Gearank

High-end audio equipment manufacturer MOTU (short for Mark of the Unicorn) has produced the surprisingly affordable (at least for them) MOTU M4.

It features the ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) that provides 120dB of dynamic range. ESS Converters are also used on the headphone out for dynamics that rival even audiophile-level DACs.

With a noise level of -129 dBu, The MOTU M4 was designed to be pristine and pure.

Specifications

• A/D Resolution: Up to 24-bit/192kHz
• Simultaneous I/O: 4 x 4
• Inputs: 2 x XLR-1/4" TRS (mic/line/Hi-Z), 2 x 1/4" (line)
• Outputs:2 x 1/4" TRS (DC coupled, monitor), 2 x 1/4" TRS (DC coupled, line), 1 x Dual RCA Stereo (monitor), 1 x Dual RCA Stereo (line), 1 x 1/4" (Headphones)
• Computer Connectivity: USB 2.0
• MIDI: In/Out/USB
• Phantom Power: +48V
• Low latency monitoring
• Bundled Software: MOTU Performer Lite, Ableton Live 10 Lite, Bundled Loops/Sounds
• USB Class Compliant

Pros

"Worth the wait" is among several comments by users that wanted a more accessible price to MOTU tech and quality. Users experienced low roundtrip latencies compared to their older interfaces with some going as low as 5ms without jitter or dropouts. The level meters were also praised for visibility and accuracy and helped users get the right amount of input gain faster.

Cons

Some experienced power issues when connecting via USB. This was resolved for some by using the main USB ports in their computer or a powered USB hub.

Overall

The MOTU M4 is an audio interface with top-tier tech and refinements packaged in a more affordable and compact format. Get it if you value pristine audio and don't need much in terms of inputs. For solo artists, voice recordings, and other small projects, the MOTU M4 shines above many similarly priced offerings.

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