MOTU M4

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4-Channel USB C Audio Interface

24-Bit/192 kHz AD/DA converter
2 Microphone preamps with individually switchable +48 V phantom power on each
2 Line inputs: 6.3 mm XLR/Jack combo (switchable to Hi-Z instrument input)
2 Balanced line inputs: 6.3 mm Jack
4 Balanced line outputs: 6.3 mm Jack
4 Unbalanced outputs: RCA
Stereo headphone output: 6.3 mm Jack
MIDI input/output
Loopback feature
LCD level meter
Includes MOTU Performer Lite, Ableton Live Lite, and 6 GB of loops and samples

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3-Year Thomann Warranty

Available since November 2019

Item number 478036

Sales Unit 1 piece(s)

Recording / Playback Channels 4x4

Number of Mic Inputs 2

Number of Line Inputs 4

Instrument Inputs 2

Number of Line Outs 4

Headphone Outs 1

Phantom power Yes

Number of S/PDIF Connectors 0

Number of ADAT Connectors 0

Numer of AES/EBU Connectors 0

Number of MADI Connectors 0

Ethernet 0

Other Connectors No

MIDI interface Yes

Word Clock No

Max. sample rate (kHz) 192 kHz

Max. resolution in bit 24 bit

USB Bus-Powered Yes

Incl. power supply No

USB Version 2.0

Width in mm 210 mm

Depth in mm 108 mm

Height in mm 45 mm

Connection Format USB port Type C

Included in delivery USB cable

Zero latency monitoring 1

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Excellent sound

MOTU is known for its high-quality interfaces and converters in the mid-to-high price range. With its M series, however, the US manufacturer is venturing into the competitive interface price range of around 200 euros. The MOTU M4 is the four-channel variant of the M series USB interface and is designed to be extremely handy and light. The high-resolution display, which shows the input and output levels in detail, immediately catches the eye. Even so, the main focus of the MOTU M4 is not on fancy features or complex software, but solely on delivering excellent sound at an affordable price.

MOTU M4 4-Channel USB C Audio Interface in action

No frills - no fuss

On the front, the MOTU M4 is equipped with two microphone inputs, which are designed as XLR/jack combo sockets so that both line-level and instrument signals can also be processed. The preamps deliver a maximum gain of up to 60dB. Of course, both channels can supply a microphone with 48V phantom power and the channels can be individually switched to direct monitoring. Four dual outputs are provided on the back, so that each channel has a TRS line out and an RCA. Finally, there is also a MIDI interface - the MOTU M4 does not require any frills at all.

Back view with connections on the MOTU M4 4-Channel USB C Audio Interface

Lightning fast

The heart of the MOTU M4 are its ESS Sabre32 Ultra converters, the same ones found in much more expensive interfaces such as the Apogee Symphony. They offer a dynamic range and an extremely low level background of noise that has never before been available in this price range. And last but not least, MOTU has outdone itself with the USB driver: The driver enables a round trip latency of less than 2ms, which is incredible for a USB interface. You almost don't have to resort to direct monitoring anymore. The MOTU M4 is primarily aimed at musicians and producers who want an uncompromising sound without having to shell out a fortune.

Monitor volume control on the MOTU M4 4-Channel USB C Audio Interface

About MOTU

The US manufacturer of digital audio hardware from Cambridge, Massachusetts, was founded in 1981 and since then has continued to generate attention for its sophisticated and innovative concepts. The company’s range includes USB, Thunderbolt, and network audio interfaces, MIDI interfaces, video hardware, and the popular MOTU Digital Performer DAW software. MOTU also developed “Mouse Stampede”, one of the first arcade games for the Apple Macintosh, in 1984. In short, MOTU represents good-quality, reliable products with a great deal of creativity and wit, which usually come at a very fair price.

Everything you need

The MOTU M4 is a truly versatile interface. Due to its low latency and excellent sound, it is extremely well-suited for vocal recordings at home or on the go. But the M4 is also a reliable partner in live situations, for playing backing tracks and software instruments, or looping an instrument live through a DAW. In addition, it is a real eye-catcher with its large, bright display - a solid, fast interface with everything you need. There is not much more to say, except that the performance is extremely good and the price is fair.

