Very Impressive Interface!

This is my first experience with an audio interface, so I have nothing to compare it to, but I am very impressed by the MOTU Audio Express.

First, it's very solidly built, with a thick metal chassis. In fact, it's so solid that if I were to ever stop making music (HA! fat chance), I could use it as a jack stand for my SUV in a pinch without a second thought! The buttons are all tight, no wiggling or feeling like they might pop off and all inputs grab nicely. Overall great quality look and feel.

From a setup perspective, loading drivers and having my DAW see all its inputs and outputs was a breeze, although never having used an audio interface before, I did have to consult the manual in order to understand a few basic concepts, nothing major though. It's a plus that it can connect via either USB (2.0) or Firewire.

The sound is amazing and being able to record audio (vocals or instruments) with latency so close to zero it's not even worth mentioning was what blew me away! The line input sound is very clean and uncolored. The mic pre-amps also are extremely clean and I'm sure they are neither adding nor removing anything tonally. Just crisp and clear and noticeably better than recording into my 24-track hard disk recorder with the same mics.

Now, the controls are minimalist by design, meaning the few buttons have several functions depending on what mode you're in and if you've pushed any of the buttons (they are both rotary and pushable). Because of that, this baby can do more than it may seem just from looking at it. It's a bit confusing at first, but the learning curve is pretty steep (contrary to popular usage, a STEEP learning curve actually means something is EASY to learn).

As I said, I have never used an audio interface before, but if some negative fate were to befall this one, I don't think I would hesitate to buy the same thing again, unless at that time I needed more inputs or something. You can certainly get less expensive interfaces, but I doubt they'd match the quality and performance of this one, and I think you'd lay a LOT more to get quality and performance that would be noticeably better.

Outstanding!

The Motu Audio Express is a great value . It is built like a tank and the sound quality beats everything I have owned . It's made in the US! I use Presonus Studio One Pro with no issues. I loaded the Audio Desk software that came with it and it seems to be a good software,again the quality was crystal clear and the plug-ins were a nice add on. I have not tried the USB but the Firewire works great for me.
I am using a new Imac desktop.I have been playing music for 46 years and recording my own music for 10 years. I'm now 54 years old
This product was not on my radar but thanks to the pros at Sweetwater I have a great product that sounds amazing.
My Rep not only did he email me but he called to make sure everything was good! Why would you buy anywhere else when you get free support and service second to none?.WOW! and they are hear in the US not in a another country reading from a card! OUTSTANDING!

So far so good

Ive only had it for a few weeks. Its got a ton of features, great functionality, and profesional grade sound quality (minus tube preamps of course). My only gripe is that the interface controls are a bit awkward, but thats to be expected from such a small unit with so few physical knobs and buttons. Other than that, its probabaly the best audio gear purchase Ive made to date.

Motu and Motu Drivers are the Best

Purchased the MOTU Audio Express to replace a Presonus AudioBox that I and Presonus could never get to work on my i7 Windows 7 laptop. I own a MOTU 828mkIII that I use on a i7 Desktop so I know MOTU makes great products and drivers. The Audio Express drivers installed perfectly and the Audio Express worked flawlessly in both USB2 and Firewire modes from the begining. Sorry Presonus your drivers are junk. Congratulations MOTU your entire product line is supreme.