Short answer: the MOTU M6. It ranks #5 of 17 audio interfaces by measured performance, rated 3.8/5, at $449.95; the RME Fireface UFX III ranks #9, rated 3.7/5, and costs $3,199, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
What the MOTU M6 does well: Audio Science Review measured 112 dB SINAD from its ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC, clean for nearly all listening. The catch: MOTU doesn’t publish a 32 ohm headphone power figure, and Audio Science Review found the headphone output poor into low impedance loads and its recording converter weaker than its DAC.
The case for the RME Fireface UFX III: Audio Science Review measured 110 dB SINAD, clean for nearly all listening. The catch: RME doesn’t publish a 32 ohm headphone power figure, so its ability to drive demanding headphones is unknown.
Buy the MOTU M6. It is rated higher than the RME Fireface UFX III and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| MOTU M6 | RME Fireface UFX III | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449.95 | $3,199.00 |
| Ranked | #5 of 17 in Audio Interfaces | #9 of 17 in Audio Interfaces |
| Device Type | Audio interface | Audio interface |
| SINAD | 112 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 110 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Inputs | 4 XLR/TRS combo (mic/line/Hi-Z), 2 balanced 6.35 mm line, USB-C, MIDI in | - |
| Outputs | 4 balanced TRS line outs, 2 headphone, MIDI out | - |
| Headphone Outputs | 2 x 6.35 mm | 2 x 6.35 mm |
| Balanced Output | Yes (TRS monitor outs) | - |
| DAC Chip | ESS Sabre32 Ultra | - |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob | - |
| Dimensions | 9.2” x 4.7” x 1.8” (234 x 120 x 46 mm) | 17.3” x 1.7” x 8.3” (440 x 44 x 210 mm) (without rack ears) |
| Weight | 2.1 lbs (975 g) | 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) |
| Equalizer | - | Yes (TotalMix FX DSP) |
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- Lynx Hilo 2 USB vs MOTU M6
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Prices on this page were last checked October 13, 2026 at 3:17 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Amps and DACs In Full
MOTU M6: $449.95 Amazon $449.95 eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 112 dB SINAD from its ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC, clean for nearly all listening. It offers four XLR/TRS combo inputs for mic, line or instrument, two more balanced line inputs, four balanced TRS outputs, two headphone outputs, MIDI in and out and a hardware volume knob.
Cons: MOTU doesn’t publish a 32 ohm headphone power figure, and Audio Science Review found the headphone output poor into low impedance loads and its recording converter weaker than its DAC. The Topping E2x2 rates higher for much less if you only need two inputs.
Full MOTU M6 review and specifications →
| Released | 2022 (4 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (TRS monitor outs) |
| DAC Chip | ESS Sabre32 Ultra |
| Device Type | Audio interface |
| Dimensions | 9.2” x 4.7” x 1.8” (234 x 120 x 46 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 2 x 6.35 mm |
| Inputs | 4 XLR/TRS combo (mic/line/Hi-Z), 2 balanced 6.35 mm line, USB-C, MIDI in |
| Outputs | 4 balanced TRS line outs, 2 headphone, MIDI out |
| SINAD | 112 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 2.1 lbs (975 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
RME Fireface UFX III: $3,199.00 Amazon $3,199.00 eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 110 dB SINAD, clean for nearly all listening. It has two 6.35 mm headphone outputs and TotalMix FX DSP with built in EQ, in a full rack width chassis.
Cons: RME doesn’t publish a 32 ohm headphone power figure, so its ability to drive demanding headphones is unknown. It is large and heavy at 2.8 kg, and for playback it rates below the MOTU M6, which measures slightly cleaner for a small fraction of the cost.
Full RME Fireface UFX III review and specifications →
| Device Type | Audio interface |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 17.3” x 1.7” x 8.3” (440 x 44 x 210 mm) (without rack ears) |
| Equalizer | Yes (TotalMix FX DSP) |
| Headphone Outputs | 2 x 6.35 mm |
| SINAD | 110 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons