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MOTU 1248 32x34 Thunderbolt / USB 2.0 Audio Interface with AVB

32-in/34-out Hybrid Thunderbolt/USB 2.0/iOS Audio Interface with 4 Mic Pres, 2 DI, 8 x 12 Line-level I/O, ADAT and S/PDIF Digital I/O, AVB Ethernet - Compatibility, and 48-channel DSP Mixer Onboard with Processing and Effects - Mac/PC
15 Write review Item ID: 1248
$1,495.00

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MOTU 1248 32x34 Thunderbolt / USB 2.0 Audio Interface with AVB
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Base Your Rig Around This Flexible Interface!

There are tons of cool ways to use the MOTU 1248 hybrid audio interface, ranging from modest one-room studios to multi-room production houses or full-blown live-sound applications. However you put your 1248 to work, we're sure you'll appreciate its exquisite sound quality and extremely flexible I/O. In all, you get 32 inputs and 34 outputs, including a flexible 8 x 12 analog section. Four stellar MOTU preamps provide clean and clear amplification, and extremely high-speed Thunderbolt connectivity makes latency a total nonissue. Onboard the 1248 you'll find a powerful DSP mixer complete with effects, EQ, and dynamics. MOTU AVB Ethernet lets you network multiple interfaces to your 1248, and advanced capabilities even let you use it as a standalone, iPad-controlled digital mixer.

Related Videos: 1248 32x34 Thunderbolt / USB 2.0 Audio Interface with AVB

Classic MOTU audio quality with the shockingly low latency of Thunderbolt connectivity

Sweetwater and MOTU have had a wonderful and long relationship, largely because they manage to deliver such exceptionally high-quality sound with every product they make, offering our customers superb sound at remarkably affordable prices. The 1248 follows this legacy without fail, packing a total of 32 inputs and 34 outputs into a great-sounding and fantastically affordable 1U frame. This includes an 8-in/12-out analog I/O with four stellar microphone preamps, two guitar inputs, and both a noise rating (-110dB THD+N) and dynamic range (123dB, A-weighted, 20Hz-20kHz) that stand up to some of the most impressive gear on the market. On top of that, the 1248 offers you 18 channels of digital I/O on ADAT and S/PDIF, and with its ultra-fast Thunderbolt connectivity (in addition to USB 2.0), you could hardly ask for less system latency.

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

Granted, with the MOTU 1248's extremely fast Thunderbolt connection, system latency isn't much of an issue to begin with, but the onboard DSP mixer still offers a number of advantages you'll find useful in a variety of settings, such as when you're connected via USB. For starters, this digital mixer supports up to 48 inputs (via AVB expansion) 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 1248, 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 1248, 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 1248'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 1248 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 1248 Hybrid Audio Interface Features:

  • A fantastic 32-in/34-out hybrid audio interface for studio and live sound applications
  • 4 pristine microphone preamplifiers offer clear and transparent sound of any kind of microphone
  • ADAT optical and S/PDIF digital I/O let you expand your system with additional gear
  • Choose from ultra-low-latency Thunderbolt, high-speed USB 2.0, or iPad/iOS (w/ Camera Connection Kit) connectivity
  • 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!
  • MOTU's 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: 1 x Thunderbolt, 1 x USB 2.0 Type B
  • Form Factor: Rackmount
  • Simultaneous I/O: 32 x 34
  • A/D Resolution: 24-bit/192kHz
  • Built In DSP/FX: Yes
  • Number of Preamps: 4
  • Phantom Power: Yes
  • Analog Inputs: 4 x XLR, 8 x 1/4" TRS, 2 x 1/4" (hi-Z)
  • Analog Outputs: 12 x 1/4" TRS (line out, DC coupled)
  • Digital Inputs: 2 x Optical (ADAT, SMUX), 1 x Coaxial (S/PDIF)
  • Digital Outputs: 2 x Optical (ADAT, SMUX), 1 x Coaxial (S/PDIF)
  • Headphones: 2 x 1/4"
  • Thunderbolt: 1 x Thunderbolt 2
  • Data I/O: Ethernet
  • Network: AVB
  • Clock I/O: In, Out/Thru
  • OS Requirements - Mac: 1GHz Intel CPU or higher, 4GB RAM or more recommended, OS X 10.8 or later, iOS/iPad compatible (with camera connection kit)
  • OS Requirements - PC: 1GHz Intel compatible processor or higher, 4GB RAM or more recommended, Windows 7 or later, USB 2.0 audio class compliant hosts
  • Rack Spaces: 1U
  • Height: 1.75"
  • Width: 19"
  • Manufacturer Part Number: 9300

