4-in / 4-out USB audio interface with studio-quality sound
Equipped with the same ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC Technology found in audio interfaces costing thousands, the M4 delivers an astonishing 120 dB Dynamic Range on its main outputs. ESS converters also drive the headphone output, which rivals dedicated headphone amplifiers costing hundreds. Ultra-clean preamp circuits produce a measured -129 dBu EIN on the mic inputs. Capture and monitor your audio with pristine clarity.
- 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
- ESS-driven headphone output
Speed
The M4 provides best-in-class speed for monitoring live inputs (mic, guitar or keyboard) through your computer, thanks to MOTU's expertly engineered USB drivers, which deliver class-leading, ultra-low 2.5 ms Round Trip Latency (at 96 kHz with a 32 sample buffer).
Metering
When recording and mixing, nothing is more critical than achieving optimum levels. The M4 is the only audio interface in its class with a full color LCD featuring clear, detailed level meters for all inputs and outputs. Enjoy professional-level volume control and feedback to get your sound just right.
Loopback
The M4 driver provides convenient loopback channels to your host computer, so you can easily route computer output back to the computer, where you can mix it with live mics and/or guitar inputs from the M4 in your host software for live streaming or podcasting. Streaming and podcasting has never been easier and better-sounding!
Caractéristiques
4-in / 4-out USB audio interface with studio-quality sound
Best-in-class audio quality driven by ESS Sabre32 Ultra? DAC Technology
Best-in-class speed (ultra-low latency) for host software processing
Best-in-class metering for all inputs/outputs with a full-color LCD
2x mic/line/hi-Z guitar inputs on combo XLR/TRS
Individual preamp gain and 48V phantom power for each input
2x balanced 1/4-inch line inputs
Hardware (direct) monitoring for each input (mono or stereo for inputs 1-2, stereo for inputs 3-4)
Monitor mix knob to balance live inputs and computer playback
Measured -129 dB EIN on mic inputs
4x balanced, DC-coupled 1/4-inch TRS outputs
Measured 120 dB dynamic range on the 1/4-inch balanced TRS outputs
4x RCA (unbalanced) analog out (mirrored)
1x headphone out (driven by ESS converters) with independent volume control
MIDI in/out
Support for 44.1 to 192 kHz sample rates
USB audio class compliant for plug-and-play operation on Mac (no driver required)
Windows driver with 2.5 ms Round Trip Latency (32 sample buffer at 96 kHz)
Mac driver (optional, for 2.5 ms RTL@32/96 kHz and loopback feature)
iOS compatible (USB audio class compliant)
Driver loopback for capturing host output, live streaming and podcasting
Bus powered USB-C (compatible with USB Type A) with power switch (USB cable included)
Rugged metal construction
Workstation software included (MOTU Performer Lite 10 and Ableton Live Lite 10)
100+ instruments (in Performer Lite)
Over 6 GB of included free loops, samples and one-shots from industry leading libraries
Kensington security slot
Built in the USA
Spécifications
Sample rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz
Mic/line/guitar inputs: 2 x XLR/TRS "combo jack" mic/line/Hi-Z guitar inputs Independent preamp gain, 48V phantom power and monitor switch for each input
Analog inputs: 2 x 1/4" line in
Analog outputs:
4 x 1/4" TRS line out (balanced, DC coupled)
4 x RCA (unbalanced) analog out (mirrored)
1 x 1/4" TRS stereo headphone
Computer I/O: 1 x USB-C (compatible with USB Type A) 2.0 audio class compliant
MIDI I/O:
1 x MIDI IN
1 x MIDI OUT
16 MIDI channels to/from computer host
Headphone: 1 x 1/4" TRS stereo phone
Phantom power: 2 x individual +48V
Front panel:
1 x 1/4" TRS headphone output
2 x XLR/TRS combo inputs
1 x potentiometer . monitor vol
1 x potentiometer . phone vol
1 x potentiometer . input monitor mix
2 x potentiometer . mic/line/guitar input gain
5 x switches . (2) 48V, (2) MON and (1) 3-4
160 x 120 pixel full-colored LCD with input and output level meters
Power: Bus-powered through USB
Dimensions and weight: (width x depth x height, enclosure only) 8.25 x 4.25 x 1.75 inches 20.955 x 10.8 x 4.5 cm 1.55 lbs / 0.7 kg
System Requirements Mac System Requirements
1 GHz Intel-based Mac or faster
2 GB RAM; 4 GB or more recommended
macOS version 10.11 or later
Available USB port
A large hard drive (at least 500 GB for recording)
Windows System Requirements
1 GHz Pentium-based PC compatible or faster
2 GB RAM; 4 GB or more recommended
Windows 7, 8 or 10
Available USB port
A large hard drive (at least 500 GB for recording)
Class-Compliant Support
USB audio class compliant for plug-and-play operation on
Mac or iOS (no driver required)
Included Software
MOTU Performer Lite
Ableton Live 10 Lite
6GB of loops and sounds from Big Fish Audio,
LucidSamples, Loopmasters and MOTU
Operating Systems
macOS 10.11 or later; Windows 7 or later
I would have paid quite a bit more for this thing, it's that good. Also, it shipped super fast and customer service was amazing.
