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 41 to 60 of 82 Reviews
Lots of features for the money
MOTU M4 Desktop 4x4 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Sangeeta on B&H Photo Video
I initially was looking for an interface with 48v phantom power and a decent dac. Turns out the MOTU M4 has a great dac as well. Installation was easy and I had no hassles on either Windows 8.1 or 10. I'm not giving a perfect 5 because there are very occasional clicks, but again that's rare and might as well be external interferences
Sounds great and stable drivers.
MOTU M4 Desktop 4x4 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Michael on B&H Photo Video
I had an issues with a Focusrite Scarlett 2x2 stopping working randomly. Switched to this and it seems to have solved my problems. The drivers are more stable, and it has the extra ins and outs that I need.
Loopback is a Godsend
MOTU M4 Desktop 4x4 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Isaiah on B&H Photo Video
Loopback is the reason I chose this over other interfaces. Not having to use soundflower or blackhole and just have a playback system work out of the box is incredible. Note if you're a Logic Pro user: If you want to use the loopback function, it's inputs 5-6. Logic for whatever reason doesn't name the loopback channels as loopback.
Absolute Game Changer
MOTU M4 Desktop 4x4 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Thomas on B&H Photo Video
There are a lot of interfaces that will give you good quality input and output. I'm sure there are a lot that would match the M4. What they don't match, however is the monitoring and loopback functionality. At the touch of a button you can feedback your mix and your input for streaming. Works seamlessly. Good job MOTU for filling a gap.
Choppy stuttering audio on Windows
MOTU M4 Desktop 4x4 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Tyler on B&H Photo Video
I've been struggling with this card for 6 months. Most creative programs (photoshop, resolve, discord screen share, etc) cause choppy audio on the output and input. It's a big problem and I've tried everything. If you're a windows user and frequently multitask I'd avoid this card. Awesome otherwise, but kind of a useless hunk of metal with the performance multitasking.
Ads
Great audio interface
MOTU M4 Desktop 4x4 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Victor on B&H Photo Video
Bought this for home use with Macbook Air M2. I also got a USB-C hub (Sitecom) and was worried it would have issues when connecting via a hub, but it works perfectly fine. The sound is fantastic, having the display is great, and the knobs are a joy to use. Overall a very solid piece of hardware. Very happy with my purchase.
Amazing value
MOTU M4 Desktop 4x4 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Sam on B&H Photo Video
This works flawlessly with my iPad Pro; no set up needed at all! I'm also using it with a Mac Mini (works with the 2021 M1 Macs already, many interfaces do not), and it works perfectly. Strong headphone amp, low noise, excellent performance. LOVE that it's bus-powered, so no extra cables. Build quality exceeded my expectations, and happy to see the metal case on it.
Best audio interface
MOTU M4 Desktop 4x4 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Gabriel on B&H Photo Video
This thing is tops of any any in the category. I've also had and used the Focusrite products in this category and the in/out, metering, ADA converters and all is better on the Motu. These are hard t find in stock for a good reason.
Great Interface
MOTU M4 Desktop 4x4 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Todd on B&H Photo Video
Sounds great, easy to setup and use. The only problem if you could call it that is the line ins (3&4) don't have a lot of gain. So, if you plug in your average synth you won't get a lot of gain. You need a gain stage (pre-amp) to get enough gain!
Best Audio Interface in this price range
MOTU M4 Desktop 4x4 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Julio on B&H Photo Video
Great audio interface, at a great price. The latency is incredibly low especially after installing the drivers Motu provides on their site. Sounds great and haven't seen another interface in this price range with a display to show you your levels
The champion of interfaces!!
MOTU M4 Desktop 4x4 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Nicholas on B&H Photo Video
This thing ROCKS!! I use it with a Rode Procaster and DY770 Pro's (80 OHM) for my Podcast and I could not be happier! I was a on the fence between this and the Focusrite, and I ended up grabbing this due to the better internal components. No brainer, get it, you will love it!
Great recording studio
MOTU M4 Desktop 4x4 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Sandra on B&H Photo Video
I am a bit of a novice with recording. I am excited to work on projects with my new equipment. All is high quality. I checked some TouTube video reviews also before purchasing. B H Photo is a great company...in the past I have bought a camera there.
Best budget audio interface
MOTU M4 Desktop 4x4 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Corey on B&H Photo Video
This thing is amazing just plug straight into my iPad no extra power needed proper midi connections great sounding pres and the headphone out sounds great very low latency for midi and audio. Can't fault it
As advertised
MOTU M4 Desktop 4x4 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Behrang on B&H Photo Video
Plug and play. Plugged into my mac and started playing. If you're going to plug it into a device without USB-B ports, you'll need a cable. Since most people still have type B USB ports on their machines, the choice of the free cable by MOTU it makes sense. Great device.
Quality
MOTU M4 Desktop 4x4 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Brandon on B&H Photo Video
Very nice build quality, highly functioning and transparent sounding interface. I like the loopback and loopback/mix internal bussing options which all my DAWs see. If you don't need more than a 4 x 4 interface, I'd look no further. Only negative... I do wish it was 1/2 rackspace optional.
It works on iPad Pro
MOTU M4 Desktop 4x4 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Bing-Li on B&H Photo Video
connect to iPad Pro with an USB Type-C to Type-C cable, and it just works, no external power source needed.
MOTU M4 USB-C Audio Interface
Reviewed by Patrick L. on Reverb
Excellent interface. I really like the input monitor mix. I "upgraded to this from the Focusrite 2i2 v3 and I have no regrets. I definitely is a superior interface. I really like the LCD monitor showing the input and output.
Great Purchase.
MOTU M4 Desktop 4x4 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Jarrod on B&H Photo Video
I just got the MOTU M4 for video editing and I couldn't be happier. The Motu M4 is hooked up to my MacBook via the Anker 577 Thunderbolt 3 docking station and the sound coming out of my Yamaha HS5's is flawless. I'm very pleased. It looks great sitting on my desk,.
Good value
MOTU M4 Desktop 4x4 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Robert on B&H Photo Video
I would not call the M4 a high end piece of gear--it doesn't have quite as much headroom as the best price no object interfaces do. But if you respect its limits that way, it sounds really good, and the price is very reasonable for what you get.
Should have got a Scarlett
MOTU M4 Desktop 4x4 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Brandon on B&H Photo Video
Showing up as device name USB OUT instead of M4 for both in and out on multiple OS X systems. Very confusing to route with. Support's been very slow to respond and unable to help solve it. Kind of wish I'd bought another brand.
