MOTU Announces Two Additions to Their Audio Interface Lineup – The 24Ai and 24Ao

The name’s say it all: The MOTU 24Ai – 24 Analog inputs, and the MOTU 24Ao – 24 Analog outputs. Each work individually or as a duo, transporting a total of 72 channels each:

24 Analog Channels + 48 Optical I/O (3 ADAT 8 channel i/o)

This massive amount of analog I/O in a single rack-space is made possible through DB-25 D-sub connectors and Phoenix connectors. The 24Ai and 24Ao are also accompanied by USB 2.0, and USB 3.0.

The rear of the MOTU 24Ai – similar to the 24Ao.

Finally, the new units are equipped with AVB Ethernet connectivity.

• AVB is a protocol developed by the IEEE specifically for professional audio networking. This allows for connectivity to any of the other AVB equipped MOTU interfaces by simply plugging a CAT-5e or CAT-6 ethernet cable.
• The MOTU AVB Switch can also be used to link up to five interfaces at once for an extended network of low latency audio interfaces.

Wireless Control
The software used to control passing audio in the 24Ai and 24Ao are Web app controlled – The software is served from the hardware itself, including the DSP. If users can access a web browser, they can access the on-board DSP, mixing, device settings, and network audio routing.

Speaking of wireless control, connecting a WiFi router directly to these units with an Ethernet cable will allow for complete control via smart phone, or tablet. All without a computer – these guys are really going all out.

The MOTU 24Ai and 24Ao are available for $995 MSRP. Here are the specs from MOTU:

Sample rates

• 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz
• 24Ai analog inputs
• 24 channels (balanced/unbalanced)
• 3x DB-25 D-sub and 6x 12-pin Phoenix
• Max level: +24 dBu (digitally adjustable -96 to +22)
• 24Ao analog outputs            24 channels (balanced, DC coupled)
• 3x DB-25 D-sub and 6x 12-pin Phoenix
• Max level: +20 dBu (digitally adjustable -24 to 0 dB)

Digital I/O

• 3 banks (24 ch) of ADAT optical at 1x sample rates
• 3 banks (12 ch) of SMUX optical at 2x sample rates

Total I/O

• 24 analog + 48 digital (72 total) at 1x rates
• 24 analog + 24 digital (48 total) at 2x rates
• 24 analog + 0 digital (24 total) at 4x rates

Computer I/O

• 1 x USB 2.0 audio class compliant
• USB 3.0 and iOS compatible

Sync I/O

• 1 x word clock in
• 1 x word clock out

Front panel

• 5 x switches • menu navigation
• 324 x 24 pixel LCD for level meters / menu nav
• 1 x AC power switch

Power

• International 100-240V autoswitching supply
• 50-60 Hz • 0.5A max

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