Here is an updated list of all my gear recommendations: livekeyboardist.com/gearrecommendations/ The Motu M4 is still on the list. Really love the M4. Link for convenience: amzn.to/3u9bGE1
Own the Motu M4. Buy this thing already. Insane value for the price point. It drives the infamously gain-hungry SM7B with zero problem, all while powering my headphone monitors incredibly well.
I use M4 too. The synths and samplers goes thru a Mackie Preamp Onyx mixer and goes to M4. The extra outs let's me sample anything into my EMU sampler and Akai sampler
I have one too since the spring of 2020 and really enjoy with it! My old card E-mu 1212M just couldn't be inserted into the newest power work station due the lack of the proper slot and I`m looked for the same quality card/interface for about half of the year. I'm really glad that I discover the MOTU M2/M4 cards and my choice was the M4 of course. The sound of it is really great for the price. And yeah, the loopback feature is really cool and now helps me a lot.
Was finally able to get mine ordered from Sweetwater today. Will have it tomorrow. From all I have seen, this is probably the best value for feature set out there. It ticks all my boxes.
Great video! I picked this up from Sweetwater for my voiceover and it's connected to a Warmaudio Jr mic. I've heard nothing but great reviews on this M4. Thanks
Would somebody please help me update firmware on my motu m4 on windows? The firmware update program from Motor does not detect my m4 but the basic software where you change the quality of the audio recording signal is detected, but you can not update the firmware from it... the only firmware update found is for MAC and not in english.
I got that motu, but when I bought the Apollo Twin X, I sold the MOTU. I could hear a big difference in the converters and the headphone jack right away...
Hi there, very useful video, thanks for showing the card. I am convinced to get one, but I am not 100% sure of teh USB-C feature ? is this USB 2 or USB 3 ? I do have an USB 2.0 audio card (Roland Quad Capture) which has served me flawlessly all these years, BUT...... Can you please give your impressions on the most CPU-hungry VSTs out there that you own, and how this MOTU M4 card behaves ? (especially if it is USB2) Any issues like the nasty latency, cracks, pops or any annoying audio artifact ? I use mainly VST plugins and some of them showed the Roland some age now since it cracks with some of them (CPU is too high). I am between this MOTU or the Steinberg USB 3.0 one.... hard to decide. Thanks and regards !
Is it possible to have the analog inputs hard panned directly to the outputs? I run Mainstage with piano sounds from there as well as a Prophet that i need to pipe in via analog 3/4 and just have that pass right through to the outputs mixed with computer playback. But i need those analog inputs stereo.
For me not for live music. I've got PA3X 76 from Korg. In my productions I use VSTs and I need warms convertes D/A. Also to my external modules like Roland and Kurzweil, I know I use in 3/4 and MOTU has excellent inputs , right? My question is about the quality of convertes D/A into my Dawn. PS: I used for years MOTU Audio Express and I'm suspect about Motu's quality
Hi and thank you for making this video. What other than the MOTU M4 and a Rode NT2A am I going to need to set up a home studio? Are the two compatible and will they work with my iPad Pro too? Oh, and is there a program that can write down music as you play on a midi-keyboard available for iOS? If you could help me in any way whatsoever, I'd be very grateful
Garageband is free with iPad and may have the ability to display midi as musical notation. Logic x does. The microphone will be compatible with the audio interface and I think the audio interface works with the iPad pro.
Thanks for the review! I have one question/concern about this Motu M4 tho, that is the driver issue of it, I heard a lot of reviews said the driver in the M2/4 model doesn't work well with Windows users, even with some Mac users, causing the sound chirping or the sound from RUclips or Spotify to chirp, have you ever experienced this issue with this Motu M4? Thanks again
Sometime after I started using this I had an issue with the interface not being found after my mac went to sleep. There was a driver released later (and we might be talking late 2021 early 2022) that resolved that issue. Recently I had some issues with it, but it turns out that the USB cable needed to be replaced. I replaced the cable and all was well. Never experienced any chirping or issues with sound quality. Hope this is helpful!
@@LiveKeyboardist Thank you for answering me! I'm glad to hear they finally fixed the driver issue. Also, I was wondering if I could create custom mixes for the headphone and the main output for monitor speakers? for example, I want to hear input 1 on the headphone and on the main output for the monitor speaker I want to hear just input 2? Is there any app/software that comes with this Motu M4 to route these inputs independently or any way to do this physically on the interface itself? Thanks again!
