Neumann MT 48 U Desktop 12x12 USB-C Audio/MIDI Interface

Neumann MT 48 Overview

The Neumann MT 48 U is a desktop 12x12 reference USB-C audio/MIDI interface that ensures pristine sound quality throughout your entire signal chain—from input to output—so you get the very best out of your Neumann microphones, monitors, and headphones, or any other mic. With four times the resolution of similar interfaces, the MT 48’s high-precision AD converters deliver a staggering dynamic range of 136 dB-A, providing exceptional clarity and detail when recording with professional microphones. Two premium-quality mic/line preamps and two line/instrument inputs offer a remarkable 78 dB of gain, ideal for clean, ultralow-noise recording with condenser, tube, and dynamic microphones, or even low-output ribbons. Great for traveling musicians, the MT 48 U comes with a universal power supply that plugs into virtually any power outlet anywhere in the world. 

For ease of use and simpler workflow, the MT 48 U features a high-resolution, color touchscreen with an intuitive user interface. No more switching between hardware and software—all settings are made on the device itself. The built-in digital mixing console offers four separate monitor mixes with integrated talkback. Onboard DSP includes a fully parametric 4-band EQ and a 3-way dynamics processor (gate/compressor/limiter) per channel as well as a high-quality reverb for inspiring monitor mixes. As a unique feature, the MT 48 U offers Pre-FX and Post-FX recording, both at the same time. To accommodate larger setups, the interface can be expanded via ADAT / S/PDIF and AES67/RAVENNA, and also works as a bridge from USB to AES67. A MIDI interface is also integrated.

The Perfect Link

• From the proverbial bedroom studio, location work, and broadcast applications to professional recording, the MT 48 U true reference interface brings Neumann quality and Merging Technologies Swiss precision to the digital workflow. Capable of capturing the full dynamic range of Neumann microphones, it is optimally matched to the KH-Line of studio monitors. The result is an ideal signal chain without any bottlenecks: uncompromising sound quality from the microphone diaphragm to your ear.
• The two, built-in headphone amplifiers are powerful and ultra-low impedance, ideal for driving the best headphones Neumann has to offer, such as the NDH line.

Intuitive User Experience with Large Touchscreen

• The ideal companion for self-recording musicians, the MT 48 U is easy to operate. All settings can be made on the device itself via the built-in, high-resolution color touchscreen. Simply use your fingers to adjust pan pots, channel faders, and much more, without having to switch to a mixer software on your computer.
• The MT 48 U has a built-in talkback mic for easy communication from the control room to the live room.
• The MT 48 U can even be operated standalone as a mixing console.

Analog I/OThe MT 48 U has four analog inputs and eight analog outputs. The latter are configured as stereo pairs.

• Mic/Line Inputs 1+2 are located on the back of the unit as combo jacks. Use the XLR for microphones and use the 1/4" TRS for line sources. +48V phantom power is supplied.
• Instrument/Line Inputs 3+4 with 1/4" connectors are located on the front of the unit as a matter of convenience, when you plug in a guitar or bass. These inputs can also be used for line signals.
• Main Outs 1+2 with XLR connectors are located on the back. Usually, these will be connected to your studio monitor loudspeakers.
• Line Outs 3+4 with 1/4" TRS connectors are located on the back of the unit. These can be used for a secondary pair of monitor loudspeakers or other purposes, such as sending a line signal to an external headphone amplifier in the live room or vocal booth.
• Two stereo headphone outputs are located on the front. Headphone outputs 1 and 2 are independent of each other and can be addressed separately.

Digital I/O

• Host connection is provided by a dedicated USB-C port.
• ADAT allows for adding up to eight input and output channels via dedicated converters. ADAT channel count depends on the sampling rate used: 8 channels up to 48 kHz, 4 channels up to 96 kHz, and 2 channels up to 192 kHz. The optical connectors can also be used in S/PDIF mode for stereo I/O up to 96 kHz.
• AES67 uses Ethernet connectivity to support high channel counts, even at double and quad sampling rates. The AES67 port is bidirectional, so input and output devices can be connected to the MT 48 U at the same time using a standard Ethernet switch.
• The MT 48 U supports the RAVENNA protocol and contains a converter that translates between USB and AES67/Ravenna.

Record with or without Effects. Or Both!

• The MT 48 U is an audio interface and digital mixing desk in one. You can use its DSP processing for monitoring only, or you can print effects while recording. Or both at the same time.
• Thanks to the unique Dual Output Technology, post-FX wet and pre-FX dry signals can be recorded simultaneously via separate driver channels. So, if necessary, you can fall back on an unprocessed backup.