5.0
Salomon Nuggets
Montreal, QC
11 mars 2021
Amazing quality for the price
I had a 6i6 2nd gen and switching to this Motu M4 is a solid step up. I'm a very happy customer!
4.5
Chris
Calgary, AB
11 mars 2021
Quite impressive
I just got the m4 earlier this week, as I needed a portable interface with an extra set of line in/out. I had used MOTU products back in university so I have at least some familiarity with the brand, and the price/feature set is just right. The unit is built very well, and has a very nice display with quick and accurate meters which is nice. Lire plus
Sound wise, the converters actually sounded much better than I expected. The low frequency on them specifically stood out to me as being more developed and smooth than other interfaces in this price bracket I've tried in the past. The layout and buttons are all very well done as well.
My two gripes with the unit that gave it a 4.5 instead of a 5, is that the preamps seem to break up and have a wierd tone at very high gain (90%+) but that's expected from bus powered interfaces. The other thing is the live feedback/playback mix. It seems to drop the levels on the live feedback a bit more than playback so the balance is a tad off, but it's a simple enough workaround just adjusting over to the input side a bit.
Stability has been good, no clicks/pops, and pretty low latency so no issues using it with virtual instruments as well.
Overall this is going to be my new go-to recommendation for portable or budget interfaces to my friends. For the build quality and feature set, I'd expect the price to be about 30% higher. Absolutely a steal.
5.0
Nathan
London, ON
27 août 2020
Low latency + great guitar DI
Currently using the m4 to drive my headphones, a dynamic mic and play guitar. The guitar DI signal is great and the Motu doesn't need a DI box in front of it to sound good. Using Motu's drivers, I'm able to run top-end amp sim plug-ins with <4ms RTL. Lire plus
Any bedroom guitarist won't need much more. Sounds unbelievably good at midnight in the office - I no longer miss my 5150 stack with that convenience. I'd read concerns about AMD CPUs and interfaces but the MOTU's drivers seem to be 10/10.
Props to economik staff for the quick shipment and great support!
4.5
Elliott S.
Montréal
29 février 2020
Highly recommended!
The MOTU M4 is just incredible for its price.
I upgraded my interface for less than the price of the previous one!
Conversion specs regarding DA are among the best on the market.
A to D follows with a great gain & dynamic range and low noise floor level. Lire plus
The Loopback feature is pretty handy in different situations.
The Unit is steady, doesn't warm up, knobs are solid...
The screen for metering is actually pretty refined and usable to quickly have a rough idea of where you are at with your levels.
Independent 48V is pretty handy as well following your applications.
I had concerns about the fact that it is USB powered only, but plugged directly into the desktop computer for a few weeks now and haven't experienced any dropouts or anything.
The only thing it might be missing in my opinion (which explains my 4.5 instead of 5/5 rating) are Mute & Mono switches directly on the interface.
But i can't complain at this price it's really an awesome unit which i highly recommend if it suits your needs in terms of I/Os.
If you are looking for a better conversion, you won't find better (at least on D to A) unless you spend at least 5 to 10k.
Also you won't be able to hear a difference at this point unless you have a perfectly treated room with high-end full range monitoring system etc.