- 6 Input / 8 Output
- 4 Microphone Preamps
- 8-Bus Digital Mixer
- Digital I/O
- Phantom Power
- Time Code Support
- 24-bit/96kHz
- Standalone Operation
- Mac OS X
- Windows Vista/7
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 1 to 5 of 5 Reviews
Find your sound.
MOTU 4pre - Compact Hybrid FireWire/USB Audio Interface with Microphone Preamps
Reviewed by forest on B&H Photo Video
The Motu 4pre audio interface is designed for musicians that like to experiment with recording. There are 2 unique features not seen in the competitor's devices. First, each of the four inputs has its own preamp with its own phantom power or -20dB pad. This gives tremendous flexibility for using multiple microphone types for recording an acoustic guitar or DI box and mics for electric guitar. The competition gangs the inputs in groups of two, or globally. Second, there are some tools for analyzing the track waveforms to help with creating a wide stereo field and minimize phase cancellation. If you just want to make a sound, go with the competition's equipment, it is inexpensive and reliable. If you want to find your sound, go with the Motu 4pre. The 4pre literally comes suspended in its packaging and stood up to UPS delivery. The manual thoroughly covered each feature. Although I am not a fan of multifunction potentiometers, the trim pots are sturdy. The software has to be downloaded from the Motu website, which went smoothly. The Cue mix software duplicates the 4pre controls if you prefer clicking and dragging to pushing and turning. The manual covers how to install the proper driver for several DAWs. Also check your DAW's website for instruction, not only for setting up drivers but also routing the signal. The 4pre can be used live by itself or in a home studio with computer. The accompanying Cue Mix software allows for zero latency monitoring of live input. I measured round trip latency at 7.5 milliseconds, using the USB connection, 64 samples per buffer on a duel core, 2.4 MHz AMD Turion II P540, with windows 7. Not a speed record but not a slouch either and in the same ballpark as the competition. A firewire connection is also available for those unwilling to use windows 10 or that have older equipment. In doing my research of audio interfaces in the August of 2015, Motu already had a driver for Windows 10. The completion did not. ... More
Great Sound; Fiddly Controls
MOTU 4pre - Compact Hybrid FireWire/USB Audio Interface with Microphone Preamps
Reviewed by Michael on B&H Photo Video
I purchased the MOTU 4pre to upgrade from a Steinberg CI2, which only has two mic preamps. The MOTU produces clean, clear sound, and enables me to record my drums using two LDC overheads and dynamics for kick and snare. No complaints here. The included AudioDesk software can be a little buggy. For instance, there are color schemes listed in the Setup menu that simply do not work; others will create tracks that show white tracks on a white background, which can be a real headache for editing. Compared to the Steinberg, which provides an intuitive interface for recording and editing in Cubase AI5 (included with the CI2), AudioDesk seems downright clunky. (Note: never thought I'd call Cubase intuitive, but compared to AudioDesk, it is.) Some controls on the interface itself can be bothersome. For instance, the knobs on the front panel serve several purposes. If you want to turn phantom power on channel one, you need to press the Mix button to cycle through several mixes to get to trim mode, after which you can push and hold the button for channel one to get phantom power. Then you need to return to the Mix button to cycle back into the mix you were using. Another little headache has to do with how the volume controls are affected when the interface is plugged into or removed from the computer. When the interface is plugged in, the volume levels on the computer jump automatically to maximum volume regardless of where they were set before. This is hearing loss just waiting to happen. Similarly, the interface allows you to control the output volume from the computer itself, but muting sound on the computer will only mute playback volume. The surge from turning phantom power on or off will still play through the headphones. Again, risky if you own cans that can handle high sound pressure levels. I've already learned how to live with the little quirks, and I'm enjoying studio quality sound. ... More
MOTU 4pre
MOTU 4pre - Compact Hybrid FireWire/USB Audio Interface with Microphone Preamps
Reviewed by Alfredo Prada on B&H Photo Video
I got this product for test and measurement using Smaart/Systune and Easera acoustical software. It might seem as overkill for this application, but accuracy and precision are key here. The mic preamps are very low noise and distortion. The ability to save mic preamp settings are very useful to keep and return to SPL calibration quickly. At first the operation of this unit might seem complicated but after using it, it is very easy to navigate. The companion software makes everything even easier. Also the fact that you can use either USB or Firewire are a major plus.It even operates without a power supply with firewire. I also used it as a playback unit and it also performed exceptionally . Another plus is the ability to send signal to several independent mixes. Great metering and solid built. I could not find anything I don't like. ... More
additional outputs for mixer output
MOTU 4pre - Compact Hybrid FireWire/USB Audio Interface with Microphone Preamps
Reviewed by Solon on B&H Photo Video
got this box in hand for about 2 weeks, really need to spend some time to trial & error! as the manual not able to cover all the functions! especially the part for USB connection to computer! originally we use the 4PRE for sound recording fm mixer. as the original mixer usb connection to commputer not stable, then use it as a replacement. in the begining, usage is a bit complicated but still ok once u get use to all the functions. besides, the extra bonus is to route the computer output via USB port to motu then back to mixer! this reduce the low zizy noise ( i think fm the looping) while playback sound to the speakers! my recomandation is : Good! if you can afford this cost! p.s. i spent 1 week to figure out the motu playback devices in computer are all connect to the mic/line 1-2! & the cuemix FX is not able to control this output to mixer!! or i still need to spend sometime for the trial & error? but overall, at this price, i feel this box is great!! ... More
MOTU 4pre
MOTU 4 Pre
Reviewed by Joseph B. on Reverb
Thank you for a great deal. Item perfectly as described and packed very well!!! This will work well with my MOTU 896MK3.
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