Skip to main content
< All Topics
Print

MOTU M4 Audio Interface

A front panel view of a black MOTU M4 audio interface showing its dual XLR/TRS combo inputs with gain knobs, 48V phantom power buttons, monitoring selectors, full-color LCD level meters, large main monitor volume knob, and a headphone jack.

Description

The MOTU M4 is a professional 4-in / 4-out USB-C audio interface designed for studio recording, live streaming, and podcasting. Driven by high-end ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC technology, it delivers a class-leading 120 dB of dynamic range on its main outputs along with an ultra-clean preamp performance measuring a -129 dBu Equivalent Input Noise (EIN). The unit stands out in its class by featuring a full-color LCD screen that provides detailed, high-resolution peak metering for all inputs and outputs. It includes two flexible front-panel XLR/TRS combo inputs with individual 48V phantom power, hardware direct monitoring controls, an input monitor mix knob, two additional balanced line inputs on the rear, and driver-level loopback capabilities for seamless live stream integration.

Technical Specifications

Technical Specifications for MOTU M4 Audio Interface
Feature Specification
Interface Type USB-C Audio Interface (USB 2.0 Class Compliant)
Simultaneous I/O 4 Inputs / 4 Outputs
Supported Sample Rates 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz
Preamps & Phantom Power 2 x Ultra-clean Mic/Line/Hi-Z Guitar Combo Inputs; 2 x Independent +48V Switches
Analog Inputs 2 x XLR-1/4″ Combo (Front), 2 x 1/4″ TRS Balanced Line In (Rear)
Analog Outputs 4 x 1/4″ TRS Line Out (Balanced, DC Coupled), 4 x RCA Unbalanced (Mirrored), 1 x 1/4″ Stereo Headphone Jack
MIDI Connectivity 1 x MIDI Input, 1 x MIDI Output (16 Channels to/from host)
Dynamic Range & Latency 120 dB Dynamic Range on Line Out; Ultra-low 2.5 ms Round Trip Latency (96 kHz, 32 sample buffer)
Power Source USB Bus-powered with a dedicated hardware Power Switch
Dimensions & Weight 8.25″ x 4.25″ x 1.75″ (20.95 cm x 10.8 cm x 4.5 cm); 1.55 lbs (0.7 kg)
Table of Contents