Audio Quality

Equipped with the same ESS Sabre32 Ultra™ DAC Technology found in audio interfaces costing thousands, the M4 delivers an astonishing 120 dB Dynamic Range on its main outputs. ESS converters also drive the headphone output, which rivals dedicated headphone amplifiers costing hundreds. Ultra-clean preamp circuits produce a measured -129 dBu EIN on the mic inputs. Capture and monitor your audio with pristine clarity.

• ESS Sabre32 Ultra™ DAC technology for superb analog sound

• The same converter technology used in audio interfaces costing thousands

• Measured 120 dB dynamic range on outputs

• Measured -129 dBu EIN on mic inputs

• ESS-driven headphone output

FEATURES

• 4-in / 4-out USB audio interface with studio-quality sound

• Best-in-class audio quality driven by ESS Sabre32 Ultra™ DAC Technology

• Best-in-class speed (ultra-low latency) for host software processing

• Best-in-class metering for all inputs/outputs with a full-color LCD

• 2x mic/line/hi-Z guitar inputs on combo XLR/TRS

• Individual preamp gain and 48V phantom power for each input

• 2x balanced 1/4-inch line inputs

• Hardware (direct) monitoring for each input (mono or stereo for inputs 1-2, stereo for inputs 3-4)

• Monitor mix knob to balance live inputs and computer playback

• Measured -129 dB EIN on mic inputs

• 4x balanced, DC-coupled 1/4-inch TRS outputs

• Measured 120 dB dynamic range on the 1/4-inch balanced TRS outputs

• 4x RCA (unbalanced) analog out (mirrored)

• 1x headphone out (driven by ESS converters) with independent volume control

• MIDI in/out

• Support for 44.1 to 192 kHz sample rates

• USB audio class compliant for plug-and-play operation on Mac (no driver required)

• Windows driver with 2.5 ms Round Trip Latency (32 sample buffer at 96 kHz)

• Mac driver (optional, for 2.5 ms RTL@32/96 kHz and loopback feature)

• iOS compatible (USB audio class compliant)

• Driver loopback for capturing host output, live streaming and podcasting

• Bus powered USB-C (compatible with USB Type A) with power switch (USB cable included)

• Rugged metal construction

• Workstation software included (MOTU Performer Lite 10 and Ableton Live Lite 10)

• 100+ instruments (in Performer Lite)

• Over 6 GB of included free loops, samples and one-shots from industry leading libraries

• Kensington security slot

• Built in the USA

Speed

The M4 provides best-in-class speed for monitoring live inputs (mic, guitar or keyboard) through your computer, thanks to MOTU's expertly engineered USB drivers, which deliver class-leading, ultra-low 2.5 ms Round Trip Latency (at 96 kHz with a 32 sample buffer).

Metering

When recording and mixing, nothing is more critical than achieving optimum levels. The M4 is the only audio interface in its class with a full color LCD featuring clear, detailed level meters for all inputs and outputs. Enjoy professional-level volume control and feedback to get your sound just right.

Loopback

The M4 driver provides convenient loopback channels to your host computer, so you can easily route computer output back to the computer, where you can mix it with live mics and/or guitar inputs from the M4 in your host software for live streaming or podcasting. Streaming and podcasting has never been easier and better-sounding!

A tradition of engineering excellence

Decades of award-winning product engineering for hit songs, mega tours, primetime shows and blockbuster movies goes into every MOTU audio interface. 

Flexible "combo-jack" inputs

• Each input can accept either a mic or a guitar, with independent preamp gain and 48V phantom power for condenser mics.

Direct monitoring

• Press the MON (monitor) button to hear live input on your speakers or headphones, without routing the signal through host software on your computer.

Preamp gain

• Each input provides plenty of preamp gain and incredible sound quality, with -129 dB EIN for each mic input.

Full-color LCD

• Enjoy professional-level metering for inputs and outputs, to precisely control recording levels and monitoring volume.

Metal case

• Solid metal construction means the rugged M2 is ready for anything you throw at it, on the go and on the road.

Headphone output

• The headphone output offers separate volume control and enough drive for even the most demanding headphones.

Input Monitor Mix

• Knob to control balance between live inputs and computer playback

I/O

• 2x mic/line/Hi-Z guitar inputs

• 2x balanced 1/4-inch line inputs

• 4x balanced 1/4-inch TRS out

• 4x RCA analog out (mirrored)

• 1x stereo headphone w/volume

• 1x MIDI in/out

dB RANGE

• 120 dB dynamic range on output

• -129 dBu EIN on mic inputs

CONNECTIVITY

• Bus-powered USB-C

• Compatible with USB Type A

• Windows driver

• Mac driver (optional)

• iOS compatible (with adapter kit)

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS

• Plug-and-play operation

• Hardware (direct) monitoring

• Independent 48V phantom power

• Rugged metal construction

• 44.1 to 192 kHz sample rates

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

• macOS 10.11 or higher

• Windows 7, 8, 10 or higher

• iOS 9 or higher

Workstation software, virtual instruments and loops to get you making music right away

Connect the M4 to your Mac or PC and start laying down tracks with the included Performer Lite or Live Lite production software, plus hundreds of loops, one-shots and sounds from industry leaders Big Fish Audio, Lucidsamples and Loopmasters.

MOTU Performer Lite

Performer Lite provides everything you need to record, edit, mix, process and master your own music tracks quickly and easily. Plug in your mic, guitar and MIDI keyboard and start tracking with over 100 virtual instruments, dozens of effects plug-ins, guitar FX processing and much more. 

Ableton Live Lite

Live 10 Lite is a lightweight version of Ableton Live 10. It comes with all of Live’s essential workflows, instruments and effects – everything you need to record songs, create hands-on with your controller, take music made in your apps further and so much more. 

100+ Virtual Instruments

Performer Lite includes over 100 virtual instruments, including acoustic and electric pianos, guitars, basses, drums, organs synths, orchestral instruments, choirs, world instruments and much more. Take your musical muse wherever it wants to go.

Loops and sounds

You get 6 GB of free loops and sample packs from leading sample content providers to help you start making music right away. Choose from dozens of musical styles, then drag and drop in your project's timeline to build your track quickly.