Since our computers are mostly not built as an audio processing device, they lack various necessary connectivity especially for inputs which is why you may need an interface like Motu M2 Vs Focusrite before being able to transfer the audio into your computer. These favorite models are very reliable and used by many to bridge their gears as well as improve the audio quality. If you are also eyeing these interfaces, go see below about which of them will fit you the most.
In this article, we are going to give you information about:
- Why do You Need an Audio Interface
- How to Choose an Audio Interface
- What are Motu M2 and Focusrite
- What Motu M2 and Focusrite Look Like
- What Motu M2 and Focusrite can offer
- How are the Specification of Motu M2 and Focusrite
- How are the Performance of Motu M2 and Focusrite
- Motu M2 Vs Focusrite
Contents
Audio Interface
In modern days, there is less limitation in what we can do with our computers because it seems they can process almost everything and their function is no longer limited to the serious typical office jobs but also moving to hobby and enthusiast such as PC gaming. We also have been using this smart device to record sound and making songs conveniently inside your bedroom. Today, almost everyone has computers and by adding a certain input, we can start recording at home.
The problem is since computers are not built for this purpose, besides installing the required programs to record and mix your song, we will also need a type of interface to connect the input and computer together. Audio interface is very necessary as not all of our inputs can be directly connected or plug into the computer. For example we don’t have XLR and TRS jack on the CPU, moreover, the sound cards are mostly not made for such purpose so they are not ideal in the recording application.
In general, an audio interface is not used to make your audio sounds better but more about how to make it as true as possible since what our ears took as pleasant are varying widely so rather than better, “accurate” is probably the best way to describe an interface benefit.
| Motu M2 | Focusrite | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Offer | click here | click here |
  |   |
|
| Shipping Weight | 13 ounces | 1.46 pounds |
Choosing an Audio Interface
Audio interface, just like any other audio equipment is available in an enormous amount of options and it can be quite confusing if this is your first shop as there are some factors we need to consider in an attempt to get the best option. But, if you want to keep everything simple, the first rule is deciding how many ports you need. Audio interfaces can have only one, two, or more depending on the model, and entry level 2 ports are the most versatile in our opinion.
Next is the type of port we need since not all of us will use the same input for example if you will use external inputs such as sampler, drum machine, or external sound processor like multi-effects units, line level inputs and outputs will be necessary. In some cases, the monitor and studio headphone that provide separate headphone mix may also need this line level port. After dealing with the input, we also have to consider their output, depending on your main device.
In most cases, the audio interface uses USB 2.0 and 3.0 to connect with your computer and this is the basic we have out there. If you have Mac, FireWire and Thunderbolt are the best to offer a more reliable, seamless data transfer across your gears. Read also: DDJ 400 Vs DDJ 200.
About Motu M2 and Focusrite
Chances are, you don’t need to spend so much just to get an audio interface because many of them are very affordable but then again, the higher the spec you require, the pricier they get as well. Personally we recommend to stick by what you need from the product and well-known names since they are often more reliable. If you already set a specific budget, we can also shop based on how much we can spend to save the time.
If you are here then it means this interface needs to be both reliable and wont take so much from the pocket. Thinking about the available options, Motu and Focusrite are two amazing choices you will love because they are popular choices in the similar price range. In comparison you may hear Focusrite more often and we are not surprised because they are probably one of the most, if not the most popular brand, comparable to PreSonus when it comes to audio interface.
Motu may not be as well-known as Focusrite but they have good quality products and are a reliable brand as well. If you will only need two I/O, two ideal options from these brands are Motu M2 and Focusrite, especially the very popular entry-level 2i2. These two are very much similar to each other and since they are sold at the same price point, it is just logical to compare the two. In our opinion, both interfaces are performing really good and ideal for almost anyone who only needs two I/O.
Motu M2 and Focusrite come with all the connectivity you need and work seamlessly with no fuss at all. They are connected to the main device using a USB port and will be compatible with either Mac or Windows; overall both are plug-and-play. For the Focusrite 2i2, we are choosing the 3rd gen today since the older 2nd gen is still available in the market.
Motu M2 and Focusrite Design
Similarly, these interfaces are very simple, in fact you don’t find anything except for the unit and USB C to USB A cable in the box. But, of course you will still get the free software which is downloadable from their website including Ableton Live Lite. Checking out the unit itself, starting form M2 by Motu, this interface seems to be robust and it also has a full metal body but is slightly lighter. The buttons have this tactile feeling with good feedback but the knob is a little bit flimsy in our opinion.