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Customer Reviews

4.4 out of 5

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Wow

I upgraded from the Scarlett 18i20 and what a difference! I'm an average bedroom jammer with a fairly simple home studio with some outboard gear and primarily record metal guitars. The first thing I did was test old mixes and immediately noticed bad frequencies popping out that the 18i20 simply didn't reveal.
To verify I wasn't hearing things or that my ears didn't magically get better in one day, I set out to use the same amp and outboard settings and re record my last project, only this time with the 1248.

Setup:
My cab was triple mic'd running directly to the Motu XLR pres. All three channels eventually go through outboard channel strips for EQ. While I wish there was a way for people in my situation to bypass the interface pres while still using phantom power to enable you to simply convert mic level to line to DAW, to avoid double preamping, all I can do for now is minimize interface coloration. To do this I turn my source up (amp... too bad for the neighbors) to enable me to turn the preamp down. Fortunately the 1248 also allows you to control not only analog output but also input levels! From there I turn the input/output down when routing out to my channel strip forcing me to use the outboard channel strip's gain and output which effectively reduces coloration and replaces it with the outboard gear's coloration. While this is not a perfect technique, it does help and is made possible thanks to Motu. I use this method since I'm only one person and can't mix and track at the same time. Not only do I have an amp blasting feet away from me making it impossible to hear my monitors to mix but you also can't track while your monitors are on( in the same room) in the first place to avoid bleed through of your monitors to your mics! I use drum headphones to track to a click track, which works great, especially when layering guitars! Unless you have a control room or have settings you know work, this is the only method available for average home studios micing cabs that I found works best. It also allows you to tediously tweak channel strip EQ's after they've been recorded which is essential when using multiple channel strips for tone shaping - since each mic track will sound like s*** solo'd but when combined sound magical, unlike using a single mic where you're just making that one mic sound good.

Mixing:
The 1248 wasn't forgiving in those problem frequencies mentioned earlier. So I wasn't hearing things! It forced me to make the needed EQ corrections. In short, what sounded good on the 18i20 was noticeably bad on the 1248. More pleasing was that these fairly subtle corrections translated in a hugely noticeable improvement in the car stereo and after-market computer speakers!.. something I was not expecting, not that big of a difference anyway. There is also a clarity improvement from my previous unit, not only can I hear each guitar take better in a mix but even individual mics almost as if they were recorded separately especially the room mic. This new depth is really what helped me find those frequency build ups through my monitors.

The web app routing and mixing controls took getting used to. They're flexible, but not intuitive. To do something as simple as tracking with headphones while muting only the monitors isn't something you can do by ONLY the routing matrix in the web app(otherwise muting the monitors also mutes your headphones). In the web app you need to send your computer out to a MIX along with your mic's then route that signal back to your computer. This was something not covered in any tutorial. Routing for outboard processing was much easier and does not require a mix. Once you get the idea of how it works its not that bad. The flexibility is pretty amazing.

OS: Windows 10 with USB2


Cons:
*Routing learning curve
*No wireless connectivity to your router for firmware updates and connection for use of the wireless app feature.
*Cannot use internal DSP effects at 192 resolution
*DSP effects are not like traditional plugins and cannot be used in your DAW without an additional routing headache in both the web app and your DAW (why not use traditional plugins that run off the units DSP similar to the Antelope Orion?)
*Not able to use phantom power or dynamic mic while bypassing the preamp completely and just convert mic signal to line to record directly to DAW for later use of hardware. Although any extra coloration does seem minimal this issue needs to be addressed especially for home studio's in my situation where we are stuck with the recording technique mentioned earlier.

