Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .
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Price
Average Price: $1,025
High-end/Boutique
$150
$501+
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High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "MOTU 24Ao USB/AVB Ethernet Audio Interface". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Elevate your sound with the MOTU 24Ao USB/AVB Ethernet Audio Interface, a compact yet powerful addition to your studio or live setup. Designed with precision and the creative professional in mind, this single-rack space marvel packs a punch with 24 channels of pristine analog output, seamlessly blending modern connectivity with classic sound quality. Whether you're enhancing your computer's audio capability, expanding your studio's output options, or in need of a flexible optical expander and mixer, the 24Ao is engineered to surpass expectations.
At the heart of the 24Ao lies its ultra-low latency performance, ensuring your creative flow remains uninterrupted, while the class-compliant USB 2.0 connection simplifies setup across various devices, including iPad support (Apple camera connection kit sold separately). Dive into the expansive 48-channel digital mixer, crafted with the finesse of a large format console, offering an array of routing possibilities and onboard processing to refine your sound. From the studio to the stage, the 24Ao's robust feature set, including modeled analog EQ and compression, matrix routing, and system expansion via AVB networking, provides the flexibility and control needed for intricate audio tasks.
Unleash the full potential of your audio with the MOTU 24Ao, where innovation meets the timeless craft of sound engineering.
Key Features:
- 24 balanced analog outputs in a single rack space for comprehensive connectivity.
- Ultra-low latency for seamless audio processing and creation.
- Class-compliant USB 2.0 supports a wide range of devices, including iOS with an Apple camera connection kit.
- 48-channel digital mixer with 12 stereo busses, offering large console-style mixing.
- Modeled analog EQ and compression for rich, studio-quality sound.
- Matrix routing and splitting for flexible signal management.
- System expansion and audio networking via AVB, providing limitless setup possibilities.
- DSP-powered mixing with EQ, dynamics, and effects for real-time audio shaping.
- Comprehensive connectivity with ADAT optical I/O and AVB Ethernet for studio and live applications.
Product specs
| Computer Connectivity | USB 2.0 |
| Form Factor | Rackmount |
| Simultaneous I/O | 24 x 48 |
| Analog Outputs | 3 x DB-25 (DC coupled), 6 x Phoenix |
| Digital Inputs | 3 x Optical (ADAT) |
| Digital Outputs | 3 x Optical (ADAT) |
| USB | 1 x Type B |
| Data I/O | 1 x Ethernet |
| Network | AVB |
| Clock I/O | In, Out/Thru |
| OS Requirements - Mac | iOS/iPad compatible (with camera connection kit) |
| OS Requirements - PC | USB 2.0 audio class compliant hosts |
| Rack Spaces | 1U |
| Height | 1.75" |
| Width | 19" |
FAQs
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What connectivity options does the MOTU 24Ao offer?
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The MOTU 24Ao provides USB 2.0 and Ethernet connectivity, allowing integration with AVB networks. It includes 3 DB-25 analog outputs, 6 Phoenix connectors, and 3 optical ADAT outputs, making it versatile for various studio setups.
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Is the MOTU 24Ao compatible with both Mac and PC systems?
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Yes, the MOTU 24Ao is compatible with Mac systems (including iOS/iPad with a camera connection kit) and PC systems, supporting USB 2.0 audio class compliant hosts.
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How many channels of I/O does the MOTU 24Ao support?
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The MOTU 24Ao supports 24 channels of analog output and 48 channels of digital I/O, providing extensive routing options for complex audio setups.
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Can the MOTU 24Ao be integrated into an AVB network?
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Yes, the MOTU 24Ao features AVB Ethernet connectivity, allowing it to be integrated into an AVB network for expanded audio networking capabilities.
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What form factor does the MOTU 24Ao have?
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The MOTU 24Ao is a rackmount audio interface, occupying 1U of rack space, suitable for professional studio environments.
Videos
KlemmMusicTechnology
MOTU 24Ai und MOTU 24Ao – ganz viel analoge Kanäle
MOTU 24Ai und MOTU 24Ao – ganz viel analoge Kanäle
KlemmMusicTechnology
Reviews
PROS
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Excellent D/A sound quality
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Great for setups with a high number of outputs
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AVB connectivity allows for seamless integration with other equipment
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Scalable system: up to 5 devices for up to 120 output channels
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Configurable routing table for customized system requirements
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Can operate as a standalone card after setup
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DB25 connectors facilitate connection to summing boxes or mixers
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High-quality converters with low latency over AVB
CONS
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No analog inputs, limiting its standalone use
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Software can be buggy and has a learning curve
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Occasional issues with software recognition and routing
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Lacks Thunderbolt connectivity
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Missing SPDIF i/o, limiting digital connectivity options
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Not plug-and-play, manual consultation necessary for setup
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Misleading advertising regarding direct ethernet connectivity to Mac
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Compatibility issues with using multiple units together (e.g., 24Ai and 24Ao)
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Occasional failure of AVB connection at power on
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about MOTU 24Ao USB/AVB Ethernet Audio Interface.
Setup and maintenance
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Users reported resolving clocking issues by setting the AI as the master clock connected via USB and the AO as a slave via Cat 6 Ethernet.
Source
Software and compatibility
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Phasing problems and latency jumps in Cubase were noted, increasing from 12 to 50ms, requiring various configuration attempts to mitigate.
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The MOTU 24Ao is compatible with Mac systems, facilitating integration into a Pro Tools setup.
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HD24Tools software can read HD24 files, but may require an older computer for optimal performance.
Source
Use cases and applications
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A Soundtracs Topaz 8 mixer was used with the MOTU 24Ao, highlighting compatibility with older analog desks for recording and playback.
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Transitioning from analog setups like an HD24 to digital via Pro Tools is feasible with the correct interface model.
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The 24Ao is ideal for setups needing multiple signal versions per instrument, such as raw and amped signals for experimental recording techniques.
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Features and functionality
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The internal MOTU routing web app was found confusing, causing setup difficulties for users trying to manage complex routing needs.
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The MOTU 24Ao is not suitable for direct HD24 replacement; the 24Ai model is recommended for handling ADAT inputs.
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For setups needing 24 channels of ADAT input, an interface with multiple ADAT inputs or the 24Ai interface is essential.
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The MOTU 24Ao supports AVB networking, allowing seamless integration of multiple units with a single Ethernet cable, effectively expanding input capabilities.
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Pairing the 24Ao with a 48-point TRS patchbay enhances signal routing flexibility within a rack setup.
Source
Critic Reviews
4.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating
41029
A great expansion unit for mixing OTB
If you already have an AVB equipped centerpiece unit that will run to your computer via thunderbolt, this and the sister 24Ai input unit is a great addition to your studio. Fantastic converters.AVB allows you to send a huge channel count along with word clock data at ridiculously low latency.
The AVB connection will occassionally fail at power on and you'll need to fiddle around for 5 minutes to get the network running. That's the only issue I've ever had.
UPDATE: the networking issues disappeared a few years ago with a really solid firmware update on all of the motu avb gear, still happy with these converters, you need to spend a lot more to get better sound... also, whenever I've had an issue, even though its invariably the host computer's fault, motu tech support is right there 9 to 5 eastern time and they ALWAYS help me solve the problem or at least bandaid it well enough to meet my deadlines
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use MOTU 24Ao USB/AVB Ethernet Audio Interface, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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