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283 Customer ratings

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4.7 / 5

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196 Reviews

Great clarity and sound for this price

Svarog 27.05.2020

I'm using this in my home studio setup, connecting two pairs of monitors, headphones and some mics and guitar.
The build quality is great, metal chasis and pots, beautiful LCD display with meters, and rubber bottom pads so it doesn't slip around.

The headphone amp drives my 250 ohm DT990 without a problem. I keep it at about 60-65% while mixing and at about 50% for mastered material and it is loud enough for me, with a lot more gain if you need it.
Sound is crystal clear, which is expected as it has professional converters.
The only thing that bugs me is that there is no volume control for output 3/4, at least no practical and fast way to do it. So switching to my secondary monitors to check the sound is a bit of a hassle.

Pros:
Sturdy build, clean converters, great LCD, two pairs of outputs, good headphone amp.

Cons:
No volume control for output 3/4

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1 year later, Still Amazing

Purplespaceman 07.08.2022

The m4 is definitely worth its price.
Build quality is really good, Encoders feel smooth, buttons clicky and responsive.
The connections aren't wiggly and usb c is perfect.
The outputs are solid too especially have 1/4" jacks for both 1&2 and 3&4 outputs.
Inputs are crisp and low latency, good enough for me to play guitar.
The screens are helpful and the headphone jack drives my headphones very well.
The asio is simple to use as well as the loopback feature.
To use this for music production/podcasts is a no brainer this fits the bill across the board.
My only issue is that loopback, line in (3&4) monitoring, volume knob and headphones all only work through 1&2 output channels. If you use your computer for a multitude of tasks, I imagine gaming or DJing would be under it- I like to route my game audio through my speakers and have voice chat through my headphones and would furthermore like to use my headphone output for cueing when Djing. However you can't have the headphones use 3&4 output channels. I have instead been using 3&4 outputs as my main audio from my computer. This basically means I can't use the volume knob which becomes another unneeded issue to make sure all my software is turned down as, again, I can't control the incoming volume on the m4. It would be good is motu allows users to pick which outputs channels are for monitoring and headphones.
All in all this device is still one of the audio interfaces out there at the moment in its price range and would recommend to anyone.

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Windows issues / unusable

Renderman 27.07.2022

Search on youtube and internet something like "windows drivers problem MOTU". Sound popping, crackling, distorting on playback no matter of buffer size, settings, USB Windows settings in device manager (power options, disabling drivers and kepp ASIO only etc)...

Tried on multiple computers. And this is well known problem. Be aware if you planning to use it on Windows, MOTU drivers are junk.... And you can tell that it is computer or Windows problems - connected another USB to the same computer, same port, same settings - no any issues. No any issues whatever with integrated sound card. With MOTU it's like back to stone age...

Very disappointed, bought because of overhelmed positive reviews (assume most on Mac users). And even if some people do not have problems on their PC on Windows, it is not appropriated that device is working 50/50, like you are gambling...

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A Hidden Gem!

JDWP 08.11.2024

I´m very impressed. Look no further for a professional sounding audio interface for home studio and/or travel/gig rig. Easy to use and set up at a great price point. I´ve used Apogee and Apple computers for over 15 years. I´ve recently changed my personal home studio over to a Windows system (I'm glad I made that change) and after spending so long with Apogee was underwhelmed by "professional" audio interface options. I'm used to crystal clear sound and next to no latency! I thought RME was the only possible contender to use with Windows. Maybe the Neve 88M? (I no longer wish to use Apogee) However, as we all know, costs rack up quickly with gear purchases. I wanted to see if i could find a solid audio interface for a sensible price. I researched the current market and stumbled upon the humble Motu M2/M4. It´s indeed solid, nicely designed, and sounds/performs every bit as good as an Apogee/RME and for a fraction of the price. (The Motu M series even utilises ESS-sabre 32-ultra converters same as Apogee!) As yet (touch wood) not a single glitch. I have my Windows system optimised for audio and predominantly record live guitar, bass, vocals and use stereo, mid/side mic technique when recording acoustic guitars. We live in a great time for home recording and pro audio. Products costing €€€ no longer need to be the pinnacle of quality. Save yourself some money and buy the Motu M4. (It even has an on off switch!) You wont be disappointed.

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MOTU M4

4-Channel USB C Audio Interface