Skip to content

MOTU 848, 28 x 32 Thunderbolt™ 4 / USB4 Audio Interface with DSP, Mixing, Effects and Networking

SKU: DDJ6341

£1,374.17 £1,415.83

or /mo with finance

Availability:
Only 1 available, order now!

Order in the next for delivery on using our express service

Novuna logo

Finance this product from /mo

Klarna badge >

Key features:

  • Thunderbolt™ 4 / USB4 interface with ESS Sabre32™ converters
  • 28 inputs, 32 outputs and up to 256 channels of computer I/O
  • Four transparent mic preamps with inserts and remote control
  • 64-channel DSP mixer with EQ, compression, HPF and gate
  • Integrated AVB networking for large-scale audio systems
  • Brand new
  • 2 Year Warranty
  • Free delivery
Description
Features
Specifications
Delivery

How can we help?

Speak to an expert, call us on 01274 394 730

Speak to an expert

Call us on (01274) 394 730
Seen a better price? Ask for a price match

Seen a better price?

> Ask for a price match
We're rated Excellent! Check out our reviews
  • American Express
  • Apple Pay
  • Diners Club
  • Discover
  • Google Pay
  • Maestro
  • Mastercard
  • PayPal
  • Shop Pay
  • Union Pay
  • Visa

MOTU 848 28-in/32-out Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C Audio Interface

Superb analog audio quality
Renowned ESS Sabre32™ DAC technology delivers 125 dB dynamic range and extremely low harmonic distortion. Analog performance is driven by decades of engineering expertise in audio interface technology.

Thunderbolt™ and USB connectivity for Mac, PC and iOS
The 848 delivers cutting-edge Thunderbolt™ 4 and USB4 universal connectivity for Mac, PC and iOS. Connect your host device with the included 40 Gbps USB-C cable and the 848 negotiates the fastest possible connectivity speed, up to 40 Gbps, with backward compatibility for Thunderbolt 3, USB3 and USB2 host connections. Thunderbolt and USB4 connections deliver an astonishing 256 channels of computer I/O (128 in and 128 out) at sample rates up to 96 kHz.

60 simultaneous audio channels
Connect all your studio gear, including monitors, headphones, microphones, guitars, synths, keyboards, drum machines, outboard processors, optical expanders, and more. All 28 inputs and 32 outputs are available simultaneously.

Ultra-low latency performance
Optimized drivers for both Mac and PC deliver renowned, ultra-low latency performance. With a high-performance DAW such as Digital Performer, the 848 delivers an astonishing round trip latency (RTL) of ~1.8 ms (milliseconds) over Thunderbolt and USB at 96 kHz with a 32-sample host buffer.

Plug and play ease with massive bandwidth
Daisy-chain the 848 with up to six other Thunderbolt devices, all connected to your host computer with massive 40 Gbps bandwidth to easily handle hundreds of audio channels, 8K video, terabytes of hard drive storage, and more. Thunderbolt 4-compatible USB-C cable included (length = 2 meters).

Transparent mic channels and hi-Z guitar inputs
Capture your recorded material in its truest, most natural form with -114 dB THD+N, 118 dB dynamic range and -129 dBu EIN performance. Each mic channel has individual preamp gain, pad, 48V phantom power and remote control from your computer or iOS device. Each combo jack alternately provides a 1/4-inch high-impedance TS guitar input for DI tracking and reamping.

Extra line inputs when you need them
Do you work with compressors and other outboard gear? Mic inputs 3-4 each offer a dedicated analog send/return loop, allowing for both mono or stereo mic channel outboard processing via fully balanced connections. If nothing is plugged in to a mic input, its return serves as an extra line input with identical signal characteristics to all other line inputs.

Control up to twelve analog outputs
Control your 5.1 or 7.1.4 Atmos surround speaker system with a single fader. The Monitor Group gives you the flexibility to choose any analog outputs you wish to control.

A/B/C speaker select and talkback
Take control of your recording sessions with the front-panel talkback switch. Connect three sets of monitors and check your mixes instantly with front-panel A/B/C select buttons.

64-channel mixing with 32-bit floating point precision
The 848 is equipped with a 64-channel mixer designed just like a large format mixing console. The 64 inputs can take signal from anywhere: the physical inputs on the 848 interface itself, audio channels from host software on your computer, audio network streams, or even mixer outputs. The mixer provides 26 aux busses, plus main, reverb, monitor, and solo buses. All inputs and output buses provide 4-band double-precision parametric EQ and a compressor. Additionally, input channels include a High-Pass Filter and Gate. In essence: capable and transparent mixing.

