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MOTU 24Ao USB / AVB / iOS Interface

AVB-equipped Network/USB 2.0/iOS Audio Interface with 24 Analog Outputs on DB-25/Phoenix Connectors, 24-channels of ADAT Optical I/O, and Word Clock I/O - Mac/PC
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MOTU 24Ao USB / AVB / iOS Interface
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AVB Delivers the Outputs You Need

Like the rest of MOTU's popular AVB-equipped audio interfaces, the 24Ao lets you send a ton of audio across a standard network and get low latency, high quality, and powerful DSP mixing options. This 24Ao was designed with line-level output in mind, and it's 24 channels of analog output are ideal if you need to send audio to your front-of-house mixer, your studio processing rig, or your analog summing amplifier. The internal mixer includes all kinds of DSP processing, summing, and routing options too, and between its high-speed USB 2.0 connectivity and additional 24 channels of ADAT optical I/O, the MOTU 24Ao fits into any kind of audio rig.

Tons of high-quality connections packed into a single-rackspace audio interface

It doesn't matter if you prefer DB-25 D-subs or Phoenix plugs, the MOTU 24Ao makes connecting up to 24 analog line channels a piece of cake. Capable of 123dB of dynamic range, the 24Ao is the perfect last step in the digital signal path before your analog summing mixer, live mixing console, studio racks, or any number of other audio destinations. What's more, there are three pairs of ADAT optical ports onboard, offering an additional 24 channels of digital I/O via USB 2.0 or AVB network.

DSP-fueled mixer onboard gives you the added benefit of EQ, compression, and effects

The MOTU 24Ao's onboard DSP mixer offers a number of advantages you'll find useful in a variety of settings. For starters, this digital mixer supports up to 48 inputs and 12 stereo busses, allowing you to set up extremely complex routing schemes completely independent of your computer. In fact, if you connect a wireless router to your 24Ao, you can access all of its internal mixing functions, including effects and processing, via an app on your iOS device, turning this powerful audio interface into a fully capable standalone mixer. Speaking of onboard processing and effects, whether you're in the studio or onstage with your 24Ao, you'll find a ton of uses for its DSP EQ, compression, gate, and reverb.

Expand your production system with additional AVB networkable audio interfaces

Another extremely cool use of the 24Ao's Ethernet connection is the ability to link more MOTU AVB equipped audio interfaces to it. You can do this in one of two ways: directly via a simple Ethernet cable or as part of an audio network via one or more MOTU AVB Switch. If you go with just a single Ethernet cable, you can easily link a second 24Ao or other AVB ready device directly to your first one. With MOTU AVB Switches, you can create an audio network of up to five units, potentially linking hundreds of channels of I/O across multiple rooms. And since it's all over standard Cat-5e Ethernet cable, latency or cable runs aren't an issue.

MOTU 24Ao AVB Network/USB 2.0 Audio Interface Features:

  • A versatile 24-in/48-out network audio interface for studio and live sound applications
  • Choose from ultra-low-latency Thunderbolt, high-speed USB 2.0, or iPad/iOS (w/ Camera Connection Kit) connectivity
  • 24 high-quality analog outputs are available on both DB-25 D-sub connectors and Phoenix connectors
  • 24-channels of ADAT optical digital I/O lets you expand your system with additional gear
  • Onboard 32-bit floating point DSP-driven digital mixer with EQ, dynamics, and effects provides latency-free routing
  • Hook up a wireless router and take complete control of the onboard mixer from your iOS device - no computer needed!
  • AVB audio networking lets you easily expand your system and additional AVB equipped audio interfaces
  • Create an AVB network via optional AVB Switches for support for up to five compatible interfaces

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Tech Specs

  • Computer Connectivity: USB 2.0
  • Form Factor: Rackmount
  • Simultaneous I/O: 24 x 48
  • Analog Outputs: 3 x DB-25 (DC coupled), 6 x Phoenix
  • Digital Inputs: 3 x Optical (ADAT)
  • Digital Outputs: 3 x Optical (ADAT)
  • USB: 1 x Type B
  • Data I/O: 1 x Ethernet
  • Network: AVB
  • Clock I/O: In, Out/Thru
  • OS Requirements - Mac: iOS/iPad compatible (with camera connection kit)
  • OS Requirements - PC: USB 2.0 audio class compliant hosts
  • Rack Spaces: 1U
  • Height: 1.75"
  • Width: 19"
  • Manufacturer Part Number: 9335

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 4.5/5

Great hardware, software a little buggy

This is a great piece of hardware. I use it in combination with an 828. The 24ao provides 24 channels out from my DAW into my summing console (an API The Box 2). It works great in this application. I have no complaints about the sound quality of the D/A conversion. The AVB connectivity with the 828 and DB25 connectors for the console make integrating it into my system a breeze.

I wish it had a thunderbolt connector and I'd give up one of the ADAT banks in a heartbeat to have a SPDIF i/o included, but those are minor gripes and I understand others would have differing opinions depending on their studio configuration/needs.

The routing and mixing software is where this lacks a little. Yes, the routing and the mixer options are very powerful and flexible, but it can be a little buggy, and there is a little learning curve on the software. Occasionally the software doesn't load or doesn't recognize that a unit is connected, I've had routing not work correctly and then go back to working after a reboot, and other little quirks. That said, the learning curve isn't too bad and the issues i've had have been pretty minor and infrequent.

Overall, solid piece of hardware at a reasonable price.
Music background: 30 years of writing, recording, mixing, and producing
Rated 5/5

MOTU 24Ao USB/AVB/iOS Interface

We are using the MOTU 24Ai sound cards as well as 24Ao for our measurement system. The big plus it the routing table which we can customize for our system requirements.
Onces we flash the presets in interface setup it could work as a standalone card. System works stable and it's very flexible and solid.
Rated 4.5/5

MOTU 24AO Another MOTU winner!

So Ive been using MOTU gear for several years now. Ive gone through several of the current offerings and for the last few years Ive been running (3) 828 Mk3 Hybrids via USB and light pipe.

I lose a little because the 24AO doesnt do MIDI. Boo hoo. It doesnt do sp/dif Boo Hoo. It does what it is intended to do which is bring 24 channels of audio via DB25 into the summing boxes or mixer. I use the adat ins to handle my outboard mic preamps.

It sets up as easy as any other MOTU interface. I bought a demo model. Sold off the 828's.

I buy pretty much everything at Sweetwater. You cant go wrong with their customer service and selection of great gear.
Music background: Guitarist, Singer, Songwriter, Producer
Rated 4/5

Summing

Works pretty great hooked up to my 1248 as outputs for the Dangerous 2bus lt.
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