MOTU 4pre - Hybrid USB/FireWire Audio Interface with 4 Preamps
The MOTU 4pre is a compact and versatile professional audio interface designed to deliver high-quality performance both in the studio and on the go. Its unique hybrid connectivity allows connection to any modern Mac or PC via a FireWire 400 or high-speed USB 2.0 port, providing exceptional flexibility for any music production environment. With a total of 6 inputs and 8 outputs, this interface is a powerful and portable solution for recording multiple sources simultaneously with pristine audio quality up to 24-bit/96kHz.
Equipped with four high-quality microphone preamps, the 4pre lets you connect microphones, guitars, keyboards, and other line-level sources with exceptional clarity and detail. Each preamp features individually switchable +48V phantom power and a -20dB pad to handle high-level input signals without distortion. The innovative Precision Digital Trim™ system offers analog gain control with digital precision, allowing for fine-tuning and the ability to save and recall balance settings for your inputs.
Main Features
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Hybrid USB/FireWire Connectivity: Offers the flexibility to connect via FireWire or USB 2.0. It can be powered by the FireWire bus, eliminating the need for an external power supply in that configuration.
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Four Microphone Preamps: The four XLR/TRS combo inputs are equipped with transparent, low-noise preamps, with individual phantom power, -20dB pad, and digitally controlled gain.
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Instrument and Line Inputs: In addition to the microphone preamps, it has two high impedance (Hi-Z) inputs for guitar or bass and two balanced 1/4" TRS line inputs, totaling 6 analog input channels.
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Professional Audio Quality: Record and play audio with up to 24-bit resolution and sampling rates of 44.1, 48, 88.2 and 96 kHz.
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Integrated Digital Mixer: Incorporates a powerful 8-bus digital mixer that allows you to create up to four independent stereo mixes and send them to any of the output pairs, all without latency and controlled from the front panel or with the CueMix FX software.
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Standalone Operation: The 4pre can function as a compact, portable mixer without needing to be connected to a computer. Simply connect the included power supply and adjust the mix directly from the front panel controls.
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Professional Synchronization: Supports direct SMPTE timecode generation and resolution without requiring an external synchronizer. Its DSP-driven Direct Digital Synthesis™ phase-lock (PLL) engine ensures ultra-low jitter.
Benefits for the Musician and Producer
The MOTU 4pre is designed for the musician, producer, or engineer who needs a compact recording solution without sacrificing quality or input capacity. Its ability to record a small band, a drum kit with multiple microphones, or various sources simultaneously makes it an invaluable tool for home studios and live recording. The two headphone outputs, each with independent volume control, facilitate collaboration during recording sessions. Thanks to the included CueMix FX software, you get not only an intuitive graphic mixer but also audio analysis tools such as a spectrogram, real-time FFT, and oscilloscope to fine-tune your sound.
Use Cases
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Home Studio: Ideal as the centerpiece of a home studio, allowing the simultaneous recording of vocals, guitars, bass, and keyboards with professional quality.
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Recording on the Move: Its compact and robust design, along with the option of FireWire bus power, makes it perfect for recording on location, at concerts, or in rehearsals.
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Podcasting and Streaming: Connect up to four microphones and easily manage mixes, ensuring high-quality content production.
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Live Performances: Use it as a standalone digital mixer to manage your live performance signals, sending custom mixes to your PA system and monitors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need a power supply to use the MOTU 4pre?
If you connect it to a computer via FireWire, it can be powered directly from the bus. However, for USB 2.0 connections or for use in standalone mode as a mixer, you will need to use the included external power supply.
Can I use all four microphone inputs at the same time?
Yes, you can use all four microphone inputs simultaneously, each with its own gain control, phantom power, and attenuator pad if needed.
What software comes included with the interface?
The MOTU 4pre includes CueMix FX software for mixing and monitoring control, MOTU SMPTE Console for synchronization, and AudioDesk, a complete audio workstation for Mac.
Is it compatible with the latest operating systems?
The MOTU 4pre includes drivers for Mac OS X and Windows, making it compatible with a wide range of operating systems. It is recommended to consult the official MOTU website for the latest driver compatibility information.
Project description
Audio interface with hybrid FireWire 400 and USB 2.0 connectivity. It offers 6 simultaneous inputs and 8 outputs with 24-bit resolution and sampling rates up to 96 kHz. It features 4 microphone preamps with combo XLR/TRS connectors, each with +48V phantom power, a -20 dB pad, and digital gain control. It includes 2 Hi-Z instrument inputs and 2 TRS line inputs. Analog outputs consist of 4 balanced 1/4" TRS jacks and 2 independent stereo headphone outputs. It has coaxial S/PDIF digital I/O and supports SMPTE In/Out synchronization. It incorporates an 8-bus digital mixer and can operate independently. It is powered via FireWire bus or an external power supply.
