MOTU M4 4x4 USB Type-C Audio Interface for Recording, Mixing & Podcasting

2022-06-07T06:11:27

Haven't used this much yet, mostly just as a standalone DAC. From that perspective it sounds incredible. Music sounds fuller and more detailed. I did some basic testing with a headset mic using a 3.5mm to XLR power adapter (Rode VXLR+) and at first got an excessive amount of noise, making it unusable. At first I thought it was a bad adapter and had that replaced but it was still happening. After a lot of searching I found a reddit post that claimed if a microphone requires phantom power, but uses a very low amperage, there will be a lot of noise on the input. The solution is to turn on phantom power on the other input as well, even if nothing is plugged in. I tested that and everything now works perfectly. I did not dock the rating for this since most other interfaces at this price point have a single phantom power button controlling both inputs anyway. The advantage of each input having their own outweighs this small quirk.

KENNY P.

2022-03-31T13:42:02

This is the absolute best value for under 500 if you do any of the following with your setup:gaming, streaming, listening to music, watching movies/tv, attending video conferences. I use my M4 for all of these and cant imagine hearing sound from my PC without the MOTU. There are plenty of configurations with the four ins and four outs plus phantom power and line outs. The best feature and selling point for me was the stellar ESS Sabre DAC which does some phenomenal digital conversion, producing a rich sounding, analog-like sound space. Music, movies and games immediately benefit from this superb DAC.

JOR-EL T.

2022-01-26T08:30:51

Clean DAC output, headphone output is a bit low but very detailed. Firmware updates are easy and fast, no issues with drivers so far (Intel Mac). Low latency on the inputs, sounds good with guitar inputs. At this price range I think it?s one of the best all-round interfaces you can get. Highly recommended.

GIAMMARCO Z.

2021-08-09T08:32:04

I've been trying to choose between the Audent ID4/14 MKII, SSL2+, and the MOTU M4 and ultimately decided on the M4 and couldn't have been happier. I did a lot of research and it seemed like the M4 had the best overall measurements, Windows drivers, and I preferred its hardware layout with the LED monitors, loopback feature, On/Off button, and the headphone port on the front. Setting it up couldn't have been easier (install the driver first before plugging it in) and I haven't had any issues since. I suppose the biggest issue with the M2 and M4 is finding them in stock. Side note: The box it came in was a bit damaged and Adorama gave me a partial refund which was unexpected but welcome. Would happily buy from here again.

PATRICK P.

2021-05-24T08:49:30

very clean dac \ adc. huge dynamic range line in levels are low - it expects full value 'line', your regular sound card will be hanging around -24db. fortunately there is an option of using built in amplifiers for the input - and those are very clean as well. they roll off a tiny tad (~0.5db) at very low frequencies (~20hz) but that is very very minor

Boris B.

2021-05-01T09:01:50

Amazing entry point into audio interfaces. I opted for the 4x4 for more versatility for a small price. Don't need an upgrade any time soon.Very happy with this product.

Joshua J.

2021-03-10T07:03:10

An excellent interface to plug in my mics and instruments to my mac, worked straight out of the box. Very happy with all of the inputs and features!

CLAYTON B.

2021-02-01T07:59:56

Great value and sounds good. Unit measurements match the mfg specs checked out on my equipment. Great fast delivery with no drama!

ERIK F.

2021-01-23T02:43:28

The Motu M4 does everything I was hoping it would. I use it for my portable studio (Windows 10 laptop with Pro Tools). Was super easy to install drivers and then plug in the interface. I only had one issue, and it wasn't the Motu's fault. I tried using a USB C to USB C cable and I kept getting major audio dropouts. I found out that it works just fine with my desktop C port. So it's probably that my C port driver on the laptop needs an update. For now, the USB C to USB A cable that comes with it works perfectly. The M4 was the only interface in my price range that had all the features I wanted and then some. The loopback feature was a very nice bonus, and has already come in handy. I can record in reference material (ex. kick drum that I want to make mine sound like, or an entire mix of a song) and it's super simple. Just make sure that your computer audio is set to Motu Out 1-2, and your input for your track should be something like In 5-6. Mute your track first to avoid feedback.

Brian H.