MOTU 848 Thunderbolt / USB Audio Interface

The MOTU 848 Thunderbolt/USB Audio Interface is ideal for professional producers, engineers, and creators working across multi-input recording, surround monitoring, and AVB-based studio networks.

It provides 60 simultaneous audio channels, powered by high-end ESS Sabre32 DACs for detailed audio playback and ultra-low distortion.

With 256 computer I/O channels via Thunderbolt 4 or USB4, you can integrate the 848 into any high-channel-count setup. Four mic inputs feature transparent preamps and guitar DI support, while mix control is handled through a 64-channel DSP mixer with built-in EQ, compression, reverb, and more. Flexible monitoring is built in, with a 12-output Monitor Group, A/B/C speaker switching and two headphone outputs.

Advanced routing is made easy through a matrix-style Routing Grid and virtual patchbay. Onboard AVB networking allows connection to multiple MOTU devices over long distances, without extra software or complex configuration. The included Performer Lite DAW and 6 GB of loops give you everything you need to start creating right away.

Flexible connection with massive channel count

The MOTU 848 offers universal connectivity through Thunderbolt 4 and USB4, delivering up to 256 channels of I/O with your Mac, PC or iOS device. Using the included 40 Gbps USB-C cable, the interface automatically selects the highest supported bandwidth your system can handle, while remaining backward-compatible with older USB and Thunderbolt standards.

Thunderbolt connectivity supports up to 128 channels in and out at 96 kHz, letting you work with large-format multitrack sessions or surround monitoring systems without bottlenecks. This makes the 848 an excellent hub for high-end studios, live rigs or post-production environments.

High-resolution audio with ultra-low latency

Sound quality is driven by ESS Sabre32 DAC technology, delivering 125 dB dynamic range with very low harmonic distortion. Each input and output path is designed to preserve every detail of your audio, supported by balanced analog connections that resist interference and signal degradation.

The drivers offer exceptionally low round trip latency of around 1.8 ms at 96 kHz, even when using USB, making the 848 suitable for real-time monitoring and live processing. For musicians, producers and engineers, this means reliable, clear audio without delay or compromise during tracking and mixing sessions.

Integrated DSP mixing and effects

The built-in 64-channel mixer gives you access to a wide range of mixing and signal-shaping tools, with 32-bit floating-point precision. Each input, aux and output bus features double-precision parametric EQ and compression, with high-pass filters and gates also available on input channels.

The internal routing system allows you to take input from hardware, host software, or network streams, then process it all inside the unit before sending it anywhere you like. This eliminates the need for external mixers or plugins during sessions, helping streamline your workflow and reduce computer processing load.

Control is easy from your computer or mobile device, using CueMix Pro. This app provides complete control over routing, DSP mixing and system configuration. You can even control the 848 wirelessly through your Wi-Fi network using multiple iOS devices at the same time.

Expandable and network-ready studio hub

The 848 is designed to scale with your studio through built-in AVB networking. Connect multiple 848 units or compatible MOTU interfaces over standard Ethernet using the dual Gigabit AVB ports. You can stream 128 channels in and out of the network with consistent 2 ms latency over long distances, up to 100 metres using CAT-5e or CAT-6 cabling. The interface supports daisy-chaining and full network clock sync, allowing for large and complex studio configurations without requiring extra interfaces or converters.

The Routing Grid provides a clear overview of all connections, letting you manage hundreds of routes with drag-and-drop ease. It’s an ideal solution for post-production facilities, live setups, or any studio environment that needs flexibility without sacrificing audio quality or stability.

Studio-ready I/O and advanced features

Alongside its digital features, the 848 offers four high-performance mic preamps with 48V phantom power, remote gain control and hi-Z support for guitars. Two of these mic inputs include insert loops for integrating outboard gear directly into your signal path. You also get two headphone outputs with independent control, 16 channels of optical I/O and DC-coupled analog outputs for CV control of modular synths.

Flexible monitoring is built into the front panel, including a talkback mic, monitor level control and A/B/C speaker switching. A 12-channel Monitor Group lets you manage surround setups like 5.1 or 7.1.4 with a single fader, making the 848 well-suited for immersive audio environments. Loopback routing is available for streaming and podcasting, letting you mix computer output with live inputs effortlessly.

