I love the digital vu-,meters. It was also the deciding factor for me, over an audient in the same price range. So much better than a simple light that turns red when you peak.
It wasn't '2 hours later' that was funny lol. I bought an Antelope Audio 'Zen Go interface, it had something lose rattling around inside and so did the new few I checked in the music shop.They gave me the M4 to borrow for a few weeks.I think it's great and cool looking.I also have a NT-1A and Jesus is my rock too,Bless you bro!
I use MOTU M2 and I love it! Did a review like yours! Great Job on your video! I like how you explained it in detail! I should have done that! haha! I subscribed your channel! Good JOB!!
@@GrowWithGuitar oh yes it does. I just got mine today. I was worried that I couldn't add effects to the mic before the loopback. but I can from my daw. there are two loopback outputs
Thanks for the video. Can you tell me how necessary it is to have that input monitor mix dial? I'm a little confused on what the setup would be if I was recording into a DAW. Would it be a better setup to monitor from the computer's output or from the M4 or would both be an option with the mix dial?
The input monitor mix dial controls what you hear. So either you just hear what is going into the interface, you just hear the track from your computer (playback), or you can have a mix of both.
good evening, may i know if your MOTU M4 audio interface device drivers work correctly on windows 10 64 bit? I read many complaints about windows drivers, why all this? why don't you make the drivers correct and stable for windows so you will have more sales about it?
Nice video. Thank you. Would youv been able to fix, and use Line ins 3 and 4 on the back with your Eleven Rack? I almost orderd M4, but that put me off, 3 and 4 line ins are imperative for me. I read the online manual, in specification they look like regular line ins, that will work with both balanced, and unbalanced connections. What cind of a cable did you use to conect Eleven Rack with M4? Sorry on my bad English.
I think there is nothing wrong with the Line 3 and 4 inputs. These are line level inputs, so I think when I connected them to the eleven rack, the signal wasn't strong enough because guitar requires an instrument level connection. Right now I am not using those two connections and honestly I didn't need it. Just wanted it for future proofing. I am sure you could connect a keyboard to it or some other line level input and not have any issues. For the cables, I think I used unbalanced TS cables.
Congratulations on a great review. I would like to ask a question: have you ever got to compare the M4 to the PreSonus Studio 68c? They should be very similar, but since it is not an everyday expense, I would like to know the opinion of an experienced person. Thanks.
I never tried the presonus audio interface, but it looks about the same. The main difference is the arrangement of controls, the presonus doesn't have an LED screen and it is more expensive.
@@GrowWithGuitar In reality, in Italy, the two audio interfaces cost practically the same (only 4 EUROS difference), which is why I am undecided on the purchase. Thanks for your help and suggestions. A greeting.
Same difficult choice for me. Advantage of the Studio 68C, the RCA Stereo Digital out, preamps on the 4 IN, while only on 2 preamps IN for the M4, the vu meter of the Presonus 68C is more efficient (-12, - 6, 0 is the best, because the max pick should be at -6 in the digital world) Best bundled package for the Presonus. I have finally bought the M4 for the unanimity of the superb sound quality (and normally never need the 4 preamps IN, and normally never need the digital OUT, even if it's better to have ! in case....) . i would prefer the Studio 68C but the lack of comparative tests VS Audient ID14/SSL 2/Motu M, make me choose the M4.
Hey, I am having the same issue with inputs 3-4, that is, the signal is very low, even when connecting a keyboard. Does it have something to do with the cables (I used 2 "normal" mono instrument jack-jack cables)?
I recommend taking a look at this article. www.sweetwater.com/sweetcare/articles/whats-the-difference-between-ts-and-trs-cables/ I thought you needed trs cables, I could be wrong. Before anything, I would make sure you are correctly monitoring the channels by making sure you click on the "3-4" button. Also, check to see if the volume is maxed out on your keyboard and if it is still low. I would also check to see what kind of cables your keyboard takes and match it with that. The reason I had an issue was because I was connecting my guitar, which requires instrument level. Inputs 3 and 4 are line level and take both balanced and unbalanced cables. It shouldn't have an issue with keyboards. With that being said, I am not a pianist, so I can't say from experience. Best way would be to confirm with tech or customer support.