GPIO/MIDI I/O

• Two 1/4" TRS connectors on the back panel can be used in GPIO mode for switching, e.g. connecting a footswitch or remote switching a recording light indicator.
• Or you can use them in MIDI mode as MIDI in and out, using TRS to DIN5 adapter cables (available separately).

Powering

• The the MT 48 U is powered via a dedicated USB-C port using the included universal AC power adapter, allowing for use in all territories, worldwide.
• Alternatively, the MT 48 U also works via Power-over-Ethernet with switches that support the PoE+ standard.

MT 48 U at a Glance

• Class-leading AD-converter resolution with a dynamic range of 136 dB
• 2 premium-quality mic/line preamps, 2 pristine line/instrument inputs
• 4 line/monitor outputs
• 2 ultra-low impedance headphone outputs with adjustable crossfeed
• ADAT / S/PDIF optical I/O, AES67, MIDI/GPIO
• DSP processing (EQ, dynamics, reverb)
• 4 independent mixers with integrated talkback
• Two driver outputs per input channel for pre-FX and/or post-FX recording
• Intuitive touchscreen user interface
• Universal power supply for woldwide use

Neumann MT 48 Specs

General
• Channels of I/O: 4 Inputs / 4 Outputs

• Maximum Sampling Rate: 192 kHz / 24-Bit

• Number of Microphone Inputs: 2

• Built-In DSP: Yes

• Built-In Microphone: No

• Input Level Adjustment: via Software

Analog Audio I/O

• 2x Combo XLR-1/4" TRS Balanced Mic/Line Input

• 2x 1/4" TS Balanced/Unbalanced Line/Hi-Z Input

• 2x XLR 3-Pin Balanced Line Output

• 2x 1/4" TRS Balanced Line Output

• 2x 1/4" TRS Headphone Output

• Phantom Power: 48 V, Selectable On/Off

Digital Audio I/O

• 1x TOSLINK Optical ADAT / S/PDIF Input

• 1x TOSLINK Optical ADAT / S/PDIF Output

• Sample Rates: 192 kHz

• Bit Depths: 24-Bit

Host Connection

• 1x USB-C (Host, USB 2.0)

• 1x USB-C (Power Input, Non-Host)

Network & Expansion

• 1x RJ45 AES67 / RAVENNA

• MIDI I/O: 1x DIN 5-Pin Input / Output (via Breakout Cable, Sold Separately)

• Expansion Slots: None

• Wireless: No

Signal Processing

• Mic Pad: -12 dB / -24 dB

• Gain/Trim Range:

 – Combo XLR-1/4" Mic: +12 dB to +78 dB (0.5 dB steps)

 – Combo XLR-1/4" Line: 0 dB to +66 dB

 – 1/4" Line/Hi-Z: 0 dB to +66 dB

Performance

• Maximum Input Level:

 – Mic: 0 dBu (No Pad), +12 / +24 dBu (With Pad)

 – Line: +24 dBu

 – Hi-Z: +18 dBu

• Maximum Output Level:

 – Line: +24 dBu

 – Headphone: +16 dBu (High), +8 dBu (Low)

• Input Impedance:

 – Combo XLR-1/4" Mic: 10 kΩ

 – Combo XLR-1/4" Line: 10 kΩ

 – 1/4" Line/Hi-Z: 2 MΩ (Balanced), 1 MΩ (Unbalanced)

• Dynamic Range:

 – Combo XLR-1/4" Mic: 136 dBA

 – Combo XLR-1/4" Line: 138.5 dBA

 – 1/4" Line/Hi-Z: 135 dBA

 – Line Outputs: 123 dBA

 – 1/4" Headphone Outputs: 122 dBA (High), 117 dBA (Low)

• THD+N: < -110 dB (Mic), < -105 dB (Line), < -112 dB (1/4" Hi-Z), < -110 dB (Line Out)

• EIN: -128 dBu A-Weighted (150 Ω)

Compatibility

• OS: macOS 10.15 to 13 / Windows 10 or Later

• Mobile App: No

Power

• Power Requirements: AC/DC Adapter (Included), PoE

• Power Consumption: 25 W (Maximum)

Physical

• Dimensions: 7.9 x 5 x 1.6" / 200 x 128 x 40 mm

Packaging Info

• Package Weight: 3.91 lb

• Box Dimensions (LxWxH): 15.2 x 7.3 x 3"

• Neumann MT 48 U Desktop 12x12 USB-C Audio/MIDI Interface
  
• USB-C Data Cable
  
• USB-A Data Cable
  
• Universal Power Supply with USB-C Cable
  
• Set of International AC Plugs
  
• Soft Case
  
• Limited 2-Year Manufacturer Warranty