Neumann MT48

The Neumann MT48 is a reference class audio interface designed to provide uncompromising sound quality for professional recording and mixing. Featuring an industry leading dynamic range and high resolution preamps, this device ensures every nuance is captured with absolute clarity. The integrated touchscreen offers intuitive control over its powerful onboard DSP, allowing for latency free processing. With versatile connectivity including AES67 and USB support, this premium desktop unit serves as the ultimate bridge between your microphones and digital workstation for pristine results.

Neumann MT 48 Audio Interface Overview

The Neumann MT 48 is a premium desktop 12x12 USB-C audio/MIDI interface designed for professional recording, monitoring, and mixing applications. Developed in collaboration with Merging Technologies, it delivers reference-class audio quality throughout the signal chain, featuring class-leading AD converters with a dynamic range of 136 dB-A, which is four times the resolution of comparable devices. This interface ensures pristine capture of microphone signals without bottlenecks, making it ideal for producers, musicians, and engineers using high-end Neumann microphones, monitors, and headphones.

Key highlights include two premium mic/line preamps with up to 78 dB gain, two high-impedance instrument/line inputs, four line/monitor outputs, and two ultra-low impedance headphone outputs. The MT 48 incorporates a powerful onboard DSP for real-time processing, intuitive touchscreen control, and expandable connectivity via ADAT, S/PDIF, AES67/RAVENNA, and MIDI/GPIO, supporting integration into larger studio setups or networked audio environments.

Analog Inputs and Preamps

The MT 48 features two combo XLR-1/4" mic/line inputs (1-2) with exceptional performance: dynamic range of approximately 136-138.5 dB (A-weighted), equivalent input noise as low as -129 dBu (150 Ohm), input impedance of ~5 kΩ single-ended / ~10 kΩ differential, gain range up to 78 dB, selectable -12/-24 dB pads, max input level of +24 dBu, and THD+N below -110 dB at 1 kHz, 0 dBFS.

Inputs 3-4 are dedicated 1/4" Hi-Z instrument/line inputs with 1 MΩ unbalanced / 2 MΩ balanced impedance for passive pickups, dynamic range around 120 dB, gain range of 45 dB, sensitivity adjustable, max input level +15 dBu, and low THD+N. These inputs handle low-output ribbons, condensers, dynamics, electronic instruments, and line-level sources with ultralow noise and tonal fidelity.

Outputs and Monitoring

Monitor outputs consist of four balanced line outputs (including 2x XLR mains and 2x 1/4" TRS), with output impedance <0.1 Ω, THD+N <-115 dB at 1 kHz 0 dBFS, dynamic range of 136 dB (A-weighted), and max output level +24 dBu. Two independent headphone outputs offer ultra-low impedance (<0.1 Ω), dynamic range up to 138 dB, max level +22 dBu, and adjustable crossfeed for immersive monitoring.

• Supports 4 independent mixers with integrated talkback for flexible cueing.
• Dual Output Technology enables simultaneous Pre-FX (clean) and Post-FX (processed) recording.
• Low-latency internal mixer (~9 samples D/A, under 5 ms round-trip at 44.1 kHz, 32-sample buffer).

DSP Processing and User Interface

Equipped with a robust DSP engine, the MT 48 functions as a full-featured digital mixing console, providing per-channel 4-band EQ, 3-way dynamics (gate/compressor/limiter), and reverb for monitoring and recording. The capacitive TFT LCD touchscreen offers intuitive navigation via a home button (Neumann diamond) and multi-function rotary control, simplifying mixer setup, effects, and routing.

Processing supports zero-latency monitoring with selectable filters, and the interface bridges USB to AES67 for networked workflows, perfectly suiting Neumann studio monitor systems.

Digital Connectivity and Expansion

Core connectivity includes USB-C (class-compliant, up to 32x16 channels at 48 kHz; 16x16 at 96 kHz; reduced at higher rates), optical I/O (ADAT up to 8 channels at 48 kHz, switchable to S/PDIF 2 channels up to 96 kHz; 4/2 channels at double/quad rates), AES67/RAVENNA for network expansion, and MIDI/GPIO via TRS (adapters needed for DIN5 MIDI).

• Expandable with Merging Technologies or third-party ADAT/AES67 devices.
• Power options: Universal AC adapter (worldwide) or PoE+ via Ethernet.
• Dimensions: 1.57" H x 7.87" W x 5.03" D; Weight: 2.09 lbs.

Technical Specifications

Sampling rates up to 192 kHz / 24-bit, with A/D resolution delivering 136 dB dynamic range. List price approximately USD $1,850. The MT 48 sets benchmarks in clarity, low noise, and versatility for personal studios or professional environments.