MOTU M4 USB Audio Interface

Put pristine MOTU sound quality in your desktop studio with this affordable 4-in/4-out USB-C audio interface, with 2 mic preamps, 2 line inputs and MIDI I/O.

Overview

The MOTU M4 is a 4-in/4-out USB-C audio interface for Mac, Windows, and iOS that offers best-in-class audio quality, best-in-class speed (ultra-low latency) and best-in-class metering with a full-color LCD. Record vocals, instruments, or other audio sources quickly and easily. The M4 includes MOTU Performer Lite and Ableton Live Lite production software, 100+ instruments, dozens of plug-ins, and over 6 GB of loops and samples to start making music right away.

See how to connect your MOTU M2 or M4 interface and start recording in this video:

Additional features include two mic/line/hi-Z instrument XLR combo inputs, individual preamp gain and 48V phantom power, two balanced 1/4-inch line inputs, one-touch hardware monitoring for all inputs, support for stereo monitoring, four balanced 1/4-inch DC-coupled outputs, four unbalanced RCA outputs (mirrored), mix knob for balancing live input with computer playback, ESS-driven headphone output with independent volume control, MIDI in/out, driver "loopback" channels for live-streaming and podcasting, and USB bus power with power switch (USB cable included).

Best-in-Class Audio Quality

Equipped with the same ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC technology found in audio interfaces costing thousands, the MOTU 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… read more on the mic inputs. Capture and monitor your audio with pristine clarity.

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!

Features:

- 4-in / 4-out USB audio interface with studio-quality sound
- Best-in-class audio quality driven by ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC Technology -- The same converter technology used in audio interfaces costing thousands
- Best-in-class speed (ultra-low latency) for host software processing
- Best-in-class metering for all inputs/outputs with a full-color LCD
- Measured 120 dB dynamic range on outputs
- Measured -129 dBu EIN on mic inputs
- ESS-driven headphone output
- 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
- Two-year manufacturer warranty

WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.p65Warnings.ca.gov.

Specs

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 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 (0.955 x 10.8 x 4.5 cm)
- 1.55 lbs (0.7 kg)

Dimensions and Weight in Packaging
Base Item: Shipping Weight: 2 lbs; Shipping Dimensions: 11 x 7 x 3 in; Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): 3140

Documents and Manuals

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 617-576-2760

Reviews

(1 ratings)

Submitted February 21, 2021 by Michael A in Mahopac, NY

"Excellent product!!"

Overall:

(see rating details)

Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.

I’ve been using this I/O for a few weeks now. I fond it to be very easy to use right out of the box. I’ve used it on Mac, PC, and an IPad. I’ve had no problem with any of the OS’s. The metering on the LCD screen is very helpful. The only down side is that there aren’t any markings on it. However this can be fixed by using tape and marking it your self. Just use a VU meter when doing so. I used an A440Hz tone to do this. The controls on the box are clearly marked and easy to understand. Setup was easy for all platforms and the drivers play nice with the many other drivers for other I/O’s that I use. It’s also worked well with the many of the software platforms that I use as well (pro tools, cue base, logic, etc.) Latency times are excellent, and the sound quality is incredible. I use it for primarily SFX, and VO’s. I needed something very portable and light weight, as well as, bus powered. I take it in the field a lot. It gives me more function than a field recorder without the extensive setup. I’m trying to figure out how to use an external power source to extend the battery life on the iPad but, it seems to be good when you have a full charge. The power button is very helpful in this situation. All in all, it is a very good product and would highly recommend it. Spend the money. It’s worth it.