MOTU 24AoFrom real comments

Name: MOTU 24Ao
Rating: 3 (14 reviews)

Verdict distilled from 14 mentions across 10 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment62%

PROS 62%

CONS 38%

Rank based on 14 mentions across 10 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

You want a compact, modular AVB output expander for touring or studio racks
You need to add analog outputs to a PreSonus StudioLive or NSB-based system
You value ethernet-based stage splits over expensive analog snakes

What users love

Works as PreSonus stage box / output expander0 mentions

Widely praised

Modular, flexible rig building0 mentions

Strongly positive

Upgrade path and cross-manufacturer compatibility0 mentions

Widely praised

Compact size vs PreSonus NSB hardware0 mentions

Widely praised

Replaces expensive analog snakes0 mentions

Widely praised

Skip this if...

You're not comfortable configuring AVB routing, which several users found difficult
You need guaranteed rock-solid PreSonus/MOTU clock sync amid firmware changes
You're on a tight budget, as multiple users note the unit isn't cheap

What users complain about

Not cheap0 mentions

Generally negative

Difficult AVB routing/programming0 mentions

Frequently criticized

Firmware/clock sync conflicts with PreSonus0 mentions

Frequently criticized

Reported dropouts/connection loss0 mentions

Frequently criticized

Limited PreSonus-side trim control0 mentions

Generally negative

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MOTU 24Ao

Works as PreSonus stage box / output expanderModular, flexible rig buildingUpgrade path and cross-manufacturer compatibilityDifficult AVB routing/programmingFirmware/clock sync conflicts with PreSonusLimited PreSonus-side trim control

MOTU 24Ao

Works as PreSonus stage box / output expander

Modular, flexible rig building

Upgrade path and cross-manufacturer compatibility

Difficult AVB routing/programming

Firmware/clock sync conflicts with PreSonus

Limited PreSonus-side trim control

Driver stability
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Low latency
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Channel expansion
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Overall Impression

A flexible, modular piece of a larger AVB ecosystem. Commenters describe building multi-rack rigs where a 24Ao, 8M, and B16 interface swap in and out for rehearsal, gigging, and studio use, connected only by ethernet instead of bulky analog snakes. One user calls this modular approach the reason they bought into MOTU's AVB system at all, moving from skeptical to very happy after months of use.

Popular as an output expander for PreSonus StudioLive systems. Several users specifically use the 24Ao to add analog outputs to PreSonus 24R, 32R, and NSB-based rigs for IEM splits or FOH stage boxes, appreciating its smaller footprint compared to PreSonus NSB hardware. Some report successful cross-brand AVB operation, while others struggle with PreSonus control software not supporting third-party trim adjustments.

Setup and cross-brand reliability can be a real hurdle. Multiple commenters report friction: one calls programming the 24Ao alongside 24Ai and 16a through AVB switches 'a PIA', another describes PreSonus Milan firmware updates breaking clock sync with the MOTU device, and a third asks about dropouts, since connection loss between PreSonus and MOTU gear is a commonly discussed issue.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?

linkWorks as PreSonus stage box / output expander

3 mentions

Widely praised

Multiple users successfully use the 24Ao to add analog outputs to PreSonus StudioLive 24R/32R systems for IEM splits and FOH feeds, describing it as a workable solution given the lack of native PreSonus alternatives.

@jackmerrill1521

Great information on this subject. I'm surprised that with so many people using the StudioLive R series mixers for in ear systems that Presonus hasn't developed something for their ecosystem similar to the Midas DN4816-O StageConnect that uses Ultranet from the Behringer and Midas X Series rack mixers for analog outputs to send to FOH. Ideally sending audio with one cable would be best but with different venues having different equipment using slightly different protocols that's a hard ask. The example using the Motu 24aO obviously works for this but would be great to have something in the Presonus eco that just works by changing a couple setting in UC. Keeping it affordable would be great as well I think the Midas DN4816-O is less than $400 for 16 analog outs. I just purchased the StudioLive 24R myself and am trying to avoid buying and lugging around a traditional stage split. For now it sounds like this may be my only option. There's not a lot of information for musicians on this topic, thank you for sharing.

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August 10, 2024

@daltonjazz

Would you be able to use the Motu 24Ao as an AVB splitter snake? IE if you had PA/IEM rig based around a presonus studio live rack mixer, would it be reasonable in smaller venues to run a FoH split using DB25 snakes from a 24Ao? Is the delay from AVB Analog->Presonus->Motu->Analog small enough for that to be an option?

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March 7, 2024

@findJLF

Great video - yes I've trodden the path you are on also.... We're on parallel paths / worlds. Had my 2012 MacBook Pro just upgraded to a 2022 also. To the point though, I have my MOTU 24Ao hooked up to a Prosonus NSB168. Similarly to you I have my 24Ao hooked up to a large format console. \nMy challenge is that Prosonus don't support control of the NSB168 other than through a Prosonus console which I have no interest in (Universal Control software - doesn't work with just the NSB!). I need to reduce the trim on the Prosonus somehow .- enquiries with Prosonus support gave no answer for this . . . I'll have a look at the Hive AVB that Greg Simpson has mentioned, as I think that could solve my clipping issues when I use hefty tube compressors in my live room.\nFun fact, I have the MOTU, working with the Prosonus but I also have the MOTU working with a Prism card via the optical interface . . . so three manufacturers hooked up.

