MOTU Track16From real comments

Name: MOTU Track16
Rating: 2.3 (15 reviews)

Verdict distilled from 15 mentions across 9 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment36%

PROS 36%

CONS 64%

Rank based on 15 mentions across 9 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

You need 16 combined analog and ADAT inputs for expandable recording
You want an easy-to-use interface at a reasonable price point
You can work around impedance-matching quirks on guitar vs mic inputs

What users love

Extensive I/O count0 mentions

Widely praised

Expandable via ADAT0 mentions

Widely praised

Easy to use and good value0 mentions

Strongly positive

Skip this if...

You need guaranteed driver support on the newest Mac or Windows versions
You want fully accurate, confirmed preamp gain specs out of the box
You're not prepared to troubleshoot firmware/USB detection issues

What users complain about

Preamp gain spec discrepancy0 mentions

Frequently criticized

Uncertain OS compatibility0 mentions

Generally negative

Guitar input not mic-compatible0 mentions

Frequently criticized

Driver and firmware issues0 mentions

Frequently criticized

Reported hiss noise0 mentions

Generally negative

High combined cost questioned0 mentions

Generally negative

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31Mid

MOTU Track16

Expandable via ADATExtensive I/O countEasy to use and good valuePreamp gain spec discrepancyGuitar input not mic-compatibleUncertain OS compatibility

MOTU Track16

Expandable via ADAT

Extensive I/O count

Easy to use and good value

Preamp gain spec discrepancy

Guitar input not mic-compatible

Uncertain OS compatibility

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Overall Impression

Expandable I/O is the headline feature. The Track16 combines 2 XLR mic inputs, 2 guitar inputs, line inputs, and an ADAT optical input carrying 8 more digital channels, for 16 inputs total. Users discuss pairing it with devices like the Presonus DigiMax D8 to add analog channels via ADAT, and ask about routing outputs to outboard gear or using sends/returns, showing the interface appeals to users wanting a scalable, modular studio setup rather than a fixed simple interface.

Input flexibility comes with impedance and gain caveats. Commenters explain that guitar (high-impedance) and mic (low-impedance) inputs aren't interchangeable without adapters like the Whirlwind Little Imp, and condenser mics need phantom power guitar inputs don't provide. There's also real confusion over preamp gain: MOTU's manual states 60dB, but B&H says MOTU corrected this to 53dB, leaving buyers unsure which figure to trust before purchase.

Software and driver reliability draws mixed reports. One user hit a firmware updater failure where the Track16 wasn't detected over USB despite being connected, alongside missing headphone audio, and wondered if it was a recurring MOTU driver problem. Others ask whether drivers and software still function on newer Mac (M2/M4) and current Windows/iOS versions, or after reinstalling on a different computer, suggesting ongoing uncertainty about long-term OS compatibility.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?

inputExtensive I/O count

2 mentions

Widely praised

The Track16 provides 16 total inputs combining XLR mic, guitar, line, and ADAT optical channels. This lets users expand further with external ADAT gear like the Presonus DigiMax D8.

@BandH

You will have one ADAT Optical Input. So this will carry 8 digital audio tracks in. You can use a product like the Presonus DigiMax D8 to add 8 Ananlog inputs to the Adat optical input of the MOTU Track 16. In addition to the ADAT Input, the Track 16 will also have Analog inputs, which consists of Two XLR Mic Inputs, Two 1/4\" Guitar Inputs, and a pair of Line Inputs (Two 1/4\" Balanced Line Ins and One Stereo Mini Plug Input). All together you will have 16 inputs. \nJuan \naskbh{at}bandh{dot}com

smart_display

February 7, 2013

@smashN

What do you actually need to have the 16 imputs?. What you connect to optical?

smart_display

February 7, 2013

extensionExpandable via ADAT

2 mentions

Widely praised

The ADAT optical input allows adding external preamps or digital mic pres for more analog inputs, appealing to users building out a larger recording setup.