The drivers are limited. No custom mixes. You can do monitor levels from the physical knob and head phone from a physical knob. Outputs three and 4 are not controlled via software. But can be adjusted via software of choice. The drivers are mostly for enabling loopback. There is no gui.
You mentioned you use 2 outputs for keys and 2 for tracks. Are you running mono tracks with 1 channel for click and the other for tracks or doing something different?
Great question. Depends on context. Most of the time when I am running tracks, it is with a church, and they usually have me plugging into a larger interface/mixer directly. When i I am running tracks outside a church context, my tracks are significantly more auxiliary, and so I do run them mono and have a click on one of the channels.
@@brettpontecorvo5630 - Got it! I'm about to pull the trigger on the M4 but I didn't know if 4 outputs would be sufficient. Guess I could do stereo keys, stereo tracks, and run the click out of the audio jack on the Macbook. Your other video has me moving my entire setup from Mainstage to Ableton as I can definitely see the benefits!
Hi, thanks for the video! I wonder if it is possible to control the volume level with apple keyboard. Many external audio interfaces has volume controls greyed out on MacOS. I wonder if that is the case for Motu M4 as well? Googled a bit but can't find something about it, would really appreciate if you could answer!
I'm having trouble with the Audient EVO 8. With WA-87 R2 LD condensor mic -- not getting full level even with preamp the maxed out The headphone level into my earbuds is low and the sound is full of hiss! Was thinking of returning for MOTU M2. Advice?
Please can you take off the big black band containing your text, it is taking up 30% of the screen, it ruins what is potentially an excellent informative video. We are very interested in the M4 and.... wonder if you have any idea why the M4 - which was released alongside the M2 is still not available after 14 months after original launch, Thomann have no idea when it will finally become available. Some rumours are saying there were technical problems etc ..etc Best Regards Alan
How is it possible that if we connect a MOTU M4 to a computer USB 2.0 (which supports 5 V of maximum voltate and 500 mA of maximum current) that we can power a phantom powered microphone of 48 Volts? How does MOTU from 5 V make 48 V phantom?
Nobody has stepped up to answer your question. If you are still wondering, then I'll just point out that voltage in a circuit can be changed by a step-up transformer (or step-down, if need be). The wattage-volts X amps-should remain about the same before and after the step-up.
I've just bought the m4 and for 2 days now I can't get it to work. When I play back music from my daw or RUclips on the headphones and it all sounds like it's going through tonnes of reverb and flange and I can't hear anything clearly. I'm using windows 11 and have installed the latest firmware. I've tried all the buffer settings and other things too but still can't get it to work. I did notice though when I playback the windows test sounds, they played back perfectly and clear. Any ideas anyone?
Super hard to troubleshoot via RUclips. But perhaps check to see if the monitor is turned on on the front of your interface and you’re getting feedback from the room through the microphone? Also, perhaps some thing with a loop back settings? Windows is a bit out of my element.
Can’t speed to the evo 8. But the motu is rock solid and I’ve been loving it. I can say with confidence I something happened and the motu got damaged by forces beyond my control, I’d re buy it without considering the Scarlett.
Well, here's another almost useless review. It's another I can do this, I can do that but absolutely no explanation how it was done. I prefer someone who explains in detail the hookup, etc. Don't you?
![[Eng Sub] Motu M6 audio interface (+ M2 and M4). Right American and wrong Chinese Motu M](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/1olPSsEyBSI/mqdefault.jpg)
![[Eng Sub] Motu M6 audio interface (+ M2 and M4). Right American and wrong Chinese Motu M](/img/tr.png)
Here is an updated list of all my gear recommendations: livekeyboardist.com/gearrecommendations/
The Motu M4 is still on the list. Really love the M4. Link for convenience: amzn.to/3u9bGE1
mbox 3 or motu M2 is better preamp?
Own the Motu M4. Buy this thing already. Insane value for the price point. It drives the infamously gain-hungry SM7B with zero problem, all while powering my headphone monitors incredibly well.
Glad I too went with M4 instead of SSL +
I love this unit. Use it for live performance. AND recording in the hotel room :) And it is light weight and fits in my backpack
I use M4 too. The synths and samplers goes thru a Mackie Preamp Onyx mixer and goes to M4. The extra outs let's me sample anything into my EMU sampler and Akai sampler
M4 has some great features like the monitoring screen, loop back, and DC coupled outputs (so you can send CV to synths)
I have it for 2 weeks, it turned my sound more clear and controlled and Performer Lite is just great
I have one too since the spring of 2020 and really enjoy with it! My old card E-mu 1212M just couldn't be inserted into the newest power work station due the lack of the proper slot and I`m looked for the same quality card/interface for about half of the year. I'm really glad that I discover the MOTU M2/M4 cards and my choice was the M4 of course. The sound of it is really great for the price. And yeah, the loopback feature is really cool and now helps me a lot.
mbox 3 or motu M2 is better preamp?