@@GrowWithGuitar Hey, thank you for your reply :) I double checked the user manuals for both M4 and my keyboard and they both seem to support unbalanced cables (having unbalanced inputs/outputs respectively). I guess contacting tech support might clear the things at the end :) Cheers!
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!
Hi very helpful video. I discovered your channel today. I have a question 🙋 Thank you very much for your message back. Some interfaces such as the Tascam US-2x2HR (for example) do not require drivers with Mac. So... Am I required to download it in order to use the Motu 4? I Please give me the correct info if you know it : Do I really need to install drivers for Mac? I am not sure. I don't need the additional software because I work only with logic pro x & plugins. Please let me me know this if this is really necessary. (installing drivers etc) Thanks in advance. I subbed already :) 😅
I don't use a mac, but in general, if the product has drivers, then you should download it so the product works as intended. Usually when you run into issues, one of the troubleshooting items customer service always checks is if you have downloaded the latest drivers. This is the case not just for audio interfaces, but any electronic product that has drivers. It could be possible that when you plug in the device, it automatically downloads the drivers for you, so you don't need to do anything else. The additional software is separate from the drivers for the audio interface and they are optional.
@@GrowWithGuitar Hi thanks for your answer. I know now that : the M4 is Class Compliant on Mac OS. The driver is not required. But it's recommended to use the Mac driver, since it will increase performance and lower latencies. The details are explained in this video: ruclips.net/video/tpGofXZJHro/видео.html&feature=emb_title
I think those would basically be controlled directly on the device you are connecting to the M4 or after the fact in post processing on your computer. Since there is no preamp like the first two inputs, there isn't a control to raise the gain.
Make sure y'all download all the included software programs, loops, and sound clips. See what's included here: motu.com/en-us/products/m-series/m4/software/
@Vicarious Viking Mics aside, because the input is 1/4" inputs, guitars can be plugged in but the signal is super low. It is inconvenient, but all of the audio interfaces around this price range are like that. The inputs on the back are line level meant for things like keyboards. If you want to connect a guitar on the back, you would need a preamp, like the built in ones in the front 2 inputs. But if you buy a preamp, for that price, you can just get an audio interface that has 4 preamp inputs. I don't really need it for my use right now, but maybe in the future.
At 4:14 - this is kinda not a jack for headphones. This is a jack for direct monitoring trough headphones with zero latency. Usually nobody gives a damn about it, but anyway.
wot a good job I watched this video. I just unpacked mine and could not find the usb lead!! had to use my old one lol. They literally hide that lead in the box lol Thx 4 da help!
I love the digital vu-,meters. It was also the deciding factor for me, over an audient in the same price range. So much better than a simple light that turns red when you peak.
It wasn't '2 hours later' that was funny lol. I bought an Antelope Audio 'Zen Go interface, it had something lose rattling around inside and so did the new few I checked in the music shop.They gave me the M4 to borrow for a few weeks.I think it's great and cool looking.I also have a NT-1A and Jesus is my rock too,Bless you bro!
Just got mine. Loving it so far...... On windows...... Super solid for me this far.
Yup. I love mine too. I just miscalculated that the back two outputs don't have preamps to support a guitar input.
@@GrowWithGuitar that they don't. I have some gear around to make use of them when needed.
@@GrowWithGuitar what can be the use of the two input at the back of M4 if you cant use it for instruments?
I use MOTU M2 and I love it! Did a review like yours! Great Job on your video! I like how you explained it in detail! I should have done that! haha! I subscribed your channel! Good JOB!!
Awesome! Thank you! I currently use my M4 like a M2. Only using 2 channels. Miscalculation on my part haha.
Nice little tutorial! Thank you! Have a m4 coming in the mail this week. It’s my first interface 😀
Awesome!
@@GrowWithGuitar do you recommend any daw to start with? just trying to do simple recordings with my hardware synths.
I like ableton live. Maybe you can start with a trial or something.
Nice man! I’ve used MOTU interfaces for a long time
I am glad I found them. They are a nice addition to the budget interface market.
When I use my headphones will it automatically disconnect the output to my studio monitors?
Great unboxing🤟
Could you help me test out when a dynamic microphone connects to the back input, will the gain be too low?