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March 31, 2022

dashboard_customizeModular, flexible rig building

2 mentions

Strongly positive

Users build multi-purpose racks combining the 24Ao with other MOTU AVB units, moving them between rehearsal, gigging, and studio use via simple ethernet connections. This modularity was cited as the main reason one user committed to the MOTU AVB ecosystem.

@joewilkie

Cool video- thanks for making this! I've been using MOTU AVB interfaces since last October and have gone from hopeful but skeptical to very happy with their system. The modular approach is what sold me. I keep an 8M (8 x 8 interface + ADAT) in a 6U rack with my guitar processor which also processes my band's vocal effects. When I need to rehearse with the band, I carry that rack to our rehearsal room and connect via ethernet to the AVB switch, which adds a B16 (16 x 8) stage box. When we gig, we connect a 24Ao to the switch and place it right next to the house stage box via 3x DB25-XLR breakout cables. When I'm not rehearsing or gigging, the 6U rack goes to my comfortable play/mix room, to a friend's house, on a road trip... 3 MOTU interfaces, each in separate racks creates a very flexible system, and we never need to worry about long, expensive snakes, since l all it needs is very inexpensive ethernet cable. Looking forward to hearing your comparison of analog vs. in the box mixes!

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April 17, 2024

@Steviee8

Excellent! I know this was made a year ago and perhaps you've learned new things and maybe expanded on this idea. I for one was thinking on trying this but first wanted to google and see if anyone was successful. I assume you were after this video was made. \nI have a SL32 series III mixer with 32 channels of 2x NSB 8.8 and 1 NSB16.8. Using it as a way to use outboard gear i.e preamps and 500 series compressors etc. It works but the NSBs are huge. I like the 24Ao and Ai for their size. I know they make a 16A with both in and out I was thinking of using but like the future upgradability with the Ai and Ao. (even though they aren't cheap)\nThanks for the video Billy.

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January 5, 2024

upgradeUpgrade path and cross-manufacturer compatibility

2 mentions

Widely praised

A user appreciated the future upgradability of pairing 24Ai and 24Ao units, and another reported successfully linking the MOTU with both a PreSonus NSB and a Prism card via optical, showing broad interoperability.

@Steviee8

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January 5, 2024

@findJLF

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March 31, 2022

compressCompact size vs PreSonus NSB hardware

1 mentions

Widely praised

Compared to PreSonus NSB 8.8 and NSB16.8 stageboxes, users find the 24Ao and 24Ai notably smaller and easier to work with in a rack. This compactness is highlighted as a key advantage for touring setups.

@Steviee8

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January 5, 2024

cableReplaces expensive analog snakes

1 mentions

Widely praised

Because the 24Ao connects via AVB over inexpensive ethernet cable, users avoid the cost and hassle of long analog snakes for stage or FOH splits. One user specifically notes this eliminates worry over snake length and expense.

@joewilkie

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April 17, 2024

attach_moneyNot cheap

1 mentions

Generally negative

Commenters note the 24Ao and 24Ai units aren't inexpensive, a factor weighed against their compact size and upgrade flexibility.

@Steviee8

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January 5, 2024

settings_ethernetDifficult AVB routing/programming

1 mentions

Frequently criticized

One user running 24Ao, 24Ai, and 16a through AVB switches described programming the system as 'a PIA', suggesting a steep learning curve for routing configuration.

@brentharmonmusicproduction

Yeah I had the Motu 24ao and 24AI and 16a running through AVB switches. I found it a PIA to program.

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March 10, 2024

sync_problemFirmware/clock sync conflicts with PreSonus

1 mentions

Frequently criticized

A user reported that updated PreSonus Milan firmware forces the 32R to become master clock, breaking the ability to run the MOTU as a slave device, indicating fragile cross-brand sync.

@TravisEngler

It seems like the changes in the Presonus firmware has screwed all this up. The new Milan features keep forcing the 32R to become the Master clock and I can’t seem to get the MOTU to work as a Slave.\n\nDo you have the system working with the updated firmware on both devices? ?

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January 10, 2026

wifi_offReported dropouts/connection loss

1 mentions

Frequently criticized

A commenter specifically asked about drop-outs and sudden loss of connection after running the Presonus/MOTU combo for a while, citing it as the main issue they'd heard about with this pairing.

@woodyturner1741

Great video, thanks for that! :) \nHave you experienced any drop outs or sudden loss of connection so far while running the system for more than a few minutes? Cause that's what I'm hearing a lot about as the main issue when hooking up Presonus and MOTU devices.

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July 4, 2022

tuneLimited PreSonus-side trim control

1 mentions

Generally negative

A user couldn't reduce trim on their PreSonus NSB168 when paired with the MOTU, since PreSonus support offered no answer and Universal Control doesn't work with the NSB alone, causing clipping issues with outboard compressors.

@findJLF

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March 31, 2022

MOTU 24Aochat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

thumb_up_off_altBuy this if...

What users lovefavorite_border

thumb_down_off_altSkip this if...

What users complain aboutheart_broken

Compare in seconds

Who wins on what

Driver stability

Low latency

Long term support

Totalmix fx

Totalmix routing

Channel expansion

auto_awesomeOverall Impression

MOTU 24AoFrom real comments

Buy this if...

What users love

Skip this if...

What users complain about

Overall Impression