low noise floor. It’s easy to say this because outputting into a speaker amplifier to drive headphones doesn’t create static galore. Other than low noise floor, the pre is fairly linear. Not perfect, but great for a passive potentiometer that’s integrated into an interface.
The pre-amplifier for the microphone is... Interesting. I love it, but I must clarify that it clearly has a warm, tube-like tonality to it. This isn’t muddy. For better perspective, it takes my condenser and sustains the resolving quality that condensers are known for, but gives a tubey or dynamic (diaphragm) like tonality which is very rich and sweet. There doesn’t seem to be clear delineation, yet there is still this slight tonality change. I am very open arms to it, and it is apparently a commonly known thing to people that have used Motu equipment in general.
In summary of that, if you want a tubey sounding solid state mic pre, this is actually a perfect fit. That wasn’t my intent when I’ve purchased it, but it made me much happier with how my voice is picked up (no EQ) anyways, so it’s a win.
Now the headphone output. I haven’t actually played with it! I do know it has 3x the power of a Focusrite headphone out, and seemingly even more dynamics potential than those possible “under-ratings”. Basically, if you’re going to drive low impedance closed dynamic driver cans for voice sampling or anything else where you need real-time mic feedback and sample audio, the integrated amp is actually decent! A friend of mine says it can drive his Hifiman Aryas surprisingly well. I still haven’t messed with it but I trust his word.
If you have a strong focus on studio use or streaming use even, and are told you need an amp and DAC for your headphones that is separate from your interface, normally, those people are right! However, the Motu M2 is super practical as an alternative unless you have very hard to drive planars.
If you want a temporary solution and need to upgrade the headphone amp alone, you can utilize the DAC without passing through the potentiometer if you get the Motu M4 and use the fixed line out to utilize the DAC and mic pre directly.
I have previously owned (and still have) a Focusrite Scarlett Solo 2nd Gen. In no way does that interface have any strong suits for an audiophile like myself, and every part of it, including the software, is fairly bad and not worth its value.
If you’re skeptical of spending a little more for a SOLID all-around interface like the Motu M2/M4, heed this. It is ABSOLUTELY worth it. I say that in utmost confidence, based on all aspects of its’ functionality.
There’s more I could say, but it’s really just better to not look the gift horse in the mouth. The fact that this interface performs this well for its’ cost is fantastic and I couldn’t recommend it more.
No, this isn’t a sales pitch, I don’t work for Motu nor am I affiliated with them. I’m just a happy audiophile that was really impressed by entry-mid level gear that shouldn’t be as good as it is.
Trust me. If it matters to you at all, once you know how great these are, you’ll shill them too.
(This is for Windows only!!!)
-Right Click Sound Icon (bottom right)
-Select Sounds
-Recording Tab
-Set Default to "Loopback Mix"
And that's it, you should be all set. If it doesn't fix immediately you might have to also disable the other options, but do 1 at a time to make sure you can still record.
----REVIEW----
I got this to record my mic for voiceovers. I use a Shure SM7B with a cloud lifter. This doesn't need a cloud lifter but I already had one from my previous setup so I decided to use it so it gives me more room for more gain because without the cloud lifter the gain was set all the way to full and it would barely peak. It didn't sound bad but with the cloud lifter I can set the gain more to the 60% full which gives me a lot of room to work with.
I tested the mic with and without the cloud lifter, the cloud lifter doesn't hurt the quality at all, it sounds the same with or without but of course with the lifter the extra gain makes it a bit louder. Which sounds good with the SM7B. Maybe another mic would not benefit from this setup the same way. It's important to note that with the sound lifter you need the 48V powered on, without the sound lifter you do not with the SM7B.
Once I figured out the fix to make it so the sound records both Left & Right side I have been very happy with the setup. I like the feel of it, it's made of aluminum and the the knobs are tight and feel quality (I saw another review complaining they were loose feeling), theirs must have been broken or something because mine feel very sturdy. I also really like the monitoring screen in the front. It just looks sorta retro but also modern at the same time. It really adds to the look on my desk. The only thing I don't like is that the XLR input is in the front. I hate the look of cables going out the front, you have this beautiful simplistic front fascia and then you stick your inputs there, I can't figure out why they'd do that. It was enough of an annoyance that I almost went with the Scarlett 2i2 4th gen. Because I liked how they had the inputs at the back. I like the meters of the Motu M2 more than those knob lights but not enough to sway me on its own. I really like how the 2i2 has the auto peak protection and air mode which was almost the reason why I ended up buying it instead of the M2. But ultimately the main reason why I chose the Motu M2 > the Scarlett 2i2 is the sound quality.
