From MOTU
The MOTU Audio Express is a compact, versatile audio interface designed to provide professional recording, monitoring, and mixing capabilities for musicians, producers, and project studios. Featuring MOTU's Hybrid interface technology, the Audio Express connects to Mac and Windows computers via either FireWire or high-speed USB 2.0, offering flexible compatibility across a wide range of recording systems.
The interface provides six inputs and six outputs, including two high-quality microphone/instrument preamps with XLR/TRS combo connectors, switchable 48V phantom power, and high-impedance instrument inputs for direct recording of guitars and basses. Additional balanced line-level inputs and stereo S/PDIF digital I/O allow easy integration of keyboards, outboard gear, and digital audio devices.
At the heart of the Audio Express is an onboard 8-bus digital mixer that allows all inputs to be routed and mixed independently to multiple output destinations. Users can create separate mixes for the main outputs, line outputs, headphone output, and S/PDIF output, making the unit equally useful as a recording interface, monitor controller, or standalone live mixer.
The Audio Express supports recording at resolutions up to 24-bit/96kHz and incorporates MOTU's Precision Digital Trim technology, providing digitally controlled analog gain adjustments for accurate input balancing and repeatable settings. Front-panel controls offer immediate access to input levels and monitoring functions, while detailed LED metering provides clear visual feedback during recording and playback.
Included CueMix FX software provides comprehensive routing and monitoring control from the computer, enabling low-latency monitoring and flexible signal management without placing additional load on the host DAW. The interface can also operate as a standalone mixer without a computer connected, making it well suited for live performance and mobile recording applications.
Compact, reliable, and easy to integrate into virtually any setup, the MOTU Audio Express delivers professional audio quality, flexible routing, and hybrid connectivity in a portable package suited for recording, mixing, and live production environments.
- Display
- 4x Multi-Segment LED Meter
- Channels of I/O
- 6 Input / 6 Output
- Maximum Sampling Rate
- 96 kHz / 24-Bit
- Number of Microphone Inputs
- 2
Connectivity
- Analog Audio I/O
-
- 2x Combo XLR-1/4" TS Mic/Hi-Z Input
- 2x 1/4" TRS Line Input
- 4x 1/4" TRS Line Output
- 1x 1/4" TRS Headphone Output
- Phantom Power
- 48 V (Selectable on Individual Inputs)
- Digital Audio I/O
-
- 1x RCA Coaxial S/PDIF Input
- 1x RCA Coaxial S/PDIF Output
- Host Connection / USB
-
- 1x FireWire 6-Pin
- 1x USB-B
- Host Connection Protocol
-
- FireWire 400
- USB 2.0
- MIDI I/O
-
- 1x DIN 5-Pin Input
- 1x DIN 5-Pin Output
- Other I/O
- 1x 1/4" TS Footswitch Input
Digital Audio
- Sample Rates
- Up to 96 kHz
- Bit Depths
- 24-Bit
- Clocking
- Internal
Compatibility
- OS Compatibility
- macOS 10.5 or Later / Windows
- Processor Requirement
-
- Mac: 1 GHz PowerPC G4
- PC: 1 GHz Intel Pentium 4
- RAM Requirements
- 1 GB, 2 GB Recommended
- Storage Requirements
- 100 GB
- Required Hardware
- Available USB 2.0 Port
Power
- Power Requirements
- AC/DC Power Adapter (Included), FireWire Bus Power, USB Bus Power
- AC/DC Power Adapter
- 9 to 18 VDC (Included)
Physical
- Dimensions
- 9.5 x 7 x 1.75" / 241 x 178 x 45 mm
- Package Weight
- 4.815 lb
- Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
- 14.95 x 11.55 x 5.45"
Free 3-Year Warranty
Sound Pure stands behind our products. Free three-year warranty on this item. Coverage exclusions live in Terms & Conditions, Section 27.
Level of support and expertise that simply isn't available at big-box megastores. Read the warranty →
Returns
This item is not eligible for the Try-Before-You-Buy 48-hour audition. Standard return policy applies — see Terms & Conditions, Section 18 for details.
You may also like
Browse Multi-Channel Interfaces →
Recommended accessories
Sound Pure Studios · Durham, NC
Come hear it in our control rooms.
Sound Pure is a working studio in Durham, NC — a 1,000 sq ft live room and two pro control rooms. Book a session to audition gear in a world-class acoustic space before you buy.