Includes production software and creative tools

The MOTU 848 comes bundled with Performer Lite, a full-featured DAW for recording, editing and mixing music. It includes over 100 virtual instruments and dozens of built-in effects, covering everything from orchestral to electronic sounds. You also get 6 GB of royalty-free loops and one-shots from Loopmasters, Lucidsamples and Big Fish Audio to get your ideas flowing right away. Just plug in your mic, keyboard or guitar and start producing.

Features

• High-fidelity analog sound powered by ESS Sabre32 DAC with 125 dB dynamic range and ultra-low distortion
• Universal compatibility via Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 for Mac, PC and iOS with up to 40 Gbps speed and full backward compatibility
• Massive I/O bandwidth with 256 audio channels (128 in, 128 out) over Thunderbolt or USB at 96 kHz
• Simultaneous 60 audio channels with 28 inputs and 32 outputs for comprehensive studio integration
• Optimized drivers deliver ultra-low latency, achieving ~1.8 ms round trip at 96 kHz with 32-sample buffer
• Daisy-chain up to six Thunderbolt devices with 40 Gbps bandwidth for seamless integration of audio, video and storage
• Four high-performance mic preamps with remote control, individual gain, pad, phantom power and hi-Z guitar inputs
• Mic inputs 3-4 feature analog insert loops for outboard gear or can function as additional balanced line inputs
• Flexible monitor group control over up to 12 analog outputs for surround sound systems including 5.1 and 7.1.4
• Front-panel A/B/C monitor switching and talkback function for streamlined session control
• 64-channel internal mixer with 32-bit float precision, EQ, compression, HPF, gate and extensive bus routing
• Intuitive patchbay with drag-and-drop routing from any source to any destination, including signal splitting
• Advanced matrix routing interface for managing complex workflows with real-time signal metering
• Integrated AVB networking with dual Gigabit ports for scalable system expansion and ultra-low latency
• AVB supports up to 256 network audio channels and seamless device sync over long cable runs
• AVB is plug-and-play with guaranteed uninterrupted streams and flexible daisy-chain or switch-based topologies
• AVB-compatible with legacy MOTU devices and supports multiple host computers on the same network
• All-in-one control with CueMix Pro software for macOS, Windows and iOS, accessible wirelessly via Wi-Fi
• Wireless mixing and device management from iPhones and iPads with simultaneous multi-device access
• Balanced analog I/O with protection against interference, hum and environmental noise
• Two optical banks for up to 16 ADAT or 8 S/MUX channels, expandable with other optical gear
• Customizable meter views for analog and digital I/O to support different workflows
• Dual headphone outputs with independent volume, source selection and mix assignment
• Loopback functionality for live streaming and podcasting by routing outputs back to your DAW
• DC-coupled analog outputs enable CV control for modular synthesizers from your DAW
• Includes Performer Lite software for recording, editing, mixing and mastering
• Performer Lite features over 100 virtual instruments and dozens of built-in effects and guitar processing
• Comes with 6 GB of royalty-free loops and samples from Big Fish Audio, Lucidsamples and Loopmasters

Specifications

• Sample Rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 KHz
• Mic/Line/Instr Inputs: 4 X XLR/TRS "Combo" Jacks
• Pad And Phantom Power: Individual -20 dB Pad And 48V Phantom Power
• Preamp Gain: +74 dB In 1 dB Increments
• Input Impedance: 1 MΩ On The Line/Instr Inputs
• Channel Inserts: Independent Balanced Send/Return Inserts On Channels 3-4
• Product Code: MOTU-848

Analog Inputs

• Line Inputs: 8 X 1/4-Inch TRS Line In (Balanced/Unbalanced)
• Insert Returns: 2 X 1/4-Inch Insert Returns Function As Balanced TRS Line Inputs (With No Mic Inputs Connected)
• Maximum Input Level: +21 dBu
• Digital Gain: +20 dB Digital Gain On Each Input

Analog Outputs

• Line Outputs: 12 X 1/4-Inch TRS Line Out (Balanced, DC Coupled)
• Maximum Output Level: +21 dBu
• Digital Trim: -99 dB Digital Trim On Each Output
• Headphone Outputs: 2 X 1/4-Inch TRS Stereo Headphone