Moving to Focusrite with its Scarlett 2i2, just like any other Scarlett line, this one also has a metal casing besides the face and back plate which is plastic and what’s most attractive about it is no other than the bright red color which sets it apart from many other interfaces. The face plate has glossy finish and all of the buttons as well as knobs are very robust. The 3rd gen is the same as its 2nd gen but the dimension is smaller.
Motu M2 and Focusrite Features
Moving further, let’s check what Motu M2 and Focusrite can offer and starting with what you can get from the unit, both of them have two combination ports for XLR and ¼-inch input which both are equally phantom powered. What’s different is that the M2 has a separate phantom switch as well as zero latency monitoring instead of one on the latter. Each of these channels have their own gain knob and the 2i2 has a LED ring around it that will blink red when clipping.
However, 2i2 do have an option to monitor in either mono or stereo depending on your headphone, or deactivating it altogether. Another difference is Focusrite has a dedicated knob to access its line-level instrument and what’s new is this 3rd gen also carries an air button which formerly only existed in Focusrite higher-end products. The rest of features are similar but in addition to ¼-inch output, M2 have RCA and a MIDI port. Additionally, we have a fairly decent display at the faceplate to show the recording and playback level.
Motu M2 and Focusrite Specification
When it is about an interface, you may also need to check out their specification in terms of recording because Motu M2 and Focusrite are a little bit different here as well. The former has a bit depth of 32-bit floating and a sample rate up to 192,000 kHz which is the same to 2i2 from Focusrite but the latter has the bit depth of 24-bit. As for the dynamic range, they are at 115 dB and 111dB respectively while the gain range is up to 60 dB and 56 Db.
For comparison, the 2nd gen of 2i2 has a gain range up to 50 dB and when tested, the phantom power of Motu M2 is actually higher than 48V or at 49.2 compared to Scarlett 2i2 which is lower at 47.1. Another impressive feature which not many will notice is that the M2 actually has a loop feature that means you can record the computer sound as well.
Motu M2 and Focusrite Performance
The last part we want to mention is their performance and in this part, starting with the latency, jumping right into the 192 kHz with I/O buffer size at 64 samples, the Motu M2 has a latency of 0.7 millisecond while the 2i2 is at 2.4 millisecond. As for the noise, both of them are very quiet and the phantom power itself can be used with almost any microphones you have such as the SM7B of Shure with the gain almost 100% without any problem.
Motu M2 vs Focusrite
These audio interfaces are amazing for the price point and they are equally reliable whether you only need them for streaming or recording your song. What’s different is that Motu offers more in the same price range starting from the wide display to show you the recording level which in our opinion is more effective and easy to understand while also offering a loopback feature which Focusrite only has starting in its 4i4 model. In addition, its latency is better than Scarlett but in practice both are equally amazing for microphone and instruments.
| Motu M2 | Focusrite | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Deal* | Save Money Please click here | Save Money Please click here |
| Brand | Motu | Focusrite |
| Key features | - ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC technology for superb analog sound - The same converter technology used in audio interfaces costing thousands - Measured 120 dB dynamic range on outputs - Measured -129 dBu EIN on mic inputs | - Two of the best performing mic preamps the Scarlett range has ever seen, now with switchable air Mode to give your recordings a brighter and more open sound. - High-performance converters enable you to record and mix at up to 24-bit/ 192kHz. - Quick start tool to get up and running easier than ever. - Includes Pro Tools | First Focusrite Creative Pack, Ableton Live Lite, Softube Time and Tone Bundle, Focusrite’s Red Plug-in Suite, 3-month Splice subscription |
| Price | ||
| Customer Ratings* | 4.7 out of 5 stars | 4.5 out of 5 stars |
Conclusion
You can choose any of these interfaces depending on your preference but, personally we like Motu M2 because this model is an overall better value for the money, especially with the loopback feature and additional MIDI ports in case you will need it as well.
NOTE : Product prices, availability, ratings and save money information are accurate as of the date/time indicated on post time (as seen right bellow the tittle) and are subject to change. Any price, ratings, availability and save money information displayed on Amazon Site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.