Point-to-Point routing and splitting
Using intuitive, virtual patch cords, you can easily route any source signal to any destination. Sources can be analog or digital inputs on the interface, computer channels, mixer bus outputs, or audio network streams from other devices on the network. Destinations include interface outputs, host software inputs, mixer inputs, or any other device (or computer) on the network. You can even split any single source (or stereo pair) to unlimited multiple output destinations.

Matrix routing, splitting and patching
For complex workflows that involve routing and splitting at scale, the Routing Grid provides a global "bird's-eye" view of all the connections in your 848 system. Manage hundreds of audio channels quickly, at a glance. Check for signal with convenienct activity meters. Show and hide audio banks to customize your routing environment. Display destinations on either the right side or left side of the grid, as you prefer.

Flexible system expansion
Audio networking has come of age, delivering a world of possibilities. The 848 features an integrated AVB switch with two Gigabit Ethernet ports, allowing you to daisy-chain multiple 848 and 16A units using standard network cabling. Alternatively, expand your network by connecting an external AVB switch to build a network with multiple interfaces, computers, and ultra-low network latency, even over long cable runs (hundreds of meters). Each 848 can transmit and receive 128 audio channels to and from the network. Stream hundreds of audio channels among devices and computers
on the network. The 848 is compatible with previous-generation MOTU AVB devices.

Performer Lite
Performer Lite provides everything you need to record, edit, mix, process and master your own music tracks quickly and easily. Plug in your mic, guitar and MIDI keyboard and start tracking with over 100 virtual instruments, dozens of effects plug-ins, guitar FX processing and much more.

100+ Instruments
Performer Lite includes over 100 virtual instruments, including acoustic and electric pianos, guitars, basses, drums, organs synths, orchestral instruments, choirs, world instruments and much more. Take your musical muse wherever it wants to go.

6 GB of free loops and sample packs
Performer Lite includes 6 GB of free loops and sample packs from leading sample content providers to help you start making music right away. From Performer Lite's Content Browser, choose from dozens of musical styles, click to audition, then drag and drop in your projects timeline to build your track quick.

