MOTU M4
Four inputs of Sabre32 quality with a metering display that earns its keep
Best for: Producers and podcasters who need four simultaneous inputs with reference-grade conversion and proper hardware metering
Check price on AmazonThe MOTU M4 is a 4-in/4-out USB-C interface that expands on the M2 with two additional rear-panel 1/4" TRS line inputs, four balanced outputs, and the same ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC delivering a 120 dB dynamic range and -129 dBu EIN. The full-color LCD covers all four inputs and outputs simultaneously.
Key features
- -129 dBu EIN mic preamp noise floor
- 2 XLR/TRS combo inputs with 48V phantom power (front)
- 2 balanced TRS line inputs (rear)
- 4 balanced DC-coupled TRS outputs
- ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC, 120 dB dynamic range
- Full-color LCD meters, 2.5 ms round-trip latency at 96 kHz
Our take
Everything that makes the M2 exceptional applies here, plus two extra line inputs for synths, drum machines, or an outboard mixer. The four balanced outputs let you run studio monitors plus a second pair or an external headphone amp - useful for a podcast setup with a real guest workflow. DC-coupled outputs are a bonus for modular synthesis use cases, which matters to a subset of podcasters-who-are-also-producers. The same Windows driver caveat from the M2 applies. On spec-per-dollar, the M4 is still one of the strongest values in the 4-input tier.
Pros
- Same class-leading noise specs as the M2, four inputs
- DC-coupled outputs for modular synthesis integration
- Four balanced outputs for flexible monitoring
- Full-color LCD covers all four I/O channels
Cons
- Windows drivers require more attention than on Mac
- No MIDI I/O
- Rear line inputs are less convenient for instrument switching