Digital I/O

• ADAT I/O: 2 Banks (16 Ch) Of ADAT Optical I/O At 1x Sample Rates
• S/MUX I/O: 2 Banks (8 Ch) Of S/MUX Optical I/O At 2x Sample Rates
• TOSLink I/O: Bank A Switchable To Stereo TOSLink I/O (Optical S/PDIF)

Computer I/O

• Ports: 2 X Thunderbolt 4 / USB 4.1 (40 Gbps) Type C
• Compatibility: USB3 / USB2 Compatible
• USB Class Compliant: USB Audio Class Compliant (No Driver Needed)
• Included Cable: 1 X Thunderbolt-Compatible / USB4 GEN3 C-To-C Cable
• Cable Specs: 40 Gbps / 240W, 2 Meters, Included, Provides 15W Power Downstream / 0W Upstream
• USB2 Type A Support: Compatible With USB2 Type A With A C-To-A Cable (Sold Separately)
• Round Trip Latency (RTL): ~1.8 ms (32 Sample Buffer At 96K)
• Total Audio Channels: See "Total Audio I/O" Below

Total Audio I/O

• 1x Sample Rates: 28 In / 32 Out (60 Total Channels)
• 2x Sample Rates: 20 In / 24 Out (44 Total Channels)
• 4x Sample Rates: 12 In / 16 Out (28 Total Channels)

Headphone

• Outputs: 2 X 1/4-Inch TRS Stereo Headphones
• Output Impedance: <1Ω
• Maximum Output: 13.3 dBu

Networking

• Ethernet Ports: 2x Gigabit AVB Ethernet Ports
• Streams At ≤96 kHz: 16 AVB Streams In/Out
• Streams At 176.4/192 kHz: 8 AVB Streams In/Out
• Channels Per Stream: 1–8 Audio Channels Configurable Per Stream
• Maximum Channels: Up To 128 Audio Channels In & Out (Up To 96 kHz)
• Protocol Support: Supports 1722.1 For Connection Management And Control
• Stream Formats: Supports AAF Stream Formats & Legacy AM8-24 Format
• Configurable Format: Stream Format Configurable Per Stream

Sync I/O

• Word Clock In: 1 X BNC
• Word Clock Out/Thru: 1 X BNC
• Sample Rates: All (From 44.1 To 192 KHz)

Front Panel

• Headphone Outputs: 2 X 1/4" TRS
• Encoders: 2 X Headphone Volume, 4 X Preamp Gain, 1 X Menu Navigation, 1 X Main Volume
• Switches: 8 X (4 PAD And 4 48V), 6 X Control Room, 2 X Menu Navigation
• Display: 1 X 3.9-Inch 480 X 128 Pixel 24-Bit RGB TFT Display
• Power Button: 1 X Latching Power Button

Power

• Type: Internal 100-240V Autoswitching Supply
• Frequency: 50-60 Hz
• Current: 1.0A Max

Dimensions And Weight

• Dimensions (W x D x H): 19 X 12.25 X 1.75 Inches / 48.26 X 31.1 X 4.44 Cm
• Weight: 11 Lbs / 5 Kgs

System Requirements Mac System Requirements

• Processor: Intel Core I3 Mac Or Faster (Including Apple Silicon Macs)
• RAM: 4 GB RAM; 8 GB Or More Recommended
• OS: macOS 12 Or Later (With Driver Or USB Class Compliant)
• Ports: Available Thunderbolt 3+ Or USB Port
• Storage: A Large Hard Drive (At Least 500 GB For Recording)

Windows System Requirements

• Processor: Intel Core I3 PC (Or AMD Equivalent)
• RAM: 4 GB RAM; 8 GB Or More Recommended
• OS: Windows 10 22H2 Or Later (X64 AMD/Intel Only), Windows 11 23H2 Or Later (X64 AMD/Intel Only)
• Ports: Available Thunderbolt 3+ Or USB Port
• Storage: A Large Hard Drive (At Least 500 GB For Recording)

iOS System Requirements

• OS: iOS 17.5 Or Later*

Class-Compliant Support

• Support: USB Audio Class Compliant For Plug-And-Play Operation On macOS Or iOS (No Driver Required)

Included Software

• CueMix Pro: For macOS, Windows And iOS
• Drivers: For macOS, Windows And iOS**
• MOTU Performer Lite: For macOS And Windows
• Loops And Sounds: 6 GB Of Loops And Sounds From Big Fish Audio, LucidSamples, Loopmasters And MOTU