MOTU is now shipping its latest entry-level USB Type C audio interfaces that come in two variants, M2 and M4. Both of them features ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC technology that you will find in high-end audio interfaces. The difference between MOTU M2 and MOTU M4 audio interface arises in terms of I/O connectivity. Beyond that, they both share the same features.
Although these new MOTU USB C audio interfaces are affordable, they offer an amazing dynamic range of 120dB which you will barely find in any interface at this price range. The headphone amps in MOTU M2 and M4 also feature ESS converters providing the best headphone output in its class. In terms of latency, both the interfaces support ultra-low 2.5 ms Round Trip Latency (with a 32 sample buffer at 96 kHz). The maximum sample rate supported is 192 kHz.
MOTU M2 Vs M4 – I/O Connectivity Comparison
MOTU M2 | MOTU M4 |
---|---|
2x mic/line/Hi-Z guitar inputs | 2x mic/line/Hi-Z guitar inputs |
2x balanced 1/4-inch TRS out | 4x balanced 1/4-inch TRS out |
N/A | 2x balanced 1/4-inch line inputs |
2x RCA analog out (mirrored) | 4x RCA analog out (mirrored) |
1x stereo headphone w/volume | 1x stereo headphone w/volume |
1x MIDI in/out | 1x MIDI in/out |
You can easily spot the difference in the comparison table above. On the back panel, M4 offers 2 more 1/4″ balanced TRS monitor outputs than M2. There is no separate 1/4″ line input in M2 whereas MOTU M4 offers two of them. Additionally, M4 also offers 2 more RCA analog outputs that mirror 1/4″ TRS outputs.
On the front panel of the audio interface, M4 comes with an Input Monitor Mix knob. This helps to balance between live inputs and computer playback.
Since these interfaces support “loopback” driver, you can also use them for live streaming and podcasting. A high-resolution LCD panel is also there so you can take a glance at meter levels for all the inputs and outputs. Both MOTU M2 and MOTU M4 are USB class compliant which means you don’t need any driver to go up and running. Moreover, they’re iOS compatible but there is no word on Android support.
Pricing
Check out the current price and availability for MOTU M2 (Amazon / Thomann) and MOTU M4 (Amazon / Thomann)audio interfaces. Both of them come with a 2-Year Warranty. You will also get the following products for free:
- (MOTU Performer Lite 10 and Ableton Live Lite 10)
- 100+ instruments (in Performer Lite)
- Over 6 GB of included free loops, samples and one-shots
You may also like: RME BabyFace Pro FS Audio Interface.