MOTU M4

Product overview

The MOTU M4 is a 4-in / 4-out USB-C audio interface for Mac, Windows and iOS, built around three strengths: studio-grade audio quality, ultra-low latency and full-colour metering.

Two combo inputs take a microphone, a line source or a guitar, each with its own gain, 48V phantom power and direct-monitor switch, and two balanced line inputs add a keyboard or other line-level source. Four balanced, DC-coupled outputs (mirrored on four RCA jacks) feed two pairs of speakers or other destinations, a dedicated headphone output has its own volume, and MIDI in/out connects a keyboard or synth. The M4 is powered over USB, housed in a rugged metal case and ready for the studio, the stage or the road.

Key features

• ESS Sabre32 Ultra™ DAC technology on the outputs and the headphone output, the same converter technology used in interfaces costing thousands
• Measured 120 dB dynamic range on the balanced 1/4-inch outputs
• Ultra-clean mic preamps with a measured -129 dBu EIN and up to 60 dB of gain
• 2.5 ms round-trip latency (32-sample buffer at 96 kHz) with MOTU's Mac and Windows drivers
• Full-colour LCD with level meters for every input and output, unique in its class
• Hardware direct monitoring on all inputs: mono or stereo for inputs 1-2, stereo for inputs 3-4
• Input monitor mix knob to balance live inputs against computer playback
• 4 balanced outputs plus 4 mirrored RCA outputs for speakers, PA, DJ systems and more
• Loopback channels for live streaming and podcasting
• MIDI in/out, 16 channels to and from the computer
• USB-C bus power (USB Type-A compatible), power switch, rugged metal construction and security slot

Audio quality

The M4 is equipped with ESS Sabre32 Ultra™ DAC technology for a measured 120 dB dynamic range on its main outputs. ESS converters also drive the headphone output, which rivals dedicated headphone amplifiers. Ultra-clean preamp circuits measure -129 dBu EIN on the mic inputs, so quiet sources stay clean and detailed.

Speed and monitoring

MOTU's USB drivers deliver 2.5 ms round-trip latency, so you can play and sing through software effects in real time. For zero-latency monitoring, press MON on inputs 1 and 2, or the 3-4 button for the line inputs, and use the input monitor mix knob to set how much live input you hear against computer playback.

Metering you can trust

The M4 is the only interface in its class with a full-colour LCD, showing clear, detailed meters for all inputs and outputs, so you can set recording levels and monitoring volume precisely.

Flexible outputs

Outputs 1-2 and 3-4 appear as independent pairs in your software, so you can feed two sets of speakers, a PA and a recorder, or a cue mix. The four RCA jacks mirror the 1/4-inch outputs for DJ systems and consumer audio gear. The outputs are DC-coupled and can also send CV control signals.

Streaming and podcasting with loopback

The M4 driver adds loopback channels that send your computer's audio back into the computer. Mix it with your live mics and guitar in your streaming or podcasting software and broadcast the combined mix in real time.

Software included

Register your M4 to download MOTU Performer Lite (record, edit, mix, process and master, with 100+ virtual instruments and dozens of effects plug-ins), Ableton Live Lite, and over 6 GB of loops, samples and one-shots from Big Fish Audio, LucidSamples, Loopmasters and MOTU.

In the box

• MOTU M4 audio interface
• USB-C to USB-A cable
• Safety instruction sheet
• Software, instruments and sounds available after product registration

Two-year MOTU warranty. Works with virtually all Core Audio, ASIO and Wave-compatible audio software.

MOTU M4: frequently asked questions

Does the MOTU M4 need a driver?

No driver is needed on Mac or iOS: the M4 is USB audio class compliant. MOTU's optional Mac driver adds the 2.5 ms low-latency performance and loopback. On Windows, install the MOTU M Series driver.

Does the M4 need a power adapter?

No. The M4 is powered by its USB connection and works with USB-C and USB Type-A ports. With a standard USB-C power adapter it can also run on its own as a preamp and basic mixer, with no computer.

Can I connect two pairs of studio monitors?

Yes. Outputs 1-2 and 3-4 are independent balanced pairs, so each pair of speakers can be selected from your software.

What sample rates does it support?

44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 192 kHz.

Where can I buy the MOTU M4 in India?

The MOTU M4 is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Home studio recording

Turn a bedroom or home office into a recording studio: vocals, guitar, keys and MIDI into your recording software.

Connections

Setup

1. Install the MOTU driver on Windows (optional on Mac) and select the M4 in your recording software.
2. Set each input's gain while watching the LCD meters; keep peaks out of the red.
3. Record at up to 192 kHz; use a 32-sample buffer for the lowest latency while tracking.
4. Balance speakers and headphones with the monitor and headphone volume knobs.

Tip: Register the M4 to download Performer Lite, Ableton Live Lite, 100+ instruments and 6 GB of loops to start producing straight away.

Workflow 2: Podcast and live streaming

Two-person podcast or a live stream that mixes microphones with game, music or call audio from the computer.

Connections

Setup

1. Install the MOTU driver to enable the loopback channels.
2. In your streaming or podcasting app, select the M4 inputs and the loopback channels.
3. Set mic gain on the LCD meters, then balance voices against computer audio in the app.
4. Press MON on both inputs and set the input monitor mix knob so each person hears themselves with zero latency.

Tip: Loopback captures everything the computer plays, so call guests, music beds and sound effects reach the stream together with your voices.

Workflow 3: Mobile and location recording

Record anywhere: the M4 runs on laptop USB bus power, and works with iPad and iPhone.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the M4 to the laptop: it powers from the USB port, so no adapter is needed.
2. On iOS the M4 is class compliant: plug in and select it in your recording app.
3. Monitor on headphones with MON for zero-latency listening.
4. Pack it away in its rugged metal case for the next session.

Workflow 4: Live performance with backing tracks

Mix a live mic, guitar and keyboard with tracks played from the computer on stage.

Connections

Setup

1. Route backing tracks and the live inputs to outputs 1-2 in your performance software, and a click or cue mix to outputs 3-4.
2. Set levels on the LCD meters during soundcheck.
3. Use the headphone output with its own volume for your monitor mix.
4. The power switch lets you power the M4 down cleanly between sets.

Tip: The RCA outputs mirror the 1/4-inch outputs, so you can feed a second destination such as a recorder at the same time.

Workflow 5: Mixing on two pairs of speakers

Check a mix on two sets of studio monitors, or feed a DJ system alongside your main speakers.

Connections

Setup

1. In your software, assign the mix to output pair 1-2 for the A speakers.
2. Switch the master output to pair 3-4 to hear the same mix on the B speakers.
3. Watch output levels on the LCD meters while setting final loudness.
4. Confirm details on headphones, driven by the same ESS converters.

Tip: When connecting an output to an unbalanced input, use a TRS plug with the ring disconnected, as MOTU recommends.

Workflow 6: Stand-alone preamp and mixer

Use the M4 without a computer to bring mics and instruments into a PA or patch bay.

Connections

Setup

1. Power the M4 from a standard USB-C power adapter.
2. Engage MON on inputs 1-2 and the 3-4 button, plus 48V if a condenser mic needs it.
3. Adjust each preamp gain while watching the LCD meters.
4. Set the overall level to the PA with the monitor volume knob.