Motu MOTU 24 AO and MOTU 24 AI

[OneWorld]

Could anyone explain the difference between these two interfaces? Of course I am sure there is but in all descriptions I have seen, they seem identical?

[Wonks]

It's there in the description. One has 24 analogue inputs, the other has 24 analogue outputs, plus the same digital interface options. So if you need to send a lot of analogue signals over a network to an analogue mixing desk or a load of power amplifiers, then you'd pick the 24 AO.

Otherwise if you want audio inputs, then pick the 24 AI.

SImples.

[OneWorld]

It's there in the description. One has 24 analogue inputs, the other has 24 analogue outputs, plus the same digital interface options. So if you need to send a lot of analogue signals over a network to an analogue mixing desk or a load of power amplifiers, then you'd pick the 24 AO.

Otherwise if you want audio inputs, then pick the 24 AI.

SImples.

Thanks, that's what I figured it was but thought surely no interface would be complete if it did not have both inputs and outputs, what use would it be? But anyway, now I know

[Drew Stephenson]

It is complete...

...as long as you buy both...

[Wonks]

It's really designed for networked installed audio rather than a studio audio interface, though the 24 AI can be made to work in that way, but there are better fit products in the MOTU range. This is part of their range of products to compete with systems like Focusrite's Rednet. Think broadcast studios etc.

[leesrubberroom]

It's really designed for networked installed audio rather than a studio audio interface, though the 24 AI can be made to work in that way, but there are better fit products in the MOTU range. This is part of their range of products to compete with systems like Focusrite's Rednet. Think broadcast studios etc.

If I was looking for 24in and 24 out at line level, for interfacing with an old analogue mixing desk in a hybrid setup, the combination of these 2 interfaces is perfect isn't it? There aren't any other products that do this are there? There aren't that many products on the market generally that do this nowadays.

[Hugh Robjohns]

Ferrofish converters into an RME Digiface?

[Sam Inglis]

Sadly PreSonus have discontinued the Quantum 4848, which I think was the most cost-effective way to get 24 line-level I/O.

I think one reason why there are very few such interfaces around is that Thunderbolt is kind of dead except at the high end, and on USB, nearly all manufacturers are using the XMOS chipset which seems to be limited to USB2 bandwidth. If you want large I/O counts on USB, the only options I know of are RME and MOTU.

[Drew Stephenson]

I think the Audient Evo 16, despite the name, will handle 24 ins, not sure about outs but I think so. One of them plus a Ferrofish Pulse 16 and you're up and running for a fairly reasonable cost. (If you don't need more than 8 pre-amps obviously).
All at base rates.