MOTU M2 Review
2x2 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
- Musicians, Podcasters, and Producers
- USB Type-C / Type-A Connectivity
- 2 Mic/Line/Instrument Preamps
- 1 Headphone Out, 2 RCA & 1/4" Line Outs
- High-Performance 32-Bit / 192 kHz AD/DA
- Bus Powered / Mac, Windows, iOS
- Phantom Power, Direct Monitor, MIDI I/O
- Full-Color LCD with I/O Metering
- Virtual Loopback for Mix-Minus Setup
- DAWs, VIs, Loops, and Samples
Introduction
In this article, we delve into a detailed analysis of 22,384 user reviews from various languages worldwide to examine the MOTU M2. This analysis is performed by the RR artificial intelligence and updated daily with newly submitted reviews. The RR AI utilizes a complex algorithm to first scrutinize user reviews for credibility, filtering out unreliable ones. It then proceeds to dissect and evaluate the valuable insights within these reviews, providing users with ratings regarding the features of this product. Based on these assessments, users can make informed decisions about whether this product is suitable for them or not.
Ratings Based on Features
These results are a summary of user reviews of the MOTU M2. For example, 93% of 8,031 users who have commented on the Sound quality of the MOTU M2 have given positive feedback.
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 21 to 40 of 138 Reviews
Good product, but doesn't work well with some processors.
MOTU M2 Desktop 2x2 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
I like it, good quality, good features, but I bought it to record music on my iMAC and didn't work well with the drivers I downloaded from MOTU. So I contacted their support and they told me their drivers doesn't work with the processor my iMAC has. So I had to uninstall the MOTU drivers and to use the M2 with the native MacOs drivers. So now I can't use the Loopback features. Just the normal recording function. I bought it precisely because the advantage of Loopback and I will not be able to use it. =(
Excellent Sounds Easy to connect my Studio Monitors
MOTU M2 Desktop 2x2 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by roberto on B&H Photo Video
My first Audio Interface. I use these to connect 2 KRK Rokit 5 G4 studio monitors XLR to 1/4 into to MOTU. I can also connect my previous monitors through the RCA connection which other interfaces at this price do not have. These also have MIDI connectors which I guess you can connect an MPC or other sampler. I can also connect my keyboard and a mic through the 2 front interfaces. Most connection options for any audio interface at this price. The interface connects to and is powered by your computer through the USB. It does not include any audio cables. If you just need to connect your monitors to your pc or laptop, this is more that sufficient. ... More
The Motu M2 is a quality device
MOTU M2 Desktop 2x2 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by James on B&H Photo Video
I am a podcaster, always in search of quality audio devices with quality Pre-amps. I regularly use a Zoom F8 for my online meetings and podcast recordings. I purchased the Motu M2 for my associate, who is in a different location. During the configuration and testing, I added an older Tascam DR60 as an option to record the audio separate from the audio feed going to the USB-C connection to the computer. This allowed me to click record on the Tascam and record the audio as a participant in any online meeting. The Motu M2 is an excellent price performer and adding a video recorder to one of the Motu output ports works well. ... More
Worth Twice the Price
MOTU M2 Desktop 2x2 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Jimmy on B&H Photo Video
This is one clean device! The headphone clarity is incredible and the mic pre's are pristine, it's hard to believe all this for under $200. I did get a buzz in the line outputs until I switched to TRS cables, now it's as if there were no device between the computer and my studio monitors. 5 Stars from this user. Way to go MOTU! Love it!
Great audio box
MOTU M2 Desktop 2x2 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Bryce on B&H Photo Video
I bought this as a future-proof desktop audio box to get clean audio into and out of my computer, and it works great. The metal construction is much better than plastic, the volume knobs are very nice, and the audio sounds perfect. My first nitpick is that if you are using headphones, you have to use the smaller volume knob instead of the big one. Not a biggie, but it would be nice if you could select what the knob controls. The other nitpick is the LCD screen. It gets the job done, but it's obviously very cheap, and since I set the volumes and haven't touched it in months, it would be nice if there was a way to turn it off all together. ... More
Ads
Great Unit
MOTU M2 Desktop 2x2 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Sheekeen on B&H Photo Video
I bought this to replace my old Focusrite Saffire 14 running on macOs 10.11. Although it is not stated to support that version, the Technical Help confirmed it works, and it does. The sound on this is fantastic and both sound separation and imaging is unbelievable. It is definitely a good value for good and really reflective of the good review that you read about.
working great with ipad air 4
MOTU M2 Desktop 2x2 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Dustin on B&H Photo Video
Hefty box - anodized aluminum case, strudy kbos and decent connectors. take note the 1/4in outputs are TRS balanced, so probably use TRS cables for best results..that said, I was lazy and used simple TS cables and they sounded fine too. initially i had trouble connecting to the ipad air 4 (using a powered usb-C hub) but once i removed a usbc extension cable that was in the signal path, it worked right away. maybe it was a cheap cable. i don't know, but once you find the right connections, stick with them. no iOS driver necessary. sound is pristine so far so good. ... More
Rating: Use for speakers only
MOTU M2 Desktop 2x2 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Michal on B&H Photo Video
Not a musician. I needed something to drive my active speakers and this thing does the job. Overall noise is nowhere to be found unless on very high volume. Connectivity is great. I was even able to connect it to my Android device and play music through. That was unexpected for sure! The reason for 4 vs 5 stars is although it sounds good, I had higher expectations. I have jbl 305s and so they are a good pair, that easily pick up differences in what they are connected to. When playing loud, unit does get a bit noisy.
