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Motu 4pre Hybrid 6-channel USB / Firewire Interface

Motu 4pre Hybrid 6-channel USB / Firewire Interface

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  • Details
  • Tech Specs
  • Reviews

Four Mic Preamps

When two mic inputs just aren't enough

If you've been searching for an affordable, compact audio interface with four mic inputs, your search is over. The 4pre packs four mic inputs into an impressively small half-rack form factor, along with a healthy complement of additional professional-grade audio connections. Just think of the possibilities. You can record and mix vocals plus guitar for two musicians simultaneously. Or mic a drum kit with overheads and close-ups. Or record lead and background vocals in one take. With an interface this flexible, capable, and great-sounding, you'll be ready for any situation your music throws at you.

Compact Size

Designed to go with you anywhere

The 4pre is an impressively small 8.5 by 7 by 1.75 inches, which means that it slides easily into your backpack. It also sits nicely next to your laptop or desktop computer.

Flexible Combo-Style Inputs

Connect guitars, a keyboard, or other inputs

The four inputs are not just for mics: they are combo jacks that also accept a quarter-inch plug. Inputs 1-2 take line-level signals, such as the output from a synth or keyboard. Inputs 3-4 are "hi-Z" DI inputs with proper impedance for plugging in your electric guitar directly, without an amp or cabinet, to process your guitar sound through amp and cab simulation plug-ins in your host software.

Universal Connectivity

Hybrid technology connects to any computer

Thanks to MOTU’s Hybrid interface technology, the 4pre connects to any Mac or PC via FireWire or high-speed
USB 2.0. Connect your mic, guitar, keyboard, and digital input, and you are ready to make pro-quality recordings.

Bus-Powered FireWire

No power supply needed

The 4pre can draw power from its FireWire connection to the computer, so you can operate remotely on laptop battery power.

High-Speed USB 2.0

High bandwidth and low latency

The 4pre can record and play all channels simultaneously, and high-speed USB 2.0 provides plenty of bandwidth, even at 96 kHz.

Mixing Made Simple

Hands-on mixing for studio and stage

Quickly balance the levels of mics, guitars, a keyboard, or other inputs right from the front panel. Each input has its own volume control. Route inputs directly to any output pair, each with its own unique mix: main outs, line outs, S/PDIF out, and phones.

Studio Grade Sound

Your mix will be ready for prime time

The 4pre has been engineered with MOTU’s renowned, award-winning audio interface technology, which delivers the pristine audio quality and rock-solid performance that MOTU interfaces are known for worldwide. You can always record and mix with confidence, knowing that decades of engineering experience are behind you, every step of the way.

Solid Metal Chassis

MOTU interfaces are built to last

The 4pre aluminum alloy chassis is lightweight, yet incredibly sturdy and durable, and designed to withstand the rigors of the studio, stage, and tour bus. In a world awash with cheap plastic, the cool touch of the 4pre's metal exterior in your hands is a reassuring reminder that you are holding quality engineering and construction built to last.

More Information
Product Name Motu 4pre Hybrid 6-channel USB / Firewire Interface
Brand MOTU
Condition New
MPN 8460
UPC 839128005815
Shipping Option Free Shipping to the Continental U.S.
Converters 24-bit
Sample Rates 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96kHz
Analog In 4 x XLR/TRS combo
2 x 1/4" TRS (balanced/unbalanced)
2 x 1/4" hi-Z guitar
Analog Outputs 2 x 1/4" balanced TRS main out
2 x 1/4" balanced TRS line out
2 x 1/4" TRS headphone
Digital Input 1 x RCA coaxial S/PDIF
Digital Output 1 x RCA coaxial S/PDIF
Computer I/O 1 x FireWire 400 (Type B)
1 x USB 2.0
Sync In/Out S/PDIF
SMPTE time code (LTC)
Headphone Output 2 x 1/4" TRS phone with independent volume control
Phantom Power Individual +48V
Front panel 2 x 10-segment ladder LEDs • main outs
4 x 5-segment LEDs • inputs
2 x signal present LEDs • S/PDIF I/O
2 x signal present LEDs • stereo line out
4 x LEDs • 48V phantom power
4 x LEDs • -20 dB pad
5 x LEDs • mix/trim (main, line, S/PDIF, phone, trim)
1 x LED • Vol/Pan
Power Requirements 9-18V DC, 5W, tip + or -
FireWire bus power
DC power adapter included, required for stand-alone and USB 2.0 operation

Compatible Mac software

The 4pre ships with standard Core Audio drivers for Mac OS X for compatibility with virtually all Core Audio-compatible apps, including:

  • MOTU Digital Performer
  • MOTU AudioDesk
  • Avid Pro Tools (version 9 or later)
  • Apple Logic Pro
  • Apple Logic Express
  • Apple Garage Band
  • Apple SoundTrack Pro
  • Ableton Live
  • Propellerhead Record & Reason
  • Steinberg Cubase
  • Cockos Reaper
  • Native Instruments Kontakt
  • Waves stand-alone apps (and plug-ins, via compatible host)

