MOTU 1248From real comments

Verdict distilled from 21 mentions across 10 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment47%
PROS 47%
CONS 53%

Rank based on 21 mentions across 10 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You need to network multiple MOTU AVB units for large mic/line counts
  • You want high-quality preamps with a pre-A/D limiter
  • You're comfortable investing time to learn advanced routing and mixing features

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You want simple, intuitive input/output labeling without a learning curve
  • You need USB 3.0/3.1 speeds instead of USB 2.0
  • You're considering the 16A and need built-in monitor controls or a headphone out

What users complain about

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MOTU 1248
Flexible AVB networkingRich mixing and monitoring featuresGreat overall sound qualityConfusing connectivity optionsConfusing input and output layoutUSB limited to 2.0
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Flexible AVB networking
Rich mixing and monitoring features
Great overall sound quality
Confusing connectivity options
Confusing input and output layout
USB limited to 2.0

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Preamps and mixing power impress once you learn the system. Users highlight the MOTU 1248's preamp quality, singling out the pre-A/D converter limiter as a standout feature worth building a purchase decision around. The device also supports advanced monitoring workflows, including DSP effects for headphone monitoring, talkback for communicating with performers, and personal mix routing so multiple band members can each get their own blend. One user summarized it as sounding really amazing once you get the hang of its operation, suggesting the payoff is worth the initial complexity for serious studio and live-sound applications.

AVB networking enables large, multi-unit setups. Several commenters are drawn to the 1248's AVB/Ethernet networking, which lets multiple MOTU interfaces (such as an 1248 paired with 8M and 16A units) be linked to handle large channel counts, like 20 mics and 10 line inputs with individual monitor mixes for band members. Others ask about connecting additional boxes to the same virtual mixer or adding a MADI input, and about routing audio directly over Ethernet into a PC instead of USB. This networked, expandable approach is viewed as a strong selling point at its price point.

Routing complexity and connectivity choices confuse some buyers. Multiple viewers struggle to understand the 1248's input numbering, where mic, analog, and guitar inputs appear to overlap across only six gain knobs, and ask for clarification on how outputs map to monitor mixes versus individual instrument feeds. Others question the choice of USB 2.0 despite Thunderbolt support, note that the 16A model lacks monitor outputs, volume control, and a headphone jack, and raise concerns about long-term reliability based on past experience with aging MOTU 828 units failing over time.

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