Yes. It will be low. The back inputs are for line level inputs, like keyboards, not mic or instrument level, like microphones or guitars.
Does the loopback feature work on asio drivers?
It think so. I use asio drivers on ableton live and use the loopback mix as my input.
@@GrowWithGuitar oh yes it does. I just got mine today. I was worried that I couldn't add effects to the mic before the loopback. but I can from my daw. there are two loopback outputs
Thanks for the video. Can you tell me how necessary it is to have that input monitor mix dial? I'm a little confused on what the setup would be if I was recording into a DAW. Would it be a better setup to monitor from the computer's output or from the M4 or would both be an option with the mix dial?
The input monitor mix dial controls what you hear. So either you just hear what is going into the interface, you just hear the track from your computer (playback), or you can have a mix of both.
Why you never show the connections to the studio monitors L&R?
good evening, may i know if your MOTU M4 audio interface device drivers work correctly on windows 10 64 bit? I read many complaints about windows drivers, why all this? why don't you make the drivers correct and stable for windows so you will have more sales about it?
I haven't seen any issues with the drivers so far. Everything worked as it should.
Works perfectly for me on windows 10 in my laptop.
Nice video. Thank you. Would youv been able to fix, and use Line ins 3 and 4 on the back with your Eleven Rack? I almost orderd M4, but that put me off, 3 and 4 line ins are imperative for me. I read the online manual, in specification they look like regular line ins, that will work with both balanced, and unbalanced connections. What cind of a cable did you use to conect Eleven Rack with M4?
Sorry on my bad English.
I think there is nothing wrong with the Line 3 and 4 inputs. These are line level inputs, so I think when I connected them to the eleven rack, the signal wasn't strong enough because guitar requires an instrument level connection. Right now I am not using those two connections and honestly I didn't need it. Just wanted it for future proofing. I am sure you could connect a keyboard to it or some other line level input and not have any issues.
For the cables, I think I used unbalanced TS cables.
Congratulations on a great review. I would like to ask a question: have you ever got to compare the M4 to the PreSonus Studio 68c? They should be very similar, but since it is not an everyday expense, I would like to know the opinion of an experienced person. Thanks.
I never tried the presonus audio interface, but it looks about the same. The main difference is the arrangement of controls, the presonus doesn't have an LED screen and it is more expensive.
@@GrowWithGuitar In reality, in Italy, the two audio interfaces cost practically the same (only 4 EUROS difference), which is why I am undecided on the purchase.
Thanks for your help and suggestions. A greeting.
@@DavideMarzola431 Oh really? In the US, there is about a $70 difference. Weird how pricing works globally lol.
Same difficult choice for me. Advantage of the Studio 68C, the RCA Stereo Digital out, preamps on the 4 IN, while only on 2 preamps IN for the M4, the vu meter of the Presonus 68C is more efficient (-12, - 6, 0 is the best, because the max pick should be at -6 in the digital world) Best bundled package for the Presonus. I have finally bought the M4 for the unanimity of the superb sound quality (and normally never need the 4 preamps IN, and normally never need the digital OUT, even if it's better to have ! in case....) . i would prefer the Studio 68C but the lack of comparative tests VS Audient ID14/SSL 2/Motu M, make me choose the M4.
Hey, I am having the same issue with inputs 3-4, that is, the signal is very low, even when connecting a keyboard. Does it have something to do with the cables (I used 2 "normal" mono instrument jack-jack cables)?
I recommend taking a look at this article. www.sweetwater.com/sweetcare/articles/whats-the-difference-between-ts-and-trs-cables/
I thought you needed trs cables, I could be wrong. Before anything, I would make sure you are correctly monitoring the channels by making sure you click on the "3-4" button. Also, check to see if the volume is maxed out on your keyboard and if it is still low. I would also check to see what kind of cables your keyboard takes and match it with that. The reason I had an issue was because I was connecting my guitar, which requires instrument level. Inputs 3 and 4 are line level and take both balanced and unbalanced cables. It shouldn't have an issue with keyboards. With that being said, I am not a pianist, so I can't say from experience. Best way would be to confirm with tech or customer support.
