ReviewFinder Audio Recording Interfaces

Motu M4

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5 Verified Hands-On Reviews

To combat fake reviews we only accept video reviews from verified channels. Each review must show the product and the face of the reviewer.

Expert reviews [5]

100
Total expert reviews: 5
  • with a score: 2
  • without a score: 3
Highest score by gemtracks.com
100
Average score based on 5 reviews
100
Lowest score by HomeTheater Review
100

Score distribution:

80-100
60-80
40-60
20-40
0-20
ReviewFinder: authentic product reviews summarized by a powerful AI engine.

Expert consensus

The Motu M4 audio interface is a versatile and reliable 4x4 USB-C interface suitable for a wide range of recording and playback needs, with low latency levels, clean and transparent preamps, and strong compatibility with various operating systems and major DAWs, making it an excellent choice for musicians, podcasters, and content creators who require a reliable and affordable audio interface with advanced features.

The Motu M4 audio interface is a versatile and reliable 4x4 USB-C interface suitable for a wide range of recording and playback needs. It offers four simultaneous inputs and outputs, including two combo jacks with XLR connectivity for microphones and 1/4" Hi-Z compatibility, two line inputs, two pairs of DC-coupled 1/4" balanced outputs, midi inputs, extra RCA outputs, and loopback functions.

The interface has very low latency levels, making it ideal for recording and monitoring in real-time, resulting in a more natural and accurate recording and monitoring experience. The preamps are clean and transparent, providing excellent sound quality for most applications, including recording vocals, acoustic instruments, and podcasts.

The Motu M4 is highly compatible with various operating systems and major DAWs, making it a versatile and easy-to-use audio interface that works seamlessly with various software and operating systems. The product has a strong reputation in the audio recording industry as one of the best-in-class audio interfaces under $300, making it an excellent choice for musicians, podcasters, and content creators who require a reliable and affordable audio interface with advanced features.

Input/output options

The Motu M4 audio interface is a versatile 4x4 USB-C interface with four simultaneous inputs and outputs, midi inputs, loopback functions, and Input Monitor Mix control, making it suitable for a wide range of recording and playback needs.

The Motu M4 audio interface is a versatile 4x4 USB-C interface that offers four simultaneous inputs and outputs. It has two combo jacks on the front that provide a preamp with XLR connectivity for microphones, as well as 1/4" Hi-Z compatibility, and two line inputs on the back.

The interface also comes with two pairs of DC-coupled 1/4" balanced outputs, one labeled Monitor and the other Line Out, which can be sent to another pair of monitors, PA speakers, or any destination. The M4 is compatible with all common studio setups, as well as with most DJ and FOH mixers.

It also has midi inputs, extra RCA outputs, and loopback functions, making it a versatile choice for podcasters, DJs, and musicians. The loopback functionality allows for recording and playback simultaneously, and the Input Monitor Mix control on the front panel allows for adjusting the mix of computer output sound and input sound for playback.

Overall, the Motu M4 is a reliable and versatile audio interface suitable for a wide range of recording and playback needs.

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Latency

The Motu M4 is a high-quality audio interface with low latency levels, making it ideal for real-time recording and monitoring of vocals, instruments, live performances, podcasting, and streaming.

The Motu M4 is a high-quality audio interface that provides best-in-class speed for monitoring live inputs through a computer. It has very low latency levels, with a round-trip latency as low as 1. 83 ms at a 96 kHz sample rate and 32 sample buffer. Even with a buffer value of 128 samples suitable for everyday use, the round-trip latency was not higher than 3.

5 ms. This makes it ideal for recording and monitoring in real-time, resulting in a more natural and accurate recording and monitoring experience. The M4 is suitable for a range of use cases, including recording vocals, instruments, and live performances. It is also ideal for podcasting and streaming, where low latency is essential for real-time communication.

Overall, the Motu M4 is a reliable and high-performing audio interface that delivers exceptional latency levels for a seamless recording and monitoring experience.