Mac System Requirements

  • PowerPC G4 CPU 1 GHz or faster (including any Mac with a PowerPC G5 or any Intel processor)
  • 1 GB RAM; 2 GB or more recommended
  • Mac OS X version 10.8, 10.7, 10.6, or 10.5; v10.5.8 or later required
  • Available FireWire or high-speed USB 2.0 port
  • A large hard drive (preferably at least 250 GB)

Windows System Requirements

  • 1 GHz Pentium-based PC compatible or faster equipped with at least one USB2 or FireWire port
  • 1 GB RAM; 2 GB or more recommended
  • Windows 10, 8, 7 or Vista, 32- or 64-bit; Vista SP 2 or later required
  • Available FireWire or high-speed USB 2.0 port
  • A large hard drive (preferably at least 250 GB)

Included software

  • CueMix FX
  • MOTU SMPTE Console
  • AudioDesk (Mac only, optical CD drive required)

Operating Systems

  • Mac OS X version 10.8, 10.7, 10.6, or 10.5 (v10.5.8 or later is required)
  • Windows 10, 8, 7, or Vista (SP2 or later is required)

64-bit operation

  • Available for Mac OS X version 10.8, 10.7, or 10.6
  • Available for 64-bit versions of Windows 10, 8, 7, or Vista
  • Requires a 64-bit CPU (and host application for plug-in versions)

Compatible Mac software

The 4pre ships with standard Core Audio drivers for Mac OS X for compatibility with virtually all Core Audio-compatible apps, including:

  • MOTU Digital Performer
  • MOTU AudioDesk
  • Avid Pro Tools (version 9 or later)
  • Apple Logic Pro
  • Apple Logic Express
  • Apple Garage Band
  • Apple SoundTrack Pro
  • Ableton Live
  • Propellerhead Record & Reason
  • Steinberg Cubase
  • Cockos Reaper
  • Native Instruments Kontakt
  • Waves stand-alone apps (and plug-ins, via compatible host)

Compatible Windows software

The 4pre ships with standard Wave and ASIO drivers for Windows 10, 8, 7, and Vista for compatibility with virtually all Wave-compatible audio apps, including:

  • Avid Pro Tools (version 9 or later)
  • Ableton Live
  • Cakewalk Sonar
  • Steinberg Cubase
  • Propellerhead Record & Reason
  • Image Line FL Studio
  • Sony Vegas Pro
  • Sony Sound Forge
  • Sony Acid
  • Cockos Reaper
  • Native Instruments Kontakt
  • Waves stand-alone apps (and plug-ins, via compatible host)

Motu 4pre Hybrid 6-channel USB / Firewire Interface

Details

Four Mic Preamps

When two mic inputs just aren't enough

If you've been searching for an affordable, compact audio interface with four mic inputs, your search is over. The 4pre packs four mic inputs into an impressively small half-rack form factor, along with a healthy complement of additional professional-grade audio connections. Just think of the possibilities. You can record and mix vocals plus guitar for two musicians simultaneously. Or mic a drum kit with overheads and close-ups. Or record lead and background vocals in one take. With an interface this flexible, capable, and great-sounding, you'll be ready for any situation your music throws at you.

Compact Size

Designed to go with you anywhere

The 4pre is an impressively small 8.5 by 7 by 1.75 inches, which means that it slides easily into your backpack. It also sits nicely next to your laptop or desktop computer.

Flexible Combo-Style Inputs

Connect guitars, a keyboard, or other inputs

The four inputs are not just for mics: they are combo jacks that also accept a quarter-inch plug. Inputs 1-2 take line-level signals, such as the output from a synth or keyboard. Inputs 3-4 are "hi-Z" DI inputs with proper impedance for plugging in your electric guitar directly, without an amp or cabinet, to process your guitar sound through amp and cab simulation plug-ins in your host software.

Universal Connectivity

Hybrid technology connects to any computer

Thanks to MOTU’s Hybrid interface technology, the 4pre connects to any Mac or PC via FireWire or high-speed
USB 2.0. Connect your mic, guitar, keyboard, and digital input, and you are ready to make pro-quality recordings.

Bus-Powered FireWire

No power supply needed

The 4pre can draw power from its FireWire connection to the computer, so you can operate remotely on laptop battery power.

High-Speed USB 2.0

High bandwidth and low latency

The 4pre can record and play all channels simultaneously, and high-speed USB 2.0 provides plenty of bandwidth, even at 96 kHz.

Mixing Made Simple

Hands-on mixing for studio and stage

Quickly balance the levels of mics, guitars, a keyboard, or other inputs right from the front panel. Each input has its own volume control. Route inputs directly to any output pair, each with its own unique mix: main outs, line outs, S/PDIF out, and phones.

Studio Grade Sound

Your mix will be ready for prime time

The 4pre has been engineered with MOTU’s renowned, award-winning audio interface technology, which delivers the pristine audio quality and rock-solid performance that MOTU interfaces are known for worldwide. You can always record and mix with confidence, knowing that decades of engineering experience are behind you, every step of the way.