Overall, there are features I'll never use or make the most of but with audio quality alone it's worth the cost especially those costing over $1,000 more with identical specs.
by Regular Guy from USA on
Music background: 24 years of awesome riffage

Motu 1248

I've owned a Lynx Aurora 16 TB, Avid 192 I/O, and Antelope Orion 32, and Orion Studio, and this Motu 1248 sounds as good and in some cases BETTER than the interlaces listed.
The control panel software take a bit of getting use to, but once you get the hang of it, it's amazing the various routing and cue mixes you can make and SAFE.
I was a big skeptic, of MOTU, but I bought this with the condition a could return it, well I had a Orion Studio, and the MOTU at the same time, and every blind fold test I ran, with other people, they all choose the MOTU, now the difference IMO is that the MOTU sounds more focused,but the Orion, and a nice image, so it is really really close between the two, but when it came down to picking one the 4 deciding factors where:
1-Sound
2-Motu Thunderbolt works on Windows 10 and Mac OS X, and it's really rock solid
3-The control software was more flexible,and you can network
4-Finally the price, save yourself the $ difference, if sound is all your after, the MOTU sounds VERY good !
by Tommy from Los Angeles on

I'm into it

Sounds great, works great, elegant under the hood and tough on the outside. Not a huge footprint and plays nice with my older non-TB Mac. Recommended!
by N on
Music background: Producer/engineer/musician

Great Interface...Especially For DP Users

I got the MOTU 1248 as an upgrade from my 828Mk3 Hybrid. I use DP 8 for my DAW with various mic pre's and a bunch of plug ins (mostly Waves). I have been using this unit pretty consistently for the last few weeks and so far it has been great! It's very stable...I've yet to have a hardware crash. The Thunderbolt speed is awesome too. Very clean A/D and D/A converters. The main reason I got the 1248 was for the new mixer that MOTU has designed to go with it. It's by far my favorite part as I was never really a fan of Cue Mix. This new mixer is very intuitive and gives you so much flexibility for routing signal, mixing, and monitoring. It's basically a slick digital mixer in software form. It's also web-based so you can launch the mixer on your computer or mobile device and as long as you are on the same network any device will interface with your mixer and by extension your DAW. I haven't used the networking function with this interface as I work pretty independently and don't do much collaboration with other engineers (sadly enough). I am confident the 1248 will work very well with any major DAW out there but my only experience is with DP. I figure its best to keep the audio components "in the family". If you are looking to start a DAW studio or upgrade your current audio interface this one I highly recommend!
by Aaron from Pleasanton, CA on

A significant, very musical tool...

There are a few really good audio interface companies who have created sound advances over the past few years. My old audio interface finally started failing a few months ago, so I started reading up, ahead of the inevitable, on the latest products. I was interested in a Windows capable tool, with the latest adac technology, respectable preamp architecture, expandable and under 2000 dollars. Comparing that list, with each offering out there, and the new MOTU AVB product line came up. so - I decided to give it a go...

Being a very different architecture, there was a leaning curve to it.. I had to load new firmware, wrap my head around routing and the AVB architecture, get it to fit my needs with its broad flexibility, but it was worth it. With CAT 5 cabling throughout my house, every room became a recording session possibility and that's pretty sweet. Next, at 60 db, the mic pre's do a good job - clean, transparent. It's coverters are the same found in a unit costing many hundreds of dollars more. I use Sonar Platnum and while it's a pretty complex device, I had it installed and working well in under an hour.

I had a piece that I just mixed and mastered (I use that term loosely) so I simply took that work, re-output a new mix, and master. No tweeking. To my ears, there was a definite difference between the old 828mkII version, and the 1248 version. Wider stereo field, fine details came out., less smear. Much better. I then re-recorded the entire song sans vocals - drums - acoustic guitars - electrics - bass. I grew to like the large screen display, and relied on the BIG vu meters to dial in finer detail during setup. Then mixed, mastered (no change in the mastering tweeks to keep variations under some control) and compared the old and new versions. The 1248 preamps are definitely clean, and deliver a great value overall.

As of today, they do not have a Windows based Lightning driver. That's not a problem for me. The USB2 driver is fast, and can easily handle a small project studio like mine. I found that the web based server incorporated into the device pretty cool when hooked up to a wifi router. I can change my monitor mix in another room no problem.

I was on the edge about giving it a 4.5 instead of a 5 because I really wanted it to be completely plug and play, but you know what? Read up on the net out there. You'll find that MOTU's evangelists have been very active and truthful about what's in the product, it's direction and the like. With everything that's packed into this hardware, the superb sound on both ad and da converters, routing flexibility, AVB to add other units in, easy firmware updates, it really is worth a 5. Good job MOTU, and Lindsey at Sweetwater.

L
by Lance on
Music background: 35 years of having a musical it that just won't stay scratched
See also: ethernet interfaces, MOTU, MOTU Thunderbolt Audio Interfaces, MOTU USB Audio Interfaces, MOTU Ethernet Audio Interfaces
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