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Preamp quality

The Motu M4 Audio Interface is a high-quality device with excellent preamp quality, suitable for recording vocals, acoustic instruments, podcasts, live streaming, and gaming.

The Motu M4 Audio Interface has two preamps that provide XLR connectivity for microphones and 1/4" Hi-Z compatibility. The dynamic range on the line and mic inputs is impressive, with a noise level of 115 dB. Each of the four input channels has its own +48V phantom power switch to enable the use of condenser microphones.

The ESS Sabre32 Ultra converters included in the M4 are of high quality and provide exceptional audio fidelity. The preamps are clean and transparent, providing excellent sound quality for most applications. The Motu M4 is a great choice for recording vocals, acoustic instruments, and podcasts.

It is also suitable for live streaming and gaming. Overall, the Motu M4 is a high-quality audio interface with excellent preamp quality that is suitable for a wide range of applications.

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DSP processing

The Motu M4 is a high-quality audio interface with no built-in DSP processing, but offers low latency, reliable performance, and impressive dynamic range, making it ideal for recording, playback, live streaming, and podcasting.

The Motu M4 does not have any built-in DSP processing, but it is designed to provide high-quality audio recording and playback with low latency and reliable performance. It has an impressive dynamic range on the line and mic inputs and outputs, and it comes with ESS Sabre32 Ultra converters that provide an astounding 120 dB of dynamic range.

The interface is user-friendly and straightforward, with no launch software or driver necessary, and everything can be controlled from the dials and buttons on the interface. The M4 is ideal for users who need a reliable and high-quality audio interface for recording and playback, with low latency and no built-in DSP processing.

It is also suitable for live streaming or podcasting, thanks to its loopback channels and convenient LCD display.

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Compatibility

The Motu M4 audio interface is highly compatible with various operating systems and major DAWs, with no known widespread compatibility issues reported when used with software or plugins.

The Motu M4 audio interface is highly compatible with various operating systems, including Mac OS X, Windows, Linux, and iOS. It is also compatible with all major DAWs, such as Ableton Live, Logic Pro X, Pro Tools, and Cubase, among others. The interface should work with any third-party plugin that is compatible with the chosen DAW.

There are no known widespread compatibility issues reported with the Motu M4 when used with software or plugins. Setting up and configuring the device is generally straightforward, with no launch software or driver needed for most operating systems. However, Mac users need an additional driver to access all the features.

The Motu M4 is an excellent choice for musicians, podcasters, and content creators who need a versatile and easy-to-use audio interface that works seamlessly with various software and operating systems.

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Brand reputation

The Motu M4 is a highly regarded audio interface under $300, known for its exceptional technical performance, low latency, and advanced features.

The Motu M4 has a strong reputation in the audio recording industry as one of the best-in-class audio interfaces under $300. It is highly regarded for its exceptional technical performance, low latency, and stable operation. The product offers features that are not commonly found in this price range, such as MIDI inputs, extra RCA outputs, loopback functions, and direct monitoring.

The Motu M4 has received a high consumer score of 9. 5 out of 10, indicating that customers are generally satisfied with the product and the support provided by the company. The product is ideal for musicians, podcasters, and content creators who require a reliable and affordable audio interface with advanced features.

Overall, the Motu M4 is considered a high-quality, reliable, and affordable audio interface that is well-suited for a variety of use cases in the audio recording industry.

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Position in ranking

We maintain a monthly ranking that sums up expert recommendations for all audio recording interfaces.

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- $200
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen
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PreSonus AudioBox USB 96
The PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 is a versatile and reliable audio interface with low latency, high-quality mic preamps, and compatibility with almost all recording software, making it an excellent choice for musicians, podcasters, and other audio professionals.
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UA Volt 2
The UA Volt 2 audio interface is a versatile and high-quality device with low latency, two preamps based on the classic Universal Audio 610 tube preamp, and essential audio software, making it a reliable option for recording musicians, podcasters, and streamers.
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Motu M4 did not receive any endorsements this month.