@@GrowWithGuitar Hey, thank you for your reply :) I double checked the user manuals for both M4 and my keyboard and they both seem to support unbalanced cables (having unbalanced inputs/outputs respectively). I guess contacting tech support might clear the things at the end :) Cheers!
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!
Nice Motu M4 & Mic Setting
I tried using line inputs on the back as well (from my guitar preamp, fractal fm3) and I was having the same issue.The level is just much too low...
Ya. I am guessing you can use it for keyboards or something.
Hi very helpful video. I discovered your channel today. I have a question 🙋 Thank you very much for your message back.
Some interfaces such as the Tascam US-2x2HR (for example) do not require drivers with Mac. So... Am I required to download it in order to use the Motu 4? I Please give me the correct info if you know it : Do I really need to install drivers for Mac? I am not sure. I don't need the additional software because I work only with logic pro x & plugins. Please let me me know this if this is really necessary. (installing drivers etc) Thanks in advance. I subbed already :) 😅
I don't use a mac, but in general, if the product has drivers, then you should download it so the product works as intended. Usually when you run into issues, one of the troubleshooting items customer service always checks is if you have downloaded the latest drivers. This is the case not just for audio interfaces, but any electronic product that has drivers. It could be possible that when you plug in the device, it automatically downloads the drivers for you, so you don't need to do anything else. The additional software is separate from the drivers for the audio interface and they are optional.
@@GrowWithGuitar Hi thanks for your answer. I know now that : the M4 is Class Compliant on Mac OS. The driver is not required. But it's recommended to use the Mac driver, since it will increase performance and lower latencies.
The details are explained in this video: ruclips.net/video/tpGofXZJHro/видео.html&feature=emb_title
How do you control the input gain of the input 3 and 4?
I think those would basically be controlled directly on the device you are connecting to the M4 or after the fact in post processing on your computer. Since there is no preamp like the first two inputs, there isn't a control to raise the gain.
@@GrowWithGuitar so maybe the keys would be the best use?
That is the example most people give, so I assume so, although, I haven't really used it for that. Also, synths are another example.
@@GrowWithGuitar Thanks for helping!
Make sure y'all download all the included software programs, loops, and sound clips.
See what's included here: motu.com/en-us/products/m-series/m4/software/
Great!
Thanks!
How meny prize?
I am assuming you mean price?
The motu m4 is $220 USD. They also have the motu m2 for $170 USD
How to connect iPad motum4
Hi, anybody that has working with MOTU M2/M4 and Android devices like Xiaomi smartphones?. Please could you share your experience about it?. Thanks!.
but how is it a 4in - 4out while there's only 2 inputs on it ???
The other 2 inputs are on the back, which are for line level instruments, like a keyboard.
@@GrowWithGuitar So like, you can't plug in guitars (as they are Hi-Z) or mics into the other inputs? That seems horribly inconvenient. O.o
@Vicarious Viking Mics aside, because the input is 1/4" inputs, guitars can be plugged in but the signal is super low. It is inconvenient, but all of the audio interfaces around this price range are like that. The inputs on the back are line level meant for things like keyboards. If you want to connect a guitar on the back, you would need a preamp, like the built in ones in the front 2 inputs. But if you buy a preamp, for that price, you can just get an audio interface that has 4 preamp inputs. I don't really need it for my use right now, but maybe in the future.
those would be ts connections not trs
Did I say trs? I will take a look when I can.
@@GrowWithGuitar yes, they are isolated mono L & R plugs so therefore the ideal connector would be the TS, thanks
@@GrowWithGuitar you're right those as long as the input is balanced trs would work better
How can this video have so many views?
At 4:14 - this is kinda not a jack for headphones.
This is a jack for direct monitoring trough headphones with zero latency.
Usually nobody gives a damn about it, but anyway.
I don't see the difference between what you said. This jack is meant to take headphones.
wot a good job I watched this video. I just unpacked mine and could not find the usb lead!! had to use my old one lol. They literally hide that lead in the box lol Thx 4 da help!
Ya they do. And it was a bit hard to take out haha. I wonder how many people just threw away the box with the cable in there 🤣
@@GrowWithGuitar exactly wot I thght 🤦🏽♀️😂