Inspired by the Macintosh when it first appeared, engineers at MOTU developed one of the Macintosh's first music programs ever. Performer®, the music industry standard for MIDI sequencing, began shipping in 1985.

MOTU quickly emerged as a leader in music software development and now produces a full line of music and audio recording products for Macintosh and Windows. Current popular products include the Traveler and 828mkII FireWire audio interfaces, Digital Performer audio sequencing software, MachFive universal sampler plug-in and Symphonic Instrument universal orchestra plug-in.

MOTU products appeal to all levels of music computer users, from weekend hobbyists to world-class recording studios. Top performing artists and film composers use MOTU products in their daily music-making. MOTU is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, across from Boston, on the shores of the Charles river.