Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $1,242
High-end/Boutique
$150
$501+
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High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 2 merchants for "MOTU 1248 Thunderbolt Audio Interface". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Experience the epitome of flexibility and sound quality with the MOTU 1248 Thunderbolt Audio Interface. This hybrid audio interface is a versatile tool, ideal for single-room studios, multi-room production houses, and even live sound applications. With 32 inputs and 34 outputs, it gives you total control over your sound, all in a compact and affordable package.
The 1248 comes equipped with four MOTU preamps that deliver clean and clear amplification. It operates with ultra-high-speed Thunderbolt connectivity which virtually eliminates latency. The onboard DSP mixer packs a powerful punch, equipped with effects, EQ, and dynamics. With the MOTU AVB Ethernet, you can network multiple interfaces to your 1248 and the advanced capabilities even allow you to use it as a standalone, iPad-controlled digital mixer.
The MOTU 1248 is not just about connectivity and control, it's about sound quality too. With a noise rating (-110dB THD+N) and dynamic range (123dB, A-weighted, 20Hz-20kHz) that compete with the most impressive gear on the market, you can expect top-notch sound quality from this interface.
Key Features:
- 32-in/34-out hybrid audio interface suitable for a variety of applications
- Four high-quality MOTU preamps for clean and clear amplification
- Ultra-fast Thunderbolt connectivity minimizes latency
- Onboard 32-bit floating point DSP-driven digital mixer with EQ, dynamics, and effects
- MOTU AVB Ethernet allows for networking multiple interfaces
- Ability to function as a standalone, iPad-controlled digital mixer
- Dynamic range of 123dB, A-weighted, 20Hz-20kHz
- Noise rating of -110dB THD+N
- ADAT optical and S/PDIF digital I/O for system expansion
- Compatible with ultra-low-latency Thunderbolt, high-speed USB 2.0, or iPad/iOS (w/ Camera Connection Kit) connectivity
- Wireless router compatibility for control of the onboard mixer from iOS devices
- AVB audio networking for easy system expansion with additional AVB equipped audio interfaces
- Optional AVB Switches support for up to five compatible interfaces.
Product specs
| Brand | MOTU |
| Model | 1248 48-Channel Thunderbolt / USB 3.0 Audio Interface |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 2014 - 2025 |
| Made In | China |
| Categories | Audio Interfaces |
| Bit Depth | 24-bit |
| Bus-Powered | No |
| Compatibility | Android, Windows, iOS, macOS |
| Computer Connectivity | Ethernet, Thunderbolt, USB |
| Digital Input Format | ADAT/Optical, S/PIDF |
| Digital Output Format | ADAT/Optical, S/PIDF |
| Electronics | Analog, Digital, Solid State |
| Format | 19-inch Rackmount |
| Number of Analog Inputs | 8 |
| Number of Analog Outputs | 12 |
| Number of Channels | 66 |
| Number of Digital Inputs | 24 |
| Number of Digital Outputs | 22 |
| Number of Headphone Outputs | 2 |
| Number of MIDI Inputs | 0 |
| Number of MIDI Outputs | 0 |
| Number of Mic Preamps | 4 |
| Sample Rate | 192 khz |
| Simultaneous I/O | 32 x 34 |
FAQs
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What are the main connectivity options for the MOTU 1248 Thunderbolt Audio Interface?
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The MOTU 1248 offers connectivity via Thunderbolt, USB 3.0, and Ethernet, making it versatile for different studio setups and ensuring compatibility with both modern and legacy systems.
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Is the MOTU 1248 compatible with major DAWs like Ableton Live and Pro Tools?
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Yes, the MOTU 1248 is compatible with all major DAWs, including Ableton Live and Pro Tools, thanks to its universal drivers that support both Windows and macOS platforms.
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How many mic preamps are included in the MOTU 1248?
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The MOTU 1248 features 4 high-quality mic preamps, providing clean and transparent amplification for microphones in your recording setup.
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What sample rate does the MOTU 1248 support?
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The MOTU 1248 supports a high sample rate of up to 192 kHz, allowing for detailed and accurate audio capture and playback.
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Does the MOTU 1248 Thunderbolt Audio Interface support bus power?
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No, the MOTU 1248 is not bus-powered; it requires an external power source to operate, ensuring stable performance and power for all its features.
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How many total input and output channels does the MOTU 1248 provide?
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The MOTU 1248 offers a total of 66 channels, with 32 simultaneous inputs and 34 outputs, providing extensive routing and recording capabilities for complex studio environments.
Videos
B&H Photo Video Pro Audio
First Look: MOTU | 1248, 8M & 16A Audio Interfaces with AVB
Reviews
PROS
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Superior audio quality reveals problems missed by other interfaces
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Flexible software mixer with intuitive routing and monitoring options
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Stable performance with zero hardware crashes reported
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Clean and precise A/D and D/A converters
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Thunderbolt connectivity ensures fast, reliable operation
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Compact design with durable exterior
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Compatible with both Windows 10 and Mac OS X
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Networking capabilities allow remote control over mixing
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Favorably compared to more expensive brands in blind tests
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Web-based mixer accessible from any device on the same network
CONS
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Steep learning curve for routing and software control
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No wireless connectivity for firmware updates or app use
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Internal DSP effects cannot be used at 192kHz resolution
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DSP effects integration with DAWs can be cumbersome
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Lacks the ability to completely bypass preamps when using phantom power
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about MOTU 1248 Thunderbolt Audio Interface.
Features and functionality
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The MOTU 1248's web-based DSP mixer allows control from a networked computer, enhancing its utility in multi-computer setups.
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The interface presents two different devices to the WDM system, offering both a 2-channel and a 24-channel option for playback and recording.
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The IP-based software control of the MOTU 1248 is highlighted for its convenience, enabling seamless remote management without physical proximity to the unit.
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Users appreciate the MOTU 1248's ability to integrate with older MOTU interfaces via ADAT, enhancing input/output flexibility in larger setups.
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Software and compatibility
Comparisons
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The MOTU 1248's 32-bit DACs and sonic profile are considered nearly equivalent to the Symphony, contributing to its appeal over the RME UFX.
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Some users find the MOTU 1248 to offer more routing options than the Universal Audio interfaces, despite lacking built-in DSP plugins.
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Users highlight the preference for RME interfaces due to their superior driver stability compared to MOTU, despite the latter's strong reputation for long-term support.
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Use cases and applications
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The unit's AVB support and low noise level make it suitable for complex setups and clean recordings, even with multiple tracks and effects.
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User experience
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Owners report that the MOTU 1248's routing grid is praised for its flexibility, allowing for complex audio path configurations not commonly found in other interfaces.
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Over four years of ownership, the MOTU 1248 has proven reliable with no technical failures, contrasting earlier MOTU models known for issues.
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Owners have reported issues with MOTU's driver performance on certain setups, leading some to switch to alternative brands for more reliable operation.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
I do all my main composition, recording, and mixing inside Logic X on a Mac Pro cylinder, and output the results to as many as eight 5.1 stems which are routed via MADI over to a second Mac Pro running Pro Tools HD-Native, which is acting as a basic layback recorder. A third computer, a Mac Mini, is slaved to Logic via MTC and is running Video Slave software that I helped to develop. This takes the video playback load off of the main Logic machine and simplifies things a bit. I use MOTU 112d and 1248 AVB interfaces, along with a UAD Octo, on the Logic machine, and Avid MADI and SyncHD interfaces on the Pro Tools stem recorder. I repurposed a couple of older Mac Pro towers as orchestral slaves running Vienna Ensemble Pro, although I use these pretty rarely, and I do a fair bit of sound design and rhythm programming in Ableton Live and Reason which run as ReWire slaves behind Logic. Tons of plugins, as you'd expect, ranging from the amazing UAD stuff to more out-there stuff like Sinevibes and Audio Damage.
Genre Usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use MOTU 1248 Thunderbolt Audio Interface, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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