Today, we have the MOTU M6 audio interface with four XLR mic inputs for review. Let's take a look at what this new product can do and compare it with the MOTU M2 and M4 audio interfaces. With the release of the M6, MOTU continues building on the success of its most affordable M Series USB interfaces. The entry-level models, the M2 and M4, remain best sellers, but they lack the ability to increase the number of channels. If you need to record more than two channels, you must look at the more expensive, advanced senior models. The six-channel MOTU M6 was designed to fill this gap, offering four independent microphone inputs and two line inputs.
The M6 has many of the same features as the junior models. That is, it has the same excellent preamps, ADCs, and DACs that have already been proven in the MOTU M2 and MOTU M4 interfaces (the following links contain our in-depth reviews of these audio interface models). According to the manufacturer's measurements, the Round Trip Latency value is 2.5 ms with a 32-sample buffer at 96 kHz. USB bus power is possible, but only with a modern USB port that can provide sufficient current. Otherwise, you will need to use the included 15W power supply. But we'll talk more about all this in our MOTU M6 review, first let's have a look at the specifications of the device, as usual.
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Best Price on MOTU M6 Audio Interface
The MOTU M6 is one of the best 6x4 I/O interfaces in its price range. Elite-level sound quality, pro-style metering, and versatile I/O make it ideal for musicians, streamers, producers, etc. |
Classic Package
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Full technical specifications can be found at the moment only in the updated manual available at the link for the whole line of M2/M4/M6 audio interfaces. They are the same for all models, so it is worth choosing only those functions that the user really needs.
The MOTU M6 is more than just an upgraded version of the M2/M4 with an increased number of inputs. First, the manufacturer has abandoned RCA connectors, suggesting that this device is intended for professionals. Second, you can switch between two pairs of monitors by pressing the A/B button. Third, it has two independent headphone outputs that can be fed with different audio tracks: one from channels 1/2 and the other from channels 3/4.
These seemingly minor details can make life much easier and influence the decision to choose the MOTU M6 model. Of course, MOTU has even more professional, compact interfaces: the MOTU Ultralite MK5 and the MOTU 624, which have a hardware mixer and effect processor. The M line focuses on affordability and high sound quality rather than maximum built-in functions. Nevertheless, the manufacturer has decided to pack the M6 interface with even more features.
The body of M6 has increased in size not only in comparison with M2/M4, but even with the older models, Ultralite and 624. The manufacturer could have made everything much more compact, but decided not to be petty and added a few centimeters on the sides. This is typical for Americans, they like large shapes in everything. This approach is, of course, good for everyday use. It's convenient to connect the jacks from the back, and there's more space for your fingers when adjusting levels with knobs — there's much less chance of hitting the gain of the neighboring channel. As before, all knobs are digital in 1 dB increments, meaning the left and right channels are always equalized. The knobs twist with a small, pleasant force and do not wiggle.
We must say that MOTU's manufacturing quality is top-notch, as always. It has a very sturdy, powder-coated, all-metal body. It has high-quality Amphenol connectors. The absence of the "Made in USA" or "Assembled in USA" inscription in the latest revisions does not affect the quality of the parts or the sound. We conducted a special study on this.
As expected, the internal electronic components are fully in line with those of the junior models.
Like the rest of the M series, it has a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M7 ATSAMS70N20 processor inside.
The single ES9026PRO 8-channel DAC (124dBA dynamic range, Kg+noise -110dB) operates all 4 analog channels of the audio interface.
Two ADC chips are used for 6 channels of digitization. 2-channel ADC ESS ES9820Q and 4-channel ESS ES9840Q. Their characteristics are the same, dynamic range 116 dBA, Kg+noise -108 dB.
As with the other models, this one uses a low-noise, digitally controlled THAT 6263 integrated preamplifier.
Each headphone output has its own integrated OPA1688A amplifier that delivers 3.3 Vrms with low distortion.
We tested the M6 with firmware version 2.01. The drivers are the same universal ones for the entire family. There are no panels with regulators. All controls are operated by hardware knobs and buttons on the M6's body.
With the lowest latency RTL option, the delay with a 64-sample buffer and a 44.1 kHz frequency is only 6 ms. The manufacturer claims a delay of about 2.5 ms with a 64-sample buffer and a 96 kHz frequency. Our measurements confirm these claims. However, with such a small buffer size of 32 samples, the chance of getting crackles in the sound due to buffer emptying increases many times. For USB devices, you should choose realistic delay values from 4 to 8 ms, which will provide increased stability of sound applications.
Remember that a small buffer and fast signal speed are important for real-time signal processing, such as when playing MIDI keyboards or processing guitar or vocal sounds with software effects.
We also ran some measurement tests in RMAA PRO. Due to the 3 dB difference in the output and input levels in the Loopback test, we did not achieve a record dynamic range. However, it is much more important that the noise spectrum is smooth and free of interference, despite the USB bus power supply. The distortion result is excellent at only 0.00016%, comparable to top products. The harmonic spectrum is favorable as well.
The MOTU M6 audio interface can be powered entirely from a modern USB-C port. Alternatively, it can be powered from any USB port — even the most obsolete ones — by connecting the included 15W power supply. We didn't notice any difference in sound quality.
The peak meters show input and output levels regardless of the level knob position. They reproduce the signal digitally and are only used to indicate input or output. The M-Series interfaces have no processing, low-cut filters, or equalizer. Everything is designed for further program processing by digital audio workstations (DAW). Lightweight versions of MOTU Performer and Ableton Live software, as well as a set of sounds and effects, are included.
We made a test recording of a voice using the MOTU M6 interface with a Neumann TLM 103 microphone, and we compared the results with those of a separate preamp and ADC from a higher price category. The MOTU M6 produced excellent results with natural timbre reproduction and high detail without any hint of coloration. For such a compact, USB-powered device, the recording quality is outstanding.
The line output quality is also high. We connected active ADAM monitors and a separate balanced amplifier with passive speakers. The quality is professional-grade, allowing you to perform any task or simply enjoy music. While the headphone output is not the M-Series interfaces' strongest point, it is better than what is often found in this class of devices. There's certainly enough volume for any mainstream studio headphones.
Finally, we've reached the end of our MOTU M6 review, it's time to summarize the results. The MOTU M6 is the logical next step in the M series. It offers four microphone and two clean line inputs, providing the same quality found in the M2 and M4 models. It's unfortunate that the MOTU M6 interface has the same internal components; that's why testing it was a bit boring. On the other hand, the manufacturer didn't spoil anything and even added an additional headphone output to the M6 that can be assigned to channels 3/4. The M6 is also equipped with monitor controller functions that allow you to quickly switch between pairs of monitors.
Those who don't need these new functions can safely choose the MOTU M2 or M4 models. However, if you need low-latency recording, a DSP with effects, and the ability to expand the number of channels for professional studio work, you should consider more expensive MOTU interfaces, such as the MOTU Ultralite and MOTU 624.
We hope you enjoyed our review of the MOTU M6 audio interface. Please feel free to leave your comments, questions, and suggestions in the section below. We will be happy to answer them all as soon as possible. If you already own MOTU M6 and have used it for a while, don't forget to share your impressions and tell us what you liked or disliked about this audio interface.
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9.5
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In Fact the 5th n sixth input line is useless, Because it needs more Boosted signsl otherwise useless ..in fact the Unit is 4 ch proper but not 6 input .which i could keast expect.