MOTU M2

Connects an XLR mic to Windows and Mac over USB, with phantom power for condenser mics. Not a console path.

Audio interfaceTwo mic inputs with 48 V, a headphone knob of its own, colour level meters and loopback for streaming, on Windows or Mac

Check this setup

Platform connections

Connects to: macOS (class compliant, no driver needed) · Windows (MOTU driver) · iOS (class compliant)
Phantom power: 48 V, switched per input

“Works” means the maker lists that platform for the connection shown; “Maker doesn't say” means it doesn't mention it either way. On a headset, it also depends on the edition you pick.

MOTU M2: how it connects and what you can adjust

How it connects

Microphone + XLR cable
MOTU M2
USB to computer
Chat input

Connections: 2 XLR/TRS combo inputs · 2 balanced 1/4-inch TRS outputs · 2 RCA outputs (mirror the 1/4-inch outputs) · 1/4-inch headphone output · MIDI in and out · USB-C (USB 2.0)
Mute: Not listed by the maker
Hear yourself: Yes: a MON button per input sends it straight to your headphones

Choose it if…

You have an XLR microphone and need a microphone preamp to connect it to your computer.
You want to hear your own voice through headphones while you play.
You have desk space for the interface and access to its gain and headphone controls.

Before choosing this model

Loopback needs MOTU's driver: Windows always uses it; on a Mac it is optional, and without it there is no loopback.
MOTU's pages disagree on system versions: the overview says macOS 10.11 and Windows 10 or later, the specification page macOS 12 and Windows 11 23H2 or later.
No mute button: mute in your chat app, the game or Windows.
No mic, XLR cable or headphones in the box; only a USB-C to USB-A cable.
MOTU names no console for it.
A USB plug doesn't mean it works on a console: check which platforms its maker lists on this page.
Leave desk space for the interface and its cables, and pick the stand or arm for your mic.
Also needed: XLR mic and XLR cable; headphones; a USB-C to USB-C cable if your computer has only USB-C (sold separately).

Others like it

Controls and specifications

macOS (class compliant, no driver needed) · Windows (MOTU driver) · iOS (class compliant). Software: Loopback inputs that carry your computer's sound, alone or mixed with your mic (MOTU driver) · Level meters on a colour screen.

Connections, controls and fit
Connections	2 XLR/TRS combo inputs · 2 balanced 1/4-inch TRS outputs · 2 RCA outputs (mirror the 1/4-inch outputs) · 1/4-inch headphone output · MIDI in and out · USB-C (USB 2.0)
Microphone mute	Not listed by the maker
Monitoring	Yes: a MON button per input sends it straight to your headphones
Chat controls	headphone volume knob · monitor volume knob · MON button per input
Mounts	Not listed by the maker
Dimensions	191 x 108 x 45 mm

In the box and parts
Included parts	M2 interface · USB-C to USB-A cable
Additional parts	XLR mic and XLR cable · Headphones · A USB-C to USB-C cable if your computer has only USB-C (sold separately)

Manufacturer specifications for MOTU M2.
Connections	2 XLR/TRS combo mic/line/instrument inputs · 2 balanced 1/4-inch TRS line outputs · 2 unbalanced RCA outputs (mirroring the 1/4-inch outputs) · 1/4-inch headphone output · 5-pin MIDI in and out · USB-C (USB 2.0), works with USB-A hosts
Phantom power available	48 V, switched per input
Gain range (dB)	60
Equivalent input noise	-129 dBu
Sample rates	44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 192 kHz
Direct monitoring	MON button per input; mono by default, stereo by press-and-hold
Loopback	Yes, with the MOTU driver: Loopback 1-2 carries the computer's output, Loopback Mix 1-2 mixes it with the live inputs
Drivers	Class compliant on Mac and iOS; Windows needs the MOTU driver
Operating system versions	Overview: macOS 10.11, Windows 10 or iOS 9 or later. Specification page: macOS 12 or later (Apple silicon or Intel), Windows 11 23H2 or later (x86-64 or ARM64)
Power	USB bus power, with a power switch
Console statement	None found on MOTU's pages
In the box	M2 interface · USB-C to USB-A cable · Safety instructions
Dimensions	19.05 x 10.8 x 4.5 cm (W x D x H)
Weight	610 g

Questions about the MOTU M2

Can I hear myself through the MOTU M2?

Its maker lists: Yes: a MON button per input sends it straight to your headphones.

Set it up for game chat.

Connect the parts shown in the diagram. If you use XLR, connect the microphone to the interface before selecting it in your app.
Choose the intended input in the operating system. Run the Discord input check or use your console’s microphone test.
Check speaking level and mute with headphones on. Change only one gain, sensitivity or suppression control between tests.