MOTU 8PRE-ES: The Ultimate Thunderbolt/USB-2 Audio Interface with DSP and Networking
Transform your computer into a powerful 24-bit/192 kHz digital audio workstation with the MOTU 8PRE-ES! Equipped with renowned ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC technology and new dual full-color LCDs, it offers everything you need for professional audio production. Connect it to your Mac or PC via Thunderbolt, Hi-speed USB 2.0, or AVB/TSN Ethernet. Enjoy industry-leading, ultra-low round-trip latency (RTL) performance as low as 1.6 ms at 96 kHz over Thunderbolt with high-performance DAW hosts. Plus, its USB audio class-compliant firmware allows connection to your iPad or any iOS device (with a standard camera connection kit, sold separately).
Key Features:
- • Superior Analog Audio Quality: Experience top-notch sound with high-end converters.
- • New Dual-LCD Design: Intuitive and user-friendly interface for easy operation.
- • Ultra-Low Latency: Enjoy seamless audio processing with proven, high-performance MOTU drivers.
Technical Specifications:
- Sample rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz.
- Mic/line/instr inputs: 8 x XLR/TRS 'combo style' mic/line/instr inputs
- Preamp gain: 0 to +63 dB (digitally controlled)
- TRS max level with pad: +17 dBu.
- Analog outputs: 8 x 1/4' TRS line out (balanced, DC coupled), Max level: +20 dBu (digitally adjustable -4 to +20), 2 x 1/4' TRS stereo headphone.
- Digital I/O:
- 2 banks (16 ch) of ADAT optical at 1x sample rates
- 2 banks (8 ch) of SMUX optical at 2x sample rates
- Switchable to stereo TOSLink (optical S/PDIF).
- Total I/O: 24 in / 28 out (52 total) at 1x sample rates, 16 in / 20 out (36 total) at 2x sample rates, 8 in / 12 out (20 total) at 4x sample rates.
- Computer I/O: 1 x Thunderbolt 1 (Mac and Win), Thunderbolt 2 & 3 compatible, 1 x USB 2.0 audio class compliant, USB 3.0 and iOS compatible.
- Computer I/O channels Thunderbolt:
- 128 in/out at 1x (44.1 to 48 kHz)
- 128 in/out at 2x (88.2 to 96 kHz) 64 in/out at 4x (176.4 to 192 kHz).
- Computer I/O channels USB: 64 in/out at 1x (44.1 to 48 kHz) 32 in/out at 2x (88.2 to 96 kHz) 24 in/out at 4x (176.4 to 192 kHz).
- Sync I/O: 1 x BNC word clock in/out
- Network I/O: 1 x RJ45 AVB/TSN Ethernet (1 Gbps)
- Headphone: 2 x 1/4' TRS stereo phone (assignable)
- Phantom power: 8 x innavidual +48V.
- Front panel: 2 x 1/4' TRS headphone output, 2 x digital rotary encoders phone vol, 4 x digital rotary encoders mic/instr input gain, 2 x large digital rotary encoders main vol / menu, 8 x small switches (2) Pad / (2) 48V Phantom pwr, 10 x large switches menu nav / A-B select, etc., 2 x LCD (128 x 160) for level meters / menu nav.
- Power: International 100-240V autoswitching supply 50-60 Hz 0.5A max.
- Dimensions and weight: (width x depth x height, enclosure only, with rack brackets) 19 x 7 x 1.75 inches, 48.3 x 17.75 x 4.5 cm, 4.2 lbs / 1.9 kg.



The MOTU 8PRE-ES is a powerful audio interface designed for musicians, producers, and audio engineers. Whether you're recording in a studio or on the go, this interface allows you to turn your computer into a professional digital audio workstation. Connect it to your Mac or PC via Thunderbolt, USB 2.0, or Ethernet, and enjoy high-quality audio recording and processing. With its compact size (19 x 7 x 1.75 inches) and lightweight design (4.2 lbs), it's easy to take with you wherever you need to create.