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- Elegant 16x14 audio interface with studio-grade sound quality16 Channels of input and 14-channels of output simultaneouslyConnections include: 2 XLR in, 2 guitar in, 2 balanced 1/4 line-ins, stereo 1/8 in, 2 main outs, 2 line outs, MIDI I/O, and 2 headphone outsDedicated 7-segment main out meters, and configurable analog I/O meters Easy one-touch operation, so no fiddling with tiny displays or guessworkWork in any environment thanks to backlit multi-color LED buttonsCustomize the multi-colored L
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I searched all over the internet looking for some real world specifications for the MOTU Track 16 and unfortunately, wasn't able to find any. Frustrated, I decided to call MOTU and try and find out some information. I was referred to one of their technical engineers (Dave), whom I asked, "Why aren't real world specs being provided for the MOTU Track 16?" (They are not even available on MOTU's website.) I was told that MOTU feels technical specifications aren't the best way to judge the quality of an audio interface and that some companies are using them to simply make their competing units "look better" on paper.While I agree that it's important to try, whenever possible, to sit down and listen to how the interface "sounds" for most of us (including me) it's just not practical. That's why I like to see the specs. So, what did I find out? Not as much as I would have liked, but here is what was provided.
The preamps used in the Track 16 are Burr/Brown preamps. Burr/Brown preamps are highly regarded and the company was purchased by Texas Instruments in September of 2010 for 7.6 billion.
The Signal to Noise ratio of the Track 16 is 112 db ("A" weighted).
The frequency response of the main outs is -+ .05 db from 10hz to 22khz at 44.1.
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) is .001%.
The ADC/DAC converter chipset is rated at 112 db dynamic range.
Crosstalk is > -90 db.
With these specs, the Track 16 should sound similar to my old M-Audio Delta 1010. Which I happen to like very much. However, I was looking for something that was closer to "studio grade" which in my case led me to the Focusrite Forte. After comparing the Track 16 specs to the Focusrite Forte I ended up choosing and buying the Forte. Why? Well, for one thing Focusrite provided all the specifications I could possibly want and even produced an online video, which allowed me to listen to the Forte before deciding to purchase it.
I really wanted to give MOTU's Track 16 a shot, but I unfortunately couldn't afford to buy both the Track 16 and the Forte. Am I happy with the Focusrite Forte? Absolutely, it's "dead quiet" and sounds more "real" to me than my old Delta 1010.
In MOTU's defense; however, I have to admit they provide a lot of bang for the buck in the Track 16. The amount of stuff included with the Track 16 is just amazing. If I was playing out a lot, I would have probably decided to go with the Track 16. However, I'm not currently doing that, so I decided to go with an audio interface that would allow me to record my songs at the highest quality possible. For me, that's the Focusrite Forte. For those who are interested; the specs for the Forte are substantially higher than the Track 16. For example, the Signal to Noise ratio of the main outs is 118 db (A-weighted). The THD is < .0008% @ 1 kHz, 20Hz to 22kHz, which is inaudible. The DNR of the ADC/DAC chipset is rated at 120 db, though Focusrite does list a real world conversion rates of 117 db for ADC and 118 db for DAC.
If you're looking for a small audio interface, to record to your PC with, be sure and also check out these units as well.
RME Babyface
Apogee Duet II
Apogee Quartet
Focusrite iTrackSolo
Please note, the above are other interfaces I was considering purchasing. There are; however, quite a few audio interfaces made by a number of companies. If you're on a real tight budget, take a good hard look at Focusrite's iTrackSolo ($159.99 retail price) or consider buying a used M-Audio Delta 1010 (currently less than $100.00).Just received my MOTU Track 16 and it sounds amazing. Had a little hiccup in that I did not do a fresh restart and power up after installing all the drivers and software that came with MOTU. There was a bit of noise that I was hearing when I used the Mac Book Pro. That has gone completely away after doing a restart and powering up the MOTU Track 16. I have let a few friends hear it and they actually thought it sounder better than the others out there that look a little like the same. One even compared the sound to the Ensemble. I am able to use the Firewire on both my Mac Book Pro and Mac Pro running Pro Tools 9.0.6 with no issues. I am very happy with the MOTU Track 16 it sounds great and is working rock solid. I like how the Cue Mix software works and can see using this live as well. The DSP works great and "0" LATENCY with reverb and eq on. The Mic pres sounded good I used them with a DPA 4099G mic, Shure KSM 141 and CAD Triton Tube. all sounded good and warm with my use which is a Flamenco Guitar. The Led's are bright and easy to see even not close to Track 16. If you need a small unit that has the ability to be expandable like with MOTU 8 Mic Pre (light pipe) and need more than 2 channels this is worth a close look. The folks at MOTU make rock solid drivers, software and hardware. This unit Rocks Thanks MOTUPurchased this device for my husband, who works in music production and electronics, and he was very impressed by the recording quality of this product.
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