@@ACES-BRAZIL I don't know because never used AVID hardware.
@@mvoproject 👍
Was finally able to get mine ordered from Sweetwater today. Will have it tomorrow. From all I have seen, this is probably the best value for feature set out there. It ticks all my boxes.
That’s awesome Matt! I felt the same way. You’re gonna love it.
How was it?
"My sapphire preeeew" lol
Very nice review. Thanks
Great video! I picked this up from Sweetwater for my voiceover and it's connected to a Warmaudio Jr mic. I've heard nothing but great reviews on this M4. Thanks
How's the latency on this at higher sample rates/frequencies?
thanks , how is it performing live for you ,thanks again
Would somebody please help me update firmware on my motu m4 on windows? The firmware update program from Motor does not detect my m4 but the basic software where you change the quality of the audio recording signal is detected, but you can not update the firmware from it... the only firmware update found is for MAC and not in english.
Thank you for sharing this...are you using your sm58 direct to the M4?
I got that motu, but when I bought the Apollo Twin X, I sold the MOTU. I could hear a big difference in the converters and the headphone jack right away...
So apollo twin x way better then?
Hi there, very useful video, thanks for showing the card. I am convinced to get one, but I am not 100% sure of teh USB-C feature ? is this USB 2 or USB 3 ?
I do have an USB 2.0 audio card (Roland Quad Capture) which has served me flawlessly all these years, BUT......
Can you please give your impressions on the most CPU-hungry VSTs out there that you own, and how this MOTU M4 card behaves ? (especially if it is USB2)
Any issues like the nasty latency, cracks, pops or any annoying audio artifact ? I use mainly VST plugins and some of them showed the Roland some age now since it cracks with some of them (CPU is too high).
I am between this MOTU or the Steinberg USB 3.0 one.... hard to decide. Thanks and regards !
Is it possible to have the analog inputs hard panned directly to the outputs? I run Mainstage with piano sounds from there as well as a Prophet that i need to pipe in via analog 3/4 and just have that pass right through to the outputs mixed with computer playback. But i need those analog inputs stereo.
Excellent stuff! Interested to see how it holds up with live performance over time.
Me too! We’ll see. I’ve got high hopes.
For me not for live music. I've got PA3X 76 from Korg. In my productions I use VSTs and I need warms convertes D/A. Also to my external modules like Roland and Kurzweil, I know I use in 3/4 and MOTU has excellent inputs , right? My question is about the quality of convertes D/A into my Dawn. PS: I used for years MOTU Audio Express and I'm suspect about Motu's quality
My Safire is still running strong, but i will have to upgrade once the new MacBook Pro’s come out.
Hi and thank you for making this video.
What other than the MOTU M4 and a Rode NT2A am I going to need to set up a home studio?
Are the two compatible and will they work with my iPad Pro too?
Oh, and is there a program that can write down music as you play on a midi-keyboard available for iOS?
If you could help me in any way whatsoever, I'd be very grateful
Garageband is free with iPad and may have the ability to display midi as musical notation. Logic x does. The microphone will be compatible with the audio interface and I think the audio interface works with the iPad pro.
Thanks for the review! I have one question/concern about this Motu M4 tho, that is the driver issue of it, I heard a lot of reviews said the driver in the M2/4 model doesn't work well with Windows users, even with some Mac users, causing the sound chirping or the sound from RUclips or Spotify to chirp, have you ever experienced this issue with this Motu M4? Thanks again
Sometime after I started using this I had an issue with the interface not being found after my mac went to sleep. There was a driver released later (and we might be talking late 2021 early 2022) that resolved that issue. Recently I had some issues with it, but it turns out that the USB cable needed to be replaced. I replaced the cable and all was well.
Never experienced any chirping or issues with sound quality. Hope this is helpful!
@@LiveKeyboardist Thank you for answering me! I'm glad to hear they finally fixed the driver issue. Also, I was wondering if I could create custom mixes for the headphone and the main output for monitor speakers? for example, I want to hear input 1 on the headphone and on the main output for the monitor speaker I want to hear just input 2? Is there any app/software that comes with this Motu M4 to route these inputs independently or any way to do this physically on the interface itself? Thanks again!
