MOTU introduces the M6 USB-C audio interface
4,7 / 5,0 | 
MOTU expands the M series with the new M6 USB-C audio interface. With four microphone inputs, a second headphone output, and a loopback channel, the MOTU M6 lends itself not only to music production but also to podcasting and streaming.
MOTU M6
Three years after the M2 and M4, MOTU expands the affordable M series with a third USB-C audio interface. With more inputs and outputs and a couple of extra features, the new MOTU M6 is the perfect solution for those of you who need a bit more connectivity. The bus-powered interface is equipped with the same 192 kHz/24 bit ESS Sabre32 Ultra converters as its smaller siblings and some of MOTU’s much more expensive interfaces.
MOTU M6 · Source: MOTU
As the name suggests, the MOTU M6 offers six inputs: four XLR-1/4” combo inputs with preamps that accept mic, line, and Hi-Z instrument signals, and two 1/4” line inputs. What immediately strikes the eye is that MOTU has put all of the inputs on the back. While the M2 and M4 have their mic inputs on the front side like most compact desktop interfaces, the manufacturer apparently chose to reduce the clutter on the front panel by putting the jacks on the back of the M6. This also helps to keep the interface compact; four combo jacks with gain knobs on the front would have required a much larger enclosure.
For each mic/line/instrument input, there’s a gain knob on the front panel, along with phantom power and monitor switches. That’s right, you can turn phantom power on and off for each individual input at the push of a physical button. While it doesn’t seem like much, that’s the kind of stuff that can make all the difference in the workflow. Many other interfaces in this price range require you to open a software application to do these things – I’d much rather just press a button on the interface.
Source: MOTU
Six inputs and four outputs
MOTU’s level meters are among the best on the market, and the M6 offers a high-resolution meter that lets you keep an eye on all six input channels and four output channels at once. Next to it is a blend knob for dialing in the perfect balance of the input and playback signals for monitoring. Below that, you’ll find a button that lets you switch between two pairs of monitors, so the M6 also doubles as a monitor controller. Very nice!
In terms of outputs, the MOTU M6 gives you two pairs of line outputs on the back and two headphone outputs with independent volume control on the front. While the first headphone output always mirrors the signal on Monitor Outs 1/2, the second one can be switched to outputs 3/4 to provide a separate mix if needed.
In addition to this, the MOTU M6 offers a loopback channel for capturing audio from your computer. This allows you to bring in audio from applications like Zoom, Skype, or your favorite game, which is great for streaming and podcasting.
While the M6 is USB class compliant, MOTU offers dedicated USB drivers for macOS and Windows that allow for a roundtrip latency of just 2.5 milliseconds. The interface also works with iOS devices. It is bus-powered when connected to USB-C hosts, but you can also connect a DC power supply for using the interface with USB-A hosts or stand-alone.
Price and availability
The MOTU M6 is available now from Thomann* for €499.
More information about the MOTU M6
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6 responses to “MOTU introduces the M6 USB-C audio interface”
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Damn, this looks great. My M4 has been so good that I’ve put away my “nicer” large interface and just use the M4. May consider selling that one and get the M6….
well, I was waiting for this 6ins. looking for ultralite mk5 but was not happy about the input being at the front, in a rack it will work but as desktop it is not for me but this one is. was not expecting more outputs and two headphones, it’s awesome to have. in my past purchase motu M2 the buttons are not good, it wiggles and when you raise up with knobs and buttons down it seems to fall but holds on chassis, not a big deal but should have been a lot better. finally it’s out and m buying it. literally I was looking and comparing USB interface with 4ins yestery. what a coincidence 😅😅😅
Oke so you have 3 stereo inputs 🙁 That is like one drum module and two synths only you can connect. That is the amount of gear a beginner has.
They really need to step it up and make a 12 mono line input USB-C interface. Hope we not have to weight years for that, its kind of unbelievable they are so slowly rolling out to a larger USB-C interface. The headphone outputs on the front are a nice touch.
I like it how could I get one
I think music shops are a good place to start
I hope they will make an M8, I know it could overlap a bit with the ultra lite line-up, but not everybody needs a full fledged virtual mixer and I like the fact it has physical gain knobs