MOTU 848 Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 Audio Interface

The MOTU 848 Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 audio interface isn’t just about more ins and outs—it’s about giving producers and engineers a rock-solid backbone for complex projects. This rackmount unit runs a 28-in/32-out configuration over Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 for blazing-fast performance across macOS, Windows and iOS. Powered by an ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC, it pushes up to 125dB of dynamic range with -114dB THD+N, so every detail comes through clean. A bright 3.9" color display puts metering and control up front, while dual headphone outs, four combo XLR/TRS inputs and 12 balanced line outs cover everything from Dolby Atmos setups to modular synth rigs. Built for multi-room studios and live venues, the 848 is about reliability under pressure—whether you’re tracking a full band or running hundreds of channels across an AVB network.

Work Fast With the MOTU Thunderbolt 4 and USB4

Speed matters when you’re juggling big sessions, and the MOTU 848 keeps latency down to less than 1.9ms at 96kHz. Connect it to Mac, PC or iPad using the included C-to-C cable, with full backwards compatibility for USB3 and USB2 when you need it. Two Thunderbolt ports make daisy-chaining monitors, drives or docks simple, giving your studio flexibility without the hassle. With 40Gbps throughput, this interface is ready for real-time tracking and tight monitoring without lag getting in the way.

MOTU ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC Delivers Pristine Conversion

Conversion can make or break a session, and here it’s dialed. The ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC pushes every output to 125dB of dynamic range with -114dB THD+N for crystal clarity. Four rear combo jacks handle mic, line and instrument signals with low noise and plenty of gain, while dedicated send/return inserts on channels 3 and 4 make hardware processing easy. Engineers can fine-tune each analog I/O in precise 1dB steps, and DC-coupled outputs give modular synth users direct control. It’s detail-minded design made for demanding ears.

AVB Networking Expands Studio and Stage Workflows

When projects outgrow a single rack, the 848 scales with you. Built-in AVB networking supports up to eight units linked over Ethernet, each sending and receiving up to 128 audio channels. Dual Gigabit ports mean you can connect multiple rooms, computers or venues with ease. Already using MOTU AVB gear? This unit works seamlessly with previous models, making expansion straightforward. It’s a networked backbone that lets you route and share audio across spaces without losing quality or time.

Rackmount Build With Hands-On Control

Busy sessions demand hardware that holds up, and the 848’s steel chassis is ready for the long haul in the studio or on the road. The 1U rackmount design keeps your footprint tight while still offering deep control: a 3.9" color display handles metering and menus, and front-panel controls put preamp gain, pad, phantom power and talkback right under your fingers. Around back you’ll find 12 balanced outputs, eight line inputs, dual ADAT banks, word clock and Thunderbolt/USB-C ports—every connection clearly labeled for fast setup and troubleshooting.

Built on MOTU’s Legacy of Professional Audio

MOTU has been building trusted audio interfaces since 1980, and the 848 carries that reputation into today’s studios. Producers, engineers and technicians working on immersive mixes, large ensembles or modular synth rigs rely on this interface to keep sessions flowing smoothly. The combination of high-speed connectivity, flexible I/O and rock-solid metering makes it easier to manage heavy channel counts without compromising sound. With real-time control and deep network integration, the 848 delivers what MOTU has always promised—gear that lets musicians focus on the music.