Great Interface!
MOTU M2 Desktop 2x2 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by James on B&H Photo Video
Simple to setup and use. Power comes from USB-C connection (the supplied cable is a little short - would recommend getting a longer one). The preamps are far better than any I have heard in an interface at this price point. At setup, be sure to change to ASIO and there is hardly no noticeable latency. So far, I have been more than happy with this product. And thanks to B&H Photo for actually having one in stock!!! (as of this writing, they have been impossible to find).
Excellent little interface, great features in small package
MOTU M2 Desktop 2x2 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Stephen on B&H Photo Video
I've been using Focusrite products for several years and they are great, but I was interested in trying this out because of the sound meters, which do not exist on the Focusrite or other interfaces in this price range. First of all, the sound is great! And the MOTU is bus powered plug-and-play, using it without issues on my 2020 M1 MacBook as well as my old 2013 Mac Pro. Comes with USB-C to USB-A adapter, which is nice, but would have been even better if they included a USB-A to C adapter. I love this interface, highly recommended!
Great product!
MOTU M2 Desktop 2x2 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by mike on B&H Photo Video
I have been using passive volume devices for my KRK Rokit 5 monitors but the ones I've tried seemed cheap and would often lose the audio signal if the volume was too low. This product has a heavy duty feel and the volume knob has some weight to it. It's a pleasure to turn and feels well made. I don't have the issue of the audio signal dropping anymore and I am able to plug my headphones into it and control their volume with a separate knob. I haven't tried to plug my guitar or mic into it yet but I hear it is great for recording. ... More
Finally found it
MOTU M2 Desktop 2x2 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Amber on B&H Photo Video
Been searching everywhere to buy this interface and finally found a decent distributor with reviews I could trust, received quick assistance from the live chat as well. Seal for the product was broken but product was fine and the licenses were there for me to register and activate. Smooth transaction, although it went out of stock a number of times before I could snag it, they restocked it really quickly, thanks guys!
Perfect
MOTU M2 Desktop 2x2 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Casey on B&H Photo Video
Did a lot of research. Picked up the Rode PODMIC with the M2 because I heard it should be able to power it. I've had this setup for nearly a year now and it's worked pristinely with no issues. I'm sure I could benefit more from a cloudlifter but I've been able to get away with having the knob turned to about 85%. Waited several months back in summer 2020 due to backorders since it's the best at its price point and heavy in demand, but the wait was well worth it.
A More Powerful than the Scarlett 2i2
MOTU M2 Desktop 2x2 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Adrio on B&H Photo Video
I use the Scarlett 2i2 and 18i8 (both of them are 2nd generation) in the office and you will notice the extra gain that the Motu can provide more gain to dynamic mics. I really love the screen, come in handy while recording.
Works Great
MOTU M2 Home Recording Kit with Audio-Technica AT2020 Condenser Mic
Reviewed by Ken on B&H Photo Video
Not a professional, but I like to release the occasional YouTube video, and I wanted to do voice-overs. Started out with a Rode PodMic and a Moto M2. My voice sounded terrible! I wasn't sure where the problem was, so I tried adding a Cloudlifter; no luck. Next I swapped in the Shure SMB7, and that completely fixed the problem. FYI, I needed to keep using the Cloudlifter to get loud enough recordings. Finally, I am happy with my setup.
Awesome performance
MOTU M2 Home Recording Kit with Audio-Technica AT2020 Condenser Mic
Reviewed by Ali on B&H Photo Video
I love knobs and audio level meters. It's like enjoying the journey and not just the destination. I purchased this so I can connect my XLR mic and record. For this purpose, it's amazing and I can stop here. However, if you are also looking to get an equally awesome DAC out of this machine, then don't. I have an ifi Zen DAC V2 connected to my setup and when I listen to both side by side, it's lear that the MOTU M2 DAC is just for monitoring.
Incredible!!!
MOTU M2 Desktop 2x2 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Rubens on B&H Photo Video
The MOTU M2 has surprised me! It has an incredible sound quality, the pre amps shines and the headphone amplifier has a great sound as well... It pushed my Technics RPDJ1200 easily I think it is one of the best budget audio interfaces you may have, so if you don't need too many inputs, buy it...
Awesome product
MOTU M2 Desktop 2x2 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Michael on B&H Photo Video
It is a great compliment to musicians and web broadcasters alike. Some of the best mics are not USB. I often use the device to lay down the audio for my videos. It is great to have the gain knob, and to be able to see the dials at a glance. I would suggest anyone looking at bringing audio onto your computer, that you get it.
Updating to Mac Big Sur bricked the interface.
MOTU M2 Desktop 2x2 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Allen on B&H Photo Video
I really liked this device until I updated to Mac OS Big Sur (after .1 version was released-several months after the initial release). Completely bricked the device. Powers up just fine, but is not communicating over USB at all. Threw it out. Not keeping the software up to date is inexcusable. The hardware is worthless if it's not recognized by the computer. Inexcusable.
Affordable but highest quality
MOTU M2 Desktop 2x2 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Shosei on B&H Photo Video
It has amazingly low noise, flat signal performance regardless of its price. Even though it's cheap!!! I am not really sure how the supplier makes profit with this price tag!
