MOTU's M4 is a 4-in/4-out bus-powered USB-C audio interface using the same ESS Sabre32 Ultra converters as the M2, with a 120 dB dynamic-range spec on outputs. Two front-panel XLR/TRS combo jacks take mic, line, or Hi-Z instrument with 48V phantom, and two rear 1/4-inch TRS inputs accept balanced line gear. Four balanced TRS outputs (with matching RCAs for unbalanced monitors) drive two independent speaker pairs or reamp rigs, plus a 1/4-inch headphone jack. Full 5-pin DIN MIDI I/O rounds out connectivity. USB-C runs USB 2.0 protocol.
MOTU’s 4-in/4-out USB-C (USB 2.0) audio interface with combo XLR/TRS preamps, line inputs, 4 TRS + 4 RCA outs, and 5-pin MIDI.
Device Information
- Manufacturer
- MOTU
- Release Year
- 2019
- Model Number
- M4
- Category
- Audio Interface
Available Ports
| Connector | Quantity | Label | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| XLR (3-pin Balanced Audio) | 2 | Inputs 1 & 2 — XLR (front, combo) | Mic preamps with switchable 48V phantom (pair-wide); XLR portion of combo jacks. |
| 6.35mm TRS (1/4 inch Audio) | 2 | Inputs 1 & 2 — 1/4" (front, combo) | Hi-Z / line portion of combo inputs. |
| 6.35mm TRS (1/4 inch Audio) | 2 | Inputs 3 & 4 — Line (rear, balanced) | Balanced line-level inputs for synths and external gear. |
| 6.35mm TRS (1/4 inch Audio) | 4 | Outputs 1–4 (rear, balanced) | Four balanced DC-coupled TRS outputs; can drive two monitor pairs or carry CV. |
| RCA Stereo Audio | 4 | RCA Outputs 1–4 (rear) | Unbalanced RCA outputs mirroring the TRS Outputs 1-4. |
| 6.35mm TRS (1/4 inch Audio) | 1 | Headphones (front) | Stereo 1/4" TRS headphone output with independent level control. |
| 5-pin DIN MIDI | 2 | MIDI In / MIDI Out (rear) | Standard 5-pin DIN MIDI 1.0 input and output sockets. |
| USB Type-C (USB 2.0) | 1 | USB-C (rear, to host) | USB-C connector with USB 2.0 protocol. Bus-powered. |
Notes & Compatibility
USB-C connector runs USB 2.0 protocol (compatible with USB Type-A via adapter). RCA outputs mirror the TRS outputs 1-4 — they are not an independent output bus.
