All user reviews for the MOTU Audio Express

I have used the MOTU Express a few times over the last few months while working a special project for a local band. It can be used as a standalone mixer as well as an interface, I feel that feature is great for a device in this price range. MOTU has made many great interfaces and I have use a lot of them but this one is suppose to be one of the lower end ones that they make but by the quality of it, you really cannot tell that it is not one of the better ones that they make.

UTILIZATION

I didn’t have to set this interface up because all of that was already taken care of but opening it up in Pro Tools and working with it was very quick and easy. All of the ins and outs are on the back of this interface which at the studio I was using it at was a hassle because I had to keep switching cables in and out. But the mixer that is built into it is very good and I feel it is the best feature that it has. Many other interfaces that are even close to this price range will not work as a standalone mixer.

GETTING STARTED

The preamps are not bad but they do add a little color to the sound. They also had a footswitch connected to it for punching in and punching out with. It was one of the first times that I have used a footswitch to control those functions and I have grown to love it. They also had another interface working with it for more ins and outs, so it is also expandable. There really isn’t anything not too like about this interface.

OVERALL OPINION

Also, like some of the other MOTU interfaces you can use this one with an iPad as well which was a pleasant surprise being that this is one of the “watered down” interfaces that they make. But really this interface feels just as good as some of the higher end ones that they make. The only main difference is that the preamps do not sound as clean as the higher end interfaces that they make.

I was using the MOTU Audio Express back in 2011; it is a 6 by 6 USB interface that can also be used via Firewire. It is compatible with both Macs and PC’s and can be used as a standalone mixer. Setting up this interface was very easy and quick. It is pretty small and not rackable so it will just had to go on my table top which I was not a fan of but it was not that bad. The preamp is pretty clean for it to be in this price range, I would have actually kept this interface for a long time but I needed to have more inputs so I upgraded but still stayed with the same MOTU line just a bigger interface.

UTILIZATION

The built in mixer was something that I did not expect to get with an interface of this price and size. Right after I purchased this interface that the controls on the front of the interface did not seemed to be built as well as I would like them to be which is pretty common in smaller interfaces because they tend to lack quality especially when they are at a low price.

GETTING STARTED

The manual do does come with this interface, and walked me through the set up process on both my PC and Macbook. I only had to refer to the manual for my MacBook though because I ran into some small driver issues. I have recorded vocals and guitar tracks with this interface and I was really impressed with the quality of it. I would have kept it but I needed more inputs and also wanted a rackable unit so basically I purchased the exact same unit but it is rackable and has more inputs.

OVERALL OPINION

MOTU has really changed the interfaces that they have come out with recently. They are much better than some of the other ones they have come out with and the preamps are probably the best thing about them. I have used many MOTU interfaces and some good and some bad, but these ones are awesome.

I needed a soundcard with a couple of inputs and MIDI. I wanted something simple and effective. I wanted an RME, but I preferred to save some money.
I use it to record synths, I also use it for MIDI, plus I use it as my every day soundcard for Internet, writing songs, a bit of everything.

UTILIZATION

Things start to go downhill when it comes to installation and use!

Even if you install the drivers supplied, the soundcard will make you deaf, forcing you to go to the Motu website to change that (but there is no indication of this anywhere, you must learn it the hard way...).

In terms of use, the software is pretty good, even if some parameters seem not to work. (volume control track by track?)

In terms of sound, I have loud crackles from time to time, which forces me to restart it...it's very frustrating!

GETTING STARTED

See above, but I don't think it's easy to use, no plug and play, even if the manual is pretty good.

OVERALL OPINION

I've been using it for six months.

I love the simplicity and the number of controls on the front panel. (the headphone/monitor volume management system is pretty cool). The sound is not too bad.

But I don't like the rest: It crashes, it crackles sometimes, you need to restart...

I had a focusrite saffire before which wasn't better, but at least it didn't crash. I could rely on it.

I don't recommend it. And I hope that MOTU makes some improvements in the future. In any case, they have lost a client for the time being. I'll switch to RME!

Before buying it I looked at protools, cubase and others, but I wanted something different, that was worth my money and so I bought this soundcard. I use it for the studio and also personally. I use it with a mac G5 powerpc 4 ddr ram.

UTILIZATION

The drivers are stable. Digital Performer is the software that comes included with Audio Express. I bought the Crossgrade to have the full version of Digital Performer 7. Currently I only use two tracks for recording, to record drums I use a Yamaha AW 1600. For certain projects I have up to 16 recording tracks that I can playback without any latency.

GETTING STARTED

The installation is problem-free, but I had to resort to the manual for the configuration because there were some aspects I didn't quite understand. Working with it I have discovered certain features that are useful for what I do, so I'm very satisfied.

OVERALL OPINION

I've had it since December 2011 and it's my first soundcard ever. For $478.00, I got what I wanted. Yes, based on my experience, I would buy it again.

I sought a sound card allowing me to have a better sound quality to replace my old card entry level without starting material in "pro".
I use it on a standard PC with windows seven 64bit, no problems during installation or use. Instead, the Asio drivers are installed automatically unlike my old card where I struggled for a while.
I use this sound card connected between the PC and my stereo, with AmpliTube 2, music creator 5 and other VST installed. All nice enough to simply work songs or his own compositions, real cheap.
Another interesting feature, the map has a height of 1NU and is rack mountable.

UTILIZATION

Updates are available at MOTU. It is also essential to have them because the card came out before Windows 7 (I think).
No latency when I'm not a computer worthy of a home studio and I work in 44100.
4 plug-simultanéments instruments on the map, but I do not use that.