  • Thunderbolt™ 4 / USB4 audio interface with DSP, mixing, effects and networking
  • ESS Sabre32™ DAC technology with 125 dB dynamic range and ultra-low distortion
  • Universal connectivity for Mac, PC and iOS via Thunderbolt 4 and USB4
  • Up to 256 channels of host computer I/O at sample rates up to 96 kHz
  • 60 simultaneous audio channels with 28 inputs and 32 outputs
  • Ultra-low latency performance with ~1.8 ms RTL at 96 kHz (32-sample buffer)
  • Daisy-chain up to six Thunderbolt devices with 40 Gbps bandwidth
  • Four transparent mic preamps with pad, 48V phantom power and remote control
  • -114 dB THD+N, 118 dB dynamic range and -129 dBu EIN mic performance
  • Hi-Z guitar inputs via the same combo jacks
  • Channel 3–4 inserts for external compressors and outboard processing
  • Insert returns double as extra line inputs when mic inputs aren’t used
  • Monitor Group for controlling up to twelve analogue outputs
  • A/B/C speaker selection and front-panel talkback
  • 64-channel mixer with 32-bit float processing
  • Mixer includes 4-band EQ, compressor, HPF and gate on every input
  • 26 aux buses plus main, reverb, monitor and solo buses
  • Point-to-point patchbay with virtual patch cords for flexible routing
  • Routing Grid for matrix routing, splitting and large-scale routing workflows
  • Integrated AVB switch with two Gigabit Ethernet ports
  • Supports daisy-chaining multiple AVB interfaces and long network cable runs
  • Streams 128×128 channels to/from the network
  • AVB networking with fixed 2 ms latency, guaranteed streams and PTP clocking
  • Compatible with all previous-generation MOTU AVB devices
  • Use multiple host computers simultaneously on the same AVB network
  • Optical I/O: 16 channels ADAT (48 kHz), 8 channels S/MUX (96 kHz), stereo TOSLink
  • Two DC-coupled TRS headphone outputs with independent mixes
  • DC-coupled analogue outputs for modular synth CV control
  • Loopback for podcasting and streaming workflows
  • Customisable meter views for different I/O configurations
  • CueMix™ Pro app for macOS, Windows and iOS with wireless control
  • Balanced I/O protected against RF interference and noise
  • Includes Performer Lite DAW
  • Includes 100+ virtual instruments and 6 GB of loops and sample packs from Big Fish Audio, Lucidsamples and Loopmasters
Sample rates
  • 44.1
  • 48
  • 88.2
  • 96
  • 176.4
  • 192 kHz
Mic/line/instrument inputs
  • 4 x XLR/TRS combo
  • individual -20 dB pad
  • 48 V phantom power
Preamp gain
  • +74 dB in 1 dB increments
Input impedance
  • 1 MΩ on line/instrument inputs
Channel inserts
  • Balanced send/return inserts on channels 3–4
Analogue inputs
  • 8 x ¼" TRS line in (balanced/unbalanced)
  • 2 x ¼" insert returns (TRS line inputs with no mic inputs connected)
Analogue input max level
  • +21 dBu
Digital gain
  • +20 dB digital gain per input
Analogue outputs
  • 12 x ¼" TRS line out (balanced, DC coupled)
  • max level +21 dBu
  • -99 dB digital trim
Headphone outputs
  • 2 x ¼" TRS stereo
Digital I/O
  • 2 banks (16 ch) ADAT optical I/O at 1x
  • 2 banks (8 ch) S/MUX at 2x
  • Bank A switchable to stereo TOSLink (optical S/PDIF)
Computer I/O
  • 2 x Thunderbolt 4 / USB 4.1 (40 Gbps) Type-C
  • USB3 / USB2 compatible
  • USB audio class compliant
Included cable
  • Thunderbolt / USB4 GEN3 C-to-C, 40 Gbps, 240 W, 2 m
  • 15 W power downstream
USB2 Type-A support
  • Compatible with C-to-A cable (sold separately)
Round trip latency
  • ~1.8 ms (32-sample buffer at 96 kHz)
Total audio I/O (1x)
  • 28 in / 32 out (60 total)
Total audio I/O (2x)
  • 20 in / 24 out (44 total)
Total audio I/O (4x)
  • 12 in / 16 out (28 total)
Headphone output impedance
  • <1 Ω
Headphone max output
  • 13.3 dBu
Networking
  • 2 x Gigabit AVB Ethernet
  • 16 AVB streams at ≤96 kHz
  • 8 streams at 176.4/192 kHz
  • up to 128 ch in/out
  • supports 1722.1
  • supports AAF & AM8-24 formats
Sync I/O
  • 1 x BNC Word Clock In
  • 1 x BNC Word Clock Out/Thru
  • 44.1–192 kHz
Front panel
  • 2 x ¼" TRS headphone
  • 2 x headphone encoders
  • 4 x preamp gain encoders
  • 8 x PAD/48V switches
  • 6 x control room switches
  • 1 x menu encoder
  • 2 x menu switches
  • 1 x large main volume encoder
  • 3.9" 480×128 24-bit RGB TFT display
  • latching power button
Power
  • Internal 100–240 V autoswitching supply (50–60 Hz, 1.0 A max)
Dimensions
  • 19" x 12.25" x 1.75" (48.26 x 31.1 x 4.44 cm)
Weight
  • 11 lbs
  • 5 kg
System requirements (Mac)
  • Intel Core i3 or Apple Silicon Mac
  • 4 GB RAM (8 GB recommended)
  • macOS 12+
  • Thunderbolt 3+ or USB port
  • 500 GB HDD recommended
  • compatible with Core Audio apps
System requirements (Windows)
  • Intel Core i3 or AMD equivalent
  • 4 GB RAM (8 GB recommended)
  • Windows 10 22H2+ or Windows 11 23H2+ (x64)
  • Thunderbolt 3+ or USB port
  • 500 GB HDD recommended
Compatible Mac software
  • MOTU Performer Lite
  • MOTU Digital Performer
  • Avid Pro Tools
  • Logic Pro
  • GarageBand
  • Ableton Live
  • Studio One
  • Cubase
  • Reaper
  • Kontakt
  • Waves apps
Compatible Windows software
  • MOTU Performer Lite
  • MOTU Digital Performer
  • Pro Tools
  • Ableton Live
  • Sonar
  • Reaper
  • FL Studio
  • Kontakt
  • Studio One
  • Vegas Pro
  • Sound Forge
  • Acid
  • Cubase
  • Waves apps
iOS requirements
  • iOS 17.5 or later
  • USB audio class compliant
Included software
  • CueMix Pro (macOS/Windows/iOS)
  • drivers for macOS/Windows/iOS
  • MOTU Performer Lite
  • 6 GB of loops and sounds (Big Fish Audio
  • LucidSamples
  • Loopmasters
  • MOTU)

UK Deliveries

We offer FREE DELIVERY on orders OVER £99 to UK Mainland customers. Please see the table below for service details and costs.

