MOTU M4 Review
4x4 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
- Musicians, Podcasters & Producers
- USB Type-C / Type-A Connectivity
- 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
- Phantom Power, Direct Monitor, MIDI I/O
- Full-Color LCD with I/O Metering
- Virtual Loopback for Mix-Minus Setup
- DAWs, VIs, Loops & Samples
Introduction
In this article, we delve into a detailed analysis of 12,047 user reviews from various languages worldwide to examine the MOTU M4. This analysis is performed by the RR artificial intelligence and updated daily with newly submitted reviews. The RR AI utilizes a complex algorithm to first scrutinize user reviews for credibility, filtering out unreliable ones. It then proceeds to dissect and evaluate the valuable insights within these reviews, providing users with ratings regarding the features of this product. Based on these assessments, users can make informed decisions about whether this product is suitable for them or not.
Ratings Based on Features
These results are a summary of user reviews of the MOTU M4. For example, 92% of 3,919 users who have commented on the Sound quality of the MOTU M4 have given positive feedback.
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 1 to 20 of 82 Reviews
great interface with caveats
MOTU M4 Desktop 4x4 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by russell on B&H Photo Video
This interface has a very good signal path. For monitoring it sounds excellent. I would say crystal clear, but that kind of implies a bright profile. Rather I would say it is very, very neutral. I'm working on headphones and aside from possible bass issues I'm very confident in the output. I've only had a handful of opportunities to use the preamps. They are not Neve's or APIs by any margin. But they are very good. Not getting any of that 'running out of headroom' fizz which is so typical of interfaces in this price range. I would say this is the best deal on a buss powered interface that is more than 2x2 IO. Caveats; The headphone amp can barely drive my 55 ohm headphones. I have to run it wide open. It sounds great, but it's lame when I'm trying to zoom in on a source and all I have left to do is reach for the gain in the application. I'm out of headphone gain. (I should mention that I am recording with plenty of headroom, either aiming for -14dbfs or -20dbfs). I really dislike the monitoring setup. Some may like it, but I find it to be unintuitive. First time I plugged in a mic I thought there was no input monitoring because the knob which varies the ratio of direct to DAW return is right above the 3/4 input button. So you would THINK it control the gain of that. This knob is also only active when you engage input monitor on one of the inputs. So you could go months without using it. The form factor is bigger than I though it would be. It's hard to gauge the size from the photos, but look at the XLR jacks and kind of extrapolate. It's very light and feels like it can't possibly be more than a single board in there, with a small daughterboard for the display. The display irks me. It is great at metering, that is not an issue. But I can see by the way it shows the MOTU logo on power up that it's not hard-coded to only showing strictly the 4x4 levels. It would be fantastic if a future update gave us some more tools like RTA/frequency analysis, stereo correlation, or at the very least a page that confirms the sample rate/bit depth. It just feels underutilized. Of course there are no software buttons so it would have to be some kludge with holding two buttons down. Really wish they had left the silly RCA jacks and power switch off and used the savings to put in a software switch for this reason. M4 MKII? (really why a power switch, it's buss powered) It would also be great if there was an option to power it by an AC adapter for those laptops that are stingy on USB power. My old Mac Air was like that. Just so I don't end on a negative, I do really like the pots and knobs. They feel very smooth and not cheap. The metal knobs are reminiscent of an old pro tape deck I once had. ... More
Beyond expectations
MOTU M4 Desktop 4x4 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Donald on B&H Photo Video
As a retired Audio Engineer and now (thankfully) back to exploring my own ideas I wanted to ditch the (usual) complex professional Mac Pro based modular system and work with a Mac Mini, a 4k monitor, a set of Genelecs with a sub, a USB based interface with Mac OS Core Audio and a USB keyboard... I wanted to take advantage of the abilities of the i7 processors to mitigate the need for racks of outboard gear, LOTS of wiring, huge mixers and patchbays for multi-track recording. I got what I wanted. 4 in. 4 out. Input trims with a ton of gain. A ton of headroom. Transparent. Quiet. Low latency. Great metering. Powerful headphone output. Small footprint. Inexpensive. What's not to love? ... More
The perfect audio tool
MOTU M4 Desktop 4x4 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Julio on B&H Photo Video
Hi people... this audio card is perfect, beautiful and have a good contruction, The sound is very similar to Scarlett but it have some details, digital meters, stereo spantion more open, These small details make a difference, the sound is soft and relaxed and allows you to make an exact mix. My advice: Some people have written in their reviews that when you put a microphone they turn off the 48 volts, please connect the USB c to the USB 3.0 port not to the 2.0 because the USB 3.0 has more power and can keep the 48 Volts. In case you have an advanced PC with direct C port on the motherboard you don't have this problem ... I hope this information helps you. ... More
MOTU quality in a small package and at an affordable price
MOTU M4 Desktop 4x4 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Carl on B&H Photo Video
Very happy with the MOTU M4! After using the MOTU 896HD for many years in my home studio, technology had evolved dramatically and I needed to get a new audio interface. The fact that my old 896HD interface had such great longevity (it still works after 16+ years!) had a lot of influence on my decision to stay with the MOTU brand. Since I no longer need as many inputs, I decided to check out the smaller USB interfaces. The MOTU M4 is a perfect fit for my home recording needs. I've been just as happy with the preamps as I was with the 896, and there's even MIDI I/O. The device is very simple to use, and the controls are very practical and easy to access. Amazing performance and quality in a small package. ... More
Nice!
MOTU M4 Desktop 4x4 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by David on B&H Photo Video
I'm no audio expert, I'm not a musician, I don't do voiceovers, and I'm not a podcaster. I'm just a typical guy who unexpectedly needed an XLR connector. After a lot of looking/reading, I decided this was the one. Was this more than I needed? Yes. Would I downgrade and save a couple bucks now having it in my possession? No. Quality/Style: Fairly compact, feels solid. Could use a 3.5mm front jack (picky). Setup: Easy-peasy (install software/driver before connecting tho). Use: I haven't read the instructions so I'd say smooth, like buttah. System: Windows 10 Pro Final Recommendation: Yes and no. In and of itself, I'd say buy this (without a doubt), if you need something now. But if you can wait 3 mo - 1 yr, I'd say wait. Not because this isn't worth it, but rather this area of audio is a hotbed in the PC space at the moment. Some of the devices set to be released are taking devices like the MOTU and adding a bunch of noisegate (noise-blocking) and channel isolation features (the ability to set dials to control different audio sources on your pc, which is friggin awesome). The end result of some of the newer devices is, they are taking audio controllers (existing), combining them with high-end xlr connectors (existing), and adding mixing capabilities through hardware and/or software (existing) into one fairly compact device, adding a bunch of functionality in case you want the device to grow with you. ... More
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Great Interface but inconsistent experience
MOTU M4 Desktop 4x4 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Joseph on B&H Photo Video
The stars I would give this interface vary per-platform: Windows: 5 stars. Works perfectly with a mic attached and a L/R line in on 3/4 in. I can easily divide my outputs between 1/2 and 3/4 so I can have one thing in my headphones and another on my stereo (usecase: boring meetings which you only have to pay little attention to) Mac: 4 stars. It is plug and play, and the optional driver isn't 100% necessary (although worth it). Getting multi-out takes some work where you have to create a multiout device in the Midi utility (which only lets 1/2 be an output) and then set the original to 3/4. I still have not been able to get 3/4 in to work. So, 4 stars. Linux: 3.5 stars. The only good support for this is via Jack. If you are using pure Alsa or PulseAudio you are out of luck right now. Caveat: Make sure your USB is at least USB 3.0 if you are running this through a hub or else you may run into bandwidth problems. If connected to a single 2.0 port, you'll be fine. Aside from the inconsistent experience, everything about this interface is awesome and that experience can be normalized through software and a linux module by MOTU if they wanted to. ... More
Solid
MOTU M4 Desktop 4x4 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Guy on B&H Photo Video
There are already several reviews, videos, etc. extolling the merits of the M4. I have no previous experience with audio interfaces and I'm just getting started, so I have nothing to compare to. My review concerns build quality, usability, and acquiring all the software. First, I had watched a video review stating that the M2/M4 knobs were wobbly. The controls on my M4 are solid, requiring some of pressure to move them slightly. They rotate smoothly. In short, they feel about the same as pots on any piece of gear I've owned. The meters are great, and probably the best in this price range. MIDI interface is also handy. Speaking of controls, I find the buttons and knobs a bit cramped, requiring some care to avoid fat-fingering. This too, will probably become a non-issue as I work with the M4. My biggest beef with the M4 is not with the unit per se, but with getting the software -- searching on the MOTU download page as to what applies to the M4, creating accounts, waiting for downloads, etc. Like, don't we all have enough accounts and passwords already? Surely they could streamline the page and/or process. A DVD would have been nice. I've given 4 stars to provide room to grow in admiration of the M4. I'm confident it will grow, and I'd do it all again. ... More
King of small affordable interfaces
MOTU M4 USB-C Audio Interface
Reviewed by Zach H. on Reverb
Pros: AWESOME SIGNAL METERS. great transparent sound, low input latency, reliable drivers, quiet circuitry, runs off bus power, mono or stereo direct monitoring, loopback features for livestreaming. Cons: no gain control on line inputs 3 &4, higher output latency, knobs and pots don't feel as solid as some other models. This is one of the best budget audio interfaces I have used, both in terms of features and sound quality. Anyone looking for a 2x2 interface, I would highly recommend buying this 4x4 instead - it's very comparable to a 2x2 in terms of price and size, but you get two extra input and output channels. If you're in the market for a 4x4, the only caveat I would give you is that the two rear inputs are a stereo pair, and the gain isn't adjustable, so make sure the signal you bring in back there is stereo trs, and that you can adjust the signal level on the instrument so that you can get a nice strong wave in your DAW. Overall, a 5 star interface. ... More
Great interface for a reasonable price
MOTU M4 Desktop 4x4 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Ilya on B&H Photo Video
My overall experience with MOTU M4 is awesome, I have finally found a perfect compact interface that meets all my needs. Exterior. It's very well made, knobs are very handy and the LCD meters are far better then lights on all interfaces I had before. Still it's very compact and light, and I haven't noticed any significant heat from the interface when it's turned on. Special thanks for On/Off switch, I am wondering why it's not present on all interfaces. Sound. I haven't done any special test or comparison, but in use M4 seems to provide very good quality for I/O. I use Sennheiser HD350 and M4 provides enough power for these headphones. ... More
Something I should have purchased years ago
MOTU M4 4x4 USB-C Audio Interface
Reviewed by Chuck on Guitar Center
Before finally purchasing this particular Audio Interface, an item I have needed for some time to use with my DAW, I went to YouTube and viewed a ton of unboxing and reviews of the MOTU M2 & M4. Every single one of them said that this was the most amazing and feature-packed DAC in its price range on the market. And every single one of them was correct. This little monster is mind-blowing in its build, its features, its complete lack of latency, and anything else you would want in a compact DAC. The monitoring features are killer, as is the powerful separate headphone volume. And as every YouTube reviewer stated, the LCD meters are so accurate it's unbelievable. I am so pleased that I purchased this DAC that I haven't the words to express just how glad I am. It's a complete game changer for my DAW recording, and something I wish I had purchased a long time ago, rather than using the generic ASIO driver that came with Cubase that just wasn't up to par. If you're looking for a 4in/4out DAC with enough I/Os, including MIDI ones, to record and monitor a limited amount of hardware, look no further. This is the only one to buy! ... More
Incredible sound quality. I love it.
MOTU M4 Desktop 4x4 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Matthew on B&H Photo Video
I bought this primarily to improve on the sound quality I was getting from a cheap $20 USB DAC. The MOTU M4 sounds AMAZING. The improvement is like going from cassette-tape to CD. I was very impressed, and pleased with my purchase. The secondary reason for the purchase was to connect an XLR microphone. The audio from the microphone is too low, and barely audible by people on my video calls. Even self-recorded tests were very hard to hear. Activating the 48V phantom-power alleviated some of the problem, but it is unusable as-is and requires an amplifier for the microphone to be usable. The output volume levels are decent, but I wish it had a better amplifier and could get louder. Another CON: I needed to download drivers for this device to work with Windows. Windows would not recognize it without the drivers. I don't have any other microphones to test against, so the fault may be with my XLR microphone. I'm happy with my purchase, but I wish it had its own dedicated power-supply and didn't try to run everything off of USB power. I think it's not getting enough current to amplify everything that it needs. ... More
Failed out of the box.
MOTU M4 Desktop 4x4 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Bob on B&H Photo Video
This is my second unit of the Motu M4 from B&H and it was DOA; the first one died after 7 days. On this one the number 2 channel's 48v--to a condenser mic--didn't work; a dynamic mic worked fine on the same channel, but the 48v did not. The other channel was fine, as were all the other functions of the unit that I check up to the point I found my condenser mic didn't work on channel 2. This unit arrived in a box that had been previously opened: the seal was broken on the manufacturer's box. So, it looks like B&H tried to recycle a bad unit on me. Thanks, guys. ... More
Great interface
MOTU M4 Desktop 4x4 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Mazen on B&H Photo Video
I haven't tested this on my Linux machine, but it works flawlessly on Windows after downloading the drivers. It does exactly what it says, and it does it really well. I was a bit worried that the headphone output wouldn't be able to properly drive my Sennheiser HD650 headphones, but it worked perfectly and has enough power to even make the headphones uncomfortably loud, so that's a win. I was able to get rid of my standalone headphone amp completely and haven't heard a difference. I've tested the interface with both a Samson Q2U and an Audio-Technica AT2035 and can say that the preamps are very clean. I haven't had any problems with either of them. The Q2U especially, being a dynamic mic, needs a relatively high gain and this interface was able to get good volume levels easily. I'm very happy with this interface. The knobs are very smooth, the unit is fully metal and feels robust, it doesn't need external power, and it has a great display. I would definitely recommend the Motu M4 to anyone looking for an audio interface. ... More
Great value for a 4x4
MOTU M4 Desktop 4x4 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Clement on B&H Photo Video
Clean noise floor. Works very well with low sensitivity microphones such as the Shure SR7B even though it's still better with a mic activator. Everything works as advertised with near perfect user experience even compared to more expensive audio interface. Sound signature is clean and a clean flat response. Coupled with its portability, it is indeed an indispensable arsenal to any recording enthusiast.
Probably the best sound card in its class
MOTU M4 Desktop 4x4 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Maksim on B&H Photo Video
Is it possible to buy a sound audio interface with the same capabilities as the MOTU M4 for the same money on the market? At the moment - it is impossible! There is no competitor that can offer the same combination of benefits for the same cost. The device has an excellent design and well-thought-out ergonomics, there are no cheap and low-quality parts. LCD = Sound Monitoring Display Directly on the Panel - a breakthrough in this class of cards. The device has professional ESS preamplifiers, which is not typical for this price segment. The device outputs 32 bit audio including 192,000 Hz. The quality of the captured sound is frankly better than that of fellow devices in the same category. MOTU M4 has one of the smallest delays when working with the ASIO driver. In general, if you now take an audio interface for up to $ 250, then this one. I do not see any alternatives and I am personally happy with the investment of my money. IMHO. ... More
Great Sound, Features, Versatility, Value
MOTU M4 Desktop 4x4 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Dale on B&H Photo Video
Pros.......... Great AD/DA sounds fantastic, Sturdy metal case and knobs, Real meters, feature packed, Made in the USA. I use this with an iPad Pro, and a USB 3.1 "C" powered hub, to charge the iPad and power the M4. Flawless, best specs and value for a fair price !!!
Very good sound out of the headphone jack
MOTU M4 Desktop 4x4 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Taro on B&H Photo Video
I bought it as my first audio interface. I wanted to use it for headphone playback of music in day-to-day use, while also helping me input my voice for on-line business meetings in the work-from-home situation. With my SONY MDR-1AM2 headphone connected to the headphone jack, the sound playback with MOTU M4 sounds as good as TOPPING DX7 Pro DAC and headphone amp I use in my livingroom. The sound level indicator adds a visual accent to my desktop environment. I've also hooked up a cheap Chinese headworn microphone that requires line-level phantom power with the help of additional RODE VXLR+ to convert 48V on MOTU M4's XLR port to 5V. I've never recorded my voice sounding better, and it's easy to use for a novice like me. The input/monitor mix control on M4 is a very nice touch too. ... More
High Quality Interface for Experienced and New Users
MOTU M4 Desktop 4x4 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Michael on B&H Photo Video
Prior to owning the M4, I previously relied on MOTU's Ultralite interface for over 10 years, which was only rendered obsolete through Apple's move away from Firewire and a decade's worth of software upgrades. The M4 is a worthy successor to the MOTU legacy with its solid build quality and pristine audio. The interface is certainly powerful and the clarity from its lauded DAC exceeded what I've come to expect from MOTU. I do miss the additional inputs I had with the Ultralite, but appreciate the smaller footprint, bright display, and smoother more durable knobs found on the M4. Not to mention the $229 price point made it a very accessible and relatively painless upgrade to my aging Ultralite, which was over $500 when I purchased it. The M4 slipped in effortlessly into my existing setup and I am certain it will be a another fixture in it in the years to come. ... More
Thoughtfully designed
MOTU M4 Desktop 4x4 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Jonathan on B&H Photo Video
I've been a MOTU customer for decades. My 1st gen 828 finally bit the dust, and I was looking for an affordable replacement for personal recording. I found the m4 delivers the clean audio that I expect from MOTU, but there are a few details that struck me as thoughtful about the design, especially for the personal or home studio. - The unit is small, but has some weight to it so it doesn't get pulled off your desk by the weight of a mic cable. - The monitor/playback blend control makes adjusting that mix for tracking really simple. - Separate headphone and main volume controls. - The built-in MIDI interface is super convenient. - Bus powered. - All of the controls feel solid and are metal (or some convincing plastic). - Easy to see meters (rather than Focusrite's ring around a knob). ... More
I'd LOVE to rate this highly, BUT... it's incompatible
MOTU M4 Desktop 4x4 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Lindsay on B&H Photo Video
This has the makings of a really excellent box. The features, display, and specs are all great on paper. However, it is not compatible with the Gigabyte Aero 15 laptop with i9 10980HK processors, 64GB RAM, and Windows 11 Pro I was pairing it with. I encountered serious and debilitating audio artifacts and the diagnostics in the M-series app returned, The computer's USB host controller has dropped audio. While MOTU provided excellent support, after following all the advice including re-flashing the bios on the laptop, all remedies failed. If they do something to make it work with a high-end Windows workstation like this, it will be an awesome product. For now, it's useless to me. LB ... More