At the end of the day, sound quality is all that matters. I watched a youtube video comparing the 2 and the sound clip of the M2 was much better than the 2i2. The M2 has more bass and a "follow through" when you speak. it sounds nice and is noticeably better.
At the end of the day the Motu M2 has a simplistic design retro design that I love, I used 90 degree XLR input adapters to make the cable look better now that it connects torwards the back. I think it looks a little better than a cable just looping around. It's a fantastic sounding audio interface that's absolutely the best at it's price point.
Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2024
(This is for Windows only!!!)
-Right Click Sound Icon (bottom right)
-Select Sounds
-Recording Tab
-Set Default to "Loopback Mix"
And that's it, you should be all set. If it doesn't fix immediately you might have to also disable the other options, but do 1 at a time to make sure you can still record.
----REVIEW----
I got this to record my mic for voiceovers. I use a Shure SM7B with a cloud lifter. This doesn't need a cloud lifter but I already had one from my previous setup so I decided to use it so it gives me more room for more gain because without the cloud lifter the gain was set all the way to full and it would barely peak. It didn't sound bad but with the cloud lifter I can set the gain more to the 60% full which gives me a lot of room to work with.
I tested the mic with and without the cloud lifter, the cloud lifter doesn't hurt the quality at all, it sounds the same with or without but of course with the lifter the extra gain makes it a bit louder. Which sounds good with the SM7B. Maybe another mic would not benefit from this setup the same way. It's important to note that with the sound lifter you need the 48V powered on, without the sound lifter you do not with the SM7B.
Once I figured out the fix to make it so the sound records both Left & Right side I have been very happy with the setup. I like the feel of it, it's made of aluminum and the the knobs are tight and feel quality (I saw another review complaining they were loose feeling), theirs must have been broken or something because mine feel very sturdy. I also really like the monitoring screen in the front. It just looks sorta retro but also modern at the same time. It really adds to the look on my desk. The only thing I don't like is that the XLR input is in the front. I hate the look of cables going out the front, you have this beautiful simplistic front fascia and then you stick your inputs there, I can't figure out why they'd do that. It was enough of an annoyance that I almost went with the Scarlett 2i2 4th gen. Because I liked how they had the inputs at the back. I like the meters of the Motu M2 more than those knob lights but not enough to sway me on its own. I really like how the 2i2 has the auto peak protection and air mode which was almost the reason why I ended up buying it instead of the M2. But ultimately the main reason why I chose the Motu M2 > the Scarlett 2i2 is the sound quality.
At the end of the day, sound quality is all that matters. I watched a youtube video comparing the 2 and the sound clip of the M2 was much better than the 2i2. The M2 has more bass and a "follow through" when you speak. it sounds nice and is noticeably better.
At the end of the day the Motu M2 has a simplistic design retro design that I love, I used 90 degree XLR input adapters to make the cable look better now that it connects torwards the back. I think it looks a little better than a cable just looping around. It's a fantastic sounding audio interface that's absolutely the best at it's price point.
Top reviews from other countries
Reviewed in Mexico on March 23, 2024
The knurled knobs have a pleasant damped feel to their rotation, hindering faster adjustments, but facilitating fine single-finger adjustments. The metering display is quite useful for seeing whether the preamp setting would drive the device into clipping.
The TRS sockets can feel rather heavy to insert TRS jacks into.
The loopback feature was rather useful for measuring the frequency response (transfer function) of certain VST plugins such as those for binaural HRTF rendering without having to measure it through my headphones.
Reviewed in Canada on December 8, 2023
The knurled knobs have a pleasant damped feel to their rotation, hindering faster adjustments, but facilitating fine single-finger adjustments. The metering display is quite useful for seeing whether the preamp setting would drive the device into clipping.
The TRS sockets can feel rather heavy to insert TRS jacks into.
The loopback feature was rather useful for measuring the frequency response (transfer function) of certain VST plugins such as those for binaural HRTF rendering without having to measure it through my headphones.