Service DPD FedEx UPS
UK Standard (Orders Over £99) 7-10 Working Days | Free of charge
Next Working Day Express Next Day | £5.99 Next Day | £6.99 Next Day | £9.99
Next Day Before 12:00pm Next Day | £19.99 Service Not Available Service Not Available
Next Day Before 10:30am Next Day | £22.99 Service Not Available Service Not Available
Saturday or Sunday Weekend | £15.99 Service Not Available Service Not Available
Saturday or Sunday Before 12:00pm Weekend | £19.99 Service Not Available Service Not Available
Saturday Before 10:30am Weekend | £24.99 Service Not Available Service Not Available
Northern Ireland, Scottish Highlands & Islands 2 Days | £15.99 Service Not Available Service Not Available
Channel Islands 2 Days | £23.99 Service Not Available Service Not Available

For more information on shipping surcharges and additional costs, view our full policy here.

European Deliveries

We ship to most European destinations using trusted courier partners DPD, UPS, and FedEx, with full tracking from dispatch to delivery.

At checkout, simply select your country and the available courier options and prices will be calculated automatically based on your order’s size, weight, and destination.

All prices are tax inclusive and you will NOT have to pay any Tax or Duty to the courier.

Service DPD FedEx UPS
Republic Of Ireland 2-3 Days | £19.99 Live Rates at Checkout Live Rates at Checkout
Austria, Denmark, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia & Spain 3-6 Days | £39.99 Live Rates at Checkout Live Rates at Checkout
Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands & Luxembourg 2-4 Days | £29.99 Live Rates at Checkout Live Rates at Checkout
Bulgaria, Greece & Romania 5-8 Days | £54.99 Live Rates at Checkout Live Rates at Checkout
Croatia, Czech Republic, Finland, Portugal & Sweden 4-6 Days | £44.99 Live Rates at Checkout Live Rates at Checkout
Norway 6-8 Days | £69.99 Live Rates at Checkout Live Rates at Checkout
Switzerland 3-5 Days | £49.99 Live Rates at Checkout Live Rates at Checkout

For more information on shipping surcharges and additional costs, view our full policy here.

Rest of the World

We ship to most international destinations worldwide using trusted courier partners UPS and FedEx, providing reliable delivery with full tracking from dispatch to delivery.

At checkout, simply select your country and the available courier options and prices will be calculated automatically based on your order’s size, weight, and destination. (Coming Soon)

All prices are excluding VAT. Your country & local taxes will have to be paid to the courier before they deliver your goods. Please check with your governing body on what rates you can expect to pay.

Service DPD FedEx UPS
United States & Canada Service Not Available Email for a Quote Email for a Quote
Australia, New Zealand, Fiji & Papua New Guinea Service Not Available Email for a Quote Email for a Quote
Japan, South Korea, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, India & Sri Lanka Service Not Available Email for a Quote Email for a Quote
United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman & Israel Service Not Available Email for a Quote Email for a Quote
South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana & Tanzania Service Not Available Email for a Quote Email for a Quote
Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Jamaica & Trinidad & Tobago Service Not Available Email for a Quote Email for a Quote

For more information on shipping surcharges and additional costs, view our full policy here.

Returns

Our returns system is easy, you have the right to cancel an order up to 14 days, please check our full returns policy here.

Options shown below are for the product you are viewing and do not include any other items you may have in your basket. For a finance calculation on your entire basket, please click the finance link on the basket.

Select Novuna Personal Finance in the checkout to finance your order.

£1,374.17

Seen a better price?

If you have seen a better price but would rather buy from a trusted UK-based authorised dealer, then please complete the form below and we will do our best to match or beat any genuine price quote.

The following rules apply:

  1. The dealer must be a UK mainland authorised dealer of the brand in question
  2. The item/s must be brand new, in stock and available for next day delivery
  3. Items cannot be part of a sale

We only match UK based authorised dealers. For that reason we cannot match the following companies:

- Thomann (Germany) 

- Music Store / DV24/7 (Germany)
- Bax-Shop (Netherlands)
- Kytary (Czech Republic)

Why buy from us?

  • Outstanding Customer Service
  • UK Phone Support
  • Cheaper UK Returns Within UK
  • Same High Level Warranty
  • Secure Payment Service
Ways to redeem points

Customer Reviews

Recently Viewed

Start viewing products to see more here!

Currency

Select your preferred currency