MOTU · Updated July 2026
M4: price, specs & release date
The M4 costs $277, #13 cheapest of 17 audio interfaces (median $199.95). It earns a Bronze Deskmark — 53/100 pay-blind standing, #14 of 18 in class.
Verified Jul 10, 2026 · figures linked to their source in the table below
M4, released 2019-11. Every price and spec below is linked to its source and dated — no guesses.
Source: motu.com verified ✓ corroborated verify in ledger
Is the M4 a good buy?
At $277, the M4 is #13 cheapest of the 17 audio interfaces we track, where the median is $199.95. On the spec sheet, its inputs analog of 4 is the highest of the 18, its outputs analog of 4 is the highest of the 18, and its mic preamps of 2 is the highest of the 18.
Specifications
| Price (US) | $277 Street price $277, Thomann USD listing (item 478036); MOTU does not publish a separate MSRP. US retailers (Sweetwater/B&H) were unreachable at access time. |
|---|---|
| Brand | MOTU |
| Released | 2019-11 |
| Inputs analog | 4 |
| Outputs analog | 4 |
| Max resolution bit (kHz) | 24-bit / 192 kHz |
| Mic preamps | 2 |
| Connection | usb_c |
| Midi io | Yes |
| Bus powered | Yes |
Source: motu.com (verified 2026-07-10) · corroborated by thomannmusic.com. MOTU's official specs page confirms the M4 as a 4-in/4-out USB-C interface: 2 XLR/TRS combo mic/line/Hi-Z inputs (each with independent preamp gain and individual +48V), 2 balanced 1/4-inch line inputs (4 analog inputs total), 4 balanced DC-coupled TRS outputs plus 4 mirrored RCA outputs (4 unique output channels — same jack-count method as the existing M2 entry), 44.1–192 kHz sample rates, USB-C 2.0 bus power, and 1x MIDI IN/OUT. Thomann (item 478036, rated 4.7/5) corroborates the exact M4 model, states the "24 bit / 192 kHz AD/DA converter", lists "Available since November 2019", and shows a $277 USD price. Bit depth (24-bit), release month, and the price come from Thomann because MOTU publishes neither a bit-depth figure nor an MSRP; US retailer pages (Sweetwater, B&H, Guitar Center, Reverb) returned 403/404 at access time.
Is the M4 worth it vs cheaper audio interfaces?
M4 against its closest cheaper and pricier audio interfaces on the specs that matter — every value sourced. See all 17 ranked →
| Product | Price | Inputs analog | Outputs analog | Max resolution bit (kHz) | Mic preamps | Connection |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M4 this | $277 | 4 | 4 | 24-bit / 192 kHz | 2 | usb_c |
| MiniFuse 2 | $249 | 2 | 2 | 24-bit / 192 kHz | 2 | usb_c |
| Scarlett 4i4 4th Generation | $299.99 | 4 | 4 | 24-bit / 192 kHz | 2 | usb_c |
Frequently asked questions
How much does the M4 cost?
The M4 has a US price of $277 (Street price $277, Thomann USD listing (item 478036); MOTU does not publish a separate MSRP. US retailers (Sweetwater/B&H) were unreachable at access time.), as of 2026-07-10.
How does the M4 compare on price?
At $277, the M4 is #13 cheapest of the 17 audio interfaces we track, where the median is $199.95.
When was the M4 released?
The M4 was released 2019-11.
What are the M4's key specs?
M4 (MOTU): inputs analog 4, outputs analog 4, max resolution bit khz 24-bit / 192 kHz, mic preamps 2, connection usb_c. Full sourced spec sheet verified 2026-07-10.
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Compare with
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