Solid Metal Chassis

MOTU interfaces are built to last

The 4pre aluminum alloy chassis is lightweight, yet incredibly sturdy and durable, and designed to withstand the rigors of the studio, stage, and tour bus. In a world awash with cheap plastic, the cool touch of the 4pre's metal exterior in your hands is a reassuring reminder that you are holding quality engineering and construction built to last.

More Information
Product Name Motu 4pre Hybrid 6-channel USB / Firewire Interface
Brand MOTU
Condition New
MPN 8460
UPC 839128005815
Shipping Option Free Shipping to the Continental U.S.
Tech Specs
Converters 24-bit
Sample Rates 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96kHz
Analog In 4 x XLR/TRS combo
2 x 1/4" TRS (balanced/unbalanced)
2 x 1/4" hi-Z guitar
Analog Outputs 2 x 1/4" balanced TRS main out
2 x 1/4" balanced TRS line out
2 x 1/4" TRS headphone
Digital Input 1 x RCA coaxial S/PDIF
Digital Output 1 x RCA coaxial S/PDIF
Computer I/O 1 x FireWire 400 (Type B)
1 x USB 2.0
Sync In/Out S/PDIF
SMPTE time code (LTC)
Headphone Output 2 x 1/4" TRS phone with independent volume control
Phantom Power Individual +48V
Front panel 2 x 10-segment ladder LEDs • main outs
4 x 5-segment LEDs • inputs
2 x signal present LEDs • S/PDIF I/O
2 x signal present LEDs • stereo line out
4 x LEDs • 48V phantom power
4 x LEDs • -20 dB pad
5 x LEDs • mix/trim (main, line, S/PDIF, phone, trim)
1 x LED • Vol/Pan
Power Requirements 9-18V DC, 5W, tip + or -
FireWire bus power
DC power adapter included, required for stand-alone and USB 2.0 operation

Compatible Mac software

The 4pre ships with standard Core Audio drivers for Mac OS X for compatibility with virtually all Core Audio-compatible apps, including:

  • MOTU Digital Performer
  • MOTU AudioDesk
  • Avid Pro Tools (version 9 or later)
  • Apple Logic Pro
  • Apple Logic Express
  • Apple Garage Band
  • Apple SoundTrack Pro
  • Ableton Live
  • Propellerhead Record & Reason
  • Steinberg Cubase
  • Cockos Reaper
  • Native Instruments Kontakt
  • Waves stand-alone apps (and plug-ins, via compatible host)

Mac System Requirements

  • PowerPC G4 CPU 1 GHz or faster (including any Mac with a PowerPC G5 or any Intel processor)
  • 1 GB RAM; 2 GB or more recommended
  • Mac OS X version 10.8, 10.7, 10.6, or 10.5; v10.5.8 or later required
  • Available FireWire or high-speed USB 2.0 port
  • A large hard drive (preferably at least 250 GB)

Windows System Requirements

  • 1 GHz Pentium-based PC compatible or faster equipped with at least one USB2 or FireWire port
  • 1 GB RAM; 2 GB or more recommended
  • Windows 10, 8, 7 or Vista, 32- or 64-bit; Vista SP 2 or later required
  • Available FireWire or high-speed USB 2.0 port
  • A large hard drive (preferably at least 250 GB)

Included software

  • CueMix FX
  • MOTU SMPTE Console
  • AudioDesk (Mac only, optical CD drive required)

Operating Systems

  • Mac OS X version 10.8, 10.7, 10.6, or 10.5 (v10.5.8 or later is required)
  • Windows 10, 8, 7, or Vista (SP2 or later is required)

64-bit operation

  • Available for Mac OS X version 10.8, 10.7, or 10.6
  • Available for 64-bit versions of Windows 10, 8, 7, or Vista
  • Requires a 64-bit CPU (and host application for plug-in versions)

Compatible Mac software

The 4pre ships with standard Core Audio drivers for Mac OS X for compatibility with virtually all Core Audio-compatible apps, including:

  • MOTU Digital Performer
  • MOTU AudioDesk
  • Avid Pro Tools (version 9 or later)
  • Apple Logic Pro
  • Apple Logic Express
  • Apple Garage Band
  • Apple SoundTrack Pro
  • Ableton Live
  • Propellerhead Record & Reason
  • Steinberg Cubase
  • Cockos Reaper
  • Native Instruments Kontakt
  • Waves stand-alone apps (and plug-ins, via compatible host)

Compatible Windows software

The 4pre ships with standard Wave and ASIO drivers for Windows 10, 8, 7, and Vista for compatibility with virtually all Wave-compatible audio apps, including:

  • Avid Pro Tools (version 9 or later)
  • Ableton Live
  • Cakewalk Sonar
  • Steinberg Cubase
  • Propellerhead Record & Reason
  • Image Line FL Studio
  • Sony Vegas Pro
  • Sony Sound Forge
  • Sony Acid
  • Cockos Reaper
  • Native Instruments Kontakt
  • Waves stand-alone apps (and plug-ins, via compatible host)
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