@smilyle

Can you use the second pair of analog outs to add outboard gear using the software? For example, if I have a mono compressor, and a mono tape deck, like the one made by Neve, could I send out to those, and come back in through the line level inputs or even, the two of the ADAT inputs if I add a digital mic pre?

smart_display

December 16, 2013

@BandH

smart_display

February 7, 2013

thumb_upEasy to use and good value

1 mentions

Strongly positive

One user found the Track16 straightforward to operate with all its functions useful, and considered it the best choice in its price range.

@caibass

It's really easy to use. And all function are useful.\nIn this price range, TRACK16 may be the best choice...\nYou can try it!!

smart_display

April 17, 2013

warningPreamp gain spec discrepancy

3 mentions

Frequently criticized

MOTU's own manual lists 60dB of mic preamp gain, but B&H staff say MOTU confirmed the real figure is 53dB, and users are still asking which number is accurate.

@RRivesNYC

I know that in the manual it does say the preamps have 60dB of gain, but in fact, the manual is incorrect. We checked with MOTU about this and they told us the preamps have 53dB of gain.

smart_display

August 27, 2012

@jazzdanne

In MOTU's 'Track 16 User Guide' it says: Each mic input is equipped with preamp that\ndelivers 60 dB gain.\

smart_display

August 23, 2012

@GabbaDav

Does anyone know how much preamp gain that thing has? 60db, 75db?

smart_display

August 13, 2012

help_outlineUncertain OS compatibility

2 mentions

Generally negative

Users ask whether the Track16's software still works on newer Mac (M2/M4) chips and current Windows/iOS versions, and one couldn't reinstall it on another computer.

@facv_b

I have it and I couldn't reinstall it on another computer, does it work on new versions of Mac, for example m2, or m4?

smart_display

February 13, 2025

@Zazquatch1

How is the software work in 2024 with newer ios and windows versions?

smart_display

November 20, 2024

error_outlineGuitar input not mic-compatible

2 mentions

Frequently criticized

Guitar inputs are high-impedance versus low-impedance mic inputs, causing low volume and poor quality if mics are plugged in directly, and condenser mics need phantom power that guitar inputs lack.

@BandH

A guitar input has a high impedance as oppose to a mic input which will be low impedance. You will experience low volume and not the greatest quality. Also, if you are using a condenser mic, you will need phantom power. Which a guitar line input does not provide. If you are using a Dynamic mic like a Shure SM58, you can use an impedance matcher, like the Whirlwind Little Imp (LTLIMP), to connect a dynamic mic to the guitar input. \n\nJuan B \naskbh{at}bandh{dot}com

smart_display

February 11, 2013

@smashN

Thank you for the answer. Actually, the guitar inputs works on +40db right? So you can put a Mic on those inputs with a Xlr to Trs cable? I imagine the sound is not so god as the mic inputs, but thats work?

smart_display

February 7, 2013

bug_reportDriver and firmware issues

1 mentions

Frequently criticized

A user reported the firmware updater failing to detect the Track16 over USB and missing headphone audio, questioning if it's a recurring MOTU driver problem.

@TheoryCoreEngine

firmware updater says that : the track 16 is not detected,confirm that it is connected to the computer by usb,press and hold the knob and then turn it on to switch it to the firmware update mode.. but its connected to usb..is it motu's driver problem again? and i dont have headphone's sound.. how can i fix it? or Rme babyface must be the real portable?

smart_display

November 27, 2014

graphic_eqReported hiss noise

1 mentions

Generally negative

One user reported noticeable hiss on a recorded track and asked whether it was a Track16 issue.

@kenzu2011

why is there is notacable hiss in the track????is it the track 16 issue?

smart_display

July 24, 2013

attach_moneyHigh combined cost questioned

1 mentions

Generally negative

A user was surprised at the combined pricing of $1,299 for software and $549 for hardware, questioning the value.

@MrBRL

$1,299.00 for the software and $549.00 for the hardware....Is it April 1st?

smart_display

July 27, 2012

MOTU Track16chat_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 Track16From real comments

Buy this if...

What users love

Skip this if...

What users complain about

Overall Impression