The drivers are limited. No custom mixes. You can do monitor levels from the physical knob and head phone from a physical knob. Outputs three and 4 are not controlled via software. But can be adjusted via software of choice. The drivers are mostly for enabling loopback. There is no gui.
@@LiveKeyboardist Oh thank you for the info!
Good review...would be even better if it was in focus. ;-)
Hi friends, can i use Android devices with Bandlab and Caustic?... Thanks!.
You mentioned you use 2 outputs for keys and 2 for tracks. Are you running mono tracks with 1 channel for click and the other for tracks or doing something different?
Great question. Depends on context. Most of the time when I am running tracks, it is with a church, and they usually have me plugging into a larger interface/mixer directly. When i I am running tracks outside a church context, my tracks are significantly more auxiliary, and so I do run them mono and have a click on one of the channels.
@@brettpontecorvo5630 - Got it! I'm about to pull the trigger on the M4 but I didn't know if 4 outputs would be sufficient. Guess I could do stereo keys, stereo tracks, and run the click out of the audio jack on the Macbook. Your other video has me moving my entire setup from Mainstage to Ableton as I can definitely see the benefits!
@@blong5150 Amazing! Keep me posted on your progress! Would love to see what you come up with!!
Hi, thanks for the video! I wonder if it is possible to control the volume level with apple keyboard. Many external audio interfaces has volume controls greyed out on MacOS. I wonder if that is the case for Motu M4 as well? Googled a bit but can't find something about it, would really appreciate if you could answer!
Yes! It is greyed out. You have to use the knob.
@@LiveKeyboardist alrighty, thank you very much for the answer, merry xmas :)
Great review very detailed and convinced me to order one of these but good lord peel the plastic off the screen you psycho ffs 😡🤬😡
Will this connect directly into my MacBook m1 2021 14inch ?
It connects via usb. You will need an adapter to usb c or to purchase a cable usb c on both ends. I use it via a usb hub and it works well.
I'm having trouble with the Audient EVO 8. With WA-87 R2 LD condensor mic -- not getting full level even with preamp the maxed out The headphone level into my earbuds is low and the sound is full of hiss! Was thinking of returning for MOTU M2. Advice?
Please can you take off the big black band containing your text, it is taking up 30% of the screen, it ruins what is potentially an excellent informative video.
We are very interested in the M4 and.... wonder if you have any idea why the M4 - which was released alongside the M2 is still not available after 14 months after original launch, Thomann have no idea when it will finally become available. Some rumours are saying there were technical problems etc ..etc
Best Regards
Alan
The video does not have text enabled by default. You have CC turned on. Click the video then click CC to turn it off
How is it possible that if we connect a MOTU M4 to a computer USB 2.0 (which supports 5 V of maximum voltate and 500 mA of maximum current) that we can power a phantom powered microphone of 48 Volts? How does MOTU from 5 V make 48 V phantom?
Nobody has stepped up to answer your question. If you are still wondering, then I'll just point out that voltage in a circuit can be changed by a step-up transformer (or step-down, if need be). The wattage-volts X amps-should remain about the same before and after the step-up.
@@guitarista666 good to know. Cheers.
I've just bought the m4 and for 2 days now I can't get it to work. When I play back music from my daw or RUclips on the headphones and it all sounds like it's going through tonnes of reverb and flange and I can't hear anything clearly. I'm using windows 11 and have installed the latest firmware. I've tried all the buffer settings and other things too but still can't get it to work. I did notice though when I playback the windows test sounds, they played back perfectly and clear.
Any ideas anyone?
Super hard to troubleshoot via RUclips. But perhaps check to see if the monitor is turned on on the front of your interface and you’re getting feedback from the room through the microphone? Also, perhaps some thing with a loop back settings? Windows is a bit out of my element.
evo 8 or scalet 2i2 or motu m2 which is better ?
Can’t speed to the evo 8. But the motu is rock solid and I’ve been loving it. I can say with confidence I something happened and the motu got damaged by forces beyond my control, I’d re buy it without considering the Scarlett.
@@LiveKeyboardist THank you for valuable reply
iD 14 mk2 or motu M4?
@@odiserv motu.. I've had the audient...motu all the way
Well, here's another almost useless review. It's another I can do this, I can do that but absolutely no explanation how it was done. I prefer someone who explains in detail the hookup, etc. Don't you?