MOTU M4, audio interface equipped with the same ESS Sabre32 Ultra™ DAC technology found in audio interfaces that cost thousands of pounds and offers an astonishing dynamic range of 120 dB at its main outputs. The ESS converters also drive the headphone output that rivals the best dedicated headphone amplifiers, which cost hundreds of pounds. The ultra-clean preamplifier circuit provides a measured EIN of -129 dBu on the microphone inputs.
24-bit/192 kHz AD/DA conversion
2 microphone preamps with individually switchable +48 V phantom power on each
2 line inputs: combo XLR/6.3 mm Jack (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
I say this because instead of getting a cheap Focusrite or a very expensive Apollo, it's better to get a Motu M2/M4. Quality converters, durable construction, it gets the job done.
Good evening! Dear SoundCreation customers, please kindly and respectfully do not follow Mr. Adrian Cotuna, as he also writes comments just to be in the loop. Personally, I have a Motu M4 audio interface in my personal studio office since the beginning of 2020 when it just hit the market, and I have never had any problems with it. I use it on a PC with an Intel i7 10700 processor, 16 GB RAM, two Samsung SSDs, a GeForce RTX 3050 StormX 8 GB GDDR6 graphics card, and a 32-inch Samsung UHD monitor. If his laptop or desktop can't handle it, then he should change it. Look for the YouTube video or collage Andreaa Botis - Cine face, cine da, and you will see the sound quality of a Motu M4 audio interface alongside two active Adam T8V monitors!!! I wish you good health and a happy new year filled with health, joy, and many achievements, may God help you in everything you wish to accomplish!!! Best regards, Daniel Stefanescu
The purchase went very quickly, without problems.
However, the audio interface leaves much to be desired.
The input/output stages have impressive performance and can be controlled/routed directly from the front panel, without being connected to a PC (a standalone mixer). The display and level indicators are very useful.
Unfortunately, the driver or USB protocol implemented by MOTU is not the most efficient, and on some combinations of computers/interfaces, there are interruptions, crackles, etc. during playback/recording.
They have a dedicated page for this where they guide you to do all sorts of things with the USB port. Less so, and they recommend reinstalling Windows.
Although it is a USB 2.0 interface, it only worked decently on USB 3.0, but at one point it still gave me a pop. I can't risk having something like that on a 30-minute recording.
I returned the product, an experience that, again, was a 10 out of 10 from the perspective of the Sound Creation team. I was even offered the possibility to test a second unit, but I didn't want to abuse their kindness and unseal another product, given that many users complain about the same issues.
3 stars represent the average of the two experiences: 5 stars for the team, and 0-1 for the product.
Hope this helps!
Adi