GETTING STARTED

Getting started is easy, or at least not really complicated. I knew nothing on the purchase and just a little logic for it to pass. The manual is necessary during installation and update. It is not very full but more than adequate.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for 4 months now, and I have no complaints about the product. This is exactly what I sought: a sound card for a price not too high permettai me to play and record my songs without being crippled because of its plea, bugs or latency.
All sounds come out, the nuances of attacks on the strings, tapping no worries either.
I bought it with headphones beyerdynamic I plug in front of the card: the sound is so clean since the headset has the distinction of being neutral and I no longer passes through my stereo amp. Make a piece that way there, then iron in your chain and your speakers: quite a slap.

In short, I do it again this choice a hundred times if necessary, it's right that I sought. And given the fairly robust build quality, this card is built to last with me. Only thing "negative": the main entrance at the rear, it could have been nice to just have it in front, and an equalizer in VST.

I wanted to spend on good converters.
I needed to noon.
I would not put too much.
We met ...

It has everything necessary for a small home studio.

UTILIZATION

Currently no problem with Mac OS X.
I use it with Reason and Wavelab, some plug-ins in standalone (B4, FM8).
For now it is running.

GETTING STARTED

Simple installation on Mac.
Simple configuration via the control parameter or the card itself.
Manuel clear.
Attention both during installation, the level is very high but can be adjusted without any problems then (see tab tips on AF).

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for 3 days at the bottom.
I had a before and an ESI Firewire 828 still ahead.
The value for money is excellent, the sound is excellent.
What I like most is the simplicity and controls in facades.
What I like least is the software that came with, impossible to run this thing.

Just one caveat, via the control panel, nothing happens when I touch the fader Main Out ...

I do it again this choice.

multiple input and output for recording studio + mix sound without connecting with PC

Laptop PC connected to 2GB RAM and tested on XP partition Seven: OK for both

- Acoustic guitar + microphone audiotechnica AE5100
- Vigier Guitars Excalibur (effects pedal line6 PODxt Live upstream)

UTILIZATION

Driver seven stable or XP
Reaper used to register. tested with 4 inputs simultaneously OK
latency of 11-20 ms

GETTING STARTED

Installation without problem on XP and Seven, no problem with reaper
English manual only, damage

OVERALL OPINION

used for 2 weeks now
recording quality than my POD XT Live

MASTER effectively the standard is very attentive, so qlqs application settings and precautions.

Too bad if that does not include standalone mode mix in a hardware compression and EQ to fine tune the sound directly to balance power in her pregnant!

At this price, lots of rival equipment do I think the same job

Ideal for rehearsal, small concert with 4 taken simultaneously (guitar vocals) for mixing and / or register

Specifications are attractive.
Hybrid USB / Firewire, opportunities to mix four different ways depending on the outputs, headphone output (on paper) assignable to different outs plus a separate way. Displaying all levels enjoyable.
Mixer can optionally be used standalone

J'utilis (ais) e this interface with my MacBook Pro 2009 Mac OSX 10.6, Ableton Live. Input synth Roland SH-32, in main output a pair of Mackie MR 5 Mk II.

Use?

A digital piano / synthesizer input to my DAW, general listening (movies, MP3s). I also wanted to use the separate headphone jack for practicing with live mix, but this is impossible.

UTILIZATION

Current version of drivers seem stable, but they may be the cause of my problems, as I describe it) below.

I spent my weekend looking for threads talking about problems with the MOTU, have not found one, started by someone who had been eager to be reimbursed.

GETTING STARTED

Here we are at the heart of the problem.

After unpacking the model, made my connections, installed the drivers. The card is not detected. I have to reinstall the drivers again for it to be.
Initially, only one speaker works. After poking around in some forums, I restarted the bike and put it to factory settings. Ok, I have my two speakers. I rule so that their input is minimized. First sound that comes out (vlc), my speakers are a big hit, my building is vibrating and my ears hurt. Too loud. FAR TOO LOUD.

So this is my main problem (and also not the only one) with my Audio Express. When the output volume control works (and it does not always work).
Concrete example: I use my synth to the maximum level, and levels of entry as well. The program comes with the interface, CueMix, shows me a level of about -12 dB for these tracks (nothing Folichon so). I kill the direct output of the mix, in order to bypass my DAW. And there is a disaster.
For my monitors out a suitable volume vis-à-vis the neighborhood of their expected lifetime, and my ears, I have to get my Master Fader (or my fader tracks) just above the minimum value.
So it becomes impossible to work properly. Improper manipulation 'and I burst my speakers.

In short, I feel that the main outputs, line outputs normal (+4 dBu), are 40 dB above what one would expect. I want to clarify two things: that these tests were conducted with the input settings of my monitors near zero, and the use of my old interface, a Tascam MK-II, produced in volumes much more acceptable.

OVERALL OPINION

I use this model for 4 days, and I spent two to try to hack.
I admit to not having tried the other model and I had trusted the advice of my enthusiastic seller.

The interface looked quite attractive, and comes from a prestigious brand. Very excited about the purchase, I quickly became disillusioned, and uncertain if my problem is related to poorly made drivers or main out too hard or if I just inherited a defective model, I hesitate to tell you to avoid like the plague, but is rather upset, I'll do it anyway.

GO YOUR WAY. CURRENT.

I go tomorrow, and go to either an M-Audio ProFire 610 or Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 DSP comparable price.