Pristine, versatile, and portable, the MOTU M4 Home Vocal Recording Kit for Studio Qualitydesktop 4x4 USB-C audio-MIDI interface combines high-class audio performance, a robust bundle of DAWs, virtual instruments, loops, and samples, and a feature set that makes it equally powerful and user-friendly for musicians, podcasters, and producers, all at a highly affordable price point.

With its two front-panel mic/line/instrument preamps and two rear-panel line inputs, the M4 can record anything from dynamic and condenser microphones to electric guitars and drum machines in distortion-free, sparkling clarity. Equipped with top-notch ESS digital-to-analog converters that drive the main outs and the headphone jack, the M4 lets you monitor through your speakers and headphones with the dynamic range normally found only on much more expensive interfaces.

Use the M4's digital loopback channels to easily route audio from your computer directly into your host software—record remote podcast guests from Skype or any other VoIP software without incurring horrible feedback, or livestream a mix of live inputs and the computer's output.

The M4 is equally suitable for producers, thanks to its MIDI 5-pin I/O. Plug in a MIDI keyboard to control virtual instruments such as the selection of over 100 VIs included with the M4. Or, run MIDI from the M4 to your favorite hardware synth to capture its glorious tones through the M4's pristine analog preamps.

No matter what you do, the M4's specially engineered drivers ensure ultralow-latency monitoring so you can rehearse and record in real time without hearing any distracting echo, and the full-color LCD screen shows you high-resolution metering for all inputs and outputs at all times. Take the M4 anywhere you need to work; it is bus-powered and compatible with Mac/Windows computers and iOS mobile devices.

MOTU M4 Desktop 4x4 Audio/MIDI Interface    AKG C214 Large-Diaphragm Condenser Mic    Closed-Back Studio Headphones    Mic Stand, Pop Filter, and XLR Cable    2 Mic/Line/Instrument Preamps, 2 Line In    1 Headphone Out, 4 RCA & 1/4" Line Outs    High-Performance 32-Bit / 192 kHz AD/DA    Bus Powered / Mac, Windows, iOS    Virtual Loopback for Mix-Minus Setup    DAWs, VIs, Loops, and Samples

Equipped with the same ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC technology found in audio interfaces the pros use, the M4 delivers 120 dB of dynamic range on its main outputs. ESS converters also drive the headphone output. Ultraclean preamp circuits produce a measured -129 dBu EIN on the mic inputs; this means while recording, you'll only hear the mic, not the mic pre.

The M4 has balanced 1/4" outputs for professional-level monitoring, and also features mirrored RCA outputs for feeding receivers and other unbalanced gear. With a 1/4" headphone output, you can also monitor your work privately.

The M4's included driver provides convenient loopback channels to your host computer, so you can easily capture your computer's output. Combine computer audio with live mics while recording in your DAW, allowing you to capture guests over Skype or other VoIP programs. You can also use the loopback function while streaming live to sites like Twitch.

In addition to the monitor outputs, the M4 offers two 1/4" line outputs and two mirrored RCA line outputs. Use these outputs to feed outboard gear such as compressors, equalizers, stereo-width processors, or whatever else you have in your arsenal. Route audio to channels 3-4, through your favorite hardware pieces, and then back into the two 1/4" line inputs. This makes the unit suitable for hybrid mix engineers.

The M4 provides ultralow latency for monitoring live inputs through your computer, thanks to MOTU's expertly engineered USB drivers. These deliver 2.5 ms of round-trip latency, measured with a 32-sample buffer at 96 kHz.

The M4 gives you one-touch hardware monitoring for all inputs, including line inputs 3-4. You'll also note the mix knob for balancing live inputs with computer playback; this lets you secure your perfect monitor mix, so you can hear your playing without latency, as well as any playback tracks, all at the same time.

The M4 includes traditional 5-pin MIDI input and output ports, so you can connect a MIDI controller, a sound module, or even a keyboard workstation without having to get a separate MIDI interface. The four 1/4" outputs on the M4 are DC-coupled, allowing you to send MIDI data from your DAW as CV to hardware analog synthesizers, Eurorack modules, and sequencers.

The unit is bus-powered over USB for optimal portability and convenience. It includes a USB-C to Type-A cable for compatibility with most computers. If your computer has USB-C ports, simply use a USB-C cable (available separately) to connect the two.

Alternatively, by using a USB-C power adapter, the M4 can be used as a standalone preamp and basic mixer, no host computer required. Simply engage the monitor button for each input (and 48V phantom power, if needed), and adjust the preamp gain. Connect the main outs to any line-level destination, such as a PA or patch bay.

The M4 includes Ableton Live Lite and MOTU Performer Lite, popular and capable DAWs geared for music recording and production. Also included are over 100 instruments for Performer Lite, as well as 6GB of loops, sounds, and one-shot samples for either DAW.

• USB-C audio interface with professional-level sound, four inputs, and four outputs
• Easy-to-read metering for all inputs/outputs, with a full-color LCD
• Two XLR-1/4" mic/line/Hi-Z guitar inputs and two balanced 1/4" line inputs
• Individual preamp gain and 48V phantom power for each input
• Four balanced, DC-coupled 1/4" TRS outputs for feeding monitors, outboard gear, or even hardware synthesizers and sequencers
• Four mirrored RCA unbalanced outputs
• One stereo headphone output, driven by ESS converters, with independent volume control
• Supports resolutions up to 24-bit / 192 kHz
• USB audio class compliant for plug-and-play operation on Mac or iOS (driver required for Windows)
• Driver loopback for capturing host output, live streaming, and podcasting
• MIDI I/O on 5-pin DIN jacks
• Rugged metal construction
• Kensington security slot

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Can you connect it directly to the new IPad Air 4th gen, via USB-C, or do you need an adaptor/CCK?

A: Yes, the MOTU M4 can be connected directly to iOS devices with USB-C running iOS 9 or later using a standard USB-C to USB-C cable.

Q: 2. Is this a half-rack size?

A: This interface is 8.25 inches wide, which is just a bit more than half-rack size.

Q: 3. This is similar to a previous question about Outputs 3&4. You answered that 3&4 will mirror 1&2 and you can use them for a separate set of monitors, which is what I plan to do. My question is can you switch between the two sets, like an A/B switch or something? Since there isn't a hard switch, is there a control panel which will do this? I'm in the Mac universe.

A: After doing some research, I see that other M4 users have asked MOTU about the same thing (switching between two sets of monitors) but it seems that the M4 does not offer that feature at this time. The only option for now is to route the two outputs to a separate mixer or A/B switch. You may want to contact MOTU directly to let them know that having the ability to switch between two sets of monitors is a desirable feature that users would like to have on the M4. You can reach MOTU by phone at 617-576-2760. Their offices are based in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Q: 4. What's the round trip latency with 64 samples @ 44.1kHz ?

A: This is the only latency specification we could find: Latency: Zero-Latency Direct Monitoring 2.5 ms at 32/96 kHz (Dependent on Buffer Size)

Q: 5. Can I connect 4 XLR Mics to this interface?

A: This interface offers just two XLR microhone inputs.

Q: 6. How would this work a AKG C414 XLII?

A: With 48V enabled, the MOTU M4 Desktop 4x4 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface will accept a connection into its main XLR combo jack inputs from the AKG C414 XLII Large-Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone via standard 3-Pin XLR cable.

Q: 7. The specs list the the TRS outputs as DC-Coupled. Will they still work for non-DC-coupled TRS inputs on KRK monitors?

A: Yes, the DC-coupled TRS outputs on the MOTU M4 will help to send a cleaner signal from M4 to the KRK monitors. So there are no issues at all with compatibility and the DC-coupled outputs should provide better quality sound.

Q: 8. Looking for an audio interface in the $200-$1k range that records in 32bit float, that works effectively on windows using FL Studio. Does this exist?

A: Yes, the MOTU M4 Desktop 4x4 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface offers 32-bit float capabilities and is compatible for use with Windows as well as FL Studio.

Q: 9. If I have line 1/2 with microphones, could I connect a music line from another computer? Where?

A: Line level signals can be connected to the interface, back panel; inputs 3/4.

Q: 10. Are the 1/4" and TRS monitor outputs on back mic level and could you run a mixed signal to a second computer?

A: Both sets of 1/4"/TRS outputs on the MOTU M4 Desktop 4x4 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface are specified as Line level. Either set of outputs would be suitable for sending a mix to another device.