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 21 to 40 of 82 Reviews
Best Value in Audio Interfaces
MOTU M4 USB-C Audio Interface
Reviewed by John I. on Reverb
If you want a great sounding, high-performance USB audio interface, but for a reasonable price, the MOTU M4 is a good get. It offers better DAC's than its competitors, which is reflected in the great overall sound quality. The round-trip latency is very low for a USB interface. The LCD metering is useful for properly setting input and output levels. The preamps have low noise and lots of clean gain, plenty enough to use low-output dynamic mics like the Shure SM57 and SM7B. A nice bonus is that phantom power is switchable for each channel, so mixing a condenser with a ribbon mic is possible. All in all, an excellent interface. ... 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
Great choice
MOTU M4 Desktop 4x4 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Kory on B&H Photo Video
Really happy I waited for this device. Very handsome, great controls, beautiful and easy to read meters, plenty of io for what I need and enough to play around with in the future. Haven't tried using the midi yet but running monitors/headphones and recording the inputs is great. Running on a 2019 mbp, still on Catalina not Big Sur, plugged into a dock, it's been very good. Sometimes the computer can't see the device and I have to turn it off and unplug it and replug it and try different ports, it's annoying, but most of the time it just works. I thought it was going to come with a usb-c to usb-c cable, but it came with a usb-c to usb-a only. I'll look for a type c in the future but it works with what it came with. Anyway, I will be recommending this to anyone who asks. ... More
Perfect first interface
MOTU M4 Desktop 4x4 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by James on B&H Photo Video
I did a lot of research into audio interfaces in this price range - it's quite a burgeoning market, and, in terms of sound, they all seem to be on relative par. But functionality and build quality seem to vary, and this won out on both - especially function, and especially the meters. They're beautiful and give you so much more information than on any others. The addition of two more channels and the Midi on this model was worth the extra money. The only thing I've not loved is the line inputs (on the back) - they seem pretty quiet, and I can't get enough gain from them for a keyboard. I don't know if this is the case for other brands (e.g., the FocusRite). If, for example, you have more than one stereo keyboard you want to use at a time, you might look into this. ... More
USB Power is nice
MOTU M4 Desktop 4x4 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Phillip on B&H Photo Video
This USB powered Interface works as expected. My RE20 mic sounds nice through the headphones. I did have to push the headphone monitor up pretty high to get a real good level in my ears. My mic requires the +48v setting, so that was an easy choice when purchasing the MOTU. The two mic inputs on the front cause a little cable disaster at the front, but it makes it easy to insert or remove. The LED readout is perfect, I wouldn't have this unit without it. I'm still trying to figure out how to send it to the input of my computer and do I want to have speakers attached? I'll try to update this review after more use. ... More
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Clean audio, super-low latency, easy setup
MOTU M4 Desktop 4x4 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Geren on B&H Photo Video
This is simply the nicest audio/MIDI interface I've owned in the many years I've been using computer-based audio recording. The audio is clean, and the latency is so low that I can even record voice/vocal tracks and monitor through my DAW. The only possible caveat I've seen is that you need to use good XLR connectors on the mic cables if you'll be using phantom power -- some cheap connectors are out of spec, and with them, the phantom power will not turn on, as there is a sensor in the jack to control the actual power. The light on the interface indicating that phantom is one will illuminate, regardless of whether the connection is made or not. ... More
Blown Away!
MOTU M4 Desktop 4x4 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Jason on B&H Photo Video
I'm coming from a 1st Gen Scarlett 6i6. I am blown away by how clean my audio sounds now, not only in recording but the listening experience overall. I love the fact the interface has a smaller footprint and a simple USB-C cable powers it all. No more power brick. Sturdy build, quality knobs. The visual I/O meters are great. Nice touch. Did I mention how clean the sound is with the D/A converter? Just excellent. I should have upgraded sooner.
Excellent audio interface
MOTU M4 Desktop 4x4 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Brett on B&H Photo Video
The M4 is all that I expected. The build quality is good. The sound quality is good. The features are good. I am using with macOS 10.13 on both an old Mac Pro and newer MacBook Pro with no issues. The independent 48V phantom power controls are nice. I have used with XLR mic and line level inputs. The included downloadable software is complex. Mostly I have played with Performer Lite which generally works but I have gotten it to crash twice. The software documentation is good but not perfect. I would definitely recommend buying an M4.
Smooth and professional tool
MOTU M4 Desktop 4x4 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Taras on B&H Photo Video
Issues with noise and crackling forced me to look for a new Interface and my choice was MOTU M4. Short story - it did resolve the issue which was probably due to the driver on the other interface. But I was even more impressed with smoothness of setup and quality of sound. This interface can drive tough headphones loud. Latency is incredibly small: roundtrip to computer and back (without direct monitoring) was still somewhat acceptable, where other interface was seriously lagging. Nice controls and display. Definitely professional controls and capabilities.
Best in class
MOTU M4 Desktop 4x4 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Thomas on B&H Photo Video
The MOTU M4 is a best-in-class interface that outperforms many interfaces that cost much more. I was able to achieve extremely low latency on an old iMac using a small buffer size in Logic Pro: much better figures than when using a Focusrite FireWire interface. The Sabre32 converters are simply amazing, and the construction quality is incredible. Most devices in this price range are plastic: the M4 has a robust aluminum enclosure. I can't say enough about MOTU's products and the M4. There's no interface in its price range I would even consider.
Upgraded from M2
MOTU M4 Desktop 4x4 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Jordan on B&H Photo Video
Purchased this after first buying a MOTU M2 - I needed to upgrade to the M4 in order to run an external hardware echo/reverb unit (despite what appears to be 4 outs on the M2, the 1/4 + RCA outs are mirrored signals and can't be used independently) - works perfect so far (as did the M2) + the physical layout of knobs/buttons/screen is really intuitive and easy to use.
A great REAL 4 in 4 out interface
MOTU M4 USB-C Audio Interface
Reviewed by Jason G. on Reverb
Let me start by saying that a lot of interfaces out there that claim to be 4 out are not actually 4 out. I had to go through a few before I landed on this one which is actually 4 in and 4 out with no "but" or caveats. Super quiet, high quality sound with excellent preamps, great monitoring and easy integration with my DAW.
I will have this forever. Will buy again and again.
MOTU M4 4x4 USB-C Audio Interface
Reviewed by Grace B. on Guitar Center
I have produced music, podcasts, and voiceovers using a variety of audio interfaces and most always leave me searching. I've had to make compromises on in bit-depth, noise floor, affordability, on/off switch. Yes, some interfaces may have more advanced features. But...I've never had a giddy-ness about receiving an interface as I've had with this one (not even with the UA). Upon receiving it, I wasn't disappointed at all! It does what it says it will do...and for the price?!?!?! what. a. steal.
Great interface!
MOTU M4 Desktop 4x4 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Uriel on B&H Photo Video
This interface is a one size fits all. It has whatever you may need for live keayboard performance, backing track for a band or recording on the go, as it includes MIDI ports, 2 xlr / plug preamps, multiple output mixes and comes packed inside a sturdy metal case. The size of the device is adequate too (a little bigger than a hand palm). It powers up with usb cable. Be sure you update the firmware to give it proper use with last osx systems (just a matter of a few clics).
Best Audio Interface
MOTU M4 Desktop 4x4 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by James on B&H Photo Video
This interface solved my major issues with other interfaces. Power switch, reliable USB C connection to Mac, meters and functional controls. It also has really powerful mic pre's and has really low self-noise. Then there is the very competitive pricing.
Maybe I bought a lemon...
MOTU M4 Desktop 4x4 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by W Frederick on B&H Photo Video
When I used the M4, my recording session had clicks in the audio files. I went back to my Apogee Duet, and clicks disappeared. Also the audio that resulted from the M4 sessions was slightly faster/shorter than the video that it was to sync with -- again didn't happen when Apogee Duet was used. The timing problem was too small to be a 29.97vs30 fps issue. Something else going on. I am not a professional so maybe I was doing something wrong.
Failed in 7 days
MOTU M4 Desktop 4x4 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Bob on B&H Photo Video
Motu M4 worked for 7 day then failed: lights and display went out for no apparent reason and it no longer worked. Got an RMA from B&H and sent it back for a refund. Waited 3 months for these to become available; won't be waiting for Motu again.
recording classical guitar
MOTU M4 Desktop 4x4 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Chris on B&H Photo Video
been using this with a pair of MXL CR21 mics to record classical guitar, paired with these mics it captures the finest of details with crystal clear quality, my only complaint is the lack of stock from being sold out but from my experience only takes around 5 weeks from a backorder which is not bad
Worth it
MOTU M4 Desktop 4x4 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Lily on B&H Photo Video
This instantly removed static and excess noise from my microphone. Friends could tell the difference. I love being able to see if my input peaks, so I know if i'm speaking too loudly. It's sturdy and made of solid materials. You can tell the quality difference between this and a $50 interface. Very happy with my purchase, and I would recommend.
Good but needs preamps for all inputs
MOTU M4 Desktop 4x4 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Kevin on B&H Photo Video
Overall really happy with it. The build feels good, the preamps are really clean, and the meters are actually pretty nice. It's a bit of a shame that inputs 3 and 4 don't have built-in preamps because that means I pretty much can't use them unless I buy